Digital Commons Network^™

Factors Affecting Pedestrian-Vehicle Conflicts: An Empirical Analysis, Christo D. Jamo

Honors Scholar Theses

The number of pedestrian deaths increased by 78% between 2009 and 2023, while other motor vehicle crash deaths increased by 13% in the same period [1]. To identify potential pedestrian safety measures, this study analyzed the effects of location-based demographics, pedestrian phasing type, and other physical infrastructure and behavior variables on the probability of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts at signalized intersections, which is a surrogate measure of crash risk. Data were collected from 55 intersections in Connecticut, and the pedestrian-vehicle interactions were classified by severity based on the Swedish Traffic Conflict Technique: undisturbed passage, potential conflict, minor conflict, or serious conflict. Because …

Addressing Substance Use Disorder In Rural Appalachia: Improving Access And Treatment Outcomes For Justice-Involved Individuals, Jessica Muldowney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) represents a critical public health crisis disproportionately affecting justice-involved (JI) populations, with approximately 65% of incarcerated individuals having substance use disorders (James & Beatty, 2006). Rural Appalachian communities face compounded challenges due to limited healthcare access, provider shortages, and cultural stigma surrounding addiction treatment. Despite evidence demonstrating that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces recidivism and overdose deaths, only 20% of correctional facilities offer these services (Klein & Seppala, 2019).

Objective: This mixed-methods study evaluated organizational readiness and infrastructure capacity for implementing evidence-based OUD interventions, specifically MAT programs across three rural counties in northwestern North Carolina.

Methods: …

Tips For Health Care Practitioners: A Guide For Adolescent Obesity, Regina Santana

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adolescent obesity continues to be a significant public health concern that is associated with long term physical consequences. The purpose of this project was to develop an evidence based, user friendly guidebook that supports healthcare professionals in the education of adolescents with obesity and their families. A structured literature review development process was used to inform the current development of the guidebook. The guidebook includes components of obesity management such as nutrition and physical activity recommendations. The validity of the content was established through the evaluation of five healthcare professionals that include registered dietitians and licensed therapists. The guidebook was …

Feasibility Of Assessing Dietary Patterns And Anxiety In College Students: A Pilot Study Using Nutrition Questionnaires, Gad-7, And Asq, Kylie Ford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety is highly prevalent among college students representing a significant public health concern. Research indicates that dietary patterns may influence mental health outcomes; however, the practicality of collecting comprehensive dietary and psychological data in college populations remains unclear. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of evaluating dietary patterns and anxiety using self-report instruments. Participants completed the Nutrition and Eating Habit questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Anxiety Sensitivity Questionnaire (ASQ). Although twenty-one students were recruited, survey completion rates were low, with only seven participants completing the nutrition questionnaire necessary to calculate the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Descriptive analyses …

Ethical Engagement In Global Missions: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Planner Motivations And Host Experiences, Harrison J. Ihrig

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Short-term mission (STM) trips are limited duration service experiences, commonly organized by faith-based organizations (FBO), in which volunteers travel domestically or international to provide ministry, community outreach, and/or health-related services. In recent decades, the number of these trips organized by organizations in the United States has increased exponentially, but the phenomenon is difficult to accurately measure due to its decentralized nature and the lack of standardized terminology. Despite their prominence, limited research has been conducted to examine planning, implementation, and evaluation processes of international STMs organized by FBO, particularly through a public health lens. The purpose of this study was …

Editorial: Grateful And Thankful, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Michelle Dziurgot reflects on her concluding three-year term as the Editor-in-Chief of the Michigan Dental Association Journal. She describes her personal growth through volunteerism, starting as a local component editor and advancing to the MDA Board of Trustees. The author emphasizes that the most value from membership comes through immersion and service, encouraging others to volunteer their time and talent to the association. She credits the MDA’s mentorship with shaping her professional career and practice.

The 2026 Mda Award Winners: Recognizing Outstanding Service, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article lists the recipients of the 2026 MDA awards, highlighting their contributions to the dental profession and public health. Notable winners include Dr. Christopher Smiley, recipient of the Meritorious Award for a lifetime of achievement in dental journalism and leadership, and Dr. Charles Burling, honored as Dentist Citizen of the Year for his community service. The feature also recognizes educators, legislative advocates, and volunteers in the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program who provide care to vulnerable populations.

Ligand-Based Pharmacophore Modeling And Structure-Based Virtual Screening For Identifying Potential Therapeutic Agents Targeting The Sars-Cov-2 Spike Protein-Ace2 Receptor Interaction, Timoteo Delgado-Maldonado, Gilberto Vargas-Salas, Debasish Bandyopadhyay, Adriana Moreno-Rodriguez, Eyra Ortiz-Pérez, Gildardo Rivera-Sanchez

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains a global health concern due to its high mortality and morbidity. In this study, we combined ligand-based pharmacophore modeling (LBPM) with structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) to identify novel inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Ligands from the MolPort database were screened via docking and molecular dynamics simulations at the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Four compounds showed promising docking scores (-8.7 to -6.4 kcal/mol) and dynamic stability (root mean square deviation < 5 Å). In vitro assays confirmed that compounds C3 (IC50 = 0.03 µM) and C4 (IC50 = 10.4 µM) effectively inhibited spike-ACE2 binding with low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 100 µM). These findings show the efficacy of the LBPM technique and highlight 1H-pyrazol-5-ol derivatives as potential building blocks for developing new antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2.

Evaluating The Impact Of Myplate-Based Expanded Food And Nutrition Education Program (Efnep) On Healthy Dietary Choices Among Low-Income Families, Theresa N. Agbonome

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Dietary behaviors towards healthy food choices remain a major public health issue in the United States, with prevalence among low-income families. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) trains both health educators and volunteers to provide community-based nutrition education, which prioritizes low-income families. The initiative employs the MyPlate guidelines that are composed of 5 different food groups which include fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy products. This project focuses on evaluating nutritional habits of disadvantaged families within San Bernardino County (SBC) by using an evidence-based evaluation tool known as the …

Development Of An Employee Leave Guide Handbook At The California University Of Science And Medicine, Leyal Nidal Fakhreddine

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Employee leave policies play an important role in supporting workforce well-being, organizational compliance, and retention of skilled labor, especially in medical and educational health institutions. However, employees still experience confusion when trying to make sense of complicated leave options such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), maternity and paternity leave, and military leave. The lack of clear, centralized guidance can result in delays, miscommunication, and increased workplace stress.

This project was carried out as a part of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program integrative learning experience requirements at California State University, San Bernardino, and was conducted during …

Assessing The Needs Of Public Health Professionals In The Inland Empire, Esteban Silva-Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

An effective public health system relies on the need for highly trained professionals with degrees or certifications within the field of public health. As public health continues to evolve, professionals are required to improve and evolve with the pace of technology and knowledge advancements. This project focuses on reviewing literature on the current ongoing needs of public health professionals and providing them with resources that are available at low to no cost. It surveys the needs of public health professionals in the Inland Empire and the solutions created by organizations and federal agencies to support professional development for current and …

The Quantification Of Fluoride Water Quality And Its Significance On Oral Health, Harleen Kaur Maroak

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and studies have shown that when added to community water supplies, it effectively reduces dental caries. According to the U.S. Public Health Services (PHS), 0.7mg/L is the optimal fluoride level in drinking water to prevent tooth decay. This study focuses on examining the fluoride levels in water in San Bernardino County (SBC) and Riverside County (RC). Data is collected from recently published articles, databases along with assessing the laboratory water sample (n=45) analysis to determine if the fluoride levels are meeting the optimal standards. In SBC, there are total of 154 water systems with …

Associations Between Water Intake, Dietary Quality, And Beverage Consumption Among University Students, Mohammad A. Qazi

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Title: Associations Between Water Intake, Dietary Quality, and Beverage Consumption Among University Students

Background and Aims: Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption significantly contribute to chronic disease risk and is often more common in underserved and racially/ethnically diverse communities. Drinking water is a low-cost, calorie-free behavior that may support healthier beverage and dietary patterns. Previous studies show that increased daily water consumption positively correlates with better diet quality and is inversely correlated with SSB and UPF consumption. This study aims to examine whether (1) increased daily water intake is associated with self-reported diet quality and (2) self-reported hydration …

Promoting Influenza Vaccination Among College Students, Wajeeha Khan Valley

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Influenza remains a significant public health concern on college campuses, where high population density, shared living environments, and frequent social interaction increase the risk of viral transmission. Despite the availability of safe and effective influenza vaccines, vaccination rates among college-aged students remain consistently low. Many students underestimate their personal risk for influenza and hold persistent misconceptions regarding vaccine safety, effectiveness, and side effects. The widespread use of social media further influences these attitudes, as misinformation can rapidly spread while credible health messaging often struggles to gain visibility. It is important to eliminate vaccine hesitancy among college students through innovative, behavior-focused …

Use Of Period- Or Fertility-Tracking Technologies Pre- And Post-Dobbs, Emily Neiman, Marta Bornstein Phd, Mph, Abigail Norris Turner, Megan L. Kavanaugh, Maria F. Gallo

Faculty Publications

Objectives

Study design

Screening For Hypertension And Diabetes In Laundromats In The Largest Hispanic-Majority City In The U.S, Nicholas A Mccann, Vanessa Schick, Jack Tsai

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among laundromat users in San Antonio, Texas, and explore laundromats as a novel setting for health interventions regarding these 2 conditions.

Design: This descriptive, cross-sectional study involved demographic, blood pressure and HbA1c screenings to assess the health status of laundromat users.

Setting: The study took place in 7 laundromats in low-income areas of San Antonio.

Subjects: A total of 150 adults aged 18 and older who regularly used the laundromats and spoke either English or Spanish were eligible to participate.

>Measures: Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP …

An Integrated Framework For Early Detection And Transmissibility Assessment Of Emerging Variants In Wastewater, Xingwen Chen, Tin Phan, Wei Lin Lee, Katie Clark, Steven F Rhode, Samantha Brozak, Bruce Pell, Tsultrim Palden, Mats Leifels, Anna Gitter, Yang Kuang, Stefan Wuertz, Janelle Thompson, Kristina D Mena, Eric J Alm, Fuqing Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Tracking the emergence of new viral variants is critical for epidemic preparedness, but remains challenging because variants typically circulate at low prevalence during the early phase of outbreaks. Here, we present an integrated framework that combines sensitive variant detection in wastewater with quantitative assessment of transmissibility through dynamic epidemic modeling. Using the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant as a proof of concept, we developed a novel nested allele-specific RT-qPCR assay (NAS-PCR) that achieved a thousand-fold increase in sensitivity compared with allele-specific RT-qPCR (limit of detection: 0.5 copies/μl). NAS-PCR detected Omicron in wastewater samples from the Greater Boston area starting in September 2021, …

Associations Of Blood Biomarkers Of Glial Cell Dysfunction And Neuronal Injury With Future Cognitive Decline And Incident Dementia, Srishti Shrestha, Xiaoqian Zhu, B Gwen Windham, Kevin J Sullivan, Priya Palta, Rebecca F Gottesman, Russell P Tracy, Clifford R Jack, Petrice M Cogswell, Prashanthi Vemuri, Sudha Seshadri, Thomas H Mosley, Michael E Griswold, Myriam Fornage

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Prospective studies of blood-based biomarkers reflecting pathogenic processes, other than Alzheimer-specific pathologies, that contribute to dementia in diverse cohorts are lacking.

Methods: We jointly fitted linear mixed-effect models and proportional hazards models to examine associations of midlife glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), soluble cluster of differentiation-14 (sCD14), neurofilament light chain (NfL), total tau (t-tau), and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) levels in serum (collected in 1993 to 1995) with cognitive decline and incident dementia (ascertained over 29 years through 2022) in the community-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. sCD14 and YKL-40 were measured in 3082 …

Perceived Neighborhood Environment And Objectively Assessed, Habitual Physical Activity Among Us Adults: An All Of Us Research Program Study, Natalia I Heredia, Michael C Robertson, Christopher D Pfledderer, Ethan T Hunt, Timothy J Walker, Deborah Salvo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between perceived socioenvironmental neighborhood attributes and objectively assessed habitual physical activity among US adults as well as whether associations vary by sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods: We used data from the All of Us research program, a longitudinal cohort study of a diverse sample of Americans. Perceived neighborhood social cohesion, physical and social disorder, walkability, and sociodemographic characteristics were self-reported. Habitual physical activity was ascertained using Fitbit-derived step counts over ≥24 weeks. Generalized additive mixed-effects models were used to test the associations between perceived socioenvironmental neighborhood attributes and daily step counts. …

Observation And Reflection Of Neighborhood And Community 2026: Food Access, Housing, Religious Community, And Health Care Access Reflection, Celene Philip, Michaela Kizy, Haley Montgomery, Akash Dantuluri, Josh Hailo, Abdel Kareem Hilo, Shadi Charara, Sarah Schenck

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Observation And Reflection Of Neighborhood And Community 2026: Income, Education, Food Insecurity And Reflection, Tonia Jones, Habib Serhan, Shriya Karmarkar, Arham Kaiser, Mohammad Turaani, Andre Yazhbin, Jacob Kroll, Jennifer Park

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Observation And Reflection Of Neighborhood And Community 2026: A Reflection On The Limited Resources Available For A Healthy Lifestyle, Jana Hatahet, Steven Jones, Laila Shatela, Pegi Laci, Anushka Dalvi, Michael Becker, Albert Oh, Anthony Marquez

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Observation And Reflection Of Neighborhood And Community 2026: Neighborhood, Environment, And Reflection, Olma Tadesse, Kush Amin, Devon Roe, Anjie Dinakin, Matt Minasian, Arisha Arain, Dave Sreedhar, Ashley Yuran

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Alcohol Awareness, Prevention, And Education In Greek Life, Vivian J. Mcmechen, Kara Ann Lasater, Page Dobbs

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Alcohol consumption is normalized in Greek Life culture, and this social standard can lead to risky health behaviors and overconsumption. At the University of Arkansas, approximately one-third of students are members of Greek Life; there is a need for prevention methods that understand students’ lived experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine students’ experiences with alcohol prevention, awareness, and education as current members of Greek Life at the University of Arkansas. Through student interviews and surveys, this project aims to inform and provide recommendations for relatable and student-centered alcohol prevention and education efforts. Methodology: This study …

The Flourishing Child: Study Protocol For An Acceptability And Feasibility Trial Of A Digital Early Childhood Flourishing Intervention, Zenobia Talati, Jack Kennare, Natasha L. Bear, Lisa Y. Gibson, Robyn Power, Van Zyl Kruger, Desiree Silva, Susan L. Prescott, Jacqueline A. Davis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Globally, rates of children with physical and mental health problems are increasing. Health issues in early childhood often persist into adulthood, highlighting the need to ensure children are supported to flourish from the start of life. Objectives: This protocol describes methods used to test the acceptability and feasibility of a novel digital Flourishing Intervention (designed to empower parents and promote child wellbeing), comprising a Flourishing Check (a newly developed online questionnaire) and a Pathway Tool (an online directory of high-quality, evidence-based programmes and resources). Methods: Using a randomised feasibility trial, participants (N = 600 parents of children aged 0–5 …

Intimate Partner Violence In The Queer Community, Kathleen A. Oslé

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Queer college students face unique barriers to receiving intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention services, of note the instability of emerging adult life. At question is whether or not targeted intervention services appropriately serve the queer community in this regard. A new digital media landscape for the romantic world creates potentially harmful life goals by glorifying unhealthy behaviors and ostracizing survivors, all for the sake of money. Previous research shows that early intervention and education provides a preventative factor in IPV. Data from an in-person intervention workshop is used to determine the feasibility of targeted intervention services, and provides means-tested results. …

The Birthing Ground Podcast: Assessing The Impact Of Shared Doula Experiences On New Doula Confidence, Arrieanna D. Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There are too few confident, experienced doulas available in Monterey County to meet the needs of birthing families. Community-based maternal health programs face challenges related to limited confidence and experience among newly trained doulas, which affect the quality and consistency of care provided to families. This project addressed the needs of new doulas serving Medi-Cal–eligible families in Monterey County. The purpose of this capstone project was to increase confidence and preparedness among new doulas through a mentorship-based learning intervention. The project was implemented at the Parenting Connection of Monterey County and included new doulas and experienced mentor doulas. Key activities …

Miserly Thinking: Understanding The Factors Shaping Public Support Towards Project Wolbachia In Singapore, Shirley S. Ho, Agnes S. F. Chuah, Fiona J. W. Goh, Nova Mengxia Huang, Mengxue Qu, Hye Kyung Kim, Sonny Rosenthal

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

Project Wolbachia is a vector control method that releases male Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes to curb dengue transmission in Singapore. While research has primarily focused on its efficacy, few studies have examined public opinion. This study draws upon the cognitive miser model and scientific literacy model to examine the factors shaping public support for Project Wolbachia. A nationally representative door-to-door survey was conducted in Singapore (N = 1,000) using multi-stage stratified random sampling. Our findings revealed that while knowledge about Project Wolbachia explains public support, laypeople may often rely on cognitive shortcuts, such as value predispositions, media attention, and pre-existing perceptions, …

Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Angka Kematian Bayi Di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan Menggunakan Regresi Komponen Utama, Salwa Zahirah Putri Wijaya, Sitti Sahriman Salam, Nasrah Sirajang, Audia Putri Damatia, Hildayanti Hildayanti

Jurnal Biostatistik, Kependudukan, dan Informatika Kesehatan

Angka kematian bayi (AKB), khususnya kematian neonatal, merupakan indikator fundamental dalam menilai kualitas pelayanan kesehatan dan kesejahteraan masyarakat. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi AKB di 24 kabupaten/kota di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Variabel independen yang dikaji mencakup dimensi layanan kesehatan, kondisi sosial ekonomi, pendidikan perempuan, sanitasi, air bersih, dan indikator demografis. Data dianalisis menggunakan metode Regresi Komponen Utama (Principal Component Regression/PCR) untuk menganalisis pengaruh variabel-variabel dengan mempertimbangkan adanya potensi korelasi antar variabel independen, sehingga dihasilkan model yang stabil. Melalui analisis komponen utama, lima komponen berhasil dibentuk yang merepresentasikan 84,21% dari total variasi data. Komponen pertama (PC1) …

Ambient Air Pollution In New Mexico: Nurse Practitioner Awareness, Mckenzie Hemmes, Grayson Kemp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Ambient air pollution is a significant public health concern in New Mexico and contributes to respiratory disease, cardiovascular illness, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (Dominski et al., 2021; Di et al., 2022). Despite well-established evidence linking environmental exposures to health outcomes, environmental exposure screening is not routinely incorporated into clinical practice. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve environmental health literacy (EHL) among advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in New Mexico and to increase their intention to integrate ambient air pollution exposure screening and mitigation counseling into routine clinical practice. A virtual educational intervention guided …