Digital Commons Network^™

A Comparison Of Floating Catchment Area Parameters With Applications To A Dataset Of Clinics Enrolled In A Statewide Child And Adolescent Psychiatric Consultation Program, Jocelyn Hunyadi, Lara S Savas, Kehe Zhang, Jeanette E Deason, Ryan Ramphul, Melissa F Peskin, Erica L Frost, Cici Bauer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare resources are often crucial but limited, requiring careful consideration and informed allocation based on population needs and potential healthcare access. In resource allocation settings, availability and accessibility of resources should be examined simultaneously. The two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method has been previously used to evaluate spatial accessibility to healthcare resources and services, and to address health-related disparities. The 2SFCA methods have regained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as their application proved crucial in addressing priority public health data analysis, modeling, and accessibility challenges. However, comprehensive comparisons of the 2SFCA method input parameters in the context of …

Untargeted Metabolome Atlas For Sleep-Related Phenotypes In The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study Of Latinos, Ying Zhang, Brian W Spitzer, Yu Zhang, Danielle A Wallace, Bing Yu, Qibin Qi, Maria Argos, M Larissa Avilés-Santa, Eric Boerwinkle, Martha L Daviglus, Robert Kaplan, Jianwen Cai, Susan Redline, Tamar Sofer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Sleep is essential to maintaining health and wellbeing of individuals, influencing a variety of outcomes from mental health to cardiometabolic disease. This study aims to assess the relationships between various sleep-related phenotypes and blood metabolites.

METHODS: Utilising data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, we performed association analyses between 40 sleep-related phenotypes, grouped in several domains (sleep disordered breathing (SDB), sleep duration, sleep timing, self-reported insomnia symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and heart rate during sleep), and 768 metabolites measured via untargeted metabolomics profiling. Network analysis was employed to visualise and interpret the associations between sleep phenotypes …

Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure And Sleep Disturbance In School-Aged Children In Appalachian Ohio, Ketrell Mcwhorter, Christine Kim, Timothy J. Hilbert, Danielle E. Mcbride, Anthony A. Mangino, Patrick J. Parsons, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Erin N. Haynes

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Introduction: Secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure remains a major public health concern for children and has been implicated in sleep disturbances through biological and behavioral mechanisms. Different methods of measuring SHS exposure have yielded inconsistent results. This study examined the relationship between SHS exposure and sleep among rural Appalachian 7–9-year-olds, utilizing three SHS measurements: natural log-transformed (ln) serum cotinine concentrations, dichotomized serum cotinine levels (≥0.05 vs. <0.05 ng/ml), and parent/caregiver report of ≥1 smoker in the home. We hypothesized SHS-exposed children would have a significantly higher prevalence of sleep disturbance—e.g., short sleep, frequent snoring, night awakenings—compared to unexposed, regardless of measurement method. Methods: We used data from the Marietta Community Actively Researching Exposure Study, a cohort of 404 children in Marietta and Cambridge, Ohio. Sleep disturbances were parent/caregiver-reported. Linear models were used for continuous outcomes to estimate beta coefficients; log-binomial models with generalized estimating equations (exchangeable correlation) were applied for dichotomized outcomes to estimate prevalence ratios (PR), each with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Twenty-six percent of children had a parent/caregiver report of ≥1 sleep disturbance. There was a 35% increased prevalence of short sleep [PR = 1.35 (95%CI:1.02–1.80), p =.04] with each unit increase of ln serum cotinine levels, adjusting for age, sex, parent education, BMI percentile, and history of breathing difficulties in the past two years. Increasing ln serum cotinine levels were associated with a significant 5.5-min decrease in average sleep duration in age-adjusted models. Conclusions: Higher SHS exposure was associated with poorer sleep outcomes, with serum cotinine emerging as the only measure linked to short sleep, underscoring the importance of smoke-free environments, particularly in rural communities, and objective exposure assessment.

Challenges And Opportunities Of Universal Health Coverage In Africa: A Scoping Review, Evaline Chepchirchir Langat, Paul Ward, Hailay Gesesew, Lillian Mwanri

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: Universal health coverage (UHC) is a global priority, with the goal of ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship. In Africa, most governments have prioritized UHC over the last two decades. Despite this, the transition to UHC in Africa is seen to be sluggish, with certain countries facing inertia. This study sought to examine the progress of UHC-focused health reform implementation in Africa, investigating the approaches utilized, the challenges faced, and potential solutions.

Method: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, we scoped the literature …

Atrial Fibrillation Burden And Clinical Outcomes In Dual-Chamber Pacemaker Recipients, Ka Ho Oscar Chiu, Shou Yan Kam, Ka Chun Kevin Lee, To Shing Wong, Jacky Kit Chan, Yuk-Kong Lau, Kwok-Lun Lee, Wai-Ling Jessica Poon

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Background

Pacemaker-detected atrial fibrillation (PDAF) and its burden are associated with adverse clinical outcomes, but consensus is lacking on its definition and local clinical outcomes are unclear. We evaluated PDAF, its burden and relationship with major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Methods

This retrospective study recruited adult patients receiving dual-chamber pacemakers from 2014 to 2022. The presence of PDAF of 5 minutes, PDAF burden (defined by the longest episode) and time to new-onset PDAF were measured and analysed. High PDAF burden was defined as PDAF lasting 24 hours.

Results

A total of 275 patients were analysed and followed for …

32nd Annual Scientific Congress Of Hong Kong College Of Cardiology Abstracts

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

No abstract provided.

Characteristics And Clinical Outcomes Of Young Patients With St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction A Retrospective Study, Cheung Pak Nung Rocco, Chi Yan Raymond Fung

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Background ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) carries high mortality and poor outcomes without timely treatment. Its occurrence in young patients is especially concerning due to social impact. Objectives This study examined the characteristics and outcomes of young STEMI patients in Hong Kong to identify areas for public health improvement. Methods We retrospectively reviewed STEMI patients admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital from January 2019 to January 2023 who underwent coronary angiography and reperfusion therapy. Patients were grouped as young (years) or older (≥50 years). Results Out of 818 patients treated with PCI, 102 (12.5%) were under 50 years old. Compared to …

Prevalence And Relationship Of Poor Sleep Quality And Suicidality Risk Among Patients With Schizophrenia, Inu Arya, Nanda Kumar Paniyadi, Debadatta Mahapatra, Jaison Jacob, Rakesh Vr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

No abstract provided.

Soothing Little Feet: Exploring Warm Water Foot Baths As A Gentle Fever-Reduction Therapy For Children", Alphy Philip, Manjusha A P, Jaison Jacob

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Introduction: Footbath therapy has been traditionally used as a non-pharmacological approach to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and regulate body temperature. Warm water footbath therapy, in particular, is believed to aid in reducing fever by enhancing peripheral vasodilation, which facilitates heat dissipation.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of warm water footbath therapy in reducing body temperature in children with fever.

Method: A quasi-experimental design with pre-and post-test control groups was used, involving 40 children aged 6-12 years. Participants were split into an experimental group (n=20) receiving warm water footbath therapy for 15-20 minutes and a control group (n=20) receiving standard care. …

‘Impact Of Titration Of Atropine On Clinical Outcomes In Organophosphorus Poisoning Patients: An Observational Study’, Ashwini Ashwini, Janet Alva, Vivek Gopinathan

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background: Organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is a significant public health problem globally, leading to symptoms such as cholinergic crisis, intermediate syndrome, and altered consciousness. Proper administration of atropine, based on acetylcholinesterase enzyme levels, is critical to prevent deterioration. This study aims to describe how atropine titration parameters affect clinical outcomes in patients with organophosphorus poisoning

Materials and Methods: An observational cohort study included 46 OP poisoning patients aged over 18 years, admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Data were collected within 24 hours of ICU admission using structured checklists covering demographic profiles, atropine titration, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive statistics were …

Posterior Circulation Stroke- A Case Report, Janet Alva, Shwetha Prabhu, Raghavendra Rao S

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background: Stroke is most commonly seen in individuals over 65 years of age. When it occurs in adults between 18 and 65 years, it is classified as a young stroke. Unusual presentations such as dizziness, visual disturbances, or sensory changes often contribute to delayed recognition. Early identification is crucial for preventing complications and enhancing neurological outcomes. Case presentation: A 34-year-old female presented to the emergency department with a sudden onset of dizziness, right-sided tingling and weakness, and blurred vision. The neurological examination revealed subtle signs of posterior circulation impairment. MRI brain stroke protocol demonstrated an acute posterior circulation infarct involving …

Symptoms And Risk Factors Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Computer Users, Keerthi Naik, Leena Sequira, Roseminu Varghese

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background and Objective:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common occupational health issue, especially for people who use computers for extended periods of time and make repetitive wrist and hand motions. Concerns about the onset of CTS symptoms and related risk factors have been raised by the increasing use of computers in professional settings. For early intervention and prevention in high-risk populations, it is essential to comprehend its clinical presentation and occupational risks. The objectives of this study were to assess the symptoms and identify the risk factors for CTS and explore the association between demographics, risk factors, and CTS …

Academic Stress, Performance, And Satisfaction Among Undergraduate Nursing Students Under The Semester System, Kalyani Sinha, Sangeetha Priyadarshini, Baby S Nayak, Meghna Pandit

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Introduction: Stress is a key indicator of psychological well being. Various factors contribute to the psychological disturbances among undergraduate students. These issues can affect academic satisfaction and increase stress. Examination-related stress negatively impacts students’ academic performance. Each course determines its assessment methods, content, learning strategies and instructional approaches. Objectives: This study assessed academic stress, performance, and satisfaction among undergraduate nursing students in the semester system at selected nursing colleges in Udupi District, Karnataka and find it’s relationship. Method: A descriptive study was conducted among 210 undergraduate students selected from the second and fourth semesters using a purposive sampling …

Evaluation Of Electrical And Piezoresistive Properties Of Carbon Black/Polyurethane Nanocomposite For Strain Sensing Applications, Nihal A. Youssef, Tamer Z. Wafy, O.R Abdelsalam, Nariman E. Elbaly, O.M. Dawood

Trends in advanced sciences and technology

Nanocomposite sensors are gaining importance due to their cost-effectiveness and the ability to modify their properties for various applications. This study investigates the electrical and piezoresistive properties of polyurethane (PU)/carbon black (CB) nanocomposites for strain-sensing applications. Nanocomposite films were prepared by mixing varying weight percentages of CB (3-6 wt %) using a direct method, followed by sonication and screen printing. The characterization of carbon black (CB) particles and nanocomposite microstructure were examined using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while their thermal stability and degradation behavior were assessed by Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) under different temperature conditions. The …

To Explore Potential Targets And Their Natural Inhibitors To Combat Diabetes, Rishita Dey, Sisir Nandi, Asmita Samadder

Trends in advanced sciences and technology

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions of people around the globe. Prolonged hyperglycemia, abnormal metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, oxidative damage, and a high incidence of microvascular diseases are the common hallmarks of diabetes and its complications. This condition has been shown to hasten the onset of several other disorders, including peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy, pulmonary arterial disease, and coronary artery disease, thereby necessitating exploration of different avenues of medicinal regimen to address / delineate the complications. The subject matter for this review has been gathered from a range of research publications, review papers, and book …

Genetic Mutations Affecting Dentin Formation: Molecular Insights And Therapeutic Strategies, Mohamed Yehia Abdelfattah, Yara Sameh Said, Shimaa A. Elsaady, Shahenda A. Abdallahahmed, Wael Abou-Zeid

Trends in advanced sciences and technology

Writing a comprehensive review on gene mutations affecting dentin mineralization requires thorough research and organization, as each section examines how specific mutations influence this process, supported by relevant findings. Mutations in genes such as DSPP, DMP1, andMEPE impair dentin structure and mineralization by disrupting odontoblast function, dentin matrix integrity, and mineral deposition. These genetic alterations interfere with key biological processes, including odontoblast differentiation and matrix formation, through altered signaling pathways such as Wnt/β- catenin and TGF-β, contributing to dental disorders like Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI). Gaining molecular insights into these disruptions enhances our understanding of dentin biology and supports early diagnosis, …

Modeling Healthcare Managerial And It Sophistication, Gary Hackbarth, Teuta Cata

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Sophisticated healthcare managers understand that managing information and selecting technology are two related but separate skill sets. Information Technology Governance (ITG) allows healthcare organizations to deal with complex issues, compete effectively, and support patient needs by integrating managerial and IT sophistication to improve business performance. An organizational model that merges IT and managerial sophistication by improving ITG to forecast business outcomes must grasp the intricacies of technology to acquire, manage, and utilize information technology in alignment with business strategies. The proposed model differentiates between internal and external IT management strategic thinking, emphasizing the critical need to govern IT effectively by …

(Re)Membering: Navigating Culturally Responsive Teaching To Support Black Students From The Cultural Experiences And Life Histories Of Black Women K-3 Teachers, Nicole Newman

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the lived experiences of four Black women teaching in primary grades, focusing on the ways their resilience and culturally responsive pedagogies shape the academic and personal growth of young Black students. Utilizing a qualitative endarkened narrative approach, this research explores how these teachers employ storytelling as both a pedagogical and cultural tool, drawing from their own experiences and ancestral knowledge to foster identity development, bridge the opportunity gap, and empower students during the foundational years of education. Through rich and layered narratives, the participants illuminate their journeys of resilience, detailing how they cultivate inclusive, affirming learning environments …

Understanding Institutional Factors That Hinder Black Students’ Ability To Persist At Community Colleges, Tadael Emiru

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Community colleges face a significant challenge with high attrition rates, which disproportionately impact Black students compared to other student groups. Hope Community Colleges reflect this trend, with a notable percentage of students dropping out before achieving their academic goals. The implications of this high dropout rate extend beyond individual students, affecting the local, state, and national economies.

Although existing research primarily focuses on students’ personal characteristics that influence their ability to stay in college, there is a noticeable gap in understanding the institutional factors that negatively affect student persistence, particularly for Black students in community colleges. This study sought to …

Heading For The Hills: An Evaluation Of The Conditions Impacting Teacher Attrition And Retention In Post-Pandemic California Title I Schools, Colin M. Mcinnis

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The low rates of preservice and early in-service teacher retention in California’s Title I schools have been a longstanding concern and contributing factor in the state’s teacher shortage. However, the impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) pandemic exacerbating teacher attrition creates a concern for how frameworks of new teacher support should be re-examined in post-pandemic classrooms. This study aimed to understand what factors are most important to preservice and early in-service teachers working in Title I schools when deciding to retain or resign from their positions. Additionally, this study examined whether reported factors associated with teacher attrition and retention differ from …

The Development Of A Children’S Book Designed To Use Bibliotherapy And Mindfulness Skills To Promote Interoception In Young Children With Insecure Attachment As A Result Of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Zenaida Agramonte

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

One third of children in the United States have experienced trauma known in the literature as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The long-term outcomes of ACEs have a higher likelihood of reducing interoceptive awareness—the ability to sense internal body signals like heart rate, hunger, pain, and emotions. Research suggests that interventions, such as mindfulness and attachment therapies are useful for increasing interoceptive awareness, regulating emotions, and fostering secure attachment in adults. However, apart from attachment, interventions are lacking for young children. Bibliotherapy is one such intervention designed for young children which potentially fosters secure attachment between child and adult storytellers and …

Engaging The Plus-Size Community Through Social Media And Public Relations, Esperanza Chavez

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores which platform, TikTok or Instagram, best supports engagement andcommunity building for the plus-size audience. Grounded in theories by Goffman, Berger & Luckmann, and David Meerman Scott’s 85-10-5 Rule, the study combines strategic PR methods with digital media tools to elevate plus-size voices. The campaign included 30 Instagram posts, 35 TikToks, street interviews, and a podcast series, all designed and executed for this project. Engagement was measured through likes, comments, shares, saves, follower growth, and qualitative audience feedback.

Narrative Inquiry Into The Socio Economic Integration And Resilience Of The Mien Community In The United States, Teresa M. Saefong

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined the socioeconomic integration of the Mien community, a refugee minority sometimes overlooked in research and policy discussions, in the United States. Five participants shared their experiences through in-depth interviews and community observations. The study utilizes narrative inquiry and is informed by community cultural wealth and resilience theory. The analysis incorporated restorying, comparative, and performative approaches. The findings suggested that Mien integration depended on intergenerational storytelling, clan-based networks, multilingual skills, and the adaption of traditional practices within U.S. institutions. Community organizations were important for keeping culture alive and filling in the gaps in institutional services by giving …

California, Elizabeth Ford

Thin Blue Advantage: Police Exceptionalism and the Two-Tier System of Public Sector Collective Bargaining

In general, California may be the most hospitable state to public sector collective bargaining. The basic rules are far more favorable to placing matters within the scope of mandatory subjects than any other state. There are, however, serious differences in how police and non-police bargaining is treated.

• Choice of Forum for Police. Under California’s public sector collective bargaining law, most unions and employers must resolve their conflicts about the scope of bargaining through California’s Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). For police only, however, the parties can also bring the disputes to court.
• Los Angeles Labor Relations. The scope …

Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Ford

Thin Blue Advantage: Police Exceptionalism and the Two-Tier System of Public Sector Collective Bargaining

In Pennsylvania there are several areas of difference in the treatment of police and non-police collective bargaining. They include the following:

• Police Units are Governed by a Separate Statute. In Pennsylvania an earlier enacted statute governs police collective bargaining, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision requires that statute to be read in pari materia with the Pennsylvania Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act, allowing police units to benefit from both laws.
• Police Have Interest Arbitration. Police units in Pennsylvania have access to interest arbitration to resolve impasses, most other units do not.
• Board Discretion and Lack of Transparency. …

Connecticut, Elizabeth Ford

Thin Blue Advantage: Police Exceptionalism and the Two-Tier System of Public Sector Collective Bargaining

In general, the Connecticut commission is hostile to expansive definitions of mandatory subjects of bargaining, sometimes issuing decisions that are results-driven and an expression of a preference for the substance of the employer’s decision. There are a couple of distinctions between police and other units:

• The Commission is more likely to weigh safety on the side of bargaining for police than others.
• The Commission treats the requirement to bargain surveillance-based decision more expansively for non-police units than police-units.

The Commission is more likely to find subcontracting of police work to an outside agency to be a mandatory subject of bargaining.

Iowa, Elizabeth Ford

Thin Blue Advantage: Police Exceptionalism and the Two-Tier System of Public Sector Collective Bargaining

In general, the differences between police and non-police units are dramatic. This is mostly due to statutory changes in 2017, making the scope of bargaining much more constrained for non-police bargaining units. Those amendments also constrained the scope of an interest arbitrator’s decision, again excluding police units. There are not many Board decisions in Iowa, and even fewer after 2017, but in the cases that exist, there are differences even before the statutory amendment.

Illinois, Elizabeth Ford

Thin Blue Advantage: Police Exceptionalism and the Two-Tier System of Public Sector Collective Bargaining

As compared with other states, the Illinois Labor Relations Board (“ILRB” or “Board) is unusually protective of the right to bargain. The Board is more protective still of the ability of police unions to bargain over employer decisions. In the last several years in cases involving the Chicago Police Department, the Board has moderated somewhat by, in key cases, refusing to issue a decision but rather holding the matter “in abeyance.” A few highlights follow:

• Only Police Have the Right to Interest Arbitration. The Illinois Labor Relations Act requires police bargaining units to resolve contractual impasses through interest arbitration. …

Delaware, Elizabeth Ford

Thin Blue Advantage: Police Exceptionalism and the Two-Tier System of Public Sector Collective Bargaining

Delaware law governing police and non-police bargaining is separated into two largely identical statutory schemes. Both statutes provide for interest arbitration and adopt “baseball arbitration” to expedite the arbitration process. Keeping with the goal of expedient dispute resolution, the state’s ULP process seems designed to facilitate settlement.

As a result of this ULP structure, there are few cases from Delaware’s PERB compared to other states. This may have to do with the fact that the myriad preliminary stages of ULP proceedings serve as “off-ramps” to encourage settlement and that the agency’s Executive Director (E.D.) has more power than non-Delaware analogs. …

Lrtm Left-Right Transition Matrices For Molecular Interaction Prediction, Kaitlin Zheng, Guihua Duan, Mengyun Yang, Wei Wu, Yao-Hang Li, Jianxin Wang

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Molecular interactions are central to most biological processes. The discovery and identification of potential associations between molecules can provide insights into biological exploration, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, and drug development. So far many relevant computational methods have been proposed, but most of them are usually limited to specific domains and rely on complex preprocessing procedures, which restricts the models’ ability to be applied to other tasks. Therefore, it remains a challenge to explore a generalized approach to accurately predicting potential associations. In this study, We propose Left-Right Transition Matrices (LRTM) for molecular interaction prediction. From the perspective on the diffusion …