Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluasi Keselamatan Alat Permainan Edukatif (Ape) Dan Penataan Area Bermain Outdoor Di Dua Taman Kanak-Kanak, Auri Willyado, Novrikasari Novrikasari, Mona Lestari, Dina Waldani, Desheila Andarini

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Educational Play Equipment (APE) is one of the facilities provided by Early Childhood Education (PAUD) institutions to support the learning process through play. This study aims to assess the compliance of APE and the arrangement of outdoor play areas with the 2018 Guidelines for Managing PAUD Classroom Space, SNI 9169:2023, the Ministry of Education and Culture’s 2021 Safe APE Guidelines for Early Childhood, and Ministerial Regulation No. 3 of 2022. The study employs a qualitative design with a descriptive approach through facility observations, interviews with teaching staff, and a review of school documents. The data analysis process includes data reduction, …

Efektivitas Dan Keberterimaan Madcom Noise Protection Sebagai Alat Pelindung Pendengaran Berbasis Perlindungan Ganda, Ahmad Athif Wahyu Ramadhan, Yamtana Yamtana, Naris Dyah Prasetyawati, Sigid Sudaryanto

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Industrial environments often generate high noise levels due to the continuous operation of machinery and production equipment. Persistent exposure to workplace noise exceeding the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 430 million people worldwide require rehabilitation for hearing impairment, with 109.4 million of these cases occurring in Southeast and Central Asia. As a critical component of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management, noise control is often implemented using Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an earplug-earmuff combination, developed as Madcom Noise Protection, …

Impact Of Physical Activity On Sleep In Adults Recovering From Substance Use Disorders: A Protocol For An N-Of-1 Observational Study, Sascha Thal, Cele Richardson, Joanne Mcveigh, Craig Thompson, Phoebe Wan, Bingyan Pang, Hugh Riddell, Stephen Bright, James Clarke, Bronwyn Myers

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction Sleep impairments are prevalent among individuals recovering from substance use disorders (SUDs) and are associated with poorer treatment outcomes and increased relapse risk. Physical activity (PA) is known to enhance sleep in general populations, but its day-to-day effects on sleep during SUD recovery remain underexplored, especially across different recovery stages. Methods and Analysis In this observational n-of-1 study, we aim to examine within-person associations between daily PA and sleep quality in three groups of individuals at varying stages of substance use recovery (early treatment, continuing care and long-term recovery). A substudy will validate the agreement between two wearable sleepmonitoring …

A Pilot Qualitative Study To Better Understand The Factors Related To Suicides And Inform Public Health Action Across A Predominantly Coastal And Rural Area: Cornwall, Southwest Of England: International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, Paula Chappell, Jane Horrell, Kerryn Husk, Beth Simons, Richard A. Sharpe

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Better understanding factors leading to suicide and prevention opportunities is a global public health priority. This qualitative pilot study tested whether reviewing inquest recordings could generate insights during COVID-19 and inform public health prevention programmes across a predominantly rural and coastal area where there are significant health inequalities. Methods: Fifty-five inquest recordings reached a suicide conclusion between March 2020 and January 2021. Stratified sampling was used to obtain two samples from each month. Template analysis was employed to thematically analyse data from 30 inquests. Results: Risk factors during this period were social isolation, anxiety, difficulty in routine creation and …

Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: Improved Understanding And Advances In Management, Amit Syal, Chris T. Derk

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Interstitial lung disease (ILD), a common manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc), has the highest organ-specific morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Recent advances in diagnostics-including artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and biomarkers such as Krebs van den Lungen (KL)-6-have enabled earlier detection and monitoring of disease progression. Therapeutically, the approval of antifibrotics like nintedanib (NINT) and immunomodulators such as tocilizumab (Toci) has significantly expanded treatment options. Updated international guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), American Thoracic Society (ATS), and European league against Rheumatism (EULAR) now …

Effects Of Video Game Type On Cognitive Performance And Brain Functional Connectivity: A Longitudinal Eeg Study, Jingqing Lu, Ruifang Cui, Lijun Jiang, Chenyu Mu, Weiyi Ma, Diankun Gong, Dezhong Yao

General Human Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Previous research has shown that video gaming experience is associated with changes in cognitive and perceptual functions as well as neural structure and function. However, how the different types of video games differentially influence cognitive function and neuroplasticity remains unclear. Methods: In this 30-week longitudinal study, participants were randomly assigned to an action video game group or a strategy card game group. Behavioral assessments and resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were administered at six time points to evaluate changes in attention, working memory, executive function, and their neural correlates. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in multiple cognitive tasks, but …

Engaging Stakeholders To Build, Sustain, And Grow Responsible Business: Some Frameworks, Meena Raghunathan, Kara Li Liu

Markets, Globalization & Development Review

This is a follow-up Dialogue commentary to the MGDR publication:

Raghunathan, Meena and Liu, Kara Li (2024) "Moving from ‘Managing Stakeholders’ to ‘Managing for Stakeholders’: The Imperative for Responsible Business," Markets, Globalization & Development Review: Vol. 9: No. 3, Article 4.
DOI: 10.23860/MGDR-2024-09-03-04
Available at: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/mgdr/vol9/iss3/4.

In this commentary, the concepts of stakeholder approach to management is expanded and deepened.

Development And Validation Of Instruments To Measure Medication Adherence In Hypertensive Patients (Mahp): The Indonesian Case, Burhannudin Ichsan, Erna Herawati, Sri W. Basuki, Ikhwansyah W. Pramudyatama, Umatul Khoiriyah

Journal of Health Research

Background: Hypertension is a chronic disease that poses a significant public health issue globally. Medication adherence among hypertensive patients remains low, leading to various complications that adversely affect individuals, families, and the broader economy and society. To our knowledge, no specific instrument exists to measure medication adherence in hypertensive patients (MAHP) exclusively. This study aims to develop and validate an instrument to measure medication adherence and adherance-related behaviors among hypertensive patients.

Methods: The research consisted of two methods: (1) scale construction and (2) scale validation. The construction phase included: (1) defining the construct and its domains, (2) item development, …

Factors Influencing Tuberculosis Diagnosis, Treatment And Recovery In Alor, East Nusa Tenggara (Ntt), Indonesia, Abdillah Ahsan, Fitri Kurnia Rahim, Elisabeth Kramer, Indah Suci Widyahening, Maulida Gadis Utami

Journal of Health Research

Background: Indonesia aims to reduce tuberculosis (TB) incidence by 50% in 2025 and 80% in 2030. In Alor, TB case notification has reached only 38%, while contact investigation remains low at 21% (46 of 220 cases), ranking 6^th lowest in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This study explored factors influencing TB diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Method: Focus group discussions were conducted with 32 recovered TB patients at three community health centers (Moru, Alor Kecil, and Kenarilang). In-depth interviews were held with six key local stakeholders, including representatives from the Health Office, the Research and Development Unit, three heads of community …

Association Between Social Isolation And Risk Of Hypertension Among The Middle-Aged And Older: A Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study, Yiting Kang, Minchao Liu

Journal of Health Research

Background: Social isolation has emerged as a growing public health concern and may be an underrecognized risk factor for hypertension. However, evidence on its longitudinal association with hypertension remains limited and inconsistent.

Methods: The data of the national cohort study were collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2020. A total of 3280 participants aged 45 years and older without hypertension at baseline were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance covariates between socially isolated and non-isolated groups. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between social isolation and …

Living Arrangements And Depression Among Elderly Persons In China: A National Cross-Sectional Study, Yue Lyu, Seung Chun Paek, Patreeya Kitcharoen, Thammarat Marohabutr

Journal of Health Research

Background: While the positive effect of living alone on depression among elderly persons has been demonstrated by multiple studies in China, evidence regarding other types of living arrangements, specifically considering family size, is scarce. This study assessed the effect of living arrangements, as measured by family size, on depression among elderly persons.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 6,678 adults aged 60+ from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study was conducted using descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses.

Results: Of the analyzed elderly persons, 35.43% (n=2,366) exhibited depression. Elderly persons living alone exhibited higher levels of depression than those …

Effectiveness Of Self-Management Education On Behavior Improvement Among Stroke Survivors In Indonesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Yurike Septianingrum, Ratna Yunita Sari, Lono Wijayanti, Rizqa Septiana, Andis Yuswanto, Ah Yusuf, Ika Yuni Widyawati, Nor Aziyan Yahaya

Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of stroke self-management education (SSME) on improving self-management behaviors among stroke survivors.

Methods: An individual randomized controlled trial was conducted from June to August 2024 in an educational hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia. Participants were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and then randomly assigned via computer-generated randomization to the intervention and control groups. After 3 weeks of intervention, the self-management behavior of stroke survivors was evaluated using the Stroke Self-Management Behavior Questionnaire (SSMBQ). A per-protocol analysis was used to compare the intervention groups, which included only those patients who completed …

Attitude And Confidence In Managing Pre-Existing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus During Pregnancy Among Thai Women, Ratchanok Phonyiam, Chiao-Hsin Teng, Catherine S. Sullivan, Aunchalee E.L. Palmquist, Eric A. Hodges, Yamnia I. Cortés, Marianne Baernholdt

Journal of Health Research

Background: The trend of rising T2DM prevalence is more pronounced in females and is of particular concern for pregnancy. The rate has jumped from 0.7% to 1.5% of all pregnancies over the past 14 years. Additionally, pregnancies affected by T2DM have higher rates of abortion and perinatal mortality compared to those with type 1 diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus. The objective of the study was to explore the attitudes and confidence in managing T2DM among Thai women during pregnancy.

Methods: This qualitative study was a part of a parent study using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. A purposive sampling …

A Hybrid Roberta–Rule-Based Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis Model For Hospital Patient Reviews: Development, Validation, And Case Application In India, Akash Gajanan Prabhune, Karpaga Priya P S, Vinay R Sri Hari, Akhila Rayampalli, Ankur S Thakur, Ebin M Yohannan

Journal of Health Research

Background: Patient Online Reviews (PORs) provide real-time, unsolicited feedback that complements traditional satisfaction surveys. However, existing sentiment analysis tools often handle only monolingual data, broad sentiment categories, or lack review authenticity checks. This study develops a hybrid Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) model combining RoBERTa with a rule-based aspect detection layer to extract fine-grained sentiment insights from Indian hospital reviews.

Methods: We curated and manually annotated 4,862 Google Maps reviews from 25 Indian hospitals across six aspects—Doctor Behavior, Staff Behavior, Cleanliness, Facility Experience, Cost, and Waiting Time. Though the scheme included positive/negative/neutral labels, the final model used binary polarity (positive vs. …

Pm2.5 And Respiratory Symptoms Among Primary Schoolchildren In Bangkok, Thailand: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Monrudee Chokprajakchad, Dongruethai Buadong, Lawan Singhasai, Chayannan Jaide

Journal of Health Research

Background: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to adverse respiratory health in children. However, limited studies in Bangkok have examined the combined influence of environmental exposure and health perceptions. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between PM2.5 concentrations and respiratory symptoms among primary schoolchildren aged 7—12 years in Bangkok, across districts categorized by differing levels of air pollution.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 388 primary schoolchildren in Bangkok, recruited through cluster sampling from districts classified into three PM2.5 pollution zones based on data from the Pollution Control Department. Respiratory symptoms were …

Prediction Of Lung Vital Capacity Value From Thoracoabdominal Expansion In Young Adults, Aung Myo Htun, Aung Aung Nwe, Chatchaya Jaimanee, Thiwaphon Chatprem, Saowanee Nakmaroeng, Chatchai Phimphasak

Journal of Health Research

Background: Vital capacity (VC) is a fundamental indicator of pulmonary health, but its routine assessment often depends on spirometry devices that may be unavailable (i.e. because of access, cost) in many clinical or community settings. In contrast, lower costal (LC) and upper abdominal (AB) expansions are simple, equipment-free methods commonly used in physiotherapy.

Method: This cross-sectional study was aimed at developing prediction equations for VC using LC or upper AB expansion alongside demographic and anthropometric variables. The study involved 116 healthy nonsmokers (53 male and 63 female individuals) aged 18–39 years. VC was measured via spirometry using a …

Healthy Weight Intervention Effect On Weight Control Intention Among Overweight School-Aged Children, Pornthip Nawajongphun, Jumpee Granger, Dongruethai Buadong, Autchareeya Patoomwan

Journal of Health Research

Background: The incidence of overweight and obese children is rising all over the world. Various factors are involved, and those deficits affect these children's physical and mental health.

Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental research study to examine the effectiveness of a Healthy Weight Intervention (HWI) on weight control intention among overweight school-aged children using the theory of planned behavior. Participants were 9-12 years old, and there were 31 participants in each group. The study duration was six weeks for both groups. The data were collected using questionnaires on demographics, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived self-efficacy, and intention toward weight …

Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, And Environmental Factors Associated With Self-Directed Ageism Among Older Thai Adults, Jirawan Wittayanukorn, Piyawat Katewongsa, Yothin Sawangdee, Rossarin Gray, Tawanchai Jirapramukpitak

Journal of Health Research

Background: Self-directed ageism occurs when older adults internalize negative age-related stereotypes, a process that undermines self-esteem, reduces social participation, and leads to poorer health outcomes. Understanding the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors that contribute to self-directed ageism is essential for developing more effective interventions to reduce it.

Method: Data were drawn from the Survey on Conditions of Society, Culture, and Mental Health (Thai Happiness) 2014, a nationally representative survey. Managed by checking for completeness, duplicates, and missingness, 8,998 people (aged 60 years and over) were included. Factors associated with self-directed ageism were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis, taking into …

Association Of Abo Blood Groups With Dengue Fever And Its Severity: A Study In Surabaya, Indonesia, Sulistiawati Sulistiawati, Linda Dewanti, Ronald Pratama Adiwinoto, Raissa Manika Purwaningtias, Bilqis Inayatillah, Jan Nouwen

Journal of Health Research

Background: Indonesia, a dengue-endemic country, has high morbidity and mortality rates. Dengue infection manifestations vary from asymptomatic to mild to severe. One of the risk factors for infection that plays a role in this severity is blood type. A better understanding of the risk factors for dengue infection is required to prevent and control it.

Methods: This analytical observational cross-sectional study was conducted at three hospitals in Surabaya from March to May 2013. Consecutive sampling included 95 patients aged >12 years with confirmed dengue infection (IgM/IgG positive) and without comorbid severe illness. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and checklists, …

Enhancing Topical Delivery Of N-Acetylcysteine And Collagen Via A Novel Electrospun Collagen/Pmma Nanofibrous Mats As Facial Mask Development: Nanofibers Optimization And In Vitro Experiments, Samar A. Salim, Galala University, King Faisal University, Badr University, National Research Centre, City Of Scientific Research And Technological Applications (Srta-City),, Badr University

Nanotechnology Research Centre

This study endeavours to craft a potent topical facial mask using electrospun nanofibers. The nanofibers were carefully fabricated based on loading of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) onto electrospun marine collagen (MC), and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofibers. Through precise adjustments of electrospinning parameters, a uniform array of nanoscale fibres with a smooth surface was achieved. The morphology and chemical structure configuration of nanofibers (NFs) were examined using SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses. Furthermore, the cytotoxic impact was assessed on a human normal fibroblast cell line (BJ1), while protein levels were gauged using the Bradford dye-binding assay (Coomassie assay). Also, the antioxidant potential …

Mental Health First Aid Certification's Impact On Filipino Nurses' Ability To Increase Personal Help-Seeking Behaviors, Self-Awareness Of Health Changes, And Improved Self-Connection, Maria Elena Holguin, Brenda Marshall, Faith Atte, Katherine J. Roberts

School of Nursing Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Background

Post COVID-19, almost 50% of nurses reported severe depression, and over 30% moderate to severe anxiety. Nurses from minority racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Filipino nurses, accounted for more than 54% of COVID-related deaths, despite comprising only 24.1% of the nursing workforce. Filipino nurses, making up only 1% of the U.S. population, comprise 4.5 % of the nursing workforce and face significant barriers to seeking mental health services, including stigma, a sense of shame, and adherence to cultural values that view mental illness as unacceptable.

Aim 

To assess the impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification among Filipino …

Absolute Extraction: Utilizing Rural Critical Criminology To Examine Appalachia’S Toxic Dependence On Extractive Industries, Andrew Kennedy

The Mid-Southern Journal of Criminal Justice

Brought forth by common rhetoric, Appalachia is often viewed as the closest space to that of an empyrean domain. Separated from the sleepless city, its allure rests in its created identity of a quiet, green escape from the city, which offers serenity on all fronts. Although Appalachia can fulfill this profile, such an ascension ignores the burning yellow grass below. The purpose of this paper is to examine the history of the destruction of Appalachia through the lens of extractive industries and the region’s designation as a sacrifice zone. Through the application of rural critical criminology, this paper holds that …

Welcome From The Editors: Criminal Justice Systems Helping Communities: Provision Of Resources And Experience For Positive Change, Cassandra B. Whyte Dr., Stephen Young

The Mid-Southern Journal of Criminal Justice

No abstract provided.

Reducing Rates Of Child Abuse And Neglect: An Analysis Of Three Potential Solutions, Lauren C. Heil

The Mid-Southern Journal of Criminal Justice

Child abuse and neglect are prevalent problems, affecting an estimated one million children worldwide each year. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and analyze three potential solutions to reduce the rates of child abuse and neglect. The three programs that were suggested were: improving overall access to healthcare, therapy and counseling, and other support services for children and families who need them, implementing more Nurse-Family Partnerships across the United States for first time mothers with visits from a registered nurse, and increasing parent’s access to economic resources and improving families overall financial security. These programs were researched extensively, …

The Controlled Substances Act: A Menagerie Of Arbitrary Regulation And Failure Of Purpose, Dylan Andrus

The Mid-Southern Journal of Criminal Justice

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is the primary regulatory and criminal legislation surrounding drugs in the United States. Passed in the 1970s, the CSA established the drug classification scheduling system we use today. Despite being over 50 years old today, the CSA has not achieved its goal of eliminating or even significantly reducing drug use and offenses. This paper conducts an analysis of the CSA's legislative intent versus its actual results through reviews of measures such as incarceration rates, inconsistent regulation, and disproportionate racial effects to argue that the Controlled Substances Act has failed in its mission while causing significant …

Bridging The Gap Between Substance Use Treatment Barriers In Rural Areas, Dakota Baker

The Mid-Southern Journal of Criminal Justice

The purpose of this paper is to examine the continued concern about substance abuse/misuse and limited access to treatment in rural areas. Rural areas lack the adequate treatment needed to combat substance use disorder (SUD), mainly due to the lack of sufficient providers trained to identify, treat, and support those dealing with SUD. Additional barriers such as the high cost of treatment, stigma surrounding substance use disorders, geographical barriers, and the criminalization of substance abuse are other barriers that will be discussed in this paper (Griffin & Botvin, 2010; Hargons et al., 2023; Khazaee-Pool et al., 2024; National Center for …

Lost In Translation: How Health Literacy Impacts Pharmaceutical Transactions From Healthcare Professionals To Patients, Grace Nwaege

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Health literacy is a core element of public health, involving the ability to access, understand, evaluate, and use information to maintain well-being. In the United States, it aligns with an average reading level of about an eighth grader, which continues to decline over time. As pharmacists serve as the final point of contact in most outpatient settings, their ability to communicate effectively at this literacy level is crucial. This study examines how pharmacies address this challenge using qualitative methods, including health literacy assessments of patient consent forms and stakeholder interviews with pharmacy technicians about resource use. Findings show materials higher …

Leadership Strategies For Capturing And Transferring The Knowledge Of Experienced Workers In Canadian Higher Education Organizations, Dean Allan Bulloch

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Higher education institutions face a risk of knowledge loss when they fail to implement strategies for transferring knowledge from experienced to less experienced employees. Canadian higher education managers are particularly concerned about the adverse impact of losing explicit and valuable tacit knowledge. Grounded in the socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization model, this qualitative pragmatic inquiry study identified and explored successful strategies employed by eight Canadian higher education managers to capture and transfer knowledge from experienced employees, thereby sustaining performance. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and a review of public documents, including strategic plans, annual reports, and accountability statements. Through …

Usa V. Michael Moran

2025 Decisions

USDC for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Intersectionality, Epistemic Injustice, And Silencing: The Operationalization And Reification Of Intersectionality In Academic Research And Institutional Practices, Emery Lockwood

Theses - ALL

Intersectionality is a powerful analytic tool that can be used to better understand the role that oppression plays in society and how it shapes the way people affected by multiple systems of oppression interact with society. Recently, the unit of analysis for intersectionality has started to shift from intersecting systems of oppression to overlapping identities, which has changed intersectionality from being a tool used to analyze systemic oppression to individual’s experiences. This work explores the implications this shift has on academic research and the practice of several disciplines. Using a lens of epistemic injustice through theories of hermeneutical bastardization (Drury, …