Digital Commons Network^™

Core Body Temperature (Cbt) Monitoring Among Groundskeepers Under Heat Stress, Lara Anne Parker

All ETDs from UAB

Heat is the leading cause of death for outdoor workers. In Alabama, there are an estimated 11,160 - 21,460 workers employed in the landscaping and groundskeeping industry, which are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses (HRI). In this study, core body temperature (CBT) and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index were examined as potential indicators of heat stress. A SlateSafety (SS) Band V2 wearable CBT device and a WBGT monitor were used to collect CBT and WBGT values, respectively. Sampling for the main two measurements was performed over five days for two participants. An additional CBT device option, the e-Celsius performance ingestible pill, …

Voices From Two Secondary Newcomer Programs In Alabama: A Multiple Case Study, Carl Anthony Floyd Jr

All ETDs from UAB

This multiple case study investigates the design, implementation, and impact of two secondary newcomer programs in Alabama, with a focus on Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) and non-SLIFE English Learner (EL) newcomers. Grounded in Esteban-Guitart et al.’s (2023) framework of community funds of knowledge and identity, the study explores how these programs function as community educational ecosystems. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document reviews across two school districts and analyzed using ethnographic and thematic methods. Findings reveal that when newcomer programs are intentionally designed to leverage community assets and cultural identities, they provide meaningful academic, …

The Impact Of Nursing Home Ownership On The Election Of Advance Care Directives, Natasha Elie

All ETDs from UAB

Approximately 1.3 million people reside in nursing homes/facilities. Annually, this population represents 25% of mortalities in the United States. The enactment of the Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA) required nursing homes/facilities to educate patients, staff, and the community on the right to advance care directives. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nursing home ownership on the election of ACDs and end-of-life care services by examining how nursing homes ownership in New York, California, and Ohio compared regarding residents' election of ACD and whether there was a variation in the these states. This paper contributes to the literature by …

Racial Discrimination And Inflammation In Adolescence: Ethnic/Racial Processes As Moderators, Queenisha Crichlow

All ETDs from UAB

Discrimination and other psychosocial stressors contribute to chronic disease by dysregulating neuroendocrine and immune systems, which often leads to increased levels of inflammation. Given that inflammation is a key biological pathway associated with the development of chronic diseases, it has been proposed as a potential mechanism linking racial discrimination to poorer health. Most studies linking racial discrimination with inflammation have focused on adults, despite the fact that children and adolescents also experience discrimination. This dissertation explores the association between racial discrimination and inflammation, measured via salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory cytokines, among Black and Hispanic adolescents. It also examines …

Probiotic Biogeography In The Neonatal Intestine, Sierra Hansen

All ETDs from UAB

Neonatal infection remains a leading cause of both neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in preterm infants. Probiotic bacteria have been demonstrated to protect against the development of neonatal intestinal dysbiosis, however, formulations and efficacy vary substantially, highlighting a critical gap in the current understanding of the mechanisms governing probiotic efficacy in this population. This gap is exacerbated by regulatory standards which favor economic expansion over scientific rigor. Furthermore, current studies on probiotic efficacy largely rely on indirect or relative readouts of intestinal bacterial burden. Herein, we directly quantify the probiotic effects of Ligilactobacillus murinus V10 and Escherichia coli Nissle …

Understanding Clinical Tool Adoption In Primary Care: A Case Study Of The Cmds Care Pathway, Khushbu Khatri Park

All ETDs from UAB

The rising prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) places increasing strain on healthcare systems and primary care providers (PCPs). In response, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) adapted the Cardiometabolic Disease Staging System (CMDS), a validated clinical decision support tool, designed to stratify patient risk and guide evidence-based treatment. Embedded within the electronic health record (EHR) as a Care Pathway, the CMDS was designed for real-time use during primary care visits. This dissertation examines utilization of the CMDS in a two-phase case study, guided by the Adult Learning Theory, Group Dynamics Theory, Force Field Theory and Change …

Bridging The Gap: Exploring The Facilitators And Barriers In The Self-Management Of Diabetes And Pain In Rural Southern Communities, Kennedy Nicole Butler

All ETDs from UAB

Southern rural communities experience a higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated comorbidities, which increases rates of premature mortality due to socio-environmental factors, pre-existing health conditions, and economic burden in comparison to their urban counterparts. Fifty percent of individuals with T2D experience pain or chronic pain (CP); however, individuals in rural communities disproportionately experience symptoms of CP. CP is a physically debilitating condition that can inhibit mobility and reduce quality of life. T2D and the co-occurrence of CP can limit an individual's ability to engage in self-managing behaviors. While diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs, along with …

Standardizing Sea Urchin Husbandry: Tank Effects, Gamete Production, And Co-Culture, Raven Amber Edwards

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation seeks to further knowledge of sea urchin husbandry in three major areas that have so far not been investigated substantially: optimal conditions for housing sea urchins in a lab-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), impacts of repetitive spawning regimens on reproductive output, and co-culture utilizing juvenile oysters. All studies utilize a commercial recirculating aquaculture system that is relatively novel for culturing sea urchins. The first chapter investigated the influence of housing conditions on sea urchin growth outcomes. Under the conditions of this study, the size of the tank showed limited influence on growth; however, stocking density was found to …

Wellness Perspectives Of Early Career Teachers: An Exploratory Study Of School Culture And Environment, Amy Day Carr

All ETDs from UAB

Purpose: The purpose of this grounded theory dissertation was to explore Alabama early career teachers’ perceptions of personal wellness, the wellness culture and environment of their school system, and the impact of the culture on teacher wellness and job satisfaction. Early career teachers face unique challenges that contribute to high turnover rates, yet their wellness has not been systematically studied. This study sought to answer three primary research questions with sub-questions. Teachers were asked to describe their personal wellness, the wellness culture at their schools, and the effect of the wellness culture and environment of the school on teachers in …

Attitudes Of Optometrists Towards Referring Patients For Nutrition And Lifestyle Changes To Treat Diabetic Retinopathy And Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Samantha Chapman

All ETDs from UAB

Some ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, have direct links to systemic diseases or the condition of the body as a whole. Specific diet and lifestyle changes have been studied in relation to these two diseases and, while it is not within the scope of optometry to prescribe these changes for patients, an optometrist may refer to a variety of specialists so that patients can receive the most holistic care available. The primary goal of this study is to assess the attitudes of currently practicing United States optometrists towards referring to nutrition and lifestyle professionals and their …

Radio And Television Media And Health-Seeking Behavior Among Women In Rural Northern Nigeria, Olufolake Akeju

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Poor maternal health-seeking behavior (MHSB) has contributed to persistently high maternal mortality in rural northern Nigeria. Despite increasing access to health information via media platforms, little is known about the association between media exposure and MHSB in this region. In this study, the association between mass media exposure (radio and television) and MHSB was investigated using institutional delivery as a proxy. The health belief model was applied as the theoretical framework for this study and sought to answer two key questions focused on whether there is an association between media exposure and MHSB in rural northern Nigeria and what the …

Spartan Daily, September 11, 2025, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2025

Volume 165, Issue 9

Winter Supplementation Of Beef Cows In The Intermountain West, David Secrist

All Current Publications

Feed costs are the most significant expense of most ranching operations in the Intermountain West. Year-round grazing opportunities, hay cost and availability, calving season, cow size, milk production, and feeding logistics are all considerations in a supplementation program. The key to effective winter feeding is to balance the cost/benefit ratio of the supplementation programs while meeting nutritional demands at a minimal cost.

The Hidden Link Between Hiv And Cardiomyopathy: Unraveling Hiv's Impact On The Heart, Toluwalase Awoyemi, Oluwaremilekun Zeth Tolu-Akinnawo, Andrew Greek, Oluwakemi Adenuga, Chukwuebuka Asogwa, Isaac Ekundayo, Olamide Odusola, Oyinlola O. Fasehun, Mercy Ajayi, Onyinye Ugoala

School of Medicine Publications

This comprehensive review examines the complex relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cardiomyopathy, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies. It highlights the significant global health burden posed by HIV and its potential to cause long-term cardiovascular complications. The review investigates the pathogenesis of HIV-associated cardiomyopathy. It elucidates the intricate cellular and molecular pathways involved, including the actions of neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes in cardiac inflammation. Key signaling pathways such as TNF-NF-κB and the caspase-1 inflammasome are detailed, as they contribute to cardiac infection and injury. The clinical manifestations of HIV-associated cardiomyopathy …

Temperature And Pressure Shaped The Evolution Of Antifreeze Proteins In Polar And Deep Sea Zoarcoid Fishes, Samuel N. Bogan, Nathan Surendran, Scott Hotaling, Thomas Desvignes, Iliana Bista, Luana S.F. Lins, Mari H. Eilertsen, Nathalie R. Le François, Tait Algayer, Scott L. Hamilton, Paul B. Frandsen, Federico G. Hoffmann, Joanna L. Kelley

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) have enabled teleost fishes to repeatedly colonize polar seas. Four AFP types have convergently evolved in several fish lineages. AFPs inhibit ice crystal growth and lower tissue freezing point. In lineages with AFPs, species inhabiting colder environments may possess more AFP copies. Elucidating how differences in AFP copy number evolve is challenging due to the genes' tandem array structure and consequently poor resolution of these repetitive regions. Here, we explore the evolution of type III AFPs (AFP III) in the globally distributed suborder Zoarcoidei, leveraging six new long-read genome assemblies. Zoarcoidei has fewer genomic resources relative to …

Human Toxocariasis, Susana Lopez-Alamillo, Pravallika Padyala, Megan Carey, Megan M Duffey, Jill E Weatherhead

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Human toxocariasis is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasitic infection caused by larvae of Toxocara species, primarily Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Toxocariasis is commonly transmitted to humans through the ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs found in contaminated soil, water, or on surfaces contaminated with animal feces. Unlike in dogs and cats, humans are not definitive hosts for Toxocara spp., and, as a result, Toxocara larvae do not complete their life cycle in humans. Instead, following accidental oral ingestion of embryonated eggs, Toxocara larvae undergo an aberrant larval migratory cycle to various organs including the lungs, liver, muscles, and central …

Editorial: A Step-By-Step Statistical Decision Framework For A Gender-Inclusive Approach In Sport And Exercise Science Research, James W. Navalta, Dustin W. Davis, Jafra D. Thomas, Whitley J. Stone

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(1): 1010-1029, 2025. The conflation of sex and gender in sport and exercise science research has led to gaps in representation and understanding of gender-inclusive outcomes. This invited editorial presents a framework to guide researchers in conducting statistical analyses that account for multiple gender identities beyond the traditional binary classification. The invited editorial guides deliberation on whether to test for sex or gender differences in sport or exercise science research. It prompts investigators to answer the question, “Is there a valid, literature-supported rationale for investigating sex or gender differences?” If “yes”, we propose approaches that …

Translational Science Of Blended Tube Feedings, Amy Spurlock, Noah Thomas

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The purpose of this research synthesis is to summarize translational science on Blended Tube Feeding (BTF) and the commentary that led to further research in the field.

Since 2013, nine papers have been published by a team on BTF. These papers utilized a variety of research methods to investigate the safety, efficacy, and patient outcomes of BTF compared to commercial formulas (CF). A case study explored the clinical improvement of a child post-transition to BTF, revealing reduced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and increased oral intake¹. Survey research was employed with Registered Dietitians and caregivers to assess attitudes, experiences, and …

Poor Dietary Habits And Physical Inactivity In Obese And Overweight Children: A Concept Analysis, Mahdiyeh Ahmadi, Marti Rice, Felesia Bowen

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Aim: The aim of this poster is to analyze the concepts of poor dietary habits and physical inactivity, which are defined differently by various researchers, in obese and overweight school-aged children.

Background: Poor dietary habits and physical inactivity are two common modifiable lifestyle behaviors, contributing to overweight/obesity in children.

Design: Rodgers' method of concept analysis guided the review, including sample and setting, literature search, and data analysis.

Data Source: PubMed and CINAHL were searched for relevant literature.
Results: Antecedents included changes in children's lifestyles, increased dependence on transportation, parental, caregivers’, and peer influence, cultural and social norms, and environmental factors. …

Evaluation Of Practical-Based Instruction In Oncology Nursing Curriculum For College Students, Chih-Yin Chien, Tsae-Jyy Wang

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Vocational education not only focuses on knowledge transfer but also emphasizes practical application. The cultivation of practical-based learning is a crucial core of vocational education, balancing theory and practice while addressing students' diverse development.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop an oncology nursing practice curriculum aligned with core competencies and to evaluate its effectiveness. The curriculum was designed around a practical-based learning approach, encouraging students to engage in discussions that foster learning engagement, enhance self-efficacy.

Methods: This study utilized a single-group pre-test and post-test design with a convenient sample of 27 students. The questionnaire assessed self-directed …

Nurses’ Work Interruption And Response: Medication Tasks And Difference By Nursing Delivery System, Kyung Jin Hong

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Work interruption is a major factor that increases nurses’ workload, and multitasking during medication tasks is associated with medication errors. This study aimed to report the frequency, source, and response of interruptions during work, focusing on medication tasks and the differences between functional nursing and integrated team nursing delivery systems.

Methods: This study was conducted in August 2023 in two wards operating under different nursing delivery systems in a general hospital in South Korea. The observers shadowed each nurse individually, monitoring their work hours; 12 shifts (five day and seven evening shifts) for the functional nursing …

The Cost Of Malnutrition In Older Adults In The Mountain West, 2020, Taylor Volk, Anirudh Polagani, Olivia K. Cheche, Kristian Thymianos, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

This fact sheet presents 2020 data on the annual costs of disease-associated malnutrition for adults aged 65 years and older across the five Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The data are sourced from “Advancing Policies for Quality Malnutrition Care in Older Adults: A Toolkit for State Legislators,” a report published by Defeat Malnutrition Today and Women in Government.

The Antelope, University Of Nebraska At Kearney

The Antelope

No abstract provided.

How Climate Change Disrupts Mango Phenology And Affects Fruit Production, Andi Siady Hamzah, Putu Oka Ngakan, Kaimuddin Kaimuddin, Nasri Nasri, Putu Supadma Putra, Wardiman Mas'ud

Jurnal Penelitian Kehutanan Wallacea

Climatic elements are limiting factors for plants; therefore, climate change can impact the phenology of plants. This study aims to determine the impact of climate change on the reproductive phenology of four local mango cultivars on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Data were collected during 2013 and 2014 by observing and recording the production of vegetative shoots, generative shoots, and fruits from the trees of each mango cultivar weekly. To assess the impact of seasonal change on fruit quality, the weight and sugar level of the ripe fruits in each cultivar were measured. Climate data were obtained from the National Centers for …

Analysis Of The Carrying Capacity Of Proboscis Monkey Habitat On Bakut Island, South Kalimantan, Based On Leaf Area Index, Abdi Fithria, Rina Kanti, Arfa Agustina Rezekiah, Syamani D Ali, Eva Prihatiningtyas, Noor Aida Azizah, Eko Budi Setiawan, Ahdiyaka Jayasukma Pribadi, Naufal Noor Kamil

Jurnal Penelitian Kehutanan Wallacea

Bakut Island is one of the conservation forest areas in South Kalimantan. This island is the habitat of proboscis monkeys, and the proboscis monkey population is increasing from year to year. Therefore, it is estimated that one day the proboscis monkey habitat on Bakut Island will be over capacity. This study aims to estimate how long the population of proboscis monkeys on Bakut Island Nature Tourism Park can survive there by examining the amount of food the island's vegetation can produce. Proboscis monkey feed itself is estimated using the Leaf Area Index (LAI). LAI was extracted using UAV imaging and …

Policy Recommendations To Reduce Old Age Food Insecurity In The United States, Colleen M. Heflin, Madonna Harrington Meyer

Center for Policy Research

In 2023, 7.4 million adults ages 60 and over in the United States were food insecure. As the number of older people at risk of food insecurity in the U.S. continues to rise, effective policy responses are critical. The current policy responses to old age food insecurity are complex, costly, and not nearly effective enough.

Based on the book, Food for Thought: Understanding Older Adults Food Insecurity, this brief summarizes five policy recommendations to improve food insecurity among U.S. older adults. The authors recommend measuring food security in multidimensional ways, treating food insecurity as a health issue, adopting SNAP …

Bearing Witness: Témoignage As A Tool For Child Advocacy During Armed Conflict., Anik Patel, Amber Alayyan, Heather A. Haq, Parminder S. Suchdev, Naji Hattar, Jeffrey Goldhagen, David J. Schonfeld, Tanya Haj-Hassan, Lia Harris, Seema Jilani, Ayesha Kadir, Paul H. Wise, Lisa Umphrey

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Children affected by armed conflict suffer devastating physical, emotional, and social harm. War uproots families, forcing many to flee as refugees or internally displaced persons, while others remain trapped in dangerous environments. In these crises, children face disproportionate risks-violence, exploitation, disrupted education, and collapsed healthcare systems. Their unique vulnerabilities require urgent, targeted action to protect their health, rights, and development. Beyond immediate care, the humanitarian principle of témoignage-bearing witness-is essential. Rooted in humanitarian ethics, témoignage means speaking out about injustice, amplifying the voices of those affected, and driving systemic change. It challenges traditional notions of neutrality and calls on humanitarian …

Optimizing Plant Nutrient Uptake: Cost Function Sensitivity Analysis Of The Fun Model, Gabriel Alpay, Joshua B. Fisher, Renato K. Braghiere, Edward R. Brzostek, Gabriella R. Dauber, Kara Allen, Rosemary A. Fisher

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

This study explores the cost functions of the Fixation & Uptake of Nutrients (FUN) model, which aims to optimize the amount of carbon used when plants acquire their necessary nutrients from the soil to maximize nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake while minimizing the carbon cost. Specifically, we aimed to quantify the sensitivity of FUN outputs to the parameters belonging to the cost of nitrogen and phosphorus uptake functions by arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi. We present three dimensions of sensitivity analysis: (1) adjusting all parameters at the same time; (2) keeping one parameter constant while varying the other; and, …

The "Secret Of Seven Stones": Short-Term Efficacy Of An Online Intergenerational Sexual Health Education Game For Early Adolescents And Their Parents, Ross Shegog, Christine Markham, Melissa Peskin, Robert C Addy, Sara Dube, Diane Santa Maria, Susan Tortolero Emery, Johnny M Wilkerson, Elizabeth Baumler, Laura Armistead, Pooja Chaudhary, Hsing-Yi Song, Angela Spencer, Jeffery Mclaughlin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: Intergenerational games offer a potential channel to impact parent-youth sexual health communication. The "Secret of Seven Stones" (SSS) is an 18-level online adventure game and parent website designed to engage parents and youth (11-14 years) in conversations about healthy dating relationships and sexual behavior and to provide sexual health skills training to youth. Study hypotheses were that SSS exposure would increase sexual health parent-child communication, increase youth intentions to delay sexual debut, and reduce youth exposure to situations that promote sexual activity.

Materials and Methods: SSS was evaluated in the homes of parent-youth dyads randomly assigned to intervention ( …

Infectious Prions In Brains And Muscles Of Domestic Pigs Experimentally Challenged With The Bse, Scrapie, And Cwd Agents, Francisca Bravo-Risi, Fraser Brydon, Angela Chong, Kane Spicker, Justin J Greenlee, Glenn Telling, Claudio Soto, Sandra Pritzkow, Marcelo A Barria, Rodrigo Morales

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Experimental studies suggest that animal species not previously described as naturally infected by prions are susceptible to prion diseases affecting sheep, cattle, and deer. These interspecies transmissions may generate prions with unknown host ranges. Pigs are susceptible to prions from different origins, including deer chronic wasting disease (CWD), sheep scrapie, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Here, we studied prions in brains and muscles from pigs previously infected with these different prion sources. Specifically, we measured the total prion protein (PrP) and PK-resistant PrP by western blot. Seeding activity in these tissues was evaluated using the protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) …