Digital Commons Network^™

The Implications Of The Scientific Developments Behind Oxidative Stress, Heat-Shock Proteins, And Antioxidants On Neurodegenerative Pathology, Nolan Wilbourn

Honors Theses

Homeostasis is essential for the health and development of all organisms, serving as a universal defense mechanism that ensures the stability of physiological processes faced with external and internal stimuli in the form of health challenges (Archana et al., 2017). Maintaining homeostasis is crucial for our health, as it helps keep the body's internal balance. However, this delicate equilibrium is challenged by various environmental factors, such as diet, exposure to chemicals, and fluctuations in temperature (Collier et al., 2017). These disruptions can lead to dysfunction in cellular processes, particularly affecting the production and regulation of proteins vital for biological functions. …

Drinking Behavior And Performance In Neonatal Swine, Yasmine Taylor

Honors Theses

This behavioral study analyzes the relationship between water intake and growth performance in pre-weaned piglets. Growth is paramount in pork production, and maximizing growth in weaned piglets has been thoroughly researched. However, one crucial aspect of growth is often overlooked: water, especially in neonatal piglets. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if there is a positive relationship between water intake and performance in pre-weaned piglets by observing different behaviors. Weights were recorded at birth, after 7-10 days, and at weaning. Piglets were observed three times a day, in the morning, afternoon, and evening, for 21 days via scan sampling. Observation …

Exploring The Acute Effects Of Sedentary Behaviors On Cardiometabolic Risk In Hispanic Adolescents With Obesity: A Randomized Crossover Study, Erica G Soltero, Osamah Salim, Yiming Mirabile, Salma M Musaad

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background/Objectives: Time spent in sedentary pursuits is associated with adverse metabolic profiles. Adolescents spend 65-75% of their day in sedentary pursuits; however, evidence among youth is less conclusive. This study examined the effects of an acute 4 h bout of sedentary behaviors on cardiometabolic outcomes and energy expenditure in Hispanic adolescents (12-16 years old) with obesity (BMI% ≥ 95th).

Methods: This study used a randomized cross-over design to engage participants (N = 12) in two sedentary conditions, an active condition where youth were engaged in two hours of 'active' sitting activities (e.g., reading and puzzles) and two hours …

2025 Sfa Undergraduate Research Conference, Honors, School Of

Undergraduate Research Conference

Event Program for the 2025 Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) at SFASU.

Analyzing The Special Supplemental Nutrition For Women, Infants, And Children (Wic) In Texas, Misty Ledesma

Undergraduate Research Conference

This research explores food insecurity and how WIC addresses nutritional risks in Texas. It examines past and present efforts, policy gaps, and potential improvements to enhance WIC's effectiveness.

Grm-076 Assessing The Performance Of Intelligent Agents In Visual Food Recognition Relative To Manual Data Entry, El Arbi Belfarsi, Henry Ekeocha

C-Day Computing Showcase

Accurate dietary assessment remains a critical yet time-consuming task in health and nutrition monitoring. This study benchmarks the macronutrient estimation capabilities of three intelligent vision agents: GPT Vision, Claude, and Gemini against manually logged food data. We unify two distinct datasets: MenuMatch, annotated by a professional nutritionist, and CGMacros, populated through user entries on MyFitnessPal. After flattening and cleaning both datasets, we first assess each model’s performance in calorie estimation. GPT Vision outperforms the others with the lowest percentage error 13.83% and is subsequently used to benchmark the macro estimations of Claude and Gemini. While Claude shows higher carbohydrate and …

Gc-058 Personalized Wellness Recommendations, Varshini Yaganti

C-Day Computing Showcase

A health recommendation system using machine learning, built on Hadoop, Spark, and HDFS, represents a significant advancement in personalized healthcare. This project aims to leverage big data technologies to process and analyze vast amounts of medical data across a distributed computing environment, utilizing at least three virtual machines. The background of this project lies in the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing volume of health-related data collected by healthcare providers. The motivation for this project stems from several key factors. Firstly, traditional healthcare systems often struggle to provide personalized recommendations due to the sheer volume and complexity of …

A Comparative Analysis Of Memory Loss And Cognitive Decline In The Workplace: U.S. Vs. South Korea & Other Countries And The Role Of Hr, Chidubem Xerona Nnajiofor

Liberty University Research Week

HR strategies that incorporate cognitive health initiatives, inspired by successful models from South Korea, Europe, and Japan, can mitigate cognitive decline in the workplace and improve productivity among aging employees in the U.S. I aim to answer the research question: How do workplace health policies in South Korea, Europe, and Japan address cognitive decline, and what can the U.S. learn from them? This research explores how HR policies in these countries address cognitive decline in the workplace. By analyzing the effectiveness of workplace health initiatives, cognitive enrichment programs, and nutritional policies, this study aims to propose HR strategies that can …

Infant Mortality In The Democratic Republic Of Congo: Public Health And Theological Perspectives, Samy Tshileu

Liberty University Research Week

Infant mortality remains a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in lower and middle-income regions such as Africa. Despite several global initiatives aimed at reducing infant mortality, it continues to disproportionately affect these regions, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) being one of the countries with the highest rates. According to the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation1, DRC ranks among the top ten countries worldwide in terms of infant mortality rates, with the eastern region, particularly South Kivu, contributing significantly to this crisis. This study aims to explore the various factors contributing to infant mortality in …

Removing The Blame From Children In Poverty: Deficit Ideology And The Mishandling Of Behavioral Issues, Sarah Gross

Diversity & Social Justice in Education Conference

According to data from the US Census Bureau (2023), the official poverty rate for those under 18 years of age was 16%, however when adjusted to 150% of the poverty line, it is estimated that about 26% of children are living in poverty. Data from the Center for Disease Control indicates that among these children living in poverty, 1 in 5 experiences a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder (CDC, 2022). In addition to this, the American Psychological Association reports that children and teens in poverty are at a greater risk for below average academic achievement and behavioral problems (APA, 2024). …

Fi-Fractured Policy: Problematic Preemption Provisions Under The Epa's Fifra, Eric Mathemeier

Liberty University Research Week

The American people have long believed that nutrition is the only factor they should consider when purchasing produce. However, Americans are starting to worry that pesticides are infiltrating their food, namely their fruits and vegetables, and they would not be incorrect. Across many studies, surveys consistently find that 60% of Americans believe pesticides are bad for their health, and the same number of people have admitted to refraining from buying produce due to pesticide labeling. Only one in four Americans trust the Federal Government with the responsibility of trustworthy and safe pesticide use.

Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency, …

Community Health Assessments And Community Health Worker Training In Rural Guatemala, Grace Sibert

Liberty University Research Week

Public health plays a vital role in the health and well-being of communities, both within the United States and globally. In rural regions, particularly in Central America, addressing prevalent health issues such as hypertension, elevated blood glucose, anemia, and the promotion of sustainable care practices is of integral importance. Community Health Assessments (CHAs) serve as a critical tool for identifying and understanding local health needs, and Community Health Worker (CHW) training offers a sustainable solution to address these challenges.

This research builds upon previous CHAs and CHW training initiatives in Guatemala and Honduras. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and biometric …

Effects Of An Educational Intervention On Firefighter Knowledge Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And Prevention, Scott Richardson, Andrew Haight, Kassandra Sanchez, Madison Jepperson, Kelsey Houston, Lauren Schembs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Organized firefighting began in ancient Rome in 300BC, with the first fire engines in the 17^th century. Modern firefighters face extreme personal risk, responding to emergency situations and providing life-saving public support. Cardiovascular disease events account for 45% of on-duty fatalities among firefighters. Cardiovascular health in firefighters is not only important for immediate job performance but also for long-term health. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an educational intervention to influence firefighter knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevention. Method: A literature review determined that cardiovascular health was the leading knowledge deficit among firefighters …

Early Childhood Educator Preparation, Exposure, And Perspectives Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Preschool Hispanic Populations, Karla C. Vidaurri, Ruth Crutchfield, Jessica R. Stewart

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose

With an increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Hispanic population, there is a crucial demand for early identification and servicing of individuals with ASD. Early childhood educators are one profession in the position to identify and provide services to individuals with ASD at an early age. The aim of this study was to explore early educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD specific to preschool Hispanic populations.

Method

A survey methodology was implemented to explore early childhood educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD. The anonymous survey consisted of 23 questions and statements that explored …

Interprofessional Wellness Groups: A Model For Success, Rachel Pittmann, Lesley Smith, Kathryn Sabo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose Interprofessional learning activities foster critical-thinking and shared decision-making while promoting person-centered and team-based care. These activities promote the development of interprofessional collaboration competencies that prepare health profession students to effectively deliver care. This article describes the Interprofessional Wellness Group (IWG) model, an academically robust, sustainable, and versatile model that successfully addresses the competencies required for interprofessional collaboration in today’s demanding healthcare environment. Method The IWG model is designed using adult learning theories, is student-led, and aims to provide disease-specific wellness education to community-based participants. Results Quantitative and qualitative data from both students and participants was overwhelmingly positive: students reported …

Dysphagia And Covid-19 In Adults: A Prospective Clinical Trial With Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation Of Swallowing, Gökhan Can Törpü, Müberra Tanrıverdi, Nahide Öztoprak, Ömer Faruk Çalım, Orhan Özturan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is distinguished by its impact on various tissues and organs across the body. It is known that COVID-19-related conditions are associated with swallowing function. This prospective study aimed to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 and dysphagia in adults. Methods: Adults who applied to the swallowing disorders outpatient clinic participated in this study. According to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, participants were divided into two groups: COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 group. Swallowing disorders were evaluated using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and scored with the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). PAS score > 1 was considered as dysphagia. Oral …

Crafting Effective Prompts For Chatgpt: A Tutorial, Bonnie Slavych, Greg Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This tutorial explores prompt engineering in artificial intelligence, with a focus on developing effective and efficient prompts for ChatGPT. The content examines the nuances of crafting prompts that are precise and contextually appropriate, offering comparisons between ineffective and effective examples to guide the reader. Through this analysis, readers gain insights into optimizing prompt structure for improved responses from ChatGPT. The tutorial also addresses the ethical considerations and inherent limitations of utilizing AI in professional settings, emphasizing responsible and thoughtful application. By providing practical strategies for prompt engineering, this resource aims to support allied health professionals, educators, and clinicians in integrating …

Guidelines For Conducting Survey Research: Part 2 – Administration And Analysis, Rob Lyerla, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In the Fall 2024 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT), the letter from the editor discussed the background of survey research and introduced the readers to a guideline for conducting research with a focus on survey development and recruitment of participants (Dirette & Lyerla, 2024). In this issue, we are following up with Part 2, which focuses on administering a survey and analyzing the results. We hope you find these guidelines useful for conducting quality survey research.

April 15, 2025, Council On Graduate Studies

Minutes

No abstract provided.

Approved Programs 4-15-25, Angela Brock

Programs Committee (PC)

No abstract provided.

Eleven Ways Unh Is Helping Communities Be Environmentally Friendly, Robbin Ray

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Transition Process Considerations For Collegiate Student-Athlete Sport Retirement, Lindsey Weatherford

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the transition process for collegiate student-athletes retiring from sport, particularly at small colleges or universities in the Midwest, where student-athlete enrollment is significant. The problem addressed is the lack of structured support systems to aid student-athletes in navigating this transition. This affects their psychological well-being, career preparedness, and overall life satisfaction. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to identify potential components for a transition process that assists student-athletes from recruitment through to retirement from sport and career post-graduation. Schlossberg’s transition theory served as the guiding theoretical framework, emphasizing identity transition, support systems, coping strategies, and …

Zonal Hepatocellular Responses To Acute Ethanol: Impacts On Mitochondrial Function And Metabolism, Matthew T. Savoca

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Background: Ethanol (EtOH) consumption causes hepatocellular mitochondrial depolarization (mtDepo) and mitophagy. Here, the Aims were to develop techniques to characterize sublobular hepatocellular metabolism and the distribution of mtDepo and mitophagy after acute EtOH. Methods: Wildtype and GFP-LC3 transgenic mice were treated with EtOH or vehicle and administered the covalently labeling mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) reporter, MitoTracker Red (MTR), and/or the non-covalent ΔΨ reporter, rhodamine 123 (Rh123), prior to intravital imaging, liver fixation, or hepatocyte isolation. After in vivo MTR, hepatocytes were isolated and sorted. Enrichment in E-cadherin (ECAD) and cytochrome P4502E1 in periportal (PP) and pericentral (PC) hepatocytes, respectively, validated …

Ten Ways Unh Is Helping Communities Be Environmentally Friendly, Robbin Ray

Media Relations

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Qualitative Spot Assay For Zinc Detection In Fortified Cereal Grain Matrices, Ashley L. Lamborn

Theses and Dissertations

The present thesis is a compilation of a literature review, journal manuscript, and two standard operating procedures (SOP) on the qualitative determination of zinc in fortified cereal grain products and matrices. The literature review addresses the premise of the research as well as potential solutions for the development of a rapid qualitative spot assay for zinc determination. Quality assurance assays affirm the presence of micronutrients in food fortification initiatives, but no rapid qualitative spot methods for the assessment of zinc currently exist. Chromogenic reagents that may perform a key role in the rapid determination of zinc are identified. The journal …

Lindenwood Students’ Research Published In International Journal, Lindenwood University

Archived Lindenwood Press Releases

No abstract provided.

Quantification Of Ethyl-Cellulose Coated Vitamin C Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy, Logan Moynagh, Mia Toronto, Owen Mcdougal

2025 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Spectroscopy was used to compare six different concentrations of vitamin c mixed with ethyl cellulose. This was done by measuring the absorbance of a solid sample. In the spectra it was observed that there were three distinct peaks for different functional groups and overtones including oxygen-hydrogen stretch, carbon-hydrogen stretch, and oxygen-hydrogen bend. At these peaks, the spectra were ordered nicely from lowest to highest vitamin c concentration and lowest to highest absorbance. This is very promising as the current method for quantifying vitamin c in ethyl cellulose involves boiling the solution, which denatures the vitamin c, potentially …

Outcomes Evidence Must Keep Up With The Implementation Of The 4ms Framework To Ensure Age-Friendly Health System Transformation, James D Harrison, Stephanie E Rogers, Benjamin Rosner, Estelle Martin, Sunny C Lin, Jarmin Yeh, Julia Adler-Milstein

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS) movement was conceptualized as a transformative solution to reliably deliver evidence-based care to older adults. Guided by the 4Ms framework: What Matters, Mobility, Mentation, and Medication, AFHS healthcare systems have been given the flexibility to tailor 4Ms interventions and care processes to their context, preferences and populations. This flexibility has facilitated the widespread adoption of 4Ms care. However, as our understanding of 4Ms implementation grows, evidence of the impact of 4Ms care on outcomes must keep up with implementation to ensure AFHS transformation. It is only through assessing the 4Ms as a whole and understanding …

Program Agenda 4-15-25, Angela Brock

Programs Committee (PC)

No abstract provided.

A Case Of Unresectable Necrosis, Justin Wisely, Hassan Nasser

2025 Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Research Symposium

Introduction: Rectal necrosis is a rare phenomenon given profound collateral circulation. This carries significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of acute rectal necrosis that is managed conservatively with surgical drainage. Case Description: A 53-year-old female with a history of peripheral arterial disease status post aorto-bifemoral bypass who presented in the emergency room with altered mental status and hypotension. She subsequently developed peritonitis prompting emergent surgical exploration. Her colon and rectum were noted be ischemic with patchy areas of necrosis. She underwent a total abdominal colectomy with an end ileostomy. The rectum was stapled at the rectosigmoid junction at …