Digital Commons Network^™

Tracing Pharmaceuticals In Produce: Their Presence, Effects, And Consumer Perspectives, Savanna N. Crooks

Honors Theses

As prescription pharmaceuticals increasingly infiltrate agricultural systems, their unmonitored presence in produce products raises critical concerns about environmental contamination and human health risks. Using a mixed methods approach, combining a literature review and anonymous survey, the presence, fate, and transport of PCs in produce products, potential health effects, and consumer knowledge and perspectives were evaluated. It was found that the presence of PCs spanned across all classes of PCs and were present in locations among all types of environmental media, especially those used for agricultural production. Water contamination was shown as the primary source of transport that led to the …

Fantasy Orientation Of Media Consumption In Childhood And Creativity In Adulthood, Jordyn Martin

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between the fantasy orientation of media consumption during childhood and creativity in adulthood. Creativity is a valuable skill to nurture in children because of how it influences creative problem-solving and supports well-being throughout their lives. Previous research has shown that fantasy play can be beneficial to the development of creativity, and as media-based activities become increasingly prevalent in modern play, it is important to investigate whether this has similar benefits to typical pretend play. It was hypothesized that higher fantasy orientation of media during childhood would predict higher levels of …

Lifelines Spring 2025, Southern Adventist University

Lifelines - Biology Department Newsletter

The Spring 2025 issue of Lifelines contains articles on an alumni spotlight, department happenings, and biology and allied health graduates.

The Northern Student, Spring 2025, Bemidji State University

Northern Student Newspaper

No abstract provided.

April 2025, Office Of Sustainability

Office of Sustainability Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Prison Privatization And Its Impacts On Inmate Quality Of Life: An Analysis Through Logan's Eight Dimensions Model, Hafsa Ahmed

Master in Public Administration Theses

This capstone paper delves deeply into the ramifications of prison privatization on inmates' quality of life in contracted immigration detention facilities. With the increasing inclination towards privatizing correctional institutions, especially immigration detention centers, a rigorous evaluation is indispensable to ascertain the ramifications of such privatizations on the welfare of incarcerated individuals. In this exploration, Logan's quality of confinement model is meticulously applied to selected immigration detention centers to scrutinize the living conditions and reveal profound insights into the quality of life experienced by inmates. This model allows a structured assessment of various dimensions such as safety, order, care, activity, management, …

Spring 2025, University Of North Dakota Alumni Association

ALL: UND Alumni Review Master List

Spring 2025 issue of "The University of North Dakota Alumni Magazine." 60 pages

Volume 108, Number 2

Spring/Summer 2025, Seattle University

Seattle University Magazine

No abstract provided.

The Banner - V. 160, No. 3 - (April 2025), Christian Reformed Church In North America

The Banner

No abstract provided.

This Is A Friendly Reminder, Chris Gorecki Dds

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society Executive Director, Dr. Christopher Gorecki.

Development Of A Self-Management Tool For Individuals With Seizure Clusters: Trial Design And Methodological Report, Molly Mcvoy, Eytan Hirsch, Luisa Londono, Kari Colón-Zimmermann, Jin Seok Cho, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Despite advances in anti-seizure medications (ASMs) for people with epilepsy (PWE), adverse outcomes, negative health events (NHEs), and breakthrough seizures remain common. Rescue medication (RM) can better manage repetitive seizures, but barriers to RM use persist. Self-management for PWE and a history of NHEs (SMART) is an evidence-based epilepsy self-management program aimed at reducing barriers and maximizing facilitators to self-care in high-risk PWE. Methods: This 2-phase, ongoing clinical trial adapts SMART to integrate RM support for PWE with repetitive seizures. Phase 1, now completed, used input from an advisory board (AB) of PWE, caregivers, and clinicians to adapt the …

The Impact Of Equine-Assisted Services Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Caitlyn Espinosa

Capstone Projects

The topic of this capstone project is the role of occupational therapy in Equine-Assisted Services. This field is currently dominated by physical therapy because occupational therapists report a lack of knowledge and training involving this unique treatment strategy. Another common issue for equine-assisted programs is funding because insurance often denies coverage for these unique and expensive services. Therefore, objectives for this project include development of three educational visuals, submission of three grant proposals, completion of two continuing education opportunities, and service provision. Results of this project include educational visuals on (1) the basics of Equine-Assisted Services, (2) the impact of …

Promoting Mental Wellness In Emergency Medical Service Students, Providers, And Their Support Systems Through Occupational Therapy, Morgan Gutzman

Capstone Projects

Emergency medical service (EMS) students and providers work in high-stakes and high-stress environments with limited education on how to manage the psychological toll of the job. Research shows that EMS providers have a higher prevalence of mental health struggles and suicide than the general population, which demonstrates the strong need for awareness, education, intervention, and stigma reduction. Occupational therapy (OT) is very capable of supporting this population through mental wellness education and awareness, occupational balance, and trauma-informed self-care strategies. One goal of this capstone project was to create and disseminate multimedia resources for EMS students, providers, and their support systems. …

(Woolly) Monkey Business Pre Release Behavioral Assessment Of A Semi-Wild Lagothrix Lagotricha Poeppigii Troop In The Ecuadorian Amazon., Peyton Munroe

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii are labelled as endangered with a decreasing population trend by the IUCN. Woolly monkeys are primarily frugivores and play an important role in seed dispersal in their territories. Their presence in an ecosystem supports plant growth significantly and their decreasing population presents a further risk of loss of biodiversity for the Ecuadorian Amazon.In this study a semi-wild troop of Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii, woolly monkeys, on Sumak Allpa island were assessed for their slated translocation to Limoncocha Biological Reserve in December. There are few guidelines for primate reintroductions that have been proven to predict success. As such, this …

Consumer Perceptions Of Hemp-Fed Aquaculture, Jillian Hyink, Brandon R. Mcfadden, Saroj Adhikari, Brandy E. Phipps, Tyler Mark, Waldemar Rossi, Craig Schluttenhofer, Seong D. Yun

Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

Global demand for seafood has increased significantly in recent decades and is projected to continue rising. Aquaculture production has increased in the United States and globally to meet this demand, offering a relatively sustainable supplement to wild fish supplies. However, increased production further strains natural populations of pelagic species used to make fishmeal and fish oil into feedstocks, raising production costs and introducing safety concerns associated with fish consumption. A potential alternative feed ingredient is hemp, which can provide a cost-effective and nutritious feed for carnivorous fish. Moreover, hemp could meet the requirements for the final product to carry a …

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter Newsletter, Issue #67 April 2025

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Newsletters

President's message, Deb VanOverbeke

Student awards: Outstanding Junior Lara Arnold, Outstanding Senior Emily Eilers, Graduate Award Caitlin Ross

Dues and membership information

Faculty awards: Research Award Samodha Fernando, Teaching Award Gary Sullivan, Extension Awards Jenny Nixon and Bijesh Maharjan, Award of Merit Mike Boehm

Gamma Sigma Delta committees 2025

Foundation fund information

New members inducted

In memoriam: Dorothy "Dotti" Mott Callahan (May 4, 1942-August 12, 2023); Frank Michael Zoz (November 5, 1936-December 9, 2023); Duane Calvin Acker (March 13, 1931-December 13, 2024); John C. Owens (1944-2024); Duane A. Olson (July 17, 1935-January 5, 2025); Roger W. Mandingo (April 21, 1939-January …

Understanding The Wellness Needs Of Black Men Student Athletes, Sephora Abigail Wawa-Egbuche

Dissertations (1934 -)

Race, ethnicity, and gender significantly impact the wellness of Black collegiate athletes, particularly males. However, the literature on the wellness of collegiate-level student-athletes highlights a lack of diversity in gender and racial/ethnic representation, often overlooking Black student-athletes, who form the second largest group in college sports (Boyd et al., 2017; Elder et al., 2014; NCAA, 2012). Notably, there is an underrepresentation of males (Hinton et al., 2004; Stickler et al., 2022). Additionally, the dearth of qualitative research on this issue is troubling, as such studies can provide deeper insights into these experiences (Biggerstaff, 2012). This qualitative, reflexive thematic analysis aimed …

What Happens When Teachers Explore Choice In Low-Choice Educational Environments? A Holistic Case Study On Classroom Autonomy., Jamie Renee Millican Johnson

Student Theses and Dissertations

Scripted curricula are standard in most classroom environments to provide classroom equity and standard alignment for student success. While scripted curricula are used in classrooms, student achievement is stagnant. The purpose of this holistic case study is to examine how teachers who work within the constraints of a mandated curriculum plan find and enact ways to offer students choices. It will assess whether teachers observe a shift in students’ attitudes, engagement, and motivation as their teachers participate in such work. This study will explore the significance of choice through nine teachers' experiences in book study sessions on classroom choice and …

Subacute Neuropathy Post-Liver Transplantation In Zellweger Spectrum Disorder: A Case Report, Clarissa Gonzalez, Madelyn J Cohen, Juhee Hong, Daniel Calame, Kavitha Marri, Sanjiv Harpavat, Michael F Wangler, Krupa Mysore

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Peroxisome biogenesis disorders-Zellweger spectrum disorder (PBD-ZSD) is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the genes involved in peroxisome biogenesis. PBD-ZSD presentations vary in severity, and treatment of PBD-ZSD remains supportive focused on specific complications. A few reported cases of the use of liver transplantation to treat either neurological symptoms or liver dysfunction and cirrhosis in PBD-ZSD have been published. In this case report, we document the course of a 16-year-old boy diagnosed with PBD-ZSD and a delayed and unexpected neuropathy that developed after undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for which the indication was liver cirrhosis. Following OLT, the …

Achieving Total Health Using Food To Heal: A Podcast On A Holistic Approach To Nutrition, Taylor Sharer

Senior Theses

Nutrition is the key to a healthy and happy life. In a world where chronic, avoidable diseases are the leading cause of death, it is necessary to educate the public on how they can improve their overall health and wellbeing using food. Every aspect of health is interconnected, and what we eat can create massive changes in our health. My project focuses on holistic nutrition, providing an easily accessible, science-based and informative discourse about how to reach health and wellness goals through a podcast. Using personalized experience combined with current research, I discuss topics such as whole foods, individualized nutrition, …

How Do Children Learn How To Learn? Promoting Early Development At Home Through Play: A Scoping Review, Annika J. Larson

Senior Theses

Early childhood is a critical time in human development, during which children are discovering and practicing countless skills, from basic motor and language skills to problem-solving, self-regulation, memory, and other foundational abilities like literacy and math skills. From infancy through childhood, play is thought to be the primary condition under which most early skills are developed and perfected. During this time, young children are especially vulnerable to adversity and negative environmental influences due to their brains’ high plasticity; adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact an individual well beyond early childhood, specifically in early skills deficits. Play is known to be a …

Examining Genomic Islands To Trace The Evolution Of The Urinary Microbiome, Elena G. Renshaw

Senior Theses

There has been a longstanding misconception that the healthy human urinary tract is sterile; however, increasing evidence demonstrates the presence of a dynamic resident urinary microbiota. Emerging research suggests that the urinary microbiota plays a protective role against urological symptoms and infection, but interactions between urinary bacterial species remain understudied. Genomic islands (GIs) are large DNA segments acquired through horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and can provide fitness advantages, particularly to uropathogens. This research utilizes 1,301 genome sequences isolated from urine samples representing the bacterial diversity found within the human urinary tract. GIs were annotated using IslandViewer 4 and TreasureIsland. …

Play With Purpose? Examining How Structured And Unstructured Play Shape Learning And Behavior In Elementary School, Izabela Gaworski

Honors Theses

This study explores various factors that impact elementary students' academic performance and behavior in Kentucky classrooms, with an emphasis on the effects of structured and unstructured breaks. This research analyzes key challenges and opportunities within the state's education system by examining the influence of physical activity, different types of play in classroom environments, structured/unstructured activity procedures, and instructional methods and perspectives on student outcomes. Surveys were distributed to educators from urban, suburban, and rural schools across Kentucky. Educators shared their perspectives on student engagement, classroom behavior, academic achievement, and the effectiveness of different instructional strategies through structured and unstructured play. …

Itihas Vol. 25 Issue No. 2, Sastra Univ

ITIHAS

NEWSLETTER FROM SASTRA DEEMED UNIVERSITY

Approved Programs 4-1-25, Angela Brock

Programs Committee (PC)

No abstract provided.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Assessing Risk And Preventing Vision Loss, Sandra Piedra

Cohort XIII

Introduction/Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the United States. In 2021, an estimated 9.60 million people were living with diabetic retinopathy in the United States and this number is projected to triple by 2050 (Lundeen et al., 2023). Early detection and timely treatment can prevent 95% of diabetes related eye disease, however many patients are unaware that they have this preventable, vision-threatening disease and between 50-60% of patients with diabetes do not adhere to the recommended yearly eye screening exam (National Eye Institute, 2024).

Problem: …

Brief: Improving Health And Dental Care Access In North Dakota, Evaluation Of Medical Dental Integration 2023, Shawnda Schroeder, Tonya Connor

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

This brief highlights the success of medical dental integration at one health center in North Dakota. The hygienists, within the healthcare clinic, provided dental screening, fluoride varnish application, and oral health education for patients and their families. In the 30-months of services, the hygienist completed 1,385 dental screenings for eligible patients.

Application Of Analytical Methodologies To The Analysis Of Food Flavoring Agents: Part Iii, Samantha Ruano, Bryant Corbin, Moorea Whitfield, Melissa C. Rhoten

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Untreated Caries And Caries-Risk Improvement In An Elementary-School-Based Comprehensive Dental Care Program, John-Vincent Quiao D.D.S., Gavin To, Dahea Ham, Courtney H. Chinn Dds, Mph, Elizabeth Best M.P.H., Rose Amable D.D.S.

The New York State Dental Journal

Purpose: This retrospective chart review explored differences in initial exam caries-risk assessment and mean change in untreated carious teeth at 18-month recall.

Methods: Five years of clinical records from two school site locations were reviewed. Bivariate analysis (t-test) was used.

Results: A total of 150 charts satisfied the inclusion criteria. Average caries-risk score at initial exam was significantly higher in Asians compared to non-Asians.

Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that Asian subjects show a higher initial risk assessment score. There was no significant difference in untreated caries by treatment location, which demonstrates the efficacy of school-based programs.

Improving Fluid And Electrolyte Intake In Chronic Kidney Disease (Ckd) Patients: Integrating A Mobile Application, Wubit Tilahun Raru Crnp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Managing fluid and electrolyte intake poses a significant challenge for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients, resulting in health complications, preventable hospitalizations, and increased healthcare costs.

Aim/Objectives: This project aimed to use the KidneyDiet mobile application to improve fluid, electrolyte, and weight management and reduce hospitalizations in CKD patients and assess patient satisfaction with the app.

Methods: The project involved 33 adult CKD stage 4 and 5 patients identified at one primary care practice, with 18 attending application training. Eight active participants utilized the app to track daily intake of fluid, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus over 30–90 days. Data on …