Digital Commons Network^™

Implementing Breast Milk Expression Education Protocol: A Quality Improvement, Brenda Balarezo

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: Prematurity related complications (PRC) are the second leading cause of death for children under the age of five. Breast milk (BM) contains bio-actives that reduce PRC. However, delayed BM expression (BME) reduces BM availability. Adherence to Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative’s recommendation for BME within 6 hours in mothers of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants remain poor without a standardized BME protocol.

Purpose: To increase the percentage of NICU mothers initiating BME within 6 hours of birth. To educate labor and delivery nursing staff on early BME.

Methods: The Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Model for Improvement Plan-Do-Study-Act …

An Exploration Of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels After Unstable Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures In Community-Dwelling Elderly, Hakan Zora, Gökhan Bayrak

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: Inadequate vitamin D is related to increased fall risk, which leads to hip fractures among the elderly. Therefore, this study aimed to explore vitamin D levels and the variables potentially influencing the total hospitalization time of community-dwelling elderly patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Methods: Between 2020-2024, 75 elderly patients treated with total hip replacement (THR) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the deficient (<20 ng/mL, n=46), insufficient (20 to 29.99 ng/mL, n=16), and normal (≥30 ng/mL, n=13) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) groups. Presence of delirium status, postoperative intensive care entrance, number of chronic diseases, preoperative waiting, and total hospitalization time after THR were recorded. Results: The cohorts’ mean serum 25(OH)D level was 20.11ng/mL. The deficient, insufficient, and normal serum 25(OH)D level groups displayed no significant difference in the postoperative intensive care entrance ( p =0.547) and the presence of delirium ( p =0.947). The multiple linear regression model indicated that elderly patients’ total hospitalization increases with the coefficients as the preoperative waiting time (β=0.466, p =0.001) and the number of chronic diseases (β=0.263, p =0.011) increase. Serum 25(OH)D level did not impact patients’ total hospitalization time (β=-0.072, p =0.474). Conclusion: This study indicated that community-dwelling elderly patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures had significantly decreased serum 25(OH)D levels. Reducing preoperative waiting time and monitoring and addressing chronic diseases may decrease total hospitalization. Efforts should focus on achieving and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through supplementation post-hospitalization.

Associations Between B Vitamin Interactions With Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Cognitive Function Among Cognitively Healthy Older People As Modified By Amyloid Status And Sex, Chuliang Zhao, Karen A. Abbott, Chinedu Momoh, Geraint Price, Oliver J. K. Robinson, Sujin Kang, Celeste A. De Jager Loots

Brain and Mind Institute

Background/Objectives: Nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate (B9), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may independently influence cognitive health, but their combined effects and interactions remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of B12, folate, and PUFAs, including their interactions, on cognitive function in cognitively healthy older adults, considering effect modification by sex and amyloid-beta status.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 321 participants aged 60–85 y enrolled in the UK CHARIOT–PRO SubStudy. Dietary intake was assessed using the Scottish Collaborative Group Food Frequency Questionnaire, and cognitive performance was measured via the Repeatable Battery …

Nature-Based Education In A Student-Led Environment: A Program Proposal, Cynthia Duus

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This abstract explores the development of documents to be used for the proposal of a nature-based education program for students in grades kindergarten through second grade. This program is grounded in the principles of student-led learning and the nature-human connection. There is a growing body of research that indicates that exposure to natural environments correlates with significant improvement in the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development in children. By combining outdoor education experiences with student-led learning, the program fosters confidence, self-direction, and a lasting connection to the natural world. The program is structured around thematic, inquiry-driven units that can be designed …

The Essential Role Of Federal Government In Education: Protecting Rural Schools And Communities, Steven L. Johnson

The Rural Educator

No abstract provided.

Electronic Resources Updates - 2025 Q1, Brigitte Galauner, Gregg Harris

Electronic Resources Quarterly Updates

No abstract provided.

Developing And Refining Eco-Friendly Messaging To Reduce Sugary Drink Consumption Among African American Children In Washington D.C., Bitanya M. Berhane, Sarah Patton, Rebecca Fallick, Jasmine Charter-Harris, William D. Evans, Nia I. Bodrick, Allison C. Sylvetsky

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

Nourish Gw: Associations Between Food Insecurity And Self-Perceived Physical And Mental Health Among Gw Students, Lily Amorosino, Mackenzie Konyar, Aditi Venkateswaran, Sean Watley, Grace Jordan, Kaleigh Stegman, Andrew Sonn, Jennifer Sacheck, Gabby Headrick

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

A Systems Theory Of Tort Law: Reevaluating The Case Against “Regulation By Litigation”, Timothy D. Lytton

Missouri Law Review

For decades, critics of tort law have argued that lawsuits are a poor substitute for government regulation. These detractors compare the institutional capacities of courts and agencies, and they conclude that litigation is ineffective, inefficient, and illegitimate as an alternative to notice-and-comment rulemaking. In response, this Article asserts that characterizing tort law and administrative regulation as alternatives obscures their interdependence. By using systems theory to model this interdependence, the Article argues that any fair-minded assessment of tort litigation’s contribution to regulatory governance requires understanding it as part of a system. Ignoring the systemic impacts of tort litigation overlooks the subtle …

Cultivating Community And Commerce: A Summary Of The Statewide Social And Economic Impacts Of Utah Farmers Markets, Jaclyn Pace, Bryn Watkins, Roslynn Mccann, Steven Price

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Data collected from six markets throughout the market seasons between 2023 and 2024 highlights the transformative impact of Utah’s farmers’ markets on the state’s economy, health, and sense of community. According to market patrons, Utah’s farmers' markets are vital economic and social hubs supporting local agriculture, small businesses, and community well-being.

College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, Spring 2025, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

Page 1 Dean's Message from Dr. Sen Subramanian
Page 2 Student Spotlights
Page 3 Kaushik honored, Three-Minute Thesis, & Ice Cores revealed
Page 4 Alumni Spotlight
Page 5 Day of Scholars
Page 6 Cyanide research, Record Research Expenditures, Adhikari awarded Miller Research Award
Page 8 Hanson Receives NSF Grant
Page 9 Snow Lab Research Team
Page 10 Faculty Awards
Page 11 Drone Day
Page 13 Khalaf Awarded Presidential Award

Building Online Digital Resources For Project-Based Learning Assignments, Roisin Burke, Ronan Donnelly

Case studies: Digital Education

TU Dublin’s School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology is a partner of the EU+ Tradinnovations project. which focuses on the study of recipes using project-based learning in an interdisciplinary environment. As part of the Tradinnovations project students and staff from EU partners in the disciplines of Food science, Nutrition, Food Engineering and the Social Sciences and Humanities work on project-based learning topics which aim to support innovation within the local food heritage of each country and adapt these recipes to specific vulnerable populations needs (malnutrition among elderly and Alzheimer population, challenges in obesity among young people, dietary needs of …

Electronic Hearing Protection: Advancements And Applications, Amanda Mattei

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) represents a significant and irreversible public health concern and is classified as the most prevalent occupational illness in the United States (Masterson et al., 2013). Prolonged exposure to hazardous noise levels precipitates auditory impairment and correlates with other comorbid health risks, including tinnitus (Tufts & Berger, 2022). While traditional hearing protection devices (HPDs) have been implemented extensively to mitigate NIHL, persistent issues such as user discomfort, barriers to effective communication, and compromised situational awareness impede their optimal utilization (Melamed et al., 1994; Neitzel & Seixas, 2005).

Recent innovations in electronic HPDs have emerged, targeting these limitations …

Obstacles And Opportunities In Marine Mammal Care And Welfare : Insights From Trainer, Heather Hill, Megan Davis, Sabrina Brando

Presentations - 2025

No abstract provided.

Detection Of Microplastics In The Hindgut Content Of Zophobasmoriolarvae, Zoey Drexler

Posters - 2025

Microplastic and nanoplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, with potential impacts on soil ecosystems and the organisms within them. Insects play a crucial role in soil health, and their digestive processes may influence the fate of microplastics in terrestrial environments.

Detection of micro- and nano-plastic particles in complex mixtures such as soil, sediments, and feces is difficult because these small particles often resemble particles of mineral or organic materials. One way to visualize them more specifically is by using Nile Red, a stain which is a dull blue when in aqueous on hydrophilic conditions, but which fluoresces bright red …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Physical Activity, Physical Function, And Psychological Health, Lauren Opielinski

Dissertations (1934 -)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Long COVID is secondary to an acute COVID-19 infection and is characterized by chronic symptoms that persist for >3 months after initial infection with minimal information about the mechanisms and who is most vulnerable. Further, the protective effects of physical activity (PA) on the acute symptoms of COVID-19 and persistent symptoms of Long COVID are not known. The purpose of this dissertation was to determine (1) PA levels before, and after COVID-19 infection, and the persistent effects of COVID-19 on (2) physical function and (3) psychological health in non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. We …

Novel Approaches To Analyze Consumer Behavior And Policies To Promote Sustainable Consumption, Bhagyashree Katare, Xuejian Wang, Shuoli Zhao, Jacqueline Yenerall

Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

Technological advancements, such as online grocery shopping, have significantly transformed consumer retail environments and experiences. Effectively studying consumer behavior in these new environments requires the use of novel methodological approaches, which will also aid in developing interventions to encourage sustainable consumption. This paper begins by providing an overview of the current literature on novel approaches to analyzing consumer behavior, then provides an empirical application by examining consumer decision-making pathways within an online grocery shopping platform. Specifically, the paper focuses on exploring the consumers’ digital footprints, such as page visits, product additions and removals, and interactions with information labels to identify …

Rationing Hunger: The Gendered Consequences Of India's Public Distribution System, Krisha Silwal

Audre Lorde Prize

This paper examines how the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, while introduced to address hunger and food insecurity, displaces women from traditional farming, weakens their nutritional autonomy, and erases their cultural roles in food systems. The focus on subsidized rice and wheat benefits male landowners and excludes women, especially Dalit and Adivasi farmers, from agricultural decision-making. Drawing on a grassroots initiative led by Dalit women in Zaheerabad, the paper highlights how community-driven, decentralized food systems rooted in women’s knowledge can improve food security and restore autonomy. It calls for a reimagined PDS that centers women’s lived experiences and leadership.

Sacred Oath Of Healing - Volume 9

be Still

No abstract provided.

A Child’S Oath, Nozimakhon K. Omonullaeva

be Still

"A Child's Oath" reflects the transformative journey of a young girl shaped by her personal experiences with healthcare inequities, both in her home country of Uzbekistan and in the United States. This piece explores the emotional impact of these experiences and how they inspired a lifelong commitment to healing and serving underserved communities. It is a testament to the resilience born from hardship and the sacred promise to bring compassion and equity to medicine.

The Heart Of Healing, Madison Prieto

be Still

No abstract provided.

Frankenstein Colorized, Marianne Koleng

be Still

One of my favorite novel's growing up was Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I see Frankenstein's desire to create a "Monster" as a way to grasp at the fundamental human drive for connection, and healing through connection. In this piece, I attempt to bring that inner yearning for fundamental connection to paper.

Beyond Myself - Healing Through Pain, Marianne Koleng

be Still

In this piece I reflect on the importance of setbacks, non-linear growth, injuries, and pain and their ability to provide self-reflection, a platform for growth, and an crucial reminder of the fragility of life. I have often been self-critical for not following a "traditional" path in life, and reflecting on my experiences allows me to show myself grace and hopefully may influence others to do so as well.

Death Is Not The End, Marianne Koleng

be Still

In this piece, Death is Not the End, the juxtaposition of maintaining a connection with those lost, while simultaneously adjusting to life without them is explored. The use of mixed media to convey a spectrum of emotions surrounding death along with the use of both a skeleton, to represent death, and "normal" hands and body contours to represent life, highlight the importance that proper healing play in both mourning and celebrating life.

Health And Mission: Cross-Cultural Perspectives, Katia G. Reinert

Post Doctoral Fellowship

No abstract

Experiences And Attitudes Of Caregivers During Mealtimes In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder At A Tertiary Facility In Kenya., Lynnette Muthoni Mwangi

Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: - ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions and communication along with restrictive and repetitive behaviours affecting 1 in 100 children globally, with a higher prevalence in males. Despite the rising global statistics, there is limited information regarding the prevalence of ASD in Sub-Saharan Africa. Children with ASD often experience feeding challenges, which have been broadly categorized as food selectivity, food refusal, and disruptive mealtime behaviour, which poses challenges for caregivers during mealtime. While medical management of ASD receives considerable attention, less focus has been placed on the impact of ASD on caregivers and …

Transdisciplinary Collaborations For Advancing Sustainable And Resilient Agricultural Systems, Brooke Mayer

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Feeding the growing human population sustainably amidst climate change is one of the most important challenges in the 21st century. Current practices often lead to the overuse of agronomic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and water, resulting in environmental contamination and diminishing returns on crop productivity. The complexity of agricultural systems, involving plant-environment interactions and human management, presents significant scientific and technical challenges for developing sustainable practices. Addressing these challenges necessitates transdisciplinary research, involving intense collaboration among fields such as plant science, engineering, computer science, and social sciences. Five case studies are presented here demonstrating successful transdisciplinary approaches toward more …

Leveraging Background Knowledge For Science Success: A Sheltered Instruction Observational Protocol And Next Generation Science Standards Framework, Emily Meyer

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Science teachers can find it challenging to find a framework to bridge the gap between students' background knowledge and lesson objectives. I aimed to answer this question: how can science teachers use the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) model framework to help students bridge the gap between background knowledge and scientific academic language and content. The literature highlights the importance of accessing this background knowledge, illustrating its potential to bridge students to advanced language and science content objectives. This paper and four-session professional development focus on: assessing and building background knowledge in students, Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary to …

Implementation And Dissemination Of The 'About Eating' Program: Evaluating Participant Engagement, Usability, And Module Interest, Justin Konrad Walker

Theses

Abstract Background: Online nutrition education can improve food choices among underserved populations. The About Eating New York (AENY) program is a web-based, self-paced series of modules designed to enhance nutritional literacy, resource management, and confidence in healthy eating. Leveraging dissemination and implementation (D&I) science, AE partnered with community organizations across New York’s ten fiscal regions to extend its reach. Methods: This study analyzed secondary data from the AENY dissemination effort. Participants were recruited via social media and community organizations. Pre- and post-program surveys and end-of-lesson surveys assessed demographics, engagement, and perceptions of usability. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVAs, …

Beyond The Food: A Scoping Review Of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (Arfid)'S Comorbidities, Nutrition, And Growth Outcomes, Emily Szewczyk

Theses

Objective A scoping review design was chosen for this study to appropriately assess and understand the knowledge on ARFID and to identify psychological or developmental comorbidities, growth outcomes, and nutrient deficiencies and/or excesses in children and adolescents. Introduction Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new eating disorder, characterized by the DSM-5 in 2013.1 Individuals with ARFID exhibit selective eating due to lack of interest in eating food, sensory sensitivity, or a fear of possible vomiting or choking.2 The malnutrition seen in individuals with ARFID can result in physical health complications including weight loss, malnutrition, growth delay, decreased bone …