Digital Commons Network^™

Attendance Of College Recreation Centers: An Analysis Of College Recreation Centers Attendance Benefit To College Age Students, Evan Strahan

Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine the numerous factors and barriers that would cause an individual to use or not to use their campus recreation center. The results will provide management plans for the service provider based on the secondary data analysis. College recreation facilities are at the center of universities. They are a place where all students are welcome and can use during their free time. There are several reasons a person would go to a recreation center. There is something that everyone can do, which is why it is so important that recreation centers are used …

Neuroimmune Toll-Like Receptor Signaling Modulates C. Elegans Feeding Behavior In A Hunger State-Dependent Manner, Retwika Ganguly

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Animals face the risk of encountering pathogenic microbes while searching for nutritive resources. Assessing the interplay between the benefits of nutrition vs. the risk of infection might influence the behavioral regulation of immune processes. In Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a nematode roundworm, behavioral immunity is partially regulated by the innate immune molecule TOL-1: a homolog of vertebrate Toll-like Receptor (TLR) proteins. TOL-1 influences C. elegans pathogen avoidance behaviors by promoting the development of CO2-detecting chemosensory neurons, which detect a signal linked to the presence of harmful pathogens. While TOL-1′s role in pathogen avoidance is well established, its impact in an …

Quantitative Preventive Approaches To Diabetes: Mathematical Modeling And Analysis, Rushi P. Bhatt

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The rising prevalence of diabetes presents a pressing global health concern, necessitating effective control strategies. This study aims to construct a mathematical model to analyze the influence of diverse factors on blood sugar levels, with a focus on identifying optimal methods for maintaining healthy glucose levels. Employing ordinary differential equations (ODE), the model investigates variables including leptin resistance, fat mass, glucose, insulin resistance, beta cell mass, daily physical activity, and dietary intake. Utilizing parameter estimates from existing literature, the model’s framework is established, and simulation results elucidate the intricate interplay between lifestyle choices and blood glucose dynamics. Furthermore, the model …

Examining The Relationship Between Cognitive Auditory Processing And Sex Hormones, Trey A. Cline

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Estrogen and progesterone have demonstrated modulatory effects on central auditory nervous system (CANS) function. Post-menopausal females often present to audiology clinics with complaints of difficulty hearing in background noise. However, these individuals often have normal peripheral hearing sensitivity on standard audiometry. Previous studies using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) in post-menopausal females demonstrated longer response latencies compared to their premenopausal counterparts, suggesting that sound does not transmit through the CANS as efficiently. However, to date, the available literature focused on sex hormones and the CANS relies mainly on objective measures, predominantly the ABR. The ABR reflects physiologic function through the …

In Support Of Free Speech On Food Production, Nicole Ligon

Scholarly Works

In May 2024, Florida and Alabama became the first states to ban the production and sale of lab-grown meat. Driven by a desire to protect the traditional agriculture industry, these new laws impose severe penalties on anyone found to have even stored lab-grown meat products in their home. The legislation follows in the footsteps of other laws aimed at offering the traditional agriculture industry additional protections. Florida, Alabama, and eleven other states already have “food disparagement laws” that make it easier to punish critics of traditional agriculture companies. Additionally, six states, including Alabama, currently have laws aimed at stifling undercover …

A New Risk Assessment Scale For Pressure Injuries In The Icu: The M.D.R. Scale, Ann Murdock, Andrea Daily, Deb Reilly, Shih-Ting Chiu

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Addressing Housing As A Health-Related Social Need: Insights From A Medicaid Housing Pilot In Oregon, Megan Holtorf, Benjamin Gronowski

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Experiences And Impacts Of A Hospital-Based, Spanish-Language Teaching Kitchen And Garden On Staff And Participants, Sarah E Roth, Benjamin Gronowski, Heidi Davis

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Impact Of Stress First Aid Programs In A Primary Care Setting, Ryan Marler

DNP Projects

Background: Prolonged stress in healthcare workers (HCWs) can lead to burnout and absenteeism. High stress also negatively impacts work productivity and healthcare quality. The Stress First Aid (SFA) program aims to improve recovery from stress among HCWs. Chronic stress is evident in primary care clinics, where absenteeism and burnout symptoms have increased.

Purpose: This project aimed to evaluate the SFA program's effectiveness in reducing burnout and absenteeism and improving healthcare workers (HCW) knowledge of stress and available resources at University of Kentucky Healthcare (UKHC).

Methods: A quasi-experimental quality improvement project included pre- and post-education surveys, an SFA education session, and …

The Paradox Of Survival: Gendered Food Insecurity, Labor Inequalities, And Coping Strategies During The 2023/4 Drought In Eastern Ethiopia, Meron E. Lemma

Theses and Dissertations--Geography

In drought-prone regions of Eastern Ethiopia, recurring droughts profoundly reshape everyday life in ways that deepen existing gendered inequalities. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Fedis district, including semi-structured interviews with women, project implementers, and government officials, as well as group discussions with community members, this study explores how women experience, navigate, and resist the gendered impacts of drought. By attending to the sociopolitical dynamics of drought and the development interventions that accompany it, I analyze how these forces restructure labor, land, food systems, and authority in ways that reproduce and exacerbate existing inequalities. Women’s coping strategies, ranging from begging and …

Effect Of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy On Milk Quality In Organic Dairy Cows, Kayla A. Young

Honors Theses and Capstones

Organic dairy systems are limited when it comes to the use of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals which creates opportunities to explore alternative treatments to promote cow health. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), a form of electromagnetic stimulation, promotes various types of healing for both animal and human medicine. Our objective was to explore the effect of PEMF on milk yield and composition in organic dairy cows. Mid-lactation Jersey cows (n = 35) of various parities were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) control (CON; n = 12); no PEMF, 2) once daily PEMF (PEMF1; n = 12), …

Investigating The Sequence Requirements For Translation Initiation By Viral Internal Ribosome Entry Sites, Sabrina Gulli Grunseich

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

Protein synthesis is both essential and highly regulated. This process is complex and requires the concerted effort of many protein factors. Some viruses have evolved ways to co-opt host translation during initiation by using internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs). These structured RNAs allow the virus to bind to the host's ribosome in the absence of canonical requirements. This dissertation focuses on relating the sequence of viral IRES elements to their role in initiating translation. The Cricket Paralysis Virus (CrPV) IRES is short, uses a simple mechanism, and can function in diverse cell-free systems making it a useful tool to study …

Cure Newsletter Volume 4 Issue 2, Department Of Oncology

Cancer Updates Research & Education (CURE) Archives

• Message from the Chair
• Conferences & Workshops
• Conferences & Workshops
• Invited Talk
• Events and Celebrations
• Umeed Parr
• Awards and Achievements
• Oncology Social Media
• Oncology CPSP
• Residents & Fellows
• Spotlight on Faculty Contributions
• Nursing Oncology
• Nursing Awards Oncology Appreciation Evening 2024
• Upcoming Events Oncology
• Appointments
• Promotions
• Publications

Perception Of Middle School Counselors About How To Increase The Enrollment Of Minority Students, Specifically African American And Hispanic, In The Health Science Curriculum At Empire High School, Charles S. Robertson

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study explored the perceptions of middle school counselors regarding strategies to increase enrollment of minority students, specifically African American and Hispanic, in the health science curriculum at Empire High School. Utilizing a mixed methods convergent parallel design, this research integrated both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of counselor viewpoints, existing barriers, and potential solutions. Lewin’s Change Model, as outlined by Burnes (2019), provided the theoretical framework for the analysis, guiding it through the stages of unfreezing existing mindsets, implementing change, and refreezing new practices. Quantitative data were collected via surveys administered to middle school counselors …

A Phenomenological Exploration Of Students' Perceptions Of Social-Emotional Factors In Teacher-Student Relationships And Its Impact On Academic Achievement Of Impoverished High School Youth, Jeannine L. Carrington

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of former students from a Title I high school in a disadvantaged urban community, focusing on how socio-emotional factors in teacher-student relationships influenced academic achievement. Grounded in Bandura’s (1977) social learning theory and the CASEL (2017) social-emotional learning (SEL) framework, the study examined how teacher encouragement, emotional support, and expectations impacted student motivation and persistence. Twenty alumni participated in semi-structured interviews, analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: teacher encouragement, emotional support, high expectations, cultural awareness, and long-term impact. Findings suggest that emotionally supportive, trusting relationships foster self-efficacy, engagement, and …

Teacher And Parent Perspectives Of Young Children's Development Since The Covid-19 Pandemic In A Rural Public School District, Regina L. Lineback

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Face to face education for young children was interrupted in March of 2020 due to mandatory school closures precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual learning was forced upon teachers and students at a time when many families and teachers had limited or no access to internet. When face to face learning resumed, teachers and students were required to wear facial masks and maintain social distancing protocols. This study sought to explore teacher and parent perspectives of young children’s development in a rural public school district since the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study was completed using teacher interviews, a teacher focus …

Development Of The Human Brain Networks During Infancy, Huili Sun

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

In early infancy, the human brain undergoes rapid network construction and remodeling. Advances in neuroimaging have made non-invasive, in-vivo observation of these brain changes possible during the perinatal period. However, how the brain develops to support dynamic activity and cognitive function remains unclear. In this thesis, I leverage the network control theory to model brain controllability - the capacity to drive activity changes - and examine its role in neurodevelopment. I first outline the developmental trajectories of controllability during the perinatal period and link them to synaptogenesis with cross-species models. Next, I introduce a machine-learning framework to explore how white …

Exploration Of The Mechanisms Regulating Genomic Stability In Plants, Wenxin Yuan

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

Genomic stability is a cornerstone of cellular integrity, with implications spanning genetic engineering, epigenetic regulation, and disease modeling. However, most studies rely on yeast or mammalian models, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of plant chromatin biology and genome stability mechanisms. Exploring the conserved and divergent processes regulating genome stability in plants has become increasingly important, especially as global climate change threatens crop yields and biodiversity. Furthermore, the developmental resilience of plants provides a unique opportunity to study genes essential in mammals, offering translational insights for agriculture and human health. This dissertation investigates the molecular and genetic mechanisms underpinning T-DNA …

From Individuals To Ecosystems: The Role Of Intraspecific Variation And Phenotypic Plasticity In Ecosystem Function, Nathalie Rose Sommer

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

Understanding how organisms shape ecosystems is a central goal of ecology, particularly in an era of rapid environmental change. While ecosystem models have traditionally emphasized species-level diversity and abiotic controls, this dissertation provides evidence that trait variation within species—driven by phenotypic plasticity and transgenerational effects—can have consequences for ecosystem structure and function. Intraspecific variation is increasingly recognized as a key component of biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships, yet its effects remain underrepresented in empirical studies and predictive frameworks. By integrating multigenerational field experiments, multi-trait assessments, and detailed ecosystem measurements in a long-term, well-characterized study system, this dissertation bridges evolutionary ecology and ecosystem …

A Program Evaluation Of Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports In A Rural Title I Elementary School, Thomasina L. Curenton

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study evaluated the implementation and effectiveness of a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in a rural Title I elementary school. PBIS, multi-tiered framework, uses proactive strategies to enhance academic and behavioral outcomes. While effective in fostering positive school climates and reducing exclusionary discipline, implementation fidelity remains challenging, particularly in resource-constrained school settings. Teachers often face barriers like insufficient training and resources. Using a mixed methods approach, this study analyzed PBIS’s impact on student behavior, teacher preparedness, and school climate. Quantitative data included office discipline referrals and teacher surveys, while qualitative data were gathered through interviews and focus groups. …

Postpartum Depression In Adolescent Mothers: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Screening Tools, Social And Cultural Interventions, Ysabella M. Co

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Pregnancies among adolescents is often an outcome of improper sex education and understanding. It is vital to provide mothers with the proper medical care and resources throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period to prevent any risks or harm from occurring. With the complexities and stressors of pregnancy at such a young age, it is important for healthcare to provide resources regarding postnatal depression diagnoses and interventions, especially to a population that is at risk for mental health issues. Objective: To provide adolescent mothers thorough medical care and lessen the risk of experiencing postpartum depression. By providing frequent …

Evaluating The Mental Health Of Newly Graduated Nurses In Transition From Undergraduate Training To Professional Practice, Victor Louis C. Alinas

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: There is an increasing demand for nurses worldwide as healthcare systems slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, there is a high turnover of registered nurses and an even higher turnover in the demographic of newly graduated nurses. Newly graduated nurses (NGNs) are constantly faced with high levels of stress upon starting out in the professional environment and as a result of mental burnout and inadequate preparation, there is a notably high turnover of newly graduated nurses within their first year of employment. Purpose: This research aims to use existing information on the transition from undergraduate training to professional …

Paternal Negative Lifestyle Choices Affect On Maternal Pregnancy And Birth Outcomes: Bmi, Smoking, Drinking, Domestic Violence, Partner Involvement, Estrella Lopez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Paternal lifestyle choices are often overlooked yet are a crucial factor in maternal pregnancy and fetal outcomes. While maternal health behaviors have been the primary focus that determines a healthy pregnancy and child outcomes, this thesis explores how a paternal's (father's) harmful behaviors such as high body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, alcohol consumption, exposure to domestic violence, and lack of partner involvement, can contribute to diminishing the health of both mother and baby. After analyzing six research articles, this thesis revealed how a father's negative lifestyle choices affect maternal pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Using a quantitative, non-experimental descriptive design, …

Optimizing Endogenous Glp-1 Holistically: A Nursing Led Approach To Sustainable Weight Loss Without Glp-1 Agonist Use, Taylee A. Carscadden

Nursing | Senior Theses

The increase in off-label Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs, such as semaglutide (Ozempic), for weight loss has sparked concern in regards to the not fully understood drug outcomes and safety. GLP-1 agonists were originally developed to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, but have been widely prescribed for obesity management despite minimal research on prolonged use in non-diabetic patients. This study explores how off-label use of GLP-1 agonist drugs exacerbate various adverse health outcomes, highlighting gastrointestinal complications, and the very possible dependency on drugs for weight management. It will also examine the efficacy of nursing-led education on the implementation of …

Evaluating Pulmonary Tuberculosis Knowledge Deficits Among Nursing Students In The United States, Jamie Lynn Woo

Nursing | Senior Theses

The healthcare field consistently faces patients with a wide range of diseases and illnesses. Pulmonary Tuberculosis is an infectious lung disease with established tools to prevent, detect, and treat it. Yet, there has been a significant rise in cases within the past year. Amidst this troubling situation, it is crucial that all healthcare workers, nursing students, and nurses in particular, are properly educated on caring for TB patients. This research proposal aims to determine if there are TB treatment knowledge gaps among nursing students in the United States by conducting a 20-question survey utilizing the Likert Scale. If results show …

Nurses’ Perception On The Gut-Brain Axis And Its Implications On Mental Health, Geethika Manoj, Celine Bautista

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Most medical interventions recommended for patients with anxiety and depression include pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. Thus, undermining the existence of modifiable risk factors, such as diet. Despite being an area of growing research, the gut-brain axis is a very broad topic among the healthcare field. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate registered nurses’ perceptions and understanding of the gut-brain axis and its implications for mental health management. Methods: This proposed exploratory descriptive study will conduct research among fifteen registered nurses, each with at least two years of experience in specialties such as gastroenterology, psychiatry, or hospital …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Postpartum Depression And Suicide Prevention In Asian Women, Emily Tan

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

This paper examines the impact of a culturally centered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and postpartum depression (PPD) education on reducing PPD which will prevent maternal suicide among Asian American mothers. There is stigma around PPD among Asian American mothers, and there’s a lack of research on culturally sensitive interventions. This emphasized the need for nurses to promote help-seeking practices and reduce mental health stigma in this community.

Methods

This quantitative true experimental design aims to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally competent CBT in reducing PPD thus ultimately decreasing maternal suicide. The sample will consist of 120 postpartum Asian American …

Optimizing Discharge Education For Patients With Heart Failure, Connie-Rose Pangan

Nursing | Senior Theses

Noncompliance can be a result of a lack of comprehension of discharge instructions and a lack of concise, effective educational resources. Due to this deficit, patients with heart failure are less likely to comply with their discharge protocol and are therefore more likely to be readmitted to the hospital. The aim of the study is to consolidate a teaching method that accommodates one's existing educational barriers, implement follow-up to increase knowledge retention and improve self care, and prevent readmission among HF patients. Two hundred hospitalized, English-speaking patients with heart failure above 65 years old across 20 US Hospitals will be …

Impact Of Whole Foods Diet On Cognitive Functions In Children From Low-Income Families With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd), Jasmine Le

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

Current studies have examined dietary interventions for ADHD, emphasizing the value of good nutrition, the lack of nutritional foods in schools, and the difficulties low-income families have finding healthy options. Nutritious food has been shown to enhance cognitive abilities, yet many low-income households still lack access to it. This quantitative research will provide vital information for nurses and healthcare professionals on how they can assist these populations.

Methods

A quantitative randomized controlled design study will be conducted, with students separated into an experimental and control group. The objective will be to evaluate the effects of nursing nutrition education and …

Reducing Levels Of Compassion Fatigue Among Generation Z Hospital Nurses, Kailani Yee

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Compassion fatigue is a critical issue and one of the many difficulties encompassed within the nursing profession. It affects a large number of registered nurses who work in hospital settings and who are constantly exposed to the suffering of others. With more young nurses entering the workforce, it's imperative that there is a better understanding of how to properly address this issue among the youngest generation of nurses: Generation Z, or those born between 1997-2012.

Objective: This research proposal aims to explore the most effective strategies to decrease levels of compassion fatigue in Generation Z nurses working in hospital …