Digital Commons Network^™

Effectiveness Of Electoral Violence Prevention Mechanisms: Insights From Malawi, Rodrick Henry

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

Elections are vital to democracy and democratic consolidation. Ideally, they are peaceful endeavours, allowing voters to express their preferences and winners to take office. However, elections in the Third Wave of democracy often exhibit violence. Election Violence Prevention (EVP) mechanisms have been employed to address conflicts between various actors. Nevertheless, their effectiveness in curbing electoral violence varies across African countries. This paper examines the effectiveness of EVP mechanisms in Malawi, focusing on the Public Affairs Committee, National Initiative for Civic Education, and Multi-party Liaison Committees. The paper argues that EVP mechanisms have been effective in preventing electoral violence. The effectiveness …

Effectiveness Of Electoral Violence Prevention Mechanisms: Insights From Malawi, Rodrick Henry

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

Elections are vital to democracy and democratic consolidation. Ideally, they are peaceful endeavours, allowing voters to express their preferences and winners to take office. However, elections in the Third Wave of democracy often exhibit violence. Election Violence Prevention (EVP) mechanisms have been employed to address conflicts between various actors. Nevertheless, their effectiveness in curbing electoral violence varies across African countries. This paper examines the effectiveness of EVP mechanisms in Malawi, focusing on the Public Affairs Committee, National Initiative for Civic Education, and Multi-party Liaison Committees. The paper argues that EVP mechanisms have been effective in preventing electoral violence. The effectiveness …

Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Training System Based On Multimodal Brain-Computer Interface, Jing Qu, Kaining Fang, Shantong Zhu, Lingguo Bu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The aging population has led to an increasing demand for rehabilitation for cognitive and motor functions. In response to the lack of interest in traditional rehabilitation and the absence of objective physiological assessment in existing virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation systems, a VR rehabilitation training system based on multimodal brain computer interface is developed by integrating VR interaction, near-infrared brain functional imaging, and motion capture technology. An immersive cognitive-motor integrated training environment was constructed to guide users in completing upper limb tasks. By recruiting subjects and synchronously collecting brain network data and Kinect upper limb motion parameters, multimodal assessment …

Assessing The Student Awareness To Age Friendly Design: The Case Of Ain Shams University- Architecture Students, Shorouk Saleh Ali Kabel, Samah Mohamed Elsayed Atteia Elkhateb, Rowaida M. O. Mohamed Rashed, Wesam M. El-Bardisy

HBRC Journal

With Egypt’s rapid urbanization and projected demographic shift, where individuals aged 60 and above are expected to constitute more than 15% of the population by 2050, addressing the needs of older adults in urban design has become increasingly urgent. Despite global recognition of the importance of age-friendly design, its integration into Egyptian architectural education remains limited, particularly concerning accessibility, safety, and inclusivity.

This study evaluates the level of awareness of Age-Friendly Design (AFD) principles among architecture students at Ain Shams University using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire assessing students’ familiarity with the concept, while …

Investigating The Efficacy Of An Online Multigenerational Awareness Course For Occupational Therapy Students – A Pilot Study, Susan Blair, Barbara M. Doucet, Jerilyn Callen, Kirsten Davin, Shelby Hutchinson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In today’s multigenerational society, particularly in health care settings, thriving can be challenging because of generational differences. Occupational therapy educational programs (OTEPs) prepare students for work environments where three to four different generations may be present. This study examines the effectiveness of an online multigenerational awareness (MGA) course. The secondary objectives include increasing students’ knowledge of enhanced multigenerational collaboration and communication strategies in preparation for future clinical practice. A pilot group of eight participants from various university departments reviewed the course content and completed preenrollment and postenrollment surveys, providing feedback regarding the applicability and perceived usefulness of the multigenerational awareness …

The Impacts Of Age-Related Peripheral Hearing Loss, Central Auditory Processing, And Cognition On Quality Of Life In Older Adults: A Scoping Review, Brian M. Kreisman, Samantha E. Vasquez, Anna J. Bierma

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

This scoping review aims to synthesize peer-reviewed literature exploring quality of life (QoL) for individuals with age-related hearing loss (ARHL), age-related central auditory processing (ARCAP) deficits, and age-related cognitive decline. A growing body of research has identified ARHL as a risk factor for the development of dementia, highlighting the connection between the sensory and cognitive systems. As the aging population continues to grow, examining comorbid age-related hearing and cognitive decline is especially relevant. These conditions may have potential negative consequences on the daily functioning, social participation, mental health, and overall wellbeing of older adults. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature …

Identifying Best Practices To Decrease The High Rate Of 30-Day Rehospitalization Of Patients With Dementia From Skilled Nursing Facilities, Mavis Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract As CMS continues to prioritize quality care over quantity and positive patient outcomes, hospitals and nursing homes must ensure that their mission and goals align. The high rehospitalization rate is a current and ongoing concern among policymakers and healthcare administrators. Adverse patient outcomes and increased financial costs to both patients and Health Service Organization (HSO) administrators highlight the need to identify best practices to help reduce rehospitalization. The purpose of this integrative review is to identify best practices for reducing the high rate of 30-day rehospitalization among patients with dementia in skilled nursing facilities (SNF). The review question that …

The Impact Of Digital Reverse Mentoring On Older Adults' Digital Literacy: Mediating Roles Of Self-Perceptions Of Aging And Self-Efficacy, Jierong Hu, Minzhi Ye, Haotian Wan, Wengian Leong

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

Background and Objectives: Digital literacy is critical for older adults to maintain social connections, access information, and support overall mental well-being. However, many older adults struggle with using digital devices. Guided by the self-fulfilling prophecy theory, this study investigates how digital reverse mentoring (DRM), referring to younger individuals assisting older adults in learning and using digital technology, is associated with digital literacy, with self-perceptions of aging and self-efficacy as mediators.

Research Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 402 community-dwelling older adults aged 60+ in Macao, China. Control variables include gender, age, education, income, self-rated health, and home …

Research Progress On Immunomodulatory Effect Of Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides, Zhao Xinglu, Yang Xiongchao, Wang Yidan, Zhao Shenglan, Ma Yage

Food and Machinery

Immune system imbalance arises from a complex interplay of genetic,environmental,chronic disease, age, and emotional factors. It can lead to diseases including diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, and cancer, representing a critical threat to human health. Food-derived bioactive peptides possess immunomodulatory properties. As safe food resources, they are characterized by multi-targeting and high consumer acceptability. This review primarily focuses on the preparation technologies, structural analysis, structure-activity relationships, and mechanisms of bioactive peptides derived from food sources. Furthermore, current achievements are summarized in the field of immunomodulation by the peptides, while perspectives are offered.

Evidence-Based Practice Improves Patient Outcomes And Healthcare System Return On Investment: Findings From A Scoping Review, Linda Connor, Jennifer Dean, Molly Mcnett, Donna M. Tydings, Amanda Shrout, Penelope F. Gorsuch, Ashley Hole, Laura Moore, Roy Brown, Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, Lynn Gallagher-Ford

Individual Articles

Background: Evidence-based practice and decision-making have been consistently linked to improved quality of care, patient safety, and many positive clinical outcomes in isolated reports throughout the literature. However, a comprehensive summary and review of the extent and type of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and their associated outcomes across clinical settings are lacking.

Aims: The purpose of this scoping review was to provide a thorough summary of published literature on the implementation of EBPs on patient outcomes in healthcare settings.

Methods: A comprehensive librarian-assisted search was done with three databases, and two reviewers independently performed title/abstract and full-text reviews within a systematic …

Fear Of Falling: A Collaborative Approach To Treatment, Alexandra Uhren, Celeste Delap, Kate Jansen

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: Physical Therapy (PT) and Behavioral Health (BH) often overlap in patient care; however, collaborative treatment is always not utilized by providers. This case study details the interdisciplinary treatment of a 69-year-old female with a fear of falling; emphasizing the importance of interprofessional collaborative care in treating Fear of Falling (FOF) in individuals at risk for fall-related injury with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and PT interventions.

Problem: FOF is common among older adults and can result in physical, psychological, and social consequences (Lee & Tak, 2023; MacKay et al., 2021). Patients at risk of fall-related injury experience decreased self-confidence in …

Impact Of Dialysis On Medication Pharmacokinetics, Rachel Marie Bounds

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project was a staff education initiative to improve nurses’ knowledge and comfort with dialysis-specific medication management. The project addressed a practice gap in which nurses at the clinical site had limited knowledge of medication administration for patients with end-stage renal disease. These patients have altered pharmacokinetics and high medication burden, which increases the risk of adverse drug events. Inappropriate management of medications during dialysis can lead to hypotension, ineffective treatment, and glucose instability, making this a critical nursing practice issue. The project answered the practice-focused question of whether a structured educational intervention would improve nurses’ knowledge and comfort …

Exploring Juvenile Justice System Social Workers’ Dual Role Conflicts, Tayler Janet Deggendorfer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Social workers working within the juvenile justice system face challenges in managing dual roles of providing social support for clients in a punitive environment of incarceration. The problem that was explored in this study is the ethical and practical dilemmas of dual roles for social workers—specifically the potential for burnout and mental health injury for social workers who work within the parameters of both roles. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of a selected criterion sample of social workers. The study was framed by Goffman’s role theory. Oral narrative data were collected …

Self-Efficacy Change Among Diverse Family Caregivers In Dementia Care, Deborah M Oyeyemi, Erich J Greene, Yunshan Xu, David R Lee, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Maya L Lichtenstein, Alan Stevens, Jeff D Williamson, Arun S Karlamangla, Debra Saliba, David B Reuben

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: To determine whether changes in caregiver self-efficacy (beliefs about one's ability to manage dementia-related problems and access help) differed by caregiver race and ethnicity across all participants enrolled in a large pragmatic trial of comprehensive dementia care.

Methods: In the Dementia Care Study (D-CARE), community-dwelling older adults with dementia and their unpaid family caregivers were randomized to receive usual care, community-based, or health system-based comprehensive dementia care. Caregiver self-efficacy was assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months using a 4-item scale (range 4-20, higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy). Among all caregivers, we compared least squares means for overall …

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I And Frailty: Associations With The Frailty Index And Fried Phenotype In Older Women, Jedd Pratt, Abadi K. Gebre, Carlos J. Toro-Huamanchumo, Elsa Dent, Trent Bozanich, Wai E. Lim, Elizabeth Byrnes, Julee Mcdonagh, Caleb Ferguson, Craig Sale, Kun Zhu, Carl Schultz, Richard L. Prince, Joshua R. Lewis, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Despite the nexus between cardiovascular health and frailty, the relevance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), a biomarker of myocardial injury, to frailty is poorly understood. We examined whether hs-cTnI concentrations were associated with frailty in a well-characterized cohort of older women. A total of 1151 community-dwelling women from the Perth Longitudinal Study of Aging Women (mean age ± SD = 75.2 ± 2.7 years) were included. Frailty was operationalized using a validated frailty index (FI) of cumulative deficits and a modified Fried phenotype. Plasma hs-cTnI were categorized into quartiles. Cross-sectional associations between hs-cTnI quartiles and frailty were assessed using …

Disease Burden Attributable To Intimate Partner Violence Against Females And Sexual Violence Against Children In 204 Countries And Territories, 1990–2023: A Systematic Analysis For The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2023, Luisa S. Flor, Cory N. Spencer, Jack Cagney, Gabriela Fernanda Gil, Hasan Aalruz, Samar Abd Elhafeez, Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab, Meriem Abdoun, Mesfin Abebe, Yonas Abebe, Armita Abedi, Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga, Alemwork Abie, Olumide Abiodun, Richard Gyan Aboagye, Lucas Guimarães Abreu, Rana Kamal Abu Farha, Bilyaminu Abubakar, Sawsan Abuhammad, Meshack Achore, Lisa C. Adams, Babatope Oluwadamilare Adebiyi, Kamoru Ademola Adedokun, Oluwatobi E. Adegbile, Nurudeen A. Adegoke, Olumide Thomas Adeleke, Makinde Adebayo Adeniyi, Zahir Vally

All Works

Background Violence against women and against children are human rights violations with lasting harms to survivors and societies at large. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence against children (SVAC) are two major forms of such abuse. Despite their wide-reaching effects on individual and community health, these risk factors have not been adequately prioritised as key drivers of global health burden. Comprehensive x§and reliable estimates of the comparative health burden of IPV and SVAC are urgently needed to inform investments in prevention and support for survivors at both national and global levels. Methods We estimated the prevalence and attributable burden …

The Effect Of Medical Aid In Dying On Health Outcomes And Risky Behavior Of The Elderly, Jacky Wu

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the effects of Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) legalization on health outcomes and behavior among elderly U.S. adults using BRFSS data from 2005-2022. Using staggered difference-in-differences, this paper finds that MAiD increases exercise, lowers BMI, and reduces blood pressure medication use.

Implementing An Anxiety Management Bundle In Long-Term Nursing Facilities, Sundan G. Bryson

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

There is currently a gap in accurate screening and treatment of anxiety in Long-Term Care (LTC) nursing facilities. The question for this quality improvement project was: Will implementing interventions for long-term care residents aged 65 and older improve anxiety screening, non-pharmacological interventions, and mental health referrals by 10% compared to current practices? Interventions to enhance anxiety screening included the Geriatric Anxiety Scale-Long Term Care (GAS-LTC) tool to assess and score anxiety. In addition, a Non-Pharmacological Intervention (Non-PI) tool was created to evaluate interventions performed by facility staff. Referrals to the mental health care provider were submitted if a resident scored …

Associations Between Discrimination And First-Generation College Students’ Belonging And Academic Well-Being, Thomas P. Le, Nicola Forbes, Elizabeth B. Raposa

Psychology Faculty Research and Scholarship

First-generation college students (FGCS) make up one third of the college student population but continue to face unfavorable academic outcomes. A powerful yet understudied factor that contributes to FGCS’ lower academic and graduation rates is campus discrimination. Importantly, discrimination undermines feelings of belonging on campus and belonging has been found to predict academic performance, motivation, and persistence to graduation. The current study examined whether on-campus discrimination influenced sense of belonging among 276 FGCS sampled during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether decreased sense of belonging, in turn, was associated with two forms of academic well-being (i.e., …

The Association Between Personal Particulate Matter Exposures And Cognitive Function Among Stroke Patients, Kentucky, Usa, Nana Afua Ankomah Dei

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Stroke, a major cause of long-term disability and cognitive problems in the U.S., significantly affects people’s quality of life. Exposure to particulate matter (PM_2.5) may result in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can worsen the cognitive function of post-thrombectomy stroke patients. This project thus assessed the relationship between PM_2.5 exposure and its effect on the cognitive function of post-thrombectomy stroke patients. Fifteen stroke patients (9 non-Appalachian and 6 Appalachian) undergone thrombectomy were recruited. Personal PM_2.5 exposure was measured using wearable sensors for a week during the study period. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores and covariates …

Guidelines For Community Engaged Health Research, Carrie Leach, Hayley Thompson, Alex Sass, Patricia Wren, Rodlescia Sneed, Rhonda Dailey, Elizabeth Towner, Maha Albdour, Carla Caringi, Alyssa W. Beavers, Theresa A. Hastert, Vanessa Rorai, Peter A. Lichtenberg, Angulique Outlaw, Ijeoma Nnodim Opara

Institute of Gerontology

Executive Summary:

Wayne State University’s Guidelines for Community Engaged Health Research provide a practical framework for designing, conducting, and evaluating ethical, equitable, and impactful health research that engages community experts in projects that advance health equity in Detroit.

Purpose 

Developed for WSU faculty, staff, and research teams, the guidelines support the meaningful involvement of community experts across all phases of research. They respond to common challenges in community-engaged work, including limited experience with engagement approaches, the need for reflexive and equitable practices, and the time and coordination required for authentic collaboration.

The document defines Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) as collaborative work …

Lsu General Catalog 2026-2027, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

LSU General Catalog

The LSU General Catalog describes all undergraduate and graduate departments and programs with degree requirements and courses offered for each one. The LSU General Catalog includes information on registration and financial aid as well as academic services offered to all students

Virginia Commonwealth University Courses (2026), Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Bulletins

Listing of courses for the 2026-2027 year.

Virginia Commonwealth University Undergraduate Bulletin (2026), Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Bulletins

Undergraduate bulletin for Virginia Commonwealth University for the academic year 2026-2027. It includes information on academic regulations, degree requirements, course offerings, faculty, academic calendar, and tuition and expenses for undergraduate programs

Virginia Commonwealth University Graduate Bulletin (2026), Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Bulletins

Listing of courses for the 2026-2027 year.

The Impact Of Heavy Resistance Training On Type Ii Muscle Fibers Throughout Female Reproductive Stages, Lily G. Colberg

Scripps Senior Theses

Type II muscle fibers, also known as fast-twitch muscle fibers, are reliant on aerobic glycolysis and are crucial for high-force contractions, mobility, and rapid movements, such as fast reflexes. Heavy resistance training has been found to increase type II muscle fiber concentration in young, middle-aged, and elderly individuals. However, there have been few studies conducted on female-only sample populations. In women, the impact of heavy resistance training on type II muscle fibers is affected by the progressive decline of estrogen that defines the transition throughout the four female reproductive stages: premenopause, perimenopause, late-transition menopause, and postmenopause. Menopausal estrogen depletion causes …

Finding Meaning And Value In Old Age, Jane Nell Morgan

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This project addressed finding meaning and value in old age. The research conducted explored barriers to achieving meaning and value and how to overcome those obstacles. The research specifically focused on senior adults who reside in a Christian-based assisted living home located in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. In response to this problem, the researcher studied the lives of three older biblical characters, Jacob, the author of Psalm 71, and Anna, and reviewed relevant literature on barriers senior citizens face today. In addition, research included the damaging effects older adults face when they fail to find meaning in their lives and …

Implementation Of A Turn Team To Reduce Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries In A Medical Intensive Care Unit, Heather A, Adair

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Implementation of a Turn Team to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries in a Medical Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE

The project aimed to reduce hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) rates in a Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) by improving nurses' knowledge of the Braden Scale and implementing a structured two-nurse turn team workflow to reposition high-risk patients every two hours.

RESULTS

Repositioning compliance improved substantially and consistently exceeded the project goal of 90% after implementing a pod-based workflow. The HAPI prevalence rate decreased from a baseline of 8% to below the project goal of ≤5% during implementation but was not sustained in the …

Practical Considerations For Conducting Canine Behavioral Science, Lucrezia Lonardo, Madeline H. Pelgrim, Jeffrey R. Stevens

Jeffrey Stevens Publications

Research on behavior in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) has increased rapidly recently due to the interest in them as pets, working dogs, and model species for understanding evolution, domestication, and even human health. This interest in canine behavioral science has resulted in the creation of dozens of dog lab worldwide, with more starting every year. Our aim here is to review practical issues that potential dog researchers might consider when deciding how to set up a dog lab and conduct research in canine behavioral science. We hope that this can offer a path forward in promoting high-quality, cutting-edge …

Embodied Aging: Older Adults’ Gendered Participation In Physical And Recreational Activity In Assisted Living, Gavin Anderson

Self-Designed Majors Honors Papers

This study examines how older adults interpret their experiences with physical and recreational activity in assisted living, and how these interpretations influence how they engage in their everyday social and physical contexts. In the fall of 2025, eleven older adults—nine women and two men—living in an assisted living facility in a coastal city in Southeastern Connecticut participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. The facility provides both short-term post-acute care and long-term residential care, offering structured opportunities for physical and recreational engagement.

Past research demonstrates that participation in physical and recreational activity provides substantial benefits for older adults; yet, the lived experience …