Digital Commons Network^™

Psychosocial Mediators Of A Physical Activity And Dietary Intervention In Pregnant Women With Overweight Or Obesity, Meghan Baruth, Sarah Wilcox, Jihong Liu, Rebecca Schlaff

Faculty Publications

Background

Mediation analyses provide insight into both ‘pieces’ of the mediation chain; they allow us to look into the ‘black box’ that is behavior change. They allow researchers to better understand the ‘how’ of an intervention’s effects and/or the ‘why’ behind why an intervention worked or did not work. The lack of publications in pregnant populations highlights the need for additional studies to be conducted and published. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychosocial mediators of physical activity and dietary outcomes in a sample of pregnant women with overweight or obesity participating in the Health in Pregnancy …

Research Nexus : Volume 36 – 2026, Office Of Research And Graduate Studies

Office of Research and Graduate Studies

• Researcher Spotlight
• Research Milestones & News
• Capacity Building Initiatives
• NIH Updates and Other Resources
• Explore New Funding Opportunities

Luminance-Based Mentally-Generated Images Indicate Pupillary Transformation In Novel Method Of Communication For Non-Verbal Patients, Anna Pak

Honors Theses

Can the luminance level of mentally generated images affect pupil dilation? The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether mental images in the brain can produce a physiological reaction in pupil dilations specifically. The hypothesis is that if a participant mentally generates images of differing luminance levels, then the pupils will either dilate or constrict accordingly. While this study achieved no statistical significance, it should be noted that further research and advancement of the protocol used in this study can potentially be used for non-verbal medical patients as a new means of communication that is easily accessible.

Facilitators And Barriers To Mobile Health Unit Implementation: A Qualitative-Dominant Mixed Methods Study Exploring Staff Perspectives And Service Outreach, Kelsey Hardin

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Background: Health disparities are linked to rising healthcare costs in the United States, particularly related to healthcare accessibility. Mobile Health Units (MHUs) have proven to be an effective intervention in reducing barriers to healthcare services, for example, providing early access to prenatal care, thus reducing infant mortality rates. This study focused on the facilitators and barriers to implementing an MHU program, based on staff perspectives and service outreach, to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods research design. Data was collected through interviews to assess staff perspectives. Secondary data analysis of quantitative data was …

Fast-Food Consumption And Metabolic Syndrome Risk In African Children And Adolescents, Norkinsha Willis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood obesity and excessive fast-food intake represent a significant public health concern among African American children. Grounded in the social-ecological model, this quantitative, cross-sectional study examined whether frequency of fast-food or pizza meal consumption and reliance on low-cost food was associated with total cholesterol (mg/dL) and waist circumference among African American children and adolescents aged 6–15 years while controlling for key sociodemographic factors (age, gender, parental education status, and annual household income). Secondary data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed (N=184). Descriptive statistics, nonparametric analyses, and a multiple linear regression model were used to analyze …

Regulating Dogs Or Protecting Industry? A Critical Analysis On The Animal Welfare Act And The Federal Oversight Of Commercial Dog Breeding In The United States, Ava Knight '26

Honor Scholar Theses

To evaluate whether existing federal laws adequately protect the welfare of dogs, this research relies on publicly available inspection records and enforcement data from the United States Department of Agriculture and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA, APHIS), federal oversight reports from the United States Department of Agriculture and Office of Inspector General (USDA, OIG), and data collected by animal welfare organizations including Humane World for Animals and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). These sources expose how current regulations function in practice and reveal gaps in oversight that allow harmful breeding conditions to …

Plastics, Microplastics, And The Gut Microbiome: Restoring Scientific Communication To Fight For Public Health, Benjamin Sanders '26

Honor Scholar Theses

Over the course of eight years from 2016 to 2024, a study by Nature Medicine found that the concentration of plastics in the brain increased by 50%. Even samples from patients with a documented dementia diagnosis showed a greater accumulation of microplastics (Nihart, 2025). In one of the most protected regions of our body, microplastics have made themselves known. In one of the most exposed regions of the human body, the story is no different. With the emergence of gut microbiome science and understanding, researchers are just beginning to discover the unique interplay between the microbiota of our gastrointestinal tract …

Cardiovascular Adaptation To Whole-Body Vibration Exercise In Obese Young Adults: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, And Exploratory Analysis Of Sex Differences, Rafiu Okuneye, Abdulkareem Taiwo, Fatai Akinola Apalara, Okechukwu Kingsley Oforka, Isaiah Whenayon Ajoseh, Ogar Emmanuel Ekawu

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Obesity is strongly associated with hypertension and autonomic dysfunction. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) has been proposed as a low-impact intervention for improving cardiovascular function in obese adults, but sex-specific responses remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration exercise on blood pressure, autonomic function, and cardiac output in adults with obesity, and to explore potential sex differences in cardiovascular adaptations. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies examining the effects of WBV on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate variability (HRV), and …

Physical Fitness, Body Mass Index, And Physical Activity Among Senior Secondary Students: A Cross-Sectional Study In An Indonesian Islamic Secondary School, Ilona Pratiwi Hutabarat, Acep Rohmat Nurhidayat, Aprizal Fikri, Teguh Andi Prabowo, I Bagus Endrawan

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Physical fitness is a fundamental component of adolescent health and contributes to academic performance, mental well-being, and lifelong health outcomes. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in sedentary behavior, evidence on the fitness profiles of Indonesian senior secondary students—particularly in Islamic secondary schools (Madrasah Aliyah)—remains scarce. Objective: To assess the physical fitness level of Madrasah Aliyah students and to examine its association with body mass index (BMI) and self-reported physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 35 students (18 male, 17 female; aged 15–19 years) at MA Raudlatul Irfan, South Tangerang, using purposive sampling. Physical fitness …

Dietary Patterns And Nutritional Status In Soccer Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study From An Ergonomic Perspective, Rina Mayangsari, Ravi Masitah

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Normal nutritional status has been established as one of the principal determinants in an athlete's performance. Dietary quality plays a critical role in optimizing athletes' physical fitness and performance outcomes. Objective: To examine the associations between dietary patterns on the MacPersona System and nutritional status of soccer players (energy, protein, et cetera, fat, and carbohydrates). Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted involving 21 soccer players (total sampling). Dietary patterns were assessed using a validated Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). Nutritional status was measured using Body Mass Index(BMI) based on anthropometric data. The chi-square test was used for statistical …

Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Indonesian Adolescents: Limited Role Of Bmi And Dominant Influence Of Age And Sex In A Large Cross-Sectional Study, Anies Setiowati, Sri Sumartiningsih, Nur Ilhaini Sucipto, Fatih Hazar, Philip X. Fuchs

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a crucial indicator of long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health. Whether body mass index (BMI) independently predicts CRF beyond demographic factors in large, real-world adolescent cohorts remains inconsistently defined. Objective: To determine the independent contributions of body mass index (BMI), age, and sex to cardiorespiratory fitness among Indonesian adolescents using a large community-based dataset.. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using community-based fitness screening data from Central Java, Indonesia. A total of 2,730 adolescents aged 10-18 years (mean 13.3 +/- 2.2 years; 49.6% male) were included. The primary outcome was CRF measured by the 1,600-meter run …

Association Between Eating Disorders, Macronutrient Intake Levels, And Muscle Mass Percentage Among University Martial Arts Athletes, Emyr Reisha Isaura, Kinasih Josephine Gusti Wiyarso, Lindsay Ozora Sanyaezra Simanjuntak, Amanda Humaira Febriyanti, Sekar Arum Kinasih, Sri Sumartinigsih

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Combat sport athletes often engage in rapid weight-management practices that may increase the risk of disordered eating and inadequate nutritional intake, potentially affecting muscle mass and athletic performance. However, evidence regarding the relationship between eating disorder risk, macronutrient intake, and muscle mass among university martial arts athletes remains limited. Objective: This study examined the association between eating disorder risk and macronutrient intake with muscle mass among martial arts student club members at Universitas Airlangga. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 university students (≥18 years) selected through stratified random sampling from martial arts student activity clubs. Eating disorder …

The Relationship Between Macronutrient Intake And Cardiometabolic Indicators In College Students Who Regularly Exercise, Yosef Ferdy Yangkara, Akhmad Lutfi, Bagus Kusuma Putra, Siti Baitul Mukarromah, Adi S

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Macronutrient intake plays a crucial role in determining body composition and cardiovascular health. Studies that simultaneously examine macronutrient intake and various cardiometabolic indicators in physically active populations without a clinical history remain limited. Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between macronutrient intake and BMI, blood pressure, and heart rate among a gymnastics community at Semarang State University. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design involving 30 students (12 males and 18 females) aged 18–35 years, selected through purposive sampling. Macronutrient intake data were collected using a 2×24-hour food recall method, while BMI, blood pressure, and heart rate …

Body Composition Profiles And Physical Readiness Among Paragliding Trainees: A Cross-Sectional Study, Nanang Indardi, Anies Setiowati, Fajar Syamsudin, Didik Cahyono, Johnlenon Aliser, Sangheon Park

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Physical readiness is essential for performance and safety in paragliding. Body composition has been recognized as an important factor associated with physical performance; however, evidence regarding its collective influence on physical readiness among paragliding trainees remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to examine the role of body composition as an integrated correlate of physical readiness among paragliding trainees using a multiple regression analysis. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 24 paragliding trainees selected through purposive sampling. Body composition variables, including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (PBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and basal metabolic rate (BMR), …

Analysis Of Rule Violations Leading To Disqualification In Youth Swimming Competitions: Evidence From Indonesia, Ika Novitaria Marani, Ari Subarkah, Heni Widyaningsih, Ricky Susiono, Muhammad Syahrul Ramadhan

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine how disqualifications of competition rules in swimming competitions are committed. Rules must be obeyed when competing, and there are consequences for swimmers who violate them. Objective: To find out how the disqualification of the rules of the competition game in the swimming sport is carried out in the swimming competition. Methods: The research was conducted at the GBK Senayan Swimming Pool, and the study used a descriptive observational design. The population in this study consists of all beginner-level swimmers who take part in the 2025 DKI Jakarta swimming competition in Indonesia. …

The Rider (2026-04-06), Daniela Chapa-Reyes

The Rider Archives

Vol. 11, No. 25

Balancing Act: The Impact Of Feminine Expression, Name, Image And Likeness (Nil) On The Mental Health Of Female College Athletes, Sedaria Lanora Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Female college athletes navigate multi-faceted pressures at the intersection of gender, race, finances, and athletic identity. However, their lived experiences remain understudied. This qualitative study examined how feminine expression and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) financial pressures intersected to impact the mental health of Division I female college athletes. Guided by a hermeneutic phenomenological framework and grounded in Brewer et al.’s (1993) Athletic Identity Theory and Crenshaw’s (1989) Intersectionality Theory, data was collected through semi-structured virtual interviews with eight participants representing a range of sports and racial backgrounds. The thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase model which yielded …

Interview No. 1815, Michael Davis

Combined Interviews

The discussion with Micheal Davis provides insight into the story behind Mrs. Estine's Barbershop, located in the Chamizal/South Central neighborhood of El Paso, Texas. Davis reveals that this barber shop, owned by Roscoe Marlin until he sold it to his mother, Mrs. Estine, has been in operation since the early 1960s. The establishment has become more than just a business; it has developed into a meeting place where people come together to discuss community issues, receive information about local happenings, and establish friendships.

According to Davis, Mrs. Estine is viewed positively and respected by persons from all racial and social …

Gender Equality, Diversity, And Social Inclusion: Validation And Development Of An Instrument For Higher Education, Nilo Jayoma Castulo, Maryfe M. Roxas, Arlyne C. Marasigan, Jayson L. De Vera, Ma. Laarni D. Buenaventura, Starr Clyde Sebial, John Michael Aquino, Bonjovi H. Hajan, Mark Ponce C. San Juan, Karen Abegail C. Lee

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) are critical in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals number 4 (Quality Education), number 5 (Gender Equality), and number 10 (Reduced Inequalities), impacting various aspects of society, organizations, and individual well-being. While GEDSI remains a pressing concern worldwide, this study aims to design an instrument for the GEDSI situationer tool for students, administrative staff, and faculty members. The instrument undergoes a thorough validation and development process utilizing a mixed-method design. First, the item is designed through Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) on GEDSI in a prominent state university in the Philippines. Through exploratory Factor Analysis …

Generational Differences In Smartphone Health App Use, Terry Stringer Damron, Joe Cangelosi

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

The Past, Present, And Future Of Managing Seafood Supply Chain For Life Below Water (Un Sdg 14), Jiyoon An

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

A Regional Scoping Review Of School-Based Nutrition Interventions Conducted Across Nordic Countries, Basil H. Aboul-Enein, Stephen Gambescia, Nada Benajiba, Norah Eid Aljohani, Teresa Keller, Patricia J. Kelly

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: While Nordic countries have a relatively high socioeconomic status population, they are challenged by the health deficit of rising obesity and overweight among young people. The aim of this regional scoping review is to identify best practices for designing and implementing effective school nutrition programs in Nordic countries and identify gaps for further research.

METHODS: Using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review was conducted across nine academic databases between 1980 and May 2025.

RESULTS: Fifty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, from small pilot interventions to large national or international cohorts involving thousands of students across the five …

The Effect Of The Mind Diet On Cognitive Decline In Als Patients With Frontotemporal Dementia, Riya Thomas, Reba Thomas, Eliana Gitelman

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to a broad range of neurological issues. Individuals with ALS experience progressive muscle weakness, dysphagia, slurred speech, and impaired movement and cognition. In addition to physical symptoms, around 15-20% of individuals with ALS also develop frontotemporal dementia (FTD). There are limited interventions to slow cognitive decline in this specific population. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet has been associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced risk in neurodegenerative disease among older adults; however, its effects have not been …

Oral Rehabilitation Of A Pediatric Patient With A Dental Anomaly: A Case Report, Enas Almasri, Mohamed Altinawi, Shadi Azzawi, Imad Katbeh, Anas Abdo

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objective: Tooth fusion is an uncommon dental abnormality, occurring in 0.1% of permanent dentition. Fusion of a normal permanent tooth and a supernumerary tooth is unusual. This case report delineates a multidisciplinary strategy for the management of a child with a fused tooth and a concomitant supernumerary tooth. The objective is to progressively illustrate the aesthetic and functional restoration of a smile impacted by a dental fusion abnormality.

Case Report: A 9-year-old boy was referred to the pediatric dental clinic with the chief complaint of a large upper anterior tooth. Intraoral and radiographic investigations showed fusion of the permanent maxillary …

Esophageal Perforation Following Small-Bore Nasogastric Tube Placement: A Case Report, Kate Sanner Dixon, Alexis Ortega, Sofie Hass, Erich Wessel

Student Publications

Esophageal perforations are associated with high morbidity and mortality and can have iatrogenic or spontaneous causes. Nasogastric tube intubation, while generally considered a safe procedure, can be a very rare iatrogenic cause. A 61-year-old male underwent direct laryngoscopy, total laryngectomy, and esophageal dilation with complex closure for laryngeal obstruction and tracheocutaneous fistula secondary to laryngeal cancer. He experienced an esophageal perforation secondary to nasogastric tube advancement and required emergent surgical exploration via thoracotomy and laparotomy with washout and gastrostomy tube placement. Notably, the tube penetrated the cervical esophageal mucosa, tracked distally within a submucosal plane, and ultimately perforated the stomach …

Screening For Food Insecurity In An Outpatient Ophthalmology Clinic: A Health Equity- Quality Improvement Fellowship Project, Christine Coward, Tricia Jacobson, Mahadevan Subramanian, Sharon Ojo, Theresa Green, Neil Seligman, Jan Schriefer

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: Various social determinants of health have been implicated in ophthalmic diseases, with food insecurity being particular important, given the link between food and conditions such as diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy. Although quality improvement initiatives that address food insecurity screening exist, data extending to the ophthalmic clinical setting is limited.

Purpose: We implemented a health equity quality improvement fellowship project to improve screening for food insecurity in an urban ophthalmology outpatient clinic that sees adults and children.

Methods: Several initiatives were implemented in an attempt to reach a goal of 80% of patients screened for food insecurity. …

The Effect Of Low And High-Carbohydrate Diets On Memory Performance In College Students, Samia Baugh, Zoe Zajko, Jamie Analuisa, Ivanna Jacome

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the brain and play an important role in processes related to memory performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a high-carbohydrate diet on memory performance in college students aged 18–22 years. For the purposes of this study, a low-carbohydrate diet is defined as a diet providing fewer than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day, while a high-carbohydrate diet provides approximately 325 grams of carbohydrates. This population is particularly important to study because college students experience high academic demands that require strong memory …

Predicting Soil Organic Carbon In Lower Depths From Surface Soil Features Using Machine Learning Methods, Lawrence Aula, Milena Maria Tomaz De Oliveira, Amanda C. Easterly, Cody F. Creech

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Topsoil features within a depth of 0–10 cm are vital for making soil management decisions that affect crop production. However, the use of these soil features to predict soil organic carbon (SOC) at 10–20 cm requires further investigation. The study aims to predict SOC at 10–20 cm using total nitrogen (total N), pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and SOC at 0–10 cm and select a suitable model for predicting SOC. This study was conducted using data from a long-term tillage, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow experiment established in autumn 1970. Treatments included moldboard plow, stubble mulch, no-till, and native …

A Ubiquitin Code Written In Circadian Time: Evaluating Protein Linkages In A Drosophila Model, Alejandro Damian, Elinor Harrison, Cj Dalton

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Ubiquitin is a small polypeptide that serves many functions within a cell, including modifying proteins, marking them for degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Circadian rhythms regulate many cellular processes, but its role on the individual linkages of ubiquitin is poorly understood. This project aims to determine whether there is a circadian pattern for the conjugation of ubiquitin. Methods: Wild-type (Oregon R) Drosophila were entrained to a circadian cycle with standard light and dark environments. The whole heads were then frozen and removed at different times and used to quantify protein linkages using western blotting and antibodies to each …

Effect Of Sugar Concentrations On Flavor Substances In Xiangxi Radish Pickles Based On Gc-Ms And 16s Rrna, Liu Shimei, Zhou Yingjun, Zheng Zhihao, Xie Chunliang, Su Xiaojun

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To explore the effect of sugar concentration on the flavor formation of Xiangxi radish pickles, in response to the "sugar reduction" demand for healthy diets. [Methods] Three sugar treatment groups are set up at the concentrations of 10%, 30%, and 50%. Then, the dynamic changes of metabolites and microbial community structure are systematically monitored during the fermentation process using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. [Results] Levilactobacillus and Lactiplantibacillus are the dominant genera, with the highest abundance observed in the 10% sugar concentration group (P<0.05). In the later fermentation stage, the 30% sugar concentration group accumulates more alcohols, sugars, and organic acids, resulting in a more harmonious flavor profile. According to the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), 16 key metabolites are identified. Additionally, correlation analysis reveals that the two dominant genera are significantly associated with the metabolism of 9 and 12 flavor substances, respectively. [Conclusion] Moderate reduction of sugar concentration contributes to microbial community function and flavor substance synthesis.