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Houston Cole Library Annual Report | January - December 2024, Houston Cole Library

Library Annual Reports & Newsletters

The Houston Cole Library Annual Report details Library collections, services, events, faculty activities, and more for the past calendar year.

The Structural Inequality Of Status Quo Clinical Communication, Joelle Robertson-Preidler

Faculty and Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

The Public Utility Regulation Of Dollar General, Olivia R. Sokos

West Virginia Law Review

As food insecurity persists across the country, few solutions have been proposed to address the lack of access to healthy food in rural regions. This Note explores whether public utilities regulation is a theoretical avenue for addressing rural food deserts. The contribution of this Note is to encourage the recognition of healthy food as a critical public good through a modern public utility lens and build solutions to inadequate food access in rural regions by considering the qualities unique to rural populations. One solution proposed herein is to apply a modern public utility framework to dollar stores, ensuring reliable and …

Faculty Authors 2025: College Of Health And Human Services, Erin Sheffner

Faculty Authors and Sponsored Grant Recipients Reception Bibliographies

An annotated bibliography compiled by the University Library of the publications featured by the College of Health and Human Services Faculty at the annual Faculty Authors and Creators Reception at Governors State University.

Csbs Kudos, Spring 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Social And Behavioral Sciences.

CSBS Kudos

Contents:

--- Faculty Accolades
--- CSBS Awards
--- Promotions
--- Retirements: Robert Dise; Carolyn Hildebrandt
--- Scott Peters talks civics education on "Iowa Press"
--- Kelli Snyder receives Iowa Athletic Trainers' Society Educator of the Year Award
--- Nancy Kertz named to 2025 Great Iowa Nurses
--- Bill Henninger receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar award for spring 2025
--- A legacy of leadership
--- UNI Center for Civic Education hosts naturalization ceremony
--- PATCVP hosts inaugural Dan Marburger MVP Advocacy Awards
--- UNI public health students earn top honors at national competition
--- UNI expands access to offer Master’s in History …

Aces And Health Aging, Samantha Nixon, Jennelle Smyth, Kieleigh Williams

2025 Research and Creative Activity Day Posters

No abstract provided.

Implementing Nutrition Education For Patient’S Being Initiated In Semaglutide: Quality Improvement Project, Liliane Colbert

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: The nutrition literacy assessment instrument (NLit) and healthy eating habits assessment, are underutilized tools, as components in providing nutrition education for patients in primary care. There is a lack of knowledge of their availability, thus leading to missed opportunities to provide a more targeted approach to improve nutrition literacy. In the primary care setting, no formal approach is utilized in providing nutrition education to patients being seen for medical weight-loss management. Another element missing from the current process, is a tool that medical providers can utilize, to understand a patient’s baseline nutrition literacy and eating habits. Thus, …

Aging In Somerville: A Community Needs Assessment, Ceara Somerville, Caitlin E. Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA) within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the City of Somerville. The goals of this project were to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Somerville residents age 60 or older by engaging the community regarding their experiences and needs relevant to the Council on Aging’s (COA’s) objective to identify and serve the needs of all Somerville citizens 60 and older.

Church Doors And Hospital Doors: The Interrelationship, Azubuike Chukwubumnobi Okeke, Samuel Obiajulu Ike

Great Commission Research Journal

This study examines the place of medical evangelism as a means of church expansion in modern Nigeria. It is a retrospective cross-sectional investigative study involving data collection from the Good Shepherd Specialist Hospital’s anonymized patient records. The Good Shepherd Specialist Hospital is in Enugu State in southeastern Nigeria. Over 100,000 patients sought medical care in the hospital during a period of 19 years. Seventy-four percent had spiritual care provided by a person of the same faith. Most of the respondents came from within the Enugu metropolitan area. Using the church planting ministry of the Chapel of His Resurrection within the …

The Mediating Effects Of Disability Impact, Job Satisfaction, And Social Support In The Relationship Between Core Self-Evaluations And Life Satisfaction In Employed People With Disabilities, Rachel Friefeld Kesselmayer, Alexandra M. Kriofske Mainella, Susan Miller Smedema, Paola Cátala Villanueva

College of Education Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a mediation model of the relationship of core self-evaluations (CSEs) and life satisfaction in employed individuals with disabilities. This was a quantitative descriptive design using Hayes’s (2012) PROCESS macro for SPSS and multiple regression analysis. Two-hundred fifty-nine employed individuals with disabilities were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk and completed an online survey. Job satisfaction and social support were found to partially mediate the relationship between CSE and life satisfaction. The direct effect of CSE on life satisfaction remained significant after controlling for the effects of the mediators. Functional disability was not a …

Are Hcc Risk Scores A Reliable Health Status Indicator Across Rural And Urban Areas?, Craig D. Holden, Alana Knudson, Marilyn Klug, Samantha Augenbraun, Shena Popat

ETSU/NORC Rural Health Research Center Policy Briefs

No abstract provided.

Hubungan Dukungan Sosial Rekan Kerja Dengan Stres Kerja (Studi Pada Pekerja Di Pt X), Aisyah Permatasari

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Workers are vulnerable to work-related stress due to job demands, time constraints, and limited leisure time, leading to psychological issues such as anxiety related to their work. In the context of social welfare studies, job stress affects overall workers’ well-being and disrupts their social functioning in the workplace. Social support from coworkers is potentially reduce stress in workplace, which is crucial for creating organizational well-being. It also helps workers improve job engagement, cope with fatigue, and manage stress. This study examined the relationship between social support from coworkers and job stress among 90 employees …

Caring Across Borders: Demographic Shifts And Migrant Care In Asean-Korea Dynamics, Saqib Fardan Ahmada, Wahid Nur Kartiko

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This article aims to examine the migration policies and migrant care in the context of relations between ASEAN Member States (AMS) and Korea. As Korea is dealing with an aging population, an increase in female labour force participation, and an ultra low fertility rate, caregiving, especially for the elderly, has become a pivotal issue. Besides, the traditional nuclear family structure, which has historically served as the primary caregiver for the elderly, is also losing its prominence. In such demographic shift, migrant care workers from AMS are filling the demand for caregiving in Korea, leading to a cross-border international migration from …

‘Livewell With Dementia? An Evaluation Of A Pilot Post-Diagnostic Psychoeducation Group For People Diagnosed With Dementia’, Helen Idusohan-Moizer, Oliver T. Neale, Jonathan Moizer, Nicole Quinn

School of Psychology

Background: This pilot study reports the evaluation of 30 post-diagnostic, five-week structured psychoeducational intervention groups for people recently diagnosed with dementia, facilitated across Livewell CIC, Plymouth, UK.Method: Two-hundred-and-thirteen individuals were recruited using a convenience sampling methodology. A total of 167 participants (Females N=86, 51.50%, mean age 78.72, ± 8.70; Males N=81, 48.50%, mean age 78.20, ±8.21, overall mean age = 78.47, ±8.45) attended at least one session. Eighty participants completed the programme over a 12-month period.Results: Pre- and post-baseline questionnaires were analysed descriptively. Weekly sessions were analysed using an exploratory qualitative descriptive research design. Post-group evaluation revealed that the group …

The Lived Experience Of Acute Stroke Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (Aprn) Working In Expanded Roles: A Mixed Methods Study, Terri-Ellen Kiernan

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Introduction. Nurse practitioners have made credible gains through the six decades since inception to cover the growing need for outpatient family care. Nurse practitioners are now working in all aspects of medicine by continuing to fill gaps with healthcare needs that persist due to physician shortages. Stroke neurology is a medical specialty plagued by a shortage of physician specialists in hospital acute care which can limit acute stroke diagnosis and treatment capabilities. Stroke nurse practitioners (SNP) are vascular neurology trained specialists who fill relatively new hospital roles to assume traditionally physician-based responsibilities in an expanded role. This study aims to …

How Does Adult Foster Care Affect Mental Health Outcomes In California?, Christopher A. Stanley

Master of Public Administration Capstone Papers

Mental health in adult foster care is an important threat to the overall mental health of the citizens of California. Mental health has challenged professionals and recipients of adult foster care. Although mental health and adult foster care have had some connections (i.e., people with mental health issues typically live in adult foster care), the mental health effects of living in an adult foster care have been overlooked. In particular, mental health has been separated from general medical issues and has been overlooked as a necessary part of a person's overall health. This capstone paper will draw upon the literature …

Cultivating My Social Work Identity: Integrating Past, Context, And Relationship, Jessica K. Kumm

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

My application to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program was sent as a means to move beyond the constraints of the classroom walls as teacher and provide meaningful and tailored support to individuals who were falling through the cracks of the system. My experience in this program was transformative, in ways that were expected and unexpected. I recognize significant expansion in my perspective alongside growing confidence in applying newly acquired skills, both clear indicators of my professional and personal development. The insights garnered from personal experiences, academic lectures, and practicum placements shifted my theoretical foundations and personal worldviews. What …

Unveiling The Dynamics Of Intersectional Aging: A Qualitative Exploration Of Aging And Social Participation Among Transgender Older Adults, Tiff Cunin

Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Health Sciences Dissertations

For more than thirty years, extensive research has focused on understanding and supporting healthy aging among older adults in the United States. This research has emphasized the importance of community engagement, access to resources, and interpersonal relationships among the broader older adult population, However, it has largely overlooked how transgender older adults experience aging and how those experiences shape their social participation. Additionally, understanding how intersecting marginalized identities—such as race and transgender identity—affect social participation is essential.

This study employed a qualitative multiple case study design to explore the experiences transgender older adults have while aging and how those experiences …

Staged Screening Identifies People With Biomarkers Related To Neuronal Alpha-Synuclein Disease, Ethan G Brown, Lana M Chahine, Andrew Siderowf, Caroline Gochanour, Ryan Kurth, Micah J Marshall, Chelsea Caspell-Garcia, Michael C Brumm, Craig E Stanley, Monica Korell, Bridget Mcmahon, Maggie Kuhl, Kimberly Fabrizio, Laura Heathers, Luis Concha-Marambio, Claudio Soto, Sohini Chowdhury, Christopher S Coffey, Tatiana M Foroud, Tanya Simuni, Kenneth Marek, Caroline M Tanner

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: Remote identification of individuals with severe hyposmia may enable scalable recruitment of participants with underlying alpha-synuclein aggregation. We evaluated the performance of a staged screening paradigm using remote smell testing to enrich for abnormal dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography imaging (DAT-SPECT) and alpha-synuclein aggregation.

Methods: The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) recruited participants for the prodromal cohort who were 60-years and older without a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Participants were invited to complete a University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) independently through an online portal. Hyposmic participants were invited to complete DAT-SPECT, which determined eligibility for enrollment in …

Nature-Based Activities And Educational Programming To Promote Health And Wellbeing In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Madison E. Smith

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) and project applied occupational therapy’s (OT) role in positive and healthy aging to the design and implementation of a nature-based activity and education program. Nature-based OT interventions for older adults are supported throughout scientific literature and are of continued importance to address ongoing mental and physical health challenges for the older adult population. This program took place at the Ecumenical Senior Center (ESC), a day center serving primarily underserved older adults in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area. Four interactive group sessions were implemented to explore the physical and mental health benefits of participating in nature activities. …

Enhancing Aging In Place: Client-Centered, Occupational Therapy Programs For Fall Prevention In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Megan Oliver

Capstone Projects

This Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) focused on fall prevention and the promotion of safe aging in place for older adults through occupational therapy (OT)-based interventions. Conducted at WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging in Brooklyn, Michigan, the project identified a gap in fall prevention resources and OT interventions for community-dwelling older adults. The primary objectives were to develop and implement client-centered fall prevention programs to reduce fall risk, support aging in place, and create sustainable educational resources for staff. Project outcomes demonstrated significant improvements in participants’ safety and confidence within their home environments. No new falls were reported, and participants …

Behavioral Insights From Robotic Pet Interactions In Dementia Care, Hannah Lindstrom

Capstone Projects

Animal assisted therapy has become a common holistic option to negate decreasing functional outcomes within the dementia population, though these pets often are high maintenance; therefore, robotic pets may be a viable solution. To use robotic pets in practice with individuals with dementia, we need to know the mechanisms behind human-robot interaction and common behaviors shown during this interaction. Therefore, the focus of this doctoral capstone experience was to conduct an observational study of behaviors dementia patients display when interacting with robotic pets. Objectives met during this doctoral capstone experience included recording participants behaviors in the presence of a robotic …

The Impact Of Reminiscent Kits In Reducing Behaviors In Individuals With Dementia, Moriah Holloway

Capstone Projects

This capstone project explored the use of reminiscent kits, including robotic companion pets and hyper-realistic baby dolls, as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce behavioral symptoms in individuals with dementia. This topic is highly relevant to occupational therapy, as it supports engagement, emotional regulation, and quality of life through meaningful, person-centered activity. The project addressed a gap in accessible, individualized interventions that can be adapted across varying cognitive levels in dementia care. The objective was to design a functional program that could be implemented by staff, focusing on residents in both high-functioning and advanced stages of dementia. Interventions were tailored based …

Development Of A Service-Learning Implementation Guide; Development Of An Articulation Pathway For Occupational Therapy Assistants To Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, Mikayla E. Eshbach

Capstone Projects

This paper explores two initiatives within the Occupational Therapy Department at Western Michigan University (WMU): the implementation of service-learning and the development of an articulation pathway for Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) transitioning to the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD).

The first part emphasizes service-learning as a beneficial tool for preparing students for clinical roles while enriching communities. A needs assessment identified the need for a standardized framework for long-term community engagement, resulting in a service-learning implementation guide tailored to the department. This guide aims to enhance communication with the Office of Community Engaged Learning and increase faculty awareness of available …

Enhancing Dementia Care: Learning Modules And Simulations For Assisted Living Facility Staff And Dominican Sisters, Emma Cole

Capstone Projects

Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities do not provide their staff with specialized training in dementia care, which can lead to decreased confidence and comfort when working in memory care units (Smythe et al, 2016). This capstone project aimed to enhance dementia care by developing recorded PowerPoint learning modules, handouts, and in-person simulation experiences focused on dementia education. To better understand the needs, preferences, and daily experiences of individuals with dementia, time was spent directly engaging with residents through meaningful activities and personal interactions. These experiences informed the development of the educational materials and ensured they were rooted in …

Acute Pain Trajectories In Elderly Patients With Fragility Hip Fractures, Paul Potnuru, Christina Goehl, Katherine S Becker, Alejandro Juul, Madison Aycock, Johanna Blair De Haan, Sudipta Sen, Michelle Ge, Stephen J Warner, Nadia Hernandez

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Pain management for hospitalized elderly patients with fragility hip fractures (FHF) remains challenging. This study aims to distinguish acute pain trajectories in FHF patients that can inform personalized analgesia management.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of patients aged 65 and older with FHF at a Level I trauma center. The primary outcome was daily average pain assessed for five days post-injury using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). We used group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) to distinguish acute pain trajectories. Then, factors and secondary outcomes (opioid use and hospital length of stay [LOS]) associated with more severe pain trajectories …

Codesigning Training For Health Providers To Improve Detection And Response To Elder Abuse, Bianca Brijnath, Marina G. Cavuoto, Peter Feldman, Briony Dow, Josefine Antoniades, Joan Ostaszkiewicz, Sigrid Nakrem, Catriona Stevens, Patricia Reyes, Gianna Renshaw, Micah D.J. Peters, Andrew Gilbert, Elizabeth Manias, Duncan Mortimer, Joanne Enticott, Claudia Cooper, Cheryl Durston, Brenda Appleton, Meghan O'Brien, Marion Eckert, Simona Markusevska

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and Objectives: Screening for elder abuse can improve detection, but many health providers lack the necessary skills and confidence. To address this, training for health providers on elder abuse screening was codesigned as part of a trial aimed at improving elder abuse detection and response. Research Design and Methods: Between March and April 2023, 7 health providers and 10 older people and family carers participated in 2 national Australian online codesign workshops. Using the World Café method, discussions focused on what knowledge and skills health providers needed for screening; clinical and social issues affecting screening and referral; and support …

Addressing Informal Caregiver Burnout In The United States: Policies, Interventions, And Recommendations, Michael Blampye

Master's Projects and Capstones

Informal caregiver burnout has been and will continue to be a significant public health concern in the United States, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of initiatives and policies to reduce its negative impacts. This paper provides an overview of existing approaches to address caregiver burnout at the individual, community, and national level, identifying critical gaps in policies and programs. By highlighting successful approaches in other developed countries, this paper presents comprehensive program and policy recommendations to strengthen informal caregiver support systems in the United States. Prioritizing these proposals can guide policymakers in creating a more supportive environment that values the crucial …

Fit For Life: Improving Quality Of Life And Fall Prevention Through Group Fitness For Older Adults, Alison K. Plasman

Capstone Projects

The purpose of my doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to create group fitness classes for older adults to address fall prevention and quality of life. While the primary focus of this DCE was program development, pre/post testing was administered to 11 participants who engaged in regular participation of the program over the course of 6 weeks. Overall, 100% of participants noticed improvements in both their fear of falling, and quality of life following the Fit for Life program. The exercise classes were multi-disciplinary and addressed balance, cardiovascular endurance, upper body strength, lower body strength and core training. Participants reported great …

Enhancing Independence Of Individuals Who Are Aging In Place Through Smart Home Technology, Grayden Hoekwater

Capstone Projects

This capstone project explores the use of Amazon Echo Shows and Alexa technology to enhance the independence of older adults and individuals with disabilities aging in place. The project was implemented at Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC), where occupational therapists were trained to conduct comprehensive home safety assessments while also assisting consumers with home modifications, equipment, resources, and funding options so they continue living independently in their own home. Pre- and post-surveys with 13 consumers at DAKC assessed the impact of the technology on daily functioning and independence. Results showed that 85% of participants reported increased independence in managing …