Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Effects Of Artemisia Annua On Neuro2a Cells, Wesley Lim

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Artemisia annua L. is a well-known medicinal herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many centuries and contains artemisinin, which exhibits antimalarial properties [1] and is a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2 [2]. However, the neurological effect of A. annua and its compounds are poorly understood. We hypothesize that A. annua extracts and artemisinin will provide protection against oxidative stress in mouse neuronal Neuro2A cells. Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is an anti-oxidant enzyme that protects against oxidative damage [3]. Growth Arrest and DNA Damage-inducible 45 alpha (Gadd45a) is involved in DNA repair and is a common biomarker for DNA damage[4]. SOD1 …

The Effects Of Nanobubbles For Gene Delivery For Osteoporosis Treatment, Abel Córdova Flores

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In recent years, the field of nanomedicine has provided promising alternatives to traditional ways of gene and drug delivery, such as nanobubbles instead of viral vectors. Manufacturing these nanomaterials is cost-effective and tends to be safer than previous forms of treatment for clinical use. In the realm of osteoporosis, a disease based around a higher rate of bone resorption to bone formation, leads to weak and brittle bones, leaving sufferers at risk for fractures, which are sudden and unexpected. These fractures are estimated to cost USD 22 Billion annually in the US alone. Reports show a significant effect on the …

Investigating The Role Of Glycemic Control In Cognitive Impairement Risk Among Elderly Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review, Julia Pessaia

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), presents a significant health burden globally, affecting millions of individuals, especially in the elderly population. While its association with cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairments is well-documented, further research on the precise influence of glucose control on cognitive outcomes in elderly T2DM patients is necessary. This scoping review aims to address this gap by investigating the impact of HbA1c levels representing glycemic control on the risk of developing cognitive impairments in elderly patients with T2DM. A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE and eligible studies involved T2DM patients aged 60 or older, with documented cognitive function …

The Influence Of Intersectionality On Identity And Resilience, Stephanie Washburn

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Co-occurring multiple minority group membership (e.g., ethnic/racial minority and sexual/gender minority) has come to be referred as intersectionality. The purpose of this study was to explore if intersectionality is related to identity and resilience in undergraduate adults. The participant pool consisted of college students from a large metropolitan university in the Southeastern United States, (N = 340), who took an anonymous online self-report survey battery in exchange for course credit. Higher levels of resilience were associated with lower levels of identity distress. Further, identity commitment, but not identity exploration, predicted resiliency. Sexual/Gender Minority (SGM) individuals had lower resiliency than …

The Effects Of Bilingualism And Trust On Digital Scam Susceptibility, Grace M. Casanova

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Trust is an essential component of social relationships and is connected to how we make informed decisions. Humans tend to use mental shortcuts to arrive to decisions, a strategy which may be exploited by scammers. As online scams have become more common, it is critical to understand factors that can influence appraisal of potentially untrustworthy sources. The present study focused on language, in the form of self-reported bilingualism, and its relation to scam susceptibility. Language is a factor that contributes to alterations in brain structure, cognitive performance, and cognitive control systems. Bilinguals show advantages in the form of increased synaptic …

Deceptive Realities: Exploring The Nexus Of Fake News, Artificial Intelligence, And Public Perception, Victor E. Milanes

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Our research delves into two critical areas: fake news and artificial intelligence (AI). Historically, fake news predates the printing press, but its resurgence after the 2016 US Presidential Election garnered mass attention. Studies indicate its potency, with one fake article found to be as influential as a campaign ad (Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017). However, partisan media likely skews its impact on public perception.

Conversely, AI's integration has surged in recent years, sparking both excitement and concern among the public (Pew Research Center, 2022). Its ability to generate hyper-specific images, demonstrated by DALL·E 2 and Midjourney, poses challenges in distinguishing real …

The Effect Of Intermittent Fasting, Caloric Restriction And Exercise On Aging And Longevity: Systematic Review, Romi Hardin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the effects of caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and exercise on human longevity and aging, and explore their practical applications and inclusions into a healthy lifestyle. By reviewing the existing research and studies, this literature review focuses on identifying and explaining the biological mechanism behind these practices and exploring whether combining practices can be advantageous in extending not only lifespan but health span. The results generally indicate that following either caloric restriction or intermittent fasting and participating in regular exercise have immense results on promoting healthy aging in an …

Chairs Of Excellence Annual Report 2024, Tennessee. Higher Education Commission.

Academic Programs and Workforce Reports

No abstract provided.

The Nature And Role Of Health Laws In The Writings Of Ellen G. White, Lehel Somogyi

Master's Theses

The Topic

Since the founding of their denomination, Seventh-day Adventists have advocated a particular concept of health based on the visions and writings of denominational co-founder Ellen G. White (1827–1915). According to her writings, certain natural laws are crucial for maintaining health. These laws are often called “the laws of health” or “the eight laws of health” and include principles such as diet, exercise, water, temperance, and hygiene. In Seventh-day Adventist circles, Ellen G. White is usually perceived as the originator of these health principles. Some scholars suggest that she simply borrowed her health principles from other contemporary health reformers. …

Navigating An Accelerated Bachelor’S To Master’S Degree: A Mixed Methods Study Of Student Enrollment In Virginia Commonwealth University’S 4+1 Programs, Rucha Bond, Kevin Maureen Campbell, Kim Dupre, Bailey Mitchell, Hawley Smyth

Doctor of Education Capstones

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers diverse pathways for degree completion, including accelerated 4+1 programs, enabling students to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in five years. Despite program growth, enrollment challenges persist, prompting a study to identify barriers and enhance student experiences. This mixed-methods sequential explanatory approach investigates factors influencing enrollment in VCU's accelerated programs, drawing on Schlossberg's transition theory. Hurdles such as inconsistent data, limited awareness, and communication breakdowns across departments were identified through focus groups with advisors and administrators, as well as interviews and surveys with students. Findings inform six recommendations to improve program effectiveness, including creating dedicated support …

Predictors Of Canadians’ Psychological Well-Being In Retirement: A Mixed Methods Approach, Jessica Miller

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

In prior decades, retirement research focused on the negative effects of the life transition—such as negative psychological well-being caused by factors such as difficulties adjusting to retirement, feelings of a role loss, or the financial effects of retirement. However, there is considerable agreement across recent research studies that post-retirement years are marked by positive psychological well-being due to a variety of factors. For example, retirees often spend more time in roles (such as volunteer positions) that provide life satisfaction. The present study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine factors related to well-being in retirement among individuals living in …

Does A Case Study Based Intervention About Return To Play After A Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Increase Knowledge And Confidence In Dnp Students, Courteney Lam

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of An Employee Recognition Program For Clinical Registered Nurse Retention At Eastern State Hospital, Kristi Richmond

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Nurse executives want to build and retain teams capable of delivering high quality care. However, registered nurse (RN) turnover continues to jeopardize this goal. RN satisfaction has been associated with reduced turnover in the nursing field. Adequate staffing levels are linked to better patient outcomes, and employee recognition is a key factor in RN retention.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing an existing recognition tool for RNs at an inpatient state psychiatric hospital in the southeastern United States to determine level of job satisfaction, level of job loyalty, level of engagement, …

Implementation Of An Education Intervention Aimed At Intensive Care Unit Providers To Improve Knowledge Of And Screening For Cognitive Impairment Related To Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, Terry Harrod

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Post intensive care syndrome is a condition that can lead to a range of physical,

cognitive, and psychiatric issues and is frequently undiagnosed. Educating Nurse Practitioners,

Physician Assistants, and Physician Fellows who work in the ICU about post intensive care

syndrome and a cognitive screening tool like the MoCA can significantly enhance their

understanding and ability to diagnose a component of this syndrome.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention

regarding post intensive care syndrome among ICU nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and

physician fellows treating patients within the ICU.

Methodology: …

The Effect Of An Educational Intervention On Early Mobility Compliance In Oncology Nurses, Jonathan A. Hacker

DNP Projects

Background: Geriatric adult patients admitted into acute care hospital settings are at risk of functional decline in their capacity for activities of daily living and independent ambulation. Many of these patients fail to achieve pre-hospitalization levels of function and continue to decline, requiring additional support and care after discharge. Current literature supports early mobilization and ambulation during hospitalization. However, ambulation and patient mobilization has been shown to be the most missed item of nursing care. There is a gap in literature and patient outcome data regarding the impact of early mobilization on medical-surgical patient populations.

Purpose: The purpose of this …

ผลของโปรแกรมการใช้น้ำมันหอมระเหย ต่อภาวะซึมเศร้าในผู้ป่วยภายหลังการเกิดภาวะกล้ามเนื้อหัวใจตายเฉียบพลัน, รดา วงษ์ศรี

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

การศึกษาในครั้งนี้เป็นการวิจัยแบบกึ่งทดลอง มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาผลของโปรแกรมการใช้น้ำมันหอมระเหย ต่อภาวะซึมเศร้าในผู้ป่วยภายหลังการเกิดภาวะกล้ามเนื้อหัวใจตายเฉียบพลัน กลุ่มตัวอย่าง คือ ผู้ป่วยที่มีภาวะกล้ามเนื้อหัวใจตายเฉียบพลัน อายุตั้งแต่ 20 ปีขึ้นไป ขณะเข้ารับการรักษาในหอผู้ป่วยวิกฤตโรคหัวใจและหลอดเลือด โรงพยาบาลพระมงกุฎเกล้า คัดเลือกกลุ่มตัวอย่างตามเกณฑ์คุณสมบัติ แบ่งเป็นกลุ่มควบคุมและกลุ่มทดลองกลุ่มละ 22 คน จับคู่ให้มีความใกล้เคียงกันในเรื่องเพศและอายุ กลุ่มควบคุมได้รับการพยาบาลปกติ ในขณะที่กลุ่มทดลองได้รับ โปรแกรมการใช้น้ำมันหอมระเหยต่อภาวะซึมเศร้าในผู้ป่วยภายหลังการเกิดภาวะกล้ามเนื้อหัวใจตายเฉียบพลัน ระยะเวลา 4 สัปดาห์ เครื่องมือที่ใช้เก็บรวบรวมข้อมูล คือ แบบสอบถามข้อมูลส่วนบุคคล แบบประเมินแบบสอบถามภาวะซึมเศร้า และ เครื่องมือกำกับการทดลอง คือ แบบบันทึกการใช้น้ำมันหอมระเหย มีค่าสัมประสิทธิ์ของครอนบาค 0.82 วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลโดยใช้สถิติบรรยายและสถิติt – test โดยกำหนดนัยสำคัญทางสถิติที่ระดับ .05 ผลการวิจัยพบว่า 1. ค่าเฉลี่ยคะแนนภาวะซึมเศร้าในผู้ป่วยภายหลังการเกิดภาวะกล้ามเนื้อหัวใจตายเฉียบพลันกลุ่มทดลองหลังได้รับโปรแกรมการใช้น้ำมันหอมระเหยต่ำกว่าก่อนได้รับโปรแกรมการใช้น้ำมันหอมระเหยอย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติที่ระดับ .05 (t = 7.35 ,df = 21 ,p = .000 ) 2. ค่าเฉลี่ยคะแนนภาวะซึมเศร้าในผู้ป่วยภายหลังการเกิดภาวะกล้ามเนื้อหัวใจตายเฉียบพลันกลุ่มทดลองต่ำกว่ากลุ่มควบคุมอย่างมีนัยสำคัญที่ระดับ .05 (t = 1.75 ,df = 42 ,p = .04 )

Do Generations Matter? The Moderating Role Of Media In Adherence To Covid-19 Quarantine Protocol, Luz Suplico Jeong, Reynaldo Bautista Jr., Nelson B. Guillen Jr., Solomon Oluyinka

DLSU Business & Economics Review

This study examined the perceptions of Filipinos from Generations X, Y, and Z towards adherence to COVID-19 quarantine protocol. Of the 400 Filipino respondents, 55 were Generation Xers, 86 were from Generation Y, whereas 259 were from Generation Z. Using the theory of planned behavior, the results suggest that there were no significant differences in how Generations X, Y, and Z responded to the quarantine protocol even if media moderated the relationship between self-efficacy and adherence to quarantine protocol. Thus, marketers can use a standardized campaign to encourage Generations X, Y, and Z to adhere to the quarantine protocol.

Exploring The Associations Between Stereotypes Of Aging And Dementia And Self-Reported Health In Parent-Adult Child Dyads, Yunke Gu

Public Health Theses

Stereotypes and stigma about Alzheimer’s Disease continue to emerge, as the number of populations affected by the disease in society is escalating. The sociocultural context sets the stage for the significant impact that Alzheimer’s has on family dynamics, especially for the adult children who provide over half of informal caregiving. Our study aims to adopt a dyadic approach, examining the interrelated experiences of adult child caregivers and their parents with ADRD. 126 dyads were included in this secondary data analysis. Measures included depressive symptoms and self-reported physical and mental health, stereotypes of aging and of person with memory loss. Results …

Polypharmacy Is Associated With Biomarkers Of Cognitive Frailty In Older People With Hiv, Priya Kosana

Public Health Theses

Background: Little is known on the impact of taking multiple medications in older people with HIV (PWH), who have higher rates of medical comorbidities than HIV uninfected individuals. We assessed the prevalence and clinical impact of polypharmacy among a large, mixed gender cohort of PWH, and assessed for the relationship between polypharmacy and clinical and laboratory-based biomarkers of cognitive frailty.Methods: We used data from the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5322 (HAILO) cohort of PWH aged 40 or older with plasma HIV RNA levels below 200 copies/µL from 2013 to 2014 study visits. We assessed the relationship between polypharmacy ( …

Exploring The Use Of Mobile Health Application To Promote Self-Managment Of Cardiovascular Disease: A Study Of Age-Related Differences And Technology Adoption Among Chinese Patients, Yunan Mei

Public Health Theses

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality globally, particularly in China's aging population. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer a promising avenue to address healthcare disparities and enhance CVD management among the elderly. This study aims to explore the acceptance of mHealth in improving self-management of CVD among older adults in China, focusing on its potential to mitigate accessibility and treatment challenges.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Xinhua Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Data were collected using an online Qualtrics questionnaire from 225 participants who met inclusion criteria including being Chinese speakers, diagnosed with …

The Influence Of Social Convoy On The Improvement Of Depressive Symptoms In A 3-Year Longitudinal Study: The Potential Role Of Urban-Rural Division, Qianyi Xu

Public Health Theses

Objective: This longitudinal study aims to delve into the complicated relationship between social convoy and the improvement of depressive symptomatology, while also investigating the potential mediating role of household registry status.Methods: The study utilized data from 2,511 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), specifically from the 2015 survey (Wave 3) and the 2018 survey (Wave 4). The selected sample comprised Chinese adults aged 45 and older who exhibited depressive symptoms in 2015 and for whom comprehensive data on various social convoy components and sociodemographic variables were available. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations …

Resilience In Self-Perception Of Aging Among Chinese Older Adults Under The One-Child Policy, Minyang Zhang

Public Health Theses

This study examines the resilience of self-perception of aging (SPA) among older Chinese adults affected by the One-Child Policy (OCP), based on data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Implemented in 1979, the OCP reshaped family dynamics. It potentially influences aging perceptions among the elderly. Utilizing the stereotype embodiment theory, this research assesses if deep-rooted cultural attitudes towards aging could mitigate the psychological effects of these demographic changes. Results suggest that despite significant societal shifts, the SPA among Chinese elderly remains stable. That indicates a minimal direct impact of the OCP on aging perceptions. The finding underscores …

Resilience In Self-Perception Of Aging Among Chinese Older Adults Under The One-Child Policy, Minyang Zhang

Public Health Theses

This study examines the resilience of self-perception of aging (SPA) among older Chinese adults affected by the One-Child Policy (OCP), based on data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Implemented in 1979, the OCP reshaped family dynamics. It potentially influences aging perceptions among the elderly. Utilizing the stereotype embodiment theory, this research assesses if deep-rooted cultural attitudes towards aging could mitigate the psychological effects of these demographic changes. Results suggest that despite significant societal shifts, the SPA among Chinese elderly remains stable. That indicates a minimal direct impact of the OCP on aging perceptions. The finding underscores …

High-Quality Dietary Protein (Essential Amino Acids Matched To Reproductive Needs) Partially Breaks The Lifespan And Reproduction Trade-Off In Lubber Grasshoppers, Emma Kordek

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Finding interventions to break the trade-off between reproduction and lifespan can provide insight into physiological limitations of animals. Effects of dietary protein quality on the trade-off are currently unclear, but clarity could lead to better designed diets that match animal needs. Dietary amino acid blends matching yolk proteins support reproduction and extend lifespan in fruit flies. To test if this is conserved across species, we matched dietary amino acids to vitellogenin to test reproduction and lifespan in adult females of the lubber grasshopper. Specifically, we compared varying degrees of protein quality by manipulating dietary essential amino acids. We identified a …

Associations Of Social Isolation And Loneliness With Mci Among Older Adults From Underresourced Communities, Fang Fang, Tiffany Hughes, Yueting Wang, Erin Jacobsen

Research and Infrastructure Service Enterprise (RISE) Faculty Publications

Previous studies have shown social isolation and loneliness are associated with poor cognitive outcomes in later life, yet it is unclear if these findings could be confounded by selective attrition. This study examines longitudinal associations of social isolation and loneliness with incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) accounting for informative drop-out due to death or disease. Data were from a population-based cohort study of older adults in Southwestern Pennsylvania, whose once-vibrant economy heavily relied on the steel industry until it collapsed in the 1970s and has not fully recovered. Participants (N=1,254) were followed for 12 years for the development of MCI. …

Analyzing Sex Differences In Human Performance Through 3d Isotonic Resistance, Jacob M. Cunha

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Appraisal of scientific literature and understanding continues to grow in the domain of human performance. The effects of sex on concentric resistance training and power output are not well understood. Recent advancements in technology permit more precise measurements of force output and the kinematic changes elicited by training stress. A unique device in capturing kinematic performance output is Proteus Motion. The machine produces an external magnetic load through a protruding apparatus connected to a gyrosphere, which in turn captures concentric movement through all three planes of movement (sagittal, coronal, transversal). The aim of this study is to investigate power output …

Inclusion Of Curriculum In Higher Education Targeting Stigma For Working With Stigmatized Populations, Caitlin Nash

Open Access Dissertations

Background: Healthcare professionals often lack sufficient training to work with stigmatized populations such as persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), leading to poorer healthcare and health outcomes. Understanding and addressing stigmas surrounding these groups is crucial to inform the development of competency in student curricula. This study aimed to (1) examine predictors of faculty’s inclusion of HIV/AIDS and SUD curriculum and related stigmas, and (2) examine predictors of HIV/AIDS-stigma, SUD-stigma, and knowledge of these stigmas among undergraduate students.

Methods: Survey data were collected from undergraduate students (n=1,039) and faculty (n=123) at a …

Students Engaging In Public Health Research: An Opportunity To Enhance Education, M. Courtney Hughes, Sadia Afrin

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Society is on the heels of one of the largest public health crisis the world has experienced in over a century, the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing the next generation of adept public health researchers is paramount to protecting the world against future health threats and addressing legacy public health challenges. This article explores the transformative influence of research experience on education, presenting three major points: (1) students engaging in public health research is timely, (2) students can develop a variety of critical thinking skills and data-driven decision-making capabilities that prepare them for future careers, and (3) faculty and universities benefit from …

Exploring The Associations Between Cognitive Training, Social Determinants Of Health, And Driving Behaviors: A Longitudinal Analysis Of The Active Study, Katie Wheeler

All ETDs from UAB

As the average lifespan increases, older adults are remaining independent into older ages than before. The ability to drive a vehicle is an essential part of daily living that helps older adults maintain independence. Cognitive training, specifically speed of processing training (SOPT), is an intervention that has consistently shown to benefit older adult’s driving abilities and driving behaviors. This dissertation examined the longitudinal association between cognitive training and primary driving location on crash risk across 20 years (Paper 1), investigated the effects of cognitive training and dosage on driving mobility across 10 years (Paper 2), and explored social determinants of …

Collected Essays By Simon Arzigian, Simon J. Arzigian

Texas Silver-Haired Legislature

These Collected Essays by Simon Arzigian were written in Edgewood, New Mexico, between 1998 and 2009.

Simon John Arzigian was born March 20, 1921 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and spent most of his childhood in this New England factory town. His entire professional life was with the Department of Defense, living in the dense urban setting in Washington D.C. During World War II he served in The Army as a medic in Africa and Europe. After the war he attended Catholic University and the University of Illinois graduate school, training as a parasitologist. He moved to Edgewood New Mexico in 1995 …