Digital Commons Network^™

A Component-Based Approach For Developing Actions In Non-Humanoid Elderly Care Robots, Danyal Sarfraz, Ulugbek Vahobjon Ugli Ismatullaev, Kwanmyung Kim

IASDR Conference Series

Developing expressive motion for non-humanoid companion robots is a growing area of research in human–robot interaction. This study presents a hybrid design approach that integrates designer-led ideation with user-based empirical validation to develop physical actions for Lemmy, a two-wheeled companion robot for elderly users. The research followed a three-stage process: designer workshops produced an initial action catalogue; pairwise comparison testing with older adults identified preferred variants of four key motion components, speed, posture, path, and turn type, and validation studies compared complete actions composed from preferred, non-preferred, and random combinations. High-fidelity 3D animation was employed to enable rapid iteration, experimental …

Rethinking Public Space Design And Assemblage Affordances: A Perspective From China's One-Child Generation And Solitude, Xia Bi, Yijia Jiang, Caterina Villani, Kin Wai Michael Siu

IASDR Conference Series

This paper explores how urban public space design in China responds to the growing demand for solitude, with a particular focus on the unique social and cultural preferences of the one-child generation. Drawing on relational thinking and affordance theory, the study examines how public spaces intentionally designed to promote social interaction are appropriated for solitary use. Through case analyses of public spaces in Shanghai and Yantai, China, the paper reveals the emergence of improvised and serendipitous affordances that reflect changing user behaviours and cultural expectations. This paper highlights the need to move beyond intent-driven design toward a relational model that …

Co-Designing Tangible Embedded And Embodied Interaction For Co-Located Intergenerational Active Play, Khoa Tran, Alethea Blackler, Daniel Cook, Bernd Ploderer, Nicole Vickery

IASDR Conference Series

Co-located intergenerational active play enables meaningful interaction between generations while supporting young early childhood development and positive aging. Existing literature highlights the potential of tangible embedded and embodied interaction (TEI) in promoting active play and intergenerational interaction. Through a series of co-design workshops involving grandchild-grandparent dyads, fourteen ideas were generated and analysed using behavioural coding. Three themes were identified: ‘Ball games’, ‘Cubbyhouse’, and ‘Build and knock’. Ball games had the highest potential for equal participation, stimulating a range of Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) and sustaining engagement. In contrast, cubbyhouse and build-and-knock activities often resulted in passive participation from grandparents. This …

"Weaving Home Over Time": Uncovering Layered Narratives Of Belonging Through Participatory Homemaking In Dementia Care, Natsumi Wada, Silvia Maria Gramegna, Alessandro Biamonti

IASDR Conference Series

What elements make you feel that this is “home”? This study investigates the multifaceted concept of “home” for people with dementia, extending beyond physical shelter to encompass sensory, emotional, and relational dimensions. Drawing on a qualitative, participatory co-design approach at GRACE Lab— a living lab embedded in a Milan dementia village—we engaged five residents with mild-to-moderate dementia, care staff, and design researchers in semi-structured interviews, observations, storytelling, and one-on-one workshops. A bespoke toolkit of icon cards and collage materials was used to elicit personal memories and co-construct individualized “home” narratives. Data coded in MaxQDA24 were analysed through a multimodal narrative …

A Study On Supporting Administrative Procedures Related To Death And Inheritance -Focusing On Entry Items In Ending Notes, Ryoichi Tamura, Shintaro Yamada

IASDR Conference Series

This study aims to reduce the burden of administrative procedures related to death and inheritance by focusing on entry items in ending notes and identifying related challenges in terms of understanding and information sharing. Thirty-four ending notes were analyzed, and their entry items were organized into 25 categories. Using Hayashi’s Quantification Theory Type III and cluster analysis, the notes were classified into three groups to clarify their characteristics. Questionnaire surveys of older and middle- aged adults revealed levels of awareness, willingness to communicate, and desire to understand each item, leading to the classification of entry items into six types with …

Quality Improvement Project: Development And Implementation Of A Structured Certification Support Program And The Impact On Nurses’ Confidence And Medical Surgical Certification Rates, Mary Tran

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Professional nursing certification is an important criterion of Magnet designation, and increased certification rates have been associated with positive patient outcomes. The literature supports peer support and group study as beneficial strategies to assist nurses in preparing for certification exams. A quality improvement project among medical-surgical (med-surg) nurses at a community hospital pursuing Magnet redesignation addressed the lack of formal processes and nursing perceived barriers to certification that may contribute to low certification rates. The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a structured medical-surgical certification support program following the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle utilizing evidence-based strategies, including a …

The Artful Aging Project, Maria Carmelita Fernandez, Sah'neya Fryer, Kathleen Morris, Maya Price

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

As the older adult population in Sacramento County continues to expand, addressing age-related declines in fine motor function, cognition, and social well-being has become increasingly critical. Such declines can compromise activities of daily living, reduce independence, and exacerbate risks associated with social isolation. Evidence suggests that art-based interventions may mitigate these effects by enhancing motor coordination, promoting social engagement, and stimulating cognitive processes. The Artful Aging Project was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of structured art activities in improving fine motor skills and social wellness among older adults served by the Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center (SSNC). Grounded in community-based participatory …

Quality Of Life And Mental Health: A Qualitative Exploration Of Perceived Factors That Impact Older Adults, Chasiti Herring

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Enhancing quality of life and well-being is a universal phenomenon across the lifespan. As the population ages, older adults are in great need of supportive services to enhance quality of life and their ability to manage their mental health. The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of life (QoL) of older adults. This study aimed to provide valuable research in the area of QoL through the exploration of perceived factors that impact the older adult population. This exploratory qualitative research study consisted of 10 older adult participants between the ages of 65 and 95. Research recruitment prioritized …

Graduates List - December 2025, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Commencement Lists

No abstract provided.

Assessing Neurocognitive Functioning Among Adults Ageing With And Without Hiv At The Kenyan Coast: Measurement Issues And Correlates, Patrick Nzivo Mwangala, Carophine Nasambu, Ryan Wagner, Mihaela Duta, Gaia Scerif, Charles Newton, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Cognitive impairment is one of the most prevalent complications of HIV infection, with significant medical and functional impacts. However, valid, and reliable assessment tools are lacking for the newly emergent ageing population of people living with HIV (PLWH) in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Kenya. Without these tools, critical intervention opportunities, e.g., psychoeducation, treatment and additional support, are missed. To bridge this gap in Kenya, we adapted the Oxford Cognitive Screen Plus (OCSPlus), a tablet-based cognitive assessment tool designed for low-literacy settings, with adults ageing with HIV ≥ 50 years and their uninfected peers. This study examines …

Adult Dispersal Of Field-Released Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), In Northern And Southern Philippines, Mario V. Navasero, Randolph N. Candano, Gelyn D. Sapin, Wilson N. De Panis

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The effectiveness of Bt corn in controlling the Asian Corn Borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée, is well recognized. However, concerns persist regarding the potential development of resistance to Bt toxins by this pest. This resistance could arise from surviving ACB individuals carrying homozygous resistance alleles, potentially leading to resistant offspring if mating between resistant individuals is not prevented or minimized. To address this issue, various studies have investigated the factors that limit or facilitate resistance development. These factors include adult dispersal and mating behavior in the field, as well as ecological conditions such as weather and landscape features. However, there …

External Funding Bulletin July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, Office Of Research And Creative Activity, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Sponsored Programs Bulletins

No abstract provided.

Assessing Community Needs: Human Services For Adults In Millis And Medway, Caitlin E. Coyle, Michelle Ward, Ceara Somerville

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report presents the results of a comprehensive evaluation of issues relating to aging in Millis and Medway. A needs assessment was undertaken in order to support planning on the part of the Towns of Millis and Medway, the Councils on Aging (COAs), and the communities as a whole. Results presented here focus on the characteristics and needs of Millis and Medway residents who are age 60 and older. While the primary goal of this report is to support COA planning, a secondary goal is to present information that will be useful to other Millis and Medway offices and organizations …

Preventing, Delaying, And Managing Chronic Disease, Michele Dinman, Logan Fox

Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging

We are living longer. Today, men and women who reach age 65 will live another 17 to 20 years, on average. As the human body ages, normal biological changes increase vulnerability to illness, and the risk of developing disease increases. At the same time, advances in public health, medicine, and health care have reduced deaths from acute conditions, like infection and accidents, and have increased our chances of living longer into the human life span. Thus, we now have greater chances of developing one or more chronic diseases. Most (75%) adults in the U.S. live with at least one chronic …

Being A Caregiver For A Friend Or Family Member, Nancy Morrow-Howell, Michele Dinman

Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging

Informal caregivers give assistance to family and friends who have functional limitations that challenge self-care. Most often, caregivers assist younger adults living with a disability and older people with age- associated chronic conditions. Family caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system in this country, delivering 80% of care. Caregiving is increasing as people live longer with more chronic conditions. Indeed, caregiving is the new norm in our older society. As Roselyn Carter said: "There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, …

Lifelong Civic Engagement, Logan Fox, Emma Ward, Cal J. Halvorsen

Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging

Civic engagement can be broadly defined as the practice of service (volunteering or informal helping), advocacy, and political participation (voting). Older adults are a large and growing population that frequently engages in these civic activities.

In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that approximately one quarter of the 11 million daily volunteers in the U.S. were age 65 and older. Between 2018 and 2021, there was a 10% increase in volunteer hours filled by individuals over age 65. Research shows this trend will be mutually beneficial, improving the quality of life for older adults who are, in turn, positively …

Environmental Sanitation In Long-Term Care Facilities: A Focus On Regulations And Implementations, Ruwan Dissanayake Dissanayake Mudiyanselage

All Theses

Environmental sanitation is a fundamental component of infection prevention in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), where residents are at increased risk due to advanced age, underlying health conditions, and communal living arrangements. Despite its critical role, significant gaps remain in implementing environmental sanitation procedures and the regulatory frameworks that guide them.

This study combines two components: (1) an across-state regulatory review of environmental sanitation in LTCF regulations and (2) a cross-sectional survey assessing environmental sanitation characteristics of nursing homes (NHs) and assisted living facilities (ALFs) and Rural and Urban LTCF observation study in South Carolina (SC) . For the regulatory review …

Financial Well-Being Among Self-Employed Older Americans, Cal J. Halvorsen, Byeongju Ryu

Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging

As people live longer, there has been growing attention in recent years on extending working lives. Although many older adults fully retire, those who continue to work often turn to self-employment—a broad category that includes entrepreneurs, small business owners, consultants, contractors, gig workers, and people who take on side jobs. Rates of self-employment rise sharply with age, with nearly 30 percent of employed adults in their 70s working for themselves—approximately twice the share of those in their 60s.

The Relationship Between Exercise And Prospective Memory: A Meta-Analysis, Shaykhah Salman Alqahtani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Prospective memory (PM)—the ability to remember and carry out future intentions—is essential for everyday functioning. This cognitive process involves intention formation, retention, cue detection, and execution. Emerging research suggests that physical exercise may influence prospective memory performance through potential enhancements in attention, executive functioning, and neuroplasticity. This thesis examines the relationship between physical exercise and prospective memory through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature.

This review synthesized evidence from experimental studies to evaluate the effects of acute and chronic exercise interventions on prospective memory in diverse populations. Six studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in …

Quality Improvement Project: Effect Of Multi-Level Student Collaboration On Clinical Judgment In High-Fidelity Simulation, Jillian Carroll

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

There is a gap in undergraduate nursing curriculum on incorporating collaboration and communication into patient care, leading to a lack of competence and confidence in novice practice. Using collaboration in high-fidelity simulation, students gain real-world exposure and opportunities to communicate and make independent decisions. Using Kotter’s eight-step change theory, this project addresses the limited exposure to collaboration by implementing purposeful interdisciplinary collaboration within high-fidelity simulation to improve undergraduate nursing students’ confidence and competence in nursing practice. This will build on Patricia Benner’s novice-to-expert theory and help advance Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) students into a safe and effective novice year of …

University Of Nebraska At Omaha Commencement: December 2025, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Exercise As A Treatment For Depression And Anxiety Symptoms In College Students, Ashley J. Fountain

ATU Honors Projects

Anxiety and depression have become increasingly prevalent among college students, with rates rising to levels that demand urgent and accessible treatment alternatives. Traditional interventions such as psychotherapy and pharmacological treatments, while effective for many, present limitations including high cost, side effects, and barriers to access. This paper examines exercise as a holistic, evidence-based treatment modality for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students. Recent research demonstrates that aerobic exercise, resistance training, and yoga each produce meaningful physiological and psychological benefits through mechanisms involving neurotransmitter regulation, reduced cortisol levels, and enhanced self-esteem. Studies comparing exercise with antidepressant medications show …

Gender Differences In Psychological Strengths Among Rural Adolescents, Angela Preston, Jodi Bullard, Rachel Smith, Ashlyn Peppler

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose: Rural adolescents often lack access to mental health care along with increased rates of depression and suicide completion. While psychological strengths have been associated with positive outcomes globally, little is known regarding the prevalence of these indicators (hope, self‐efficacy, resilience, optimism, and gratitude) among adolescents living in rural Texas. The purpose of this study was to describe how rural adolescents report their psychological strengths and examine the data for potential gender differences.

Design and Methods: A secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data was performed on the RStudio platform using tests of central tendency and inferential statistics. Results: There were 425 …

Living With Dementia In Kenya: Pathways To Care, Diagnosis And Management, Edna Bosire

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing a sharp rise in the size of theolder population; consequently, the incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer’s DiseaseRelated Dementias (AD/ADRD) is also expected to rise. There is limited research onAD/ADRD lived experiences have been conducted in SSA including Kenya. Our projectaimed to explore patient’s and caregivers lived experiences with Alzheimer’s disease inKenya.

Methods: This ethnographic study was conducted at the Aga Khan University hospital(AKUH), involving in-depth interviews with 21 health care providers, 26 patientswith mild cognitive impairment and 36 caregivers. We also conducted 10 homevisits and observations. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.In what …

Community Perspectives On Factors Contributing To Resilience For Healthy Aging In Kenya, Linda Khakali, Everline Onchari, Maureen Ondire, Catherine Onyancha, Chinedu Momoh, Edna Bosire

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: The global elderly population is increasing and expected to double in thenext decade. Aging increases the likelihood of adversities, with resilience becomingan important aspect of healthy aging. Understanding how individuals conceptualizeresilience offers an opportunity to create contextually relevant interventions forpromoting healthy aging. This study aimed to explore adults’ perspectives on factorsinfluencing resilience in Kenya.

Method: Using qualitative methods, 36 adults aged 35 years and above werepurposively recruited from various communities in Nairobi County to participate ininterviews. We asked questions about their understanding of aging, adversity andresiliency. We also provided them with case scenarios of two individuals respondingdifferently to the …

Tricounty Vaccine Improvement Program (Tc-Vip): Enhancing Vaccine Confidence And Uptake In Rural Utah, Aaron Hunt, Yvette Rea, Annalyz Castro

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The Utah State University Extension TriCounty Vaccine Improvement Program addressed low rural vaccination rates across a three-county area through bilingual social media campaigns, health fairs, training in motivational interviewing, and neuromarketing. Evaluation results showed improved skills, broad community reach, and positive participant feedback, demonstrating a replicable model to reduce vaccine hesitancy and strengthen rural health systems.

Cultural Adaptation Of An Innovative Reproductive Health Assessment Tool For Dementia Research In Africa: Insights From The Fember-Africa Study, Alice Moraa Ondieki, Anne Njogu, Cynthia I Sabel Smith, Edna Bosire, Karen Blackmon, Harrison Kaleli, Jasmit Shah, Rachel Maina, Sheila Waa, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Dementia research accounts for only 0.1% of all research in Africa,making it the lowest among all low- and middle-income country (LMIC) regions. Thedevelopment and adaptation of biological and psychosocial measures in ethnicallyand culturally diverse populations remain limited but are essential for culturallyinformed research. This is particularly critical for examining sex- and gender-basedvulnerabilities to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), including factorssuch as reproductive health and fertility.

Method: We conducted a thorough review of our clinical and health questionnaires forcultural relevance and sensitivity through a series (n = 3) of focus groups discussions.These focus groups included a diverse range of …

Vitality Tracking In Kenyan Adults Using Wearable Devices And Ecological Momentary Assessments, Karen Blackmon, Benard Alaka, Catherine Onyancha, Litha Musili, Raechel Kamau, Cyprian Mostert, Mansoor Saleh, Zul Merali, Chinedu Momoh, Thomas Thesen

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Vitality is essential to healthy aging but is elusive to define and measure.Dynamic capture of fluctuations in vitality can uncover abnormal trajectories thatcould be a harbinger of frailty in older adults. Yet, these fluctuations are missed bystatic and/or sparse sampling strategies. To address the need for dynamic and high-density capture of vitality in older adults, we developed a passive sensing and activeprobing digital platform using wearable devices and smartphones. We deployed thisparadigm in older Kenyan adults and evaluated its potential for use in research on thedynamics of accelerated aging.

Method: Cognitively unimpaired (CU) Kenyan adults ≥ 35 years of …

Predicting Accelerated And Delayed Aging In Global Settings: Biobehavioral Age Gaps And The Role Of Global Exposomes, Hernan Hernandez, Hernando Santamaria-Garcia, Sebastian Moguilne, Agustina Legaz, Pavel Prado, Jhosmary Cuadros, Liset Gonzalez, Cyprian Mostert, Chinedu Momoh, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Global health challenges like aging and dementia are shaped bysocioeconomic disparities, environmental factors, and social determinants of health.We developed a behavioral age gap (BAG), measuring the difference between expectedbehavioral age and chronological age

Method: We utilized a cross-sectional sample (n = 161,981) comprising countriesfrom Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Behavioral age was estimated usinga Gradient Boosting Regressor with 10-fold cross-validation, incorporating multiplerisk factors (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, female sex, visual impairment andhearing impairment) and protective factors (cognition, functional ability, education)associated with healthy aging. BAG was calculated as the difference between predictedand chronological age, and adjusted gaps were derived …

The Effects Of Mindfulness Meditation On Cognitive Flexibility, Emotion Regulation And Stress Reduction, Angelika Juric

University Honors Program Senior Projects

This study examined the short-term effects of mindfulness meditation on cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation, and stress reduction. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to enhance attentional control, emotional awareness, and adaptive coping, contributing to overall psychological well-being. Using a pre-test/post-test experimental design, 23 adult participants completed the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS), Emotion Regulation Scale (ERS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) before and after a 15-minute guided Open Monitoring Mindfulness Meditation (OMM) session. The meditation emphasized nonjudgmental awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. It was hypothesized that participants will demonstrate increased cognitive flexibility, improved emotion regulation, and reduced stress, anxiety, …