Digital Commons Network^™

Female Basketball Players’ Jump And Sprint Performance After Plyometric Jump Training Compared To Resistance Training, Yuhang Tian, Kai Xu, Wenxuan Fang, Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Plyometric training (PT) and resistance training (RT) can improve jumping and sprinting performance, although their comparative effectiveness in elite female basketball players remain unknown. Objectives: To compare the effects of PT and RT on jumping and sprinting performance in elite female basketball players. Methods: Thirty elite female basketball players were randomly assigned to PT (n = 10), RT (n = 10) or control groups (n = 10, standard basketball training). Performance assessments before and after the interventions (8 weeks, 16 training sessions) included countermovement jump (CMJ) height and peak power, drop jump (DJ) height and reactive strength index (RSI), …

November 2025 News Releases, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of University Relations

University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present

No abstract provided.

Testing If Vitamin K1 Reduces The Progression Of Non-Severe Calcific Aortic Stenosis: Design And Rationale Of The Prevention Of Aortic Stenosis Progression Phylloquinone Ossification Reduction Trial (Passport), William A. Courtney, Jarryd Walker, Aindreas Dorai-Raj, Tom Gilbert, Adil Rajwani, Jamie W. Bellinge, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Graham S. Hillis, Carl J. Schultz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims Calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) is the most common heart valvulopathy in high-income countries. There is no known treatment for CAS other than replacement of the valve in severe, symptomatic disease. Observational studies and a small openlabel randomized trial have reported that vitamin K1 supplementation may reduce the progression rate of calcification and obstruction in CAS. Methods and results 3PASSPORT(ACTRN12622000447752) will be a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating if nutritional supplementation with 10 mg of vitamin K1 can reduce the rate of valvular calcification and haemodynamic progression in CAS. Patients identified to have mild or moderate CAS based …

Advancing Security Safeguards In Large Language Models Through Multi-Agent Systems, Mohammed Rashed Alnuaimi

Theses

This thesis focused on enhancing the safe use of Large Language Model (LLM) through the innovative use of a Multi-Agent System (MAS). As LLMs like ChatGPT became essential to our everyday interactions, the need to maintain the safe use of these systems increased. This research thoroughly assessed the current security measures in place for LLM, pointed out their limitations and developed new and more effective security strategies. The core of the proposed solution was a MAS designed to ensure that all data processed by LLM met guidelines including Privacy, Confidentiality, and Ethical standards before reaching the user. The system involved …

Pharmacogenomics Of Statin Therapy In The Uae: Genetic Predictors Of Adverse Effects, Treatment Discontinuation, And Feasibility For Clinical Implementation In A Multiethnic Population, Mais Noman Al Qasrawi

Dissertations

Statins are among the most widely prescribed medications for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet their use is frequently complicated by adverse drug reactions (ADRs) such as statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) and liver enzyme elevations. These ADRs often lead to premature discontinuation and non-adherence, ultimately limiting the full therapeutic potential of lipid-lowering therapies. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing has emerged as a promising strategy to personalize statin treatment, particularly by identifying genetic variants that influence statin metabolism, transport, and toxicity. Although key PGx biomarkers such as SLCO1B1, ABCG2, and CYP2C9 have been studied extensively in global populations, their relevance …

The Role Of Differentiation Of Self And Self-Construal On Satisfaction With Life And Psychological Well-Being In A Brazilian Sample, Kavya Dhaipulle

Theses and Dissertations

The present study intended to confirm the self-construal dimensional model and to examine the cross-cultural applicability of Bowen’s Family Systems theory in the Brazilian context. Bowen’s concept of Differentiation of Self (DoS) has gathered substantial empirical evidence for its association with well-being; however, only a few studies have examined these constructs within Latin American cultures, including Brazil. Recent studies have indicated that independent and interdependent self-construal coexist in many Latin American cultures, such as Brazil. Therefore, the current study examined how the unique blend of independent and interdependent values in Brazilian culture relates to their DoS, overall psychological well-being, and …

Risk Factors To Predict Mortality In People With Seizures Reattending Emergency Departments: A Dual-Centre Study, Rohit Shankar, Madeline Dale, Sarah Lennard, William Henley, Brendan Mclean, Mark Jadav, Richard Laugharne, Gurjit Chohan, Sarah Trippier, Laura Sewell, Jamie Ford, Sarah Davis

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Recurrent seizure-related emergency department (ED) attendances are common and associated with poor outcomes. We aimed to identify factors associated with repeated seizure-related ED use and to develop a mortality risk score among individuals re-attending with seizures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study across two district general hospitals in South-West England, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCH; 2015–2018) and Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Trust (RUH; 2018–2022). Adults (≥18 years) with ≥2 seizure-related ED attendances were included. Negative binomial regression was used to examine demographic and clinical predictors of repeat attendances. A risk score based on these predictors was …

Characterization And Antibacterial Properties Of Centrifugally Spun Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Copper(Ii) Acetate Composite Fibers, Batool Ibrahim, Roberto Curiel, Sara Ibrahim, Luis A. Materon, Oleg Ermolinsky, Helia Magali Morales, Jason Parsons, Mataz Alcoutlabi

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

The demand for effective antibacterial materials is growing rapidly in today’s world. Both metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles have been widely used as antibacterial agents against various bacterial species due to their unique mechanisms of destroying bacterial membrane cells. The current study explores the antibacterial activity of centrifugally spun fibers prepared from copper acetate polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) ethanol precursor solutions against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. During the synthesis of the composite fibers, the physical and chemical conditions were optimized. The structure and morphology of the PVP/Cu-Ac fibers were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy …

Female Genital Mutilation And Its Effects Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Kenya: Insights From Kenya Demographic And Health Survey 2022, Jovinary Adam, Joyce Jebet

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a significant public health issue rooted in cultural traditions, affecting millions of women and girls. In Kenya, the practice is prevalent in various ethnic groups and is often associated with social and economic pressures.

Objective To determine the prevalence of FGM, the factors associated with FGM, and its effects among women of reproductive age in Kenya.

Methods This study used secondary data of a total 16,716 weighted women of reproductive age drawn from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. The study used the “svy” command in Stata to assign the sample weight. Multivariable …

Stakeholders’ Perceptions Of The Roles And Regulations Of Advanced Practice Nursing And Advanced Practice Midwifery, Constance Shumba, Benard Mutwiri, Denis Munene, Rachel Kimani, Beatrice May, Isabel Kambo, Colette Henderson, Irene Mageto, Daniela Lehwaldt, Eunice Ndirangu

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background Advanced practice nursing (APN) and advanced practice midwifery (APM) in Kenya are critical in healthcare system strengthening by expanding access to quality care, particularly in underserved regions. Globally, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) defines APN as a level of nursing practice that requires a minimum of a master’s degree, along with advanced clinical training and competency. Similarly, APM involves midwives with advanced training to provide specialized maternal and neonatal care. In Kenya, the APN and APM concepts were launched in 2020 and are still nascent, and their practice is determined by the context as provided by the country …

Uptake Of Covid-19 Vaccination And Associated Factors Among Patients Attending Oncology Services At The Ocean Road Cancer Institute In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: Insights From Mixed Design Methods’ Trajectory, David Makoko, Anthony Kapesa, Micheal Mugerwa, Mamsau Ngoma, Mark Mseti, Mary Lyimo, Lucy Kisaka, Ntuli Kapologwe, Jeremiah Seni

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background

COVID-19 vaccination campaigns have reduced disease severity and fatalities around the globe. Global data shows that 67.7% of the general population are vaccinated, and Tanzania has reported appealing findings of over 70% coverage among individuals over 18 years of age. However, a group-specific assessment of vaccination coverage is needed in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at assessing the COVID-19 vaccination uptake and associated factors among cancer patients owing to their vulnerability.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study design was conducted in September 2022 at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A multistage sampling approach was employed …

Selective Sharing And Social Bonding: A Qualitative Study Of Online Health Information Behaviour Among Older Adults In Shanghai, Minzhi Ye, Yan Liu

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

The health information landscape has been revolutionised by the advent of social media, significantly affecting older adults’ access to and interaction with online health information. In this study, we examine how older adults interact with health information on social media. In total, 30 participants aged 60 years and older from Shanghai were interviewed, focusing on their health information-seeking behaviour, perceptions, and subsequent actions using a semi-structured, in-depth interview approach. Furthermore, in this study, we employed grounded theory to analyze the data, and the results revealed that older adults utilise a comprehensive cognitive process for evaluating health information. Information-sharing decisions among …

Investment In Implementation: A Phenomenological Study Of Principals’ Curriculum Leadership And Emotional Competence, Melissa Van Straten

Educational Leadership & Administration Dissertations and Theses

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how elementary principals led the implementation of a newly adopted core literacy curriculum and how they perceived their emotional competence in this role. Grounded in implementation science (see D. L. Fixsen et al., 2010), the transtheoretical model (see Prochaska & DiClemente, 1982), and emotional intelligence (see Goleman et al., 2001), the study examined both the leadership approaches and emotional competencies principals relied on when leading curriculum implementation in their schools. Semi-structured interviews with 10 elementary principals revealed four key areas of leadership investment: investment in self, investment in people, investment in visibility, and investment in …

Choose: Helping Young Adults Make Confident Decisions, Caitlin J. Lee

Graphic Communication

This senior project is called Choose, a prototype decision-making app designed to help young adults make quicker, more confident choices by offering three evidence-based decision methods: random choice, friend delegation, and structured pros and cons lists. Informed by research on decision fatigue, cognitive load, and user-centered design, the app addresses everyday and high-stakes decisions by tailoring each method to its most effective context. The development process included literature review, competitive analysis, style exploration, iterative sketching, and Figma prototyping, as well as incorporating user feedback to refine usability and feature relevance. The resulting high-fidelity prototype demonstrates how multi-method decision support, …

Cabotegravir And Rilpivirine For Treatment Of Hiv Infection In Africa: Week 96 Results From The Phase 3b Randomized, Open-Label, Noninferiority Cares Trial, Cissy Kityo, Ivan Mambule, Joseph Musaazi, Simiso Sokhela, Henry Mugerwa, Henry Mugerwa, Ibrahim Yawe, Fiona Cresswell, Abraham Siika, Reena Shah

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Evaluation of the durable efficacy and safety of long-acting injectable therapy for HIV is needed in African populations. In a multicenter, open-label phase 3b trial, 512 African adults with HIV-1, stable on first-line oral therapy, with screening plasma viral load (VL) < 50 copies ml−1 and without past virologic failure were randomized (1:1) to continue oral therapy or switch to cabotegravir (600 mg) and rilpivirine (900 mg) intramuscular injections every 8 weeks (optional 4-week oral lead-in). VL was monitored every 24 weeks. Here the primary outcome for our analysis up to 96 weeks was VL < 50 copies ml−1, using the Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm (noninferiority margin 10%) in the intention-to-treat exposed population. At 96 weeks, 247/255 (97%) in the long-acting group and 250/257 (97%) in the oral therapy group had VL < 50 copies ml−1 (difference −0.4%; 95% confidence interval −3.1% to 2.0%), demonstrating noninferiority. Adverse events of severity grade ≥3 occurred in 41/255 (16%) in the long-acting group and in 22/257 (9%) in the oral therapy group, mostly considered unrelated to the study drug; only one treatment-related adverse event in the long-acting group led to a decision to discontinue treatment (injection-site abscess). Cabotegravir and rilpivirine long-acting therapy produced durable virologic suppression, met the prespecified noninferiority endpoint compared with oral therapy and demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. Long-acting therapy may be considered for use in African treatment programs. PACTR registration: 202104874490818.

Detection Of Left Ventricular Thrombus In Newly Diagnosed Heart Failure Patients: Diagnostic Accuracy Of 2d Transthoracic Echocardiography Compared With Cardiac Mri In A Kenyan Cohort, Barbara Karau, Nadeem Kassam, Mohamed Varwani, Jeilan Mohamed, Kevin Ombati, James Orwa, Mzee Ngunga

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a recognized complication of severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. While cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) Imaging is considered the gold standard due to its high sensitivity and specificity for detecting LVT, its availability remains limited in Sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast, 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is more accessible and commonly used in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the incidence of LVT in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 35% from any etiology, and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of TTE against CMR for its detection.

Methods This prospective, …

Heart Failure In Kenya: Epidemiology, Management Patterns, And Outcomes From A National Multicenter Registry, Mohamed Varwani, Nadeem Kassam, Jasmit Shah, Anders Barasa, Mzee Ngunga

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Introduction Heart failure (HF) poses a significant and growing public health challenge in Kenya, largely driven by the increasing prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. The condition disproportionately affects younger adults and is primarily linked to non-ischemic causes. Despite the existence of evidence-based treatment options, major barriers remain—particularly in timely diagnosis, access to care, and long-term management—leading to high rates of hospital readmission and mortality. Additionally, the absence of robust national data limits the development of effective policies and optimized HF care strategies. This study aimed to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics, underlying etiologies, management practices, and short-term …

Implementation And Evaluation Of Infection Prevention And Control Training In Sub-Saharan Africa, David Odada, James Ndai, Ruth Thuku, Philip Adebayo

Internal Medicine, East Africa

No abstract provided.

Omahe Rak Usah Apik-Apik: Adequate Housing Problems Of The Urban Poor Along Railway Tracks, Syahwal -

The Indonesian Journal of Socio-Legal Studies

As urban development accelerates, urbanization has simultaneously grown as an inseparable phenomenon. However, beneath this transformation lies a crisis within the capitalist system known as overaccumulation, which has led to the marginalization of urban poor groups. This phenomenon results in the creation of slums, one of which is found in the periphery of railway tracks, where the urban poor reside. Semarang the capital of Central Java Province, Indonesia, is an apt example of such developments,. This study takes as starting point that the right to adequate housing is an integral part of human rights and addresses the issue of why …

Bridging The Gap: An Educational Intervention For The Early Introduction Of Peanut Protein In Pediatric Care, Rachel Gilson Dnp, Rnc-Ob, C-Onqs, Fnp-C, Parkview Health

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

Presented at the 6th Annual Parkview Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Symposium. Theme: “From Paper to Practice: The Art of Implementation Science,” at the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation.

The primary aim of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve provider adherence to the NIAID guidelines for the early introduction of peanut protein in infants under one year of age. The project intended to address identified knowledge and practice gaps through a targeted educational intervention at Fort Wayne Pediatrics (FWP).

Systemic Racism In Canadian Healthcare: A Policy And Equity Analysis, Kola Adegoke, Abimbola Adegoke, Deborah Dawodu, Temitope Kayode

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: In Canadian healthcare, systemic racism subverts commitment to universal coverage by building inequities into the system of governance, regulation, and clinical practice. Although racial disparities have been documented, little attention has been paid to how institutional structures perpetuate these inequities.

Objective: This study critically examines the organizational aspects of racism in the Canadian healthcare system. It aims to identify structural obstacles faced by racialized patients and foreign-trained physicians and to provide policy recommendations grounded in evidence.

Methods: The authors employed a narrative review framework for qualitative analysis of documents. Public inquiries (eg, Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Viens Report), …

Pocus: Presence, Observation, Connection, Understanding, Story., Sanjay A Patel

Medical Education Articles

No abstract provided.

Structural-Level Stigma Within Emergency Food Assistance Programs: Perspectives From Delaware And Pennsylvania, Mckenna M Halverson, Evyn Y Appel, Valerie A Earnshaw, Raquelle Powell, Grace Sands, Nithila Chrisostam, Shreela V Sharma, Allison Karpyn

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

To characterize the ways in which structural stigma manifests within emergency food program settings.

Methods : We conducted 30-minute semi-structured interviews with 18 emergency food program clients in Pennsylvania and Delaware between August and December of 2024. The discussion guide included open-ended questions regarding client experiences of structural stigma, with an emphasis on issues of access and quality. Demographic data and household food insecurity (Hunger Vital Sign) were also captured. A hybrid inductive and deductive coding approach was used to analyze the data.

Results : Structural stigma is a persistent issue within emergency food program environments, impacting both participant access …

Exploring The Future Of Occupational Safety Research: A Strategic Foresight Approach, Jessica M K Streit, Sarah A Felknor, Nicole T Edwards, John J Howard

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A team from the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a strategic foresight project to explore the future of occupational safety research (OSR). Data collected via systematic horizon scanning and key informant interviews were synthesized into six drivers of OSR change: (1) technological advancement, (2) partnerships and public trust, (3) prioritizing research investments, (4) safety and health integration, (5) data and science quality, and (6) worker protections. These drivers served as the basis for envisioning four potential OSR futures. Analysis of the resulting scenarios identified opportunities to enhance and advance OSR methods and approaches, innovation, systems thinking, …

Mitigating Food Insecurity-Related Stigma: A Review Of Intervention Strategies, Evyn Y Appel, Mckenna M Halverson, Valerie A Earnshaw, Tania Cruz Cordero, Maya Rozin, Raquelle Powell, Grace Sands, Nithila Chrisostam, Sarah E Katz, Shreela V Sharma, Allison Karpyn

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To characterize intervention strategies addressing food insecurity-related stigma implemented in federal nutrition programs (e.g. SNAP, WIC) and emergency food programs (e.g. food pantries, food cupboards) within high income countries.

Methods: Six databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, Dissertations and Theses Global) and the Internet were searched through September 2024. Data on study characteristics and stigma intervention characteristics were extracted with a structured template. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used.

Results: The review found 46 intervention strategies across 18 articles. The majority of articles were based in the United States (89.9%) with the remaining portion from …

Stomach Cancer Incidence In Asians As Compared To Other Ethnic Populations Over Time From 2000 To 2021 In Seer Areas Of The United States, Zhuoyun Li, Xianglin L Du

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Stomach cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, but its late-stage detection and its lack of early symptoms are still the main challenges ahead. Limited research has focused on detailed racial and ethnic disparities in stomach cancer incidence within the United States. This study aims to address these gaps by analyzing age-adjusted stomach cancer incidence rates from 2000 to 2021.

Methods: Using data from the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program (2000-2021), we identified a cohort of 138,628 individuals diagnosed with incident stomach cancer at age ≥ 20. Both crude and age-adjusted models were …

Estimating Daily Air Quality Exposure Of The Aging And Dementia Population, Wan-Tai Michael Au-Yeung, Moiz Usmani, Ryan Ramphul, Chao-Yi Wu, Hiroko Dodge, Joel Steele, Zachary Beattie, Jeffrey Kaye

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background

To understand the effect of air quality on cognition, air quality measurements should reflect real-world exposure. Currently, air quality exposure is derived from outdoor air quality monitors despite older adults spending most of their time indoors.

Objective

To examine if there are discrepancies between indoor particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) at older adults’ personal residences, PM2.5 levels measured with nearest outdoor public air monitors, and remotely accessed gridded ensemble air quality data.

Methods

PM2.5 levels collected in older adults’ residences, collected from the nearest outdoor public air quality monitors and ensemble data from Hazardous Air Quality Ensemble System (HAQES) were …

Multilevel Selection In The Margins: A Review Of Its Representation In Undergraduate Biology Textbooks, C. A. Greene, S. J. Mcpeek, L. Mitchem, A. B. Clark, Vincent A. Formica

Biology Faculty Works

Multilevel selection (MLS) is a foundational framework that expands the concept of natural selection beyond the traditional focus on individuals or genes to larger units, like groups. Despite strong empirical support and applications in a broad range of biological fields, MLS, often referred to as group selection, has a controversial history, which has impeded its wide use and led to incorrect inferences on the sources and strength of selection. Here, we explore how MLS is currently presented to undergraduate biology students by analyzing the content of nine commonly used Evolutionary Biology and Animal Behavior textbooks. We ask whether and how …

Youth Attitudes And Perceptions Regarding Police, Courts, And Political Engagement: A Texas Study, Marika Dawkins-Cavazos, Camille Gibson, Yudu Li

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Youth are often perceived as disengaged from civic and political processes, yet their potential to influence elections is receiving increasing attention. This study examined how differences in race, ethnicity, sex, and age shape youth civic engagement, particularly their willingness to vote in the 2024 presidential election. Through surveys of college students in the diverse southern region of the United States, the research explored the relationship between perceptions of law enforcement, trust in the justice system, and civic participation. Specifically, it hypothesized that Black and Hispanic youth would report lower trust in law enforcement, which may influence their willingness to engage …

Factors Associated With Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Attending Maternal Child Health Clinics In Kenya, Loise Nthambi, Marleen Temmerman, William Macharia, Joshua Nyagol, Sophia Mogere, Jillian Neary, Edward Nyabs, Janet Itindi, Agnes Langat, Evelyn Wangari

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background Cervical cancer is the second leading malignancy in incidence among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Early detection through screening and treatment of pre-cancerous cervical lesions is paramount in preventing cervical cancer. We sought to examine factors associated with ever being screened for cervical cancer among women attending infant immunization clinics in Kenya.

Methods We conducted secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional survey that enrolled mother-infant pairs attending 55 infant immunization clinics in Kenya between 2018 and 2019. Clinics were selected from high and medium/low HIV-burden counties using probability-proportionate-to-size sampling. The primary outcome was self-reported cervical cancer screening. To align with …