Digital Commons Network^™

Adaptation To Climate-Induced Macrofinancial Risks: Top-Down And Bottom-Up Solutions, Demis Legrenzi, Emanuele Ciola, Davide Bazzana

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei Working Papers

This paper examines the macro-financial effects of alternative adaptation strategies in response to exogenous shocks in labor productivity caused by climate change. Using a Stock-Flow-Consistent Agent-Based model calibrated to U.S. data, we analyze two main scenarios: (i) a change in the conduct of monetary policy to account for climate-related damages, and (ii) a firm-level adaptation strategy that internalizes expected climate losses. We evaluate both scenarios under the assumption of either homogeneous or heterogeneous climate shocks. Our results indicate that both strategies can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on output and wealth distribution. However, their performance is significantly worse …

Quality Improvement Project Increasing Job Satisfaction Among Nurses, Sarah Hines

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Ineffective nurse leadership has been attributed to low nurse satisfaction, a decrease in morale, and can increase nurse turnover rates. Patient care and safety can be affected when nurses are dissatisfied with their workplace. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase nurses’ satisfaction rates on three behavioral health units by providing leadership classes for nursing leaders to attend to help combat nurse dissatisfaction rates. The methods utilized a quantitative design with pre- and post-intervention measurements. Pre- and post-intervention Likert-scale questionnaire data collected from direct-patient care registered nurses who met inclusion criteria on three behavioral health units by …

Demographic And Clinical Predictors Of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease And Advanced Fibrosis In The United States, Gail Fernandes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD; formerly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related liver fibrosis) is a growing public health problem in the United States. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of MASLD-related advanced fibrosis in the United States and assess whether type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) were independent risk factors for MASLD-related advanced fibrosis. This study was a quantitative cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2011 to 2020, grounded in the social ecological theory. Participants (N = 21,829) were included if they were ≥18 years, excluded if …

Staff Education To Promote Medication Adherence In Hypertension, Amie Sankoh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A primary care medical clinic experienced an increase in hospital readmission for hypertensive patients, as evidenced by a consistent lack of standardized patient education on medication adherence and a notable increase in readmission rates for uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension is a significant public health problem associated with an elevated risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The gap in practice identified was a lack of knowledge among the medical staff in teaching patients about hypertension medication adherence. The practice-focused question was: Does educating primary care medical staff on the importance of medication adherence in hypertension improve knowledge, as evidenced by …

Generational Health Professional Perceptions About Artificial Intelligence Impact On Clinical Work, Karima Lalani, Kerryn Butler-Henderson, David T Marc, Susan H Fenton

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Whilst the evidence-base related to artificial intelligence (AI) has been growing in relation to its use and impact on healthcare, there is a lack of evidence related to the health workforce impact and no research examining the generational perceptions in relation to the health workforce and AI. This paper presents the results of a survey, which found generational differences in perceptions about the impact of AI on clinical jobs. Gen Z and Millennials were more likely to agree with statements that AI will improve their clinical decision-making skills/abilities, accomplish clinical tasks more quickly, and cause unemployment in their professional occupation. …

Counternarratives In Art Education: Portraitures Of Underrepresented Students A Decade After Graduation, Marianna Elrayes

Art Education Masters Theses

The research sought to better understand and advocate for underserved and underrepresented art students in public education through the utilization of counternarratives. How can we effectively resolve social justice issues in art education if we do not listen to the voices and perspectives of the students these issues directly impact? Foundational theory for this research has been the works by Paulo Freire (1970/2017), Antonia Darder (2012), and bell hooks (1994). Through the lens of critical theory, the research provided an overview of academic socio-political issues and oppressive systems in place perpetuating the stigma around underserved and underrepresented students. The research …

Proactive Planning For Contextual Fit: The Role Of The Implementation Premortem, Guillermo M. Wippold, Kaylyn A. Garcia, Ariel Domlyn, Dylan Wong, Maria E. Fernandez

Faculty Publications

Background

Implementation failure is a major barrier to program success. It is widely acknowledged that context matters—individual, community, and organizational norms, values, environment, and priorities influence successful program implementation. A mismatch between how the program was intended to be delivered and the constraints of the context in which it was delivered is a major cause of implementation failure. The barriers to implementation are usually understood after a program has failed. Although there are tools that can help accommodate for, or overcome, contextually-driven sources of implementation failure, there remains a significant gap – a tool and structured approach to analyze data …

Tracing Tremor: From Upper-Limb Neuromusculoskeletal Dynamics To Movement Signatures In Essential Tremor, Landon J. Beutler

Theses and Dissertations

Tremor is a common neurological condition that significantly impairs the quality of life for millions. Despite this prevalence, the underlying mechanisms of its propagation remain poorly understood, and current treatment options often rely on trial-and-error methods. Moreover, the most common type, Essential Tremor (ET), presents a unique challenge due to its heterogeneity--patients exhibit a wide range of symptoms, severities, and responses to treatment. This thesis primarily advances tremor understanding through computational modeling, with a secondary focus on data-driven subtyping of ET via cluster analysis. These parallel paths aim to improve both mechanistic insight and clinical classification. Tremor propagation refers to …

Generative Ai In Policy-Informed Insurance Adjudication: A Comparative Analysis, Emmanuel Osamau, Chun-Hua Tsai

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

This paper addresses how Generative AI-mediated policy framing influences insurance outcomes and the broader adjudication ecosystem. We explore a hybrid decision-making framework that combines an XGBoost model for initial claim likelihood prediction and OpenAI’s GPT-4 for policy application. This approach is tested using two distinct policies: a contextual risk-benefit assessment (CRBA) and an equal needs and fairness evaluation (ENFE). The study specifically analyzes how GenAI’s interpretation and application under these different policy framings impact claim approval rates and associated financial liabilities. Furthermore, we examine the broader implications of integrating this AI-driven framework for multiple stakeholders involved in the adjudication process, …

Unmasking The Shadows: A Comprehensive Exploration Of Serial Killers, Erica D. Lewis

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership

Using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative literature review and qualitative case study analysis, this capstone investigates the developmental pathways of serial killers. The study investigates a variety of biological, psychological, and sociological elements—such as genetic predispositions, neurological disorders, childhood traumas, and environmental stressors—interact to shape serial killers. The study offers a multidisciplinary perspective, grounded in criminological models such as routine activity and labeling theories, sociological frameworks such as social disorganization and strain theory, and psychological theories such as psychopathy and attachment theory. Theoretical findings are contextualized through case studies of notorious serial killers like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and …

Adapt & Thrive: Parkinson’S Training For A More Meaningful Life, Alyson Chew

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

As of 2022, there are 107,601 people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in California with 78% of cases above 70 years old (California Department of Public Health, 2024). Falls are the most common cause of injury for adults 65 years and older with over 14 million falls reported annually (CDC, 2024). Occupational therapy is an underutilized profession that can assist both people with PD and caregivers to reduce falls and injuries from occurring.

Understanding The Collaborative Role Of Occupational Therapists And Personal Trainers With Young Onset Parkinson’S Populations, Anthony Cervania

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

The lack of resources and research on YOPD decreases overall quality of life for individuals with YOPD and decreases treatment quality provided by healthcare professionals due to lacking Evidence Based Practice (EBP).

Navigating Sensory Challenges: Understanding The Sensory Experience Of Adults With Dementia In Adult Day Centers, Bailey Stewart

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Staff had not yet received formal training on how to identify a variety of sensory based behaviors and how to best utilize the sensory room and tailor its use to meet specific individual’s needs from an OT lens.

Advancing The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Diabetes Self-Management: A Community-Focused Approach In Stockton, Benjamin Angel Magallon

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Key Barriers: Lower Socioeconomic Status (LSES), low health literacy, and lack of culturally appropriate diabetes care hinder effective self-management. Gap in Services: Occupational therapy is underutilized in chronic disease care, with unmet needs in addressing diabetes-related depression, physical rehabilitation, and health education. Purpose: Equip occupational therapy students and early-career practitioners to address gaps in diabetes care using evidence-based, client-centered approaches.

Enhancing Adaptive Aquatics For Children With Autism, Arielle Bernstein

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism. Current trainings lack inclusive, neurodiversity-informed teaching strategies. Without practical tools and education, instructors struggle to meet the unique sensory and communication needs of these swimmers.

Innovative Rehabilitation: Enhancing Qol For College Athletes With Post-Concussion Symptoms, Francis Gonzales

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Inconsistent concussion protocols and modest current practices in emerging technology for treating post-concussion symptoms can lead to a decrease in physical, cognitive, and emotional deficits, causing college athletes to have diminished community integration and poor QOL.

Helping Prepare Young Adults With Disabilities For Successful Employment, Irvin Jimenez

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem Statement: Young adults with disabilities are at a higher risk of unemployment and typically don't receive the career development and employment readiness training needed to attain employment (Lindsay et al., 2015). In turn, young adults with disabilities struggle to transition into the workforce and can benefit from life skills and work-related skills in which occupational therapy (OT) can help with providing valuable insight and helping with identifying and selecting work opportunities, employment seeking and acquisition, and developing needed work-related skills and patterns (Occupational therapy practice framework, 2020).

Mindfulness, Meaning, And Mental Health: Occupational Therapy At The Heart Of Community Wellness At Acc, Hazel Hyeonjin Yang

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Despite growth, limited research exists on culturally sensitive healthcare interventions and utilization patterns in this group. Aimed to increase awareness and support older adults in accessing mental health services, promotes mindfulness and highlights the role of occupational therapy in community wellness by addressing cultural and generational barriers through workshops.

From Trauma To Triumph: Occupational Therapy Approaches To Addressing Aces And Empowering Change, Kayla Livingston

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem statement: Despite the number of children who are exposed to ACEs, there is limited literature that mentions the relationship between current interventions and the scope of OT.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Addressing Physical & Psychosocial Health Needs Within The Dance Community To Optimize Artist-Athlete Longevity, Krista Narvasa Antonio

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Purpose: This capstone project seeks to advocate for holisitc and sustainable training approaches in dance by creating a system of improving awareness of current evidence-based protocols and practices surrounding dancer health.

Fostering Community To Promote Health And Wellness Amongst Lgbtq+ School Of Health Sciences Students, Lio Inumerable

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem Statement: Lack of resources, programming, and supports for queer-identifying graduate students in health science focused programs.

Traumatic Brain Injury In The Criminal Justice System, Molly Mcdavid

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Between 51 - 60.25% of incarcerated individuals and 47% of those on probation have one or more traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) in their lifetime. Despite this, the criminal justice system (CJS) lacks: • Routine screening for TBI, • CJS worker education, on TBI and it’s impact, • TBI specific resources for clients and workers.

Supporting Co-Occupation Through Play: Exploring Park Accessibility For Families Affected By Disability, Serenity Edwards

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Public playgrounds are often designed without considering the needs of families with disabilities. When parks and playground environments are not accessible it hinders the the co-occupation of play between parent and child.

Examining Associations Between Street Vegetation And Child Firearm Violence At Microgeographic Locations In 3 Us Cities: A Case-Control Study, Zihan Lin, Gregory A. Wellenius, Jonathan Jay

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

Background: Firearm violence is a leading cause of death among U.S. children under age 18. Urban vegetation, a vital component of the living environment, has been found to influence firearm violence, yet the relationship between different types of street vegetation and firearm violence with children as the victim at the microgeographic scale remains unclear.

Methods: We analyzed 2316 child firearm assault incidents from Los Angeles, New York City, and Philadelphia from 2015 to 2021. Using a spatial case-control approach, we matched assault locations with control locations within 1-km. For each location, we applied deep learning algorithms to Google Street View …

Rural Roots, Academic Roads: Exploring College Persistence Among Rural Students, Misty Wilburn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the financial and social challenges faced by first-generation college students from rural backgrounds as they transition from K-12 to four-year regional institutions. Using quantitative analysis of secondary data from the class of 2024 at a selected institution, this study examines factors influencing graduation rates and financial aid needs. Key metrics include geographic origins, high school backgrounds, academic assistance, and financial support. By highlighting these challenges, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the structural and social barriers that first-generation rural students encounter.

Sbar: Handoff Communication Technique For Nurses, Carrie Jane Barnett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project aimed to address inconsistent and ineffective handoff communication among healthcare staff in a 44-bed observation unit. ​ The project focused on implementing an education program centered on the SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) communication technique to improve staff knowledge and communication practices. ​ Using a pretest/posttest design, the program demonstrated significant knowledge gains among participants, with a cohort-normalized gain of 0.85 and statistically significant improvements in test scores (p < .05). The intervention highlighted the importance of structured communication in enhancing patient safety, reducing errors, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. ​ Despite limitations such as a small sample size and time constraints, the project highlighted the value of SBAR as a reliable tool for enhancing communication and improving patient outcomes. ​ Recommendations include ongoing SBAR training, integration into onboarding programs, and expansion to other departments to sustain long-term improvements in communication and care quality. ​

"Check-The-Box" Enrollment Will Limit Participation In Trump Accounts: Lessons From Asset-Building Research, Jin Huang, Margaret M. Clancy, Stephen Roll, Michael Sherraden

Center for Social Development Research

As the U.S. Treasury Department considers the implementation of Trump Accounts, one proposed enrollment method is a “check-the-box” option on the federal tax return, requiring parents to actively grant permission to open an account. This policy brief draws on evidence from prior research to explain why such a check-the-box opt-in model is very unlikely to achieve full participation in Trump Accounts

Advancing Workforce Development In Digital Health: A Regional Model From The Gcc, Manal Almalki, Osama El-Hassan, Jawad Ahmed, Amr Jamal, Mowafa Househ, Evelyn Hovenga, Paul Barach

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

This study examines the evolution of ZIMAM's role in the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) taskforce on workforce development in digital healthcare. Established in 2016 and formalized as a non-profit organization in 2023, ZIMAM integrates international best practices, regional insights, and innovative strategies to develop a scalable digital health knowledge and skills framework. ZIMAM's methodology includes competency mapping aligned with the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA), stakeholder engagement, and iterative validation to ensure relevance and adaptability. Key ZIMAM initiatives encompass the development of governance structures, capacity-building workshops, annual conferences, and recognition programs such as the ZIMAM-ELSEVIER Digital Health Awards. …

Development Of A Health Knowledge And Skill-Based Framework For The Digital Age, Evelyn Hovenga, Osama El-Hassan, Manal Almalki, Jawad Ahmed, Paul Barach, Mowafa Househ, Amr Jamal

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is tackling a significant digital healthcare workforce skills gap by creating a computable unified digital health competency framework and repository. Digital technologies and global competency standards are leveraged to professionalize the digital health knowledge domain and facilitate the development of clear career pathways in digital health. A mixed-methods approach was employed to develop the framework. A standardized categorial structure and information model has been developed to support the creation of this computable framework for workforce evaluation and competency-based career development.

Implementation Of Cognitive Therapy Online Modules To Impact Advanced Practice Leader Burnout: A Quality Improvement Project, Courtney Cambell

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Advanced Practice Provider (APP) leaders face unique stressors due to their dual roles as clinicians and administrators, which places them at an elevated risk for burnout. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the impact of self-paced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs, specifically Learn to Live and Lyra, on burnout among APP leaders at a medical center affiliated with a university and a children's hospital. Theproject spanned over six weeks, during which participants completed the Mini-Z Worklife Questionnaire for Leaders, assessing the effectiveness of the CBT programs. Although the original statistical analysis plan included a …