Digital Commons Network^™

Genome-Wide Association Of Gene Regions Controlling Selenium And Magnesium Accumulation In Walnuts (Juglans Regia L.), İrem Büyükalgan, Bülent Yağmur, Erdal Orman, Muhammed Bahatti̇n Tanyolaç, Duygu Ateş

Turkish Journal of Botany

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is one of the most economically important species. It is of great importance to the food industry due to its nutritional value, and high content of many beneficial components such as macro and microelements. In the current study, the aim was to determine markers of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with the gene(s) controlling the accumulation of Selenium (Se) and Magnesium (Mg) in walnuts. Se and Mg concentrations were measured in 154 genotypes of Juglans regia in 2021 and 2022. A total of 16,473 SNP markers were used for association mapping to analyze the marker-trait associations. …

Voices Of Leadership: The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of Principals Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jeri Johnson

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic created a crisis in schools. The purpose of this research is to explore the phenomenon and lived experiences of principals as they led their schools during COVID-19. This qualitative research will explore how principals navigated the complexity of leadership to sustain academic achievement. Principals will share how the three levels of crisis, danger and opportunity created a pathway for principal actions of effectiveness. Additionally, this research explored how principals made sense of the crisis to promote community, collaboration and compassion. Principals were asked to describe their perceptions of leadership and to share their lived experiences from March …

Staff Education Program On The Vanderbilt Adhd Diagnostic Rating Scale, Rabiatu Bangura

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This DNP project evaluated the effectiveness of a structured staff education program designed to enhance healthcare professionals’ knowledge and utilization of the Vanderbilt ADHD Assessment Scale (VAS) in children aged ≥2 to ≤18 years. The practice problem addressed in this project was the inconsistent use and limited knowledge of the VAS among healthcare staff, which can lead to underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. The practice-focused question was: Will a staff education program specifically designed to instruct healthcare professionals on using the Vanderbilt ADHD Assessment Scale in children ≥2 years to ≤18 years increase their knowledge? Targeted educational sessions were implemented, and …

Improving Independent Living And Quality Of Life For Dementia Patients With Open-Interface Sensor-Based Home Monitoring, Harish Kambampati, Damon Berry, Julie Doyle, Orla Moran, Jonathan Turner, Michael Wilson, Suzanne Smith, Dympna O'Sullivan

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Living with dementia is a challenging journey for both those with dementia and their families. Besides memory loss and cognitive decline, persons with dementia often face challenges of independent living and loss of quality of life. To enhance and extend the period of independent living, an open-source software and commercial sensor-based home monitoring system is being developed. These sensors are relatively compatible with home environments, can be personalized for different users, and provide constant support including reminders, also allowing for early identification of physical or behavioural changes. They assist not only in managing everyday activities of people with dementia but …

Assessing The Environmental Sustainability Of Carbon Removal Technologies (Beccs, Dac): Achieving Net Zero Emission Targets In California, Gamze Stone

Master's Projects and Capstones

Negative Emission Technologies (NET), such as Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage

(BECCS) and Direct Air Capture (DAC), are essential to fight climate change, according to the

IPCC Report 2022. California has set a goal to capture 120 million tons of CO2 by using mixed

methods by 2045. While BECCS can remove CO2 from high emission industries such as ethanol

production, electricity generation, etc., DAC can remove CO2 emissions directly from the

atmosphere by using machine technology. This paper conducts a literature review of the overall

environmental impacts of these technologies. Then it evaluates a hypothetical scenario which

assesses the …

Unlv Department Of Physical Therapy And The Fine Arts Clinic For Health And Injury Prevention, Madeline Cosgrove, Ashton Johnson, Keith Lopez, Diana Nguyen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

At the collegiate of performing arts, those who participate in classes and performances will often be at risk for musculoskeletal injury due to repetition and specific patterns of their movements. The establishment of a pro-bono physical therapy clinic for students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate-level fine arts programs may improve healthcare access for this often underserved community. The goals of this service learning project were to provide injury-prevention screenings to dancers and administer specialized physical therapy (PT) services in the form of evaluations and treatments to all students in the UNLV (University of Las Vegas, Nevada) College of Fine Arts …

Effects Of Altered Somatosensory Input On Gait Kinetics And Kinematics Via Different Footwear In Individuals With Chronic Post-Stroke Hemiparesis, Daniela Casillas, Lesley Ruiz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis walk with significant asymmetries, leading to slow, effortful walking, and a high risk of falls. One contributing factor is altered sensation on the plantar surface. Studies examining altered somatosensory input via insoles, vibration and other tactile stimuli observed improvements in hemiparesis gait. This study investigates whether altering somatosensory input through different footwear can affect kinetics, kinematics and muscle activity during walking post-stroke. We hypothesized the barefoot conditions would have increased dorsiflexion (heel-strike, swing), increased plantarflexion during toe-off, increased muscle activity and kinetics, compared to memory foam conditions.

Participants: 13 individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis (4F/9M, …

Piloting The Inclusion Of Dollar Stores In The Modified Retail Food Environment Index (Mrfei) In Urban Clark County, Nevada, Tiana T. Tu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Food insecurity is the condition of having limited or uncertain access to adequate food. It contributes to poor diet-related health outcomes which are in turn influenced by the food environment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed the Modified Retail Food Environment Index (mRFEI) to characterize food environments by measuring the proportion of healthy and non-healthy retailers. The CDC mRFEI considers a variety of establishments but fails to include dollar stores, which contribute to the food environment by offering food and, in some cases, fresh produce. This study proposed an “expanded mRFEI” that modified the CDC mRFEI methodology …

Long-Term Efficacy Of Pembrolizumab And The Clinical Utility Of Ctdna In Locally Advanced Dmmr/Msi-H Solid Tumors, Michael Lapelusa, Wei Qiao, Bryan Iorgulescu, Francis San Lucas, Keyur Patel, Deepak Bhamidipati, Jane Varkey Thomas, Nancy You, Wai Chin Foo, Dipen Maru, Selvi Thirumurthi, Van Morris, Scott Kopetz, Michael Overman, Kaysia Ludford

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy can induce pathologic complete response (pCR) in patients with localized deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors. The long-term outcomes of these patients are unknown, as is the clinical utility of measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Follow-up was evaluated in patients enrolled in a phase II trial (NCT04082572) that evaluated the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab in patients with localized dMMR/MSI-H tumors. The primary outcomes of this trial have previously been reported. 3-year EFS and OS rates were 80% (95% CI: 66% - 93%) and 94% (95% CI: 86% - 100%). Patients without detectable ctDNA after pembrolizumab had …

Role Of The Pediatric Rdn In Conducting The Pediatric Nutrition Focused Physical Exam: Training, Clinical Practice And Barriers, Sarah M. Kowalewski

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Abstract:

Background: The pediatric nutrition focused physical exam (PNFPE) is important for completing comprehensive assessment in pediatric patients, particularly those at risk for malnutrition. The PNFPE helps to identify the depletion of fat and muscle stores, as well as micronutrient deficiencies.

Methods: Pediatric RDNs, self-identified through CDR and practice group membership, were surveyed-to investigate their training, clinical practice, documentation, and barriers to use of the PNFPE. The survey instrument, validated by content experts and analyzed for reliability, was approved by our university’s IRB.

Results: A total of 65.8% of respondents held a graduate degree and 81.6% held a specialty certification. …

The Effects Of Sugar Alcohols On The Growth Of Cariogenic Bacteria, Jake Sanders Boone

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of sugar alcohols, commonly used as sugar substitutes to reduce the activity of dental caries causing bacteria. Specifically, the sugar alcohols xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and mannitol were placed into the growth media of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The effects on their bacterial growth were observed. 10% xylitol, 10% erythritol, 10% sorbitol, 10% mannitol, 5% xylitol + 5% erythritol, and 3.3% erythritol + 3.3% xylitol + 3.3% sorbitol combinations were compared to the control groups for differences in bacterial growth. S. mutans samples were significantly inhibited by all groups except …

Emerging Adult Gamers: Nutritional Insights On Dietary Intake, Physical Well-Being, And Occupational Performance, Justine Dualan Tuason

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study aimed to gather insights from Emerging Adult (EA) gamers (between 18 and 24) regarding their nutritional literacy, dietary patterns, and its potential impacts on their occupational performance and physical well-being. There is a need to gather gamers' perspectives to identify the specific facilitators and barriers regarding their ability to discern appropriate dietary choices, as it provides more information regarding preventative and client-centered measures for future healthcare professionals. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are uniquely equipped to address this population's needs, as the profession's holistic principles allow for a well-rounded and sustainable approach. Additionally, growing emphasis is placed on preventative rather …

Prevalence Of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Stages In Us Adolescents And Relationship To Social Determinants Of Health, Carissa M. Baker-Smith, Abigail M. Gauen, Lucia C. Petito, Sadiya S. Khan, Norrina B. Allen

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease begin in youth. Knowledge of the prevalence of cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome in adolescents and its risk factors is critical to understanding the cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk burden.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2017 to 2020 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and determined the prevalence of each CKM stage in adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. We then assessed the relationship between the family income-to-poverty ratio, health insurance, routine health care access, food security, health behaviors, and CKM stage. We quantified associations between social factors, behaviors, …

Enhancing Patient Outcomes: Improving Hcahps Scores Via Implementing Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle Education In Acute Care Setting, Jasmeen Kaur

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) have a powerful effect on patient outcomes, satisfaction, and health costs. In the face of multiple interventions, nurse-patient communication failures and decreased HCAHPS scores reveal patient safety hazards. Aim: The purpose of this quality improvement effort was to enhance HCAHPS nurse communication scores by instituting a Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle (PIPCB) on a 93-bed medical-surgical/telemetry unit. Methods: The intervention was nurse-implemented education through educational posters and education cards distributed at admission and shift report. Nurse participation and education delivery were measured through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and observations. The change in the HCAHPS nurse …

A Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle (Pipcb) Education Approach To Improving Hcahps Scores In Nursing Communication Domain, Cathline Ma

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Patient education is crucial for improving patient outcomes. An issue that has been consistent in healthcare is pressure injuries in inpatient care. Despite existing prevention efforts, there is an education gap between nursing communication and patient understanding. Aim: This QI project aims to improve HCAHPS scores, specifically in the nursing communication domain, by 5% and enhance patient understanding of pressure injury prevention strategies through the implementation of a Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle (PIPCB). Methods: The intervention included educational posters and fliers distributed to patients on a 93-bed acute care medical-surgical/telemetry unit. Educational materials focused on …

Family-Based Health Promotion To The Early Phases Of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment: A Qualitative Review, Anna Van Asselt, Renee Gilbert, Hide Okuno, Ann M. Davis, Keith J. August, Carolyn R. Bates, Robert C. Gibler

Research Days

Introduction: Excessive weight gain during early phases of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) treatment elevates risk for long-term morbidities, late effects, and secondary cancers. Behavioral factors including physical inactivity and poor diet quality play a significant role in weight outcomes. Existing health behavior and obesity interventions do not address challenges that children and families face during cancer treatment. The current study qualitatively investigated caregiver, child, and multi-disciplinary expert perspectives on health behavior engagement and intervention content for the future adaptation of NOURISH-ALL.

Method: Caregivers (N=11) and youth with ALL (N=6) in the first year of treatment completed semi-structured interviews …

Continuity Of Novice Middle School Teachers In An Urban School District, Andrea Torres Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Extensive research suggests that effective and meaningful teacher preparation programs can help reduce novice teacher attrition. The problem addressed in this study was the high middle school teacher turnover in an urban school district (USD, a pseudonym) in Georgia, despite the implementation of coaching programs for novice teachers. Guided by Yerkes and Dodson’s challenge-hindrance model, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore novice middle school teachers’ perceptions on the support received, the challenges encountered in their first year, and the usefulness of mentoring, professional development, and instructional coaching received at USD. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 …

Addressing Workplace Violence Directed At Nurses In An Acute Care Medical Facility Through An Enhanced Multidisciplinary Huddle, Megan E. Loughnane

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers are at increased risk of violence directed at them. Approximately three-quarters of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses related to violence were incurred by healthcare workers. Given this, the aim of this project was to decrease the frequency of workplace violence events directed at nurses and increasing the staff nurse’s perception of unit-based safety.

Local Problem: At the large academic medical center where the project was implemented, NDNQI quality data indicated a higher rate of assaults (per 1,000 care hours in a hospital with greater than 500 beds) than the national average (0.12 vs. 0.07 respectively). …

The Extreme Poverty Alleviation Impact Of The Conditional Cash Transfer Program In Nigeria, Oluseun Omolara Olagunju

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite several social investment programmes (SIPs) to reduce poverty, Nigeria had a high poverty rate, particularly in remote rural areas. The SIPs included conditional cash transfers (CCTs) to eligible households under certain conditions, such as extreme poverty in remote rural areas without access to water, electricity, shelter, basic health care, and education. While a few studies conducted on the effectiveness of CCTs have shown that Nigeria invested significant resources in poverty alleviation without the desired results due to factors like poor implementation and corruption, none reflects the perspective of CCT beneficiaries. The purpose of this study was to fill this …

Poverty Elimination Action Plan, University Of Nebraska At Omaha, City Of Omaha

Reports

This document fulfills the legislative requirements of LB 840, the Poverty Elimination Action Plan, aimed at reporting on Omaha efforts to eliminate poverty and developing a comprehensive strategy to eliminate poverty in Omaha, NE. It reviews research and policy interventions addressing poverty, incorporates community-driven and secondary data for a needs assessment, and offers actionable recommendations for poverty alleviation. The report also provides guidance on implementation, sustainability, and progress tracking. A brief conclusion at the end of this report is followed by appendices detailing supplementary data and analysis.

Camaraderie Or Commodity: An Examination Of The Human Connection To The Land, Amelia Hong

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper addresses the role of land in the United States by examining it as both a commodity and a spiritual being. The emphasis on profit and productivity in the United States agricultural industry insists that land be viewed as a commodity, skewing and influencing citizens’ relationships with nature. Agribusiness, or commercial farming, is a leading source of desertification and land degradation in the United States. This paper seeks to understand the necessity of a breadth of spiritual and philosophical knowledge when writing environmental policy, especially regarding commercial agriculture. Chapter One provides quantitative information on the effects of uncontrolled Agribusiness …

Physician Assistant 20-Minute Introduction, Daniel Fidel Ferrer

Other Scholarly Works

No abstract provided.

Polyphenol Profile, Antioxidant Potential, Vitamin C And Mineral Contents Of Crude Parsley Leaves Extract (Petroselinum Crispum) And Its Isolated Apigenin: A Comparative Study, Aveen A. Ibrahiem, Azzam A. Mosa, Lina Y. Mohammed

Baghdad Science Journal

Petroselium crispum or parsley is a typical culinary vegetable that is used as a flavouring and aromatic food additive. The aim of this research was to purify a major flavonoid present in parsley leaves, apigenin and evaluate the polyphenol, mineral and vitamin C contents in parsley leaves extract (PLE); in addition, the study compared antioxidant activities of ethanolic PLE with purified apigenin (AP), applying different non-enzymatic strategies using ascorbic acid (AA) as a reference. A complete screening for bioactive compounds in the ethanolic PLE was performed by HPLC analysis. The research outcomes indicated that purification of apigenin was successfully achieved …

Empowering Precision Agriculture With The Internet Of Things, Artificial Intelligence, And Robotics, Adarsha Neupane, Vidya Samadi

Forestry and Natural Resources

As the global population grows, agriculture faces increasing demands for higher productivity and sustainability. The incorporation of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics is revolutionizing farming by improving efficiency, enhancing decision-making, and promoting sustainability through optimized resource use. This publication provides insights into the implementation of these smart farming solutions and their benefits for farmers, crop consultants, and stakeholders. It also addresses the challenges of adopting these technologies, highlighting their crucial role in meeting future food demands sustainably.

Pfas Levels In Hair: Comparing Us Populations To Global Trends, Ashef Ameer

Student Theses

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that raise significant toxicological concerns due to their environmental persistence and potential health hazards. This research examines the presence and concentration of selected PFAS compounds in human hair samples from volunteers in New York, comparing these results with global trends found in peer-reviewed research. Hair was selected as the biological matrix for its non-invasive collection method, ability to reflect exposure, and long-term chemical stability. For analysis, a validated LCMS/ MS technique was utilized to analyze hair samples (n = 27) for three compounds: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoroheptanoic acid …

Automatic Determination Of Interactive Actions For Different Portions Of Digital Media, Manasa Babu

Defensive Publications Series

Media files lack interactive functionality, requiring users to manually perform actions related to the information displayed. This disclosure describes techniques to provide enhanced media interactivity by enabling context-aware selection and actions with reference to different portions of media content. Per the techniques, media content is analyzed to determine interactive actions that can be taken with reference to different portions of the media. The analysis includes determining the boundaries of the selection. The context of selection such as type of media and the overall content can also be taken into account. The selection mechanism can also adapt to user input. A …

Culturally Tailored Diet Education In Hispanic Patients With Diabetes, Kelly Chavez

Group: Northern Arizona University School of Nursing, DNP Doctoral Papers

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) is a medical condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Research has shown Hispanic individuals have higher occurrence rates of DM2 than non-Hispanic individuals (Mora & Golden, 2017). Although this condition can be treated with medication, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are also needed for adequate management. With diet modification, patients can significantly improve their hemoglobin A1C (hbA1c) results, improving their DM2 control, and reducing the risk for worsening of disease and complications. Many studies have concluded there is a need to provide culturally tailored dietary education in patients with DM2 to improve management. …

Teaming Up For Better Health: An Interprofessional Collaborative Approach To Older Adult Oral Care, Deborah Dowd, Jodie Lopez, Jennifer Goodman

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

Oral health is a critical component of overall health, significantly influencing systemic diseases and the quality of life in older adults. Conditions such as xerostomia, swallowing difficulties, and poor oral self-care are associated with aspiration pneumonia. Integrating oral health into healthcare in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is essential for preventing various conditions and improving quality of life. Effective oral hygiene is crucial in avoiding non-ventilator hospital-associated pneumonia by reducing oral biofilm and lowering the risk of pneumonia. Nurses' knowledge and care in oral health across healthcare settings are vital for positive health outcomes. Revising nursing curricula to incorporate oral health …

Reaching Communities And Serving People: Assessing Utah's Legal Needs, Pamela Beatse J.D, Scotti Hill J.D, Keenan Carroll J.D., Hannah Kiely M.A

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

"Utah Legal Services (ULS) conducted a comprehensive legal needs assessment in 2024 to gather the necessary data and information to better meet its mission of providing high-quality civil legal aid without cost to people who are unable to afford legal representation or are facing disadvantages. Using the combination of an online survey, a series of focus groups throughout the Wasatch front, individual or group interviews, and several community soundboards, ULS conducted a broad, statewide survey. We connected with representatives, organizations, advocates, case managers, and leaders in the community as well as with client-eligible Utahns and ULS staff. This process allowed …

Enhancing Students’ Academic Success Through Reflective Writing In An Undergraduate Flipped Course, Grace Onodipe, Darryl Romanow, Michelle M. Robbins

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Prior research has posited that flipped classrooms facilitate students’ self-directed learning and enhance grades. Although reflective writing is one method linked to academic success, it rarely has been examined empirically in the literature within the context of flipped classrooms. The current study investigated the association between growth mindset-inspired reflective writing, self-regulated learning assessments, and academic performance in a fully flipped Introduction to Economics course. Regression analyses found that reflective writing effort and targeted self-directed learning scores were associated with higher grades on course assessments. These findings suggest that reflective writing that incorporates growth-mindset messaging should be encouraged in flipped classrooms.