Digital Commons Network^™

Infant Health Equity In Oklahoma: A Mixed-Methods Exploration Of Personal, Organizational, Environmental, And Policy Factors Contributing To Black Infant Mortality, Ayesha M. Lampkins

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Black women experience higher rates of adverse birth outcomes, including infant mortality. There is a gap in the literature on multilevel strategies to achieve infant health equity and engage Black women. This study is unique in that no others have looked at the views of Oklahoma Black women to inform and address infant health equity strategies and utilize these views to provide context to existing infant mortality data. The study research questions are: 1) What views on infant health equity and infant mortality are held by Black women in Oklahoma? 2) What differences exist between Black and White mothers in …

Screening For Relative Energy Deficiency In Sport (Reds) And The Female Athlete Triad In Female Undergraduate Collegiate Athletes: A Quality Improvement Project, Maria A. Marziano

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This quality improvement (QI) project investigated female collegiate athletes’ knowledge and prevalence of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and the Female Athlete Triad (Triad). The increase in female athletics brings a growing concern for performance-related health risks, including low energy availability (LEA), menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density (BMD). This study assessed the effectiveness of education and self-screening in identifying at-risk athletes and encouraging resource application for intervention. A mixed-methods design was employed, utilizing retrospective data along with pre- and post-intervention surveys. The study involved 33 female collegiate athletes from lean endurance sports, assessing knowledge, risk factors, and …

Transforming Partnerships: Developing A Model For Experiential Learning In Honors, Grace Troupe, Tamy Burnett

National Collegiate Honors Council Monographs: Chapters

Although the collaboration between the University Honors Program (UHP) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and UNL's Center for Transformative Teaching involves several elements, this essay focuses on one element with significant impact: the development of curricular components and co-curricular programming facilitating students’ engagement with experiential learning. Experience-based education is learning that occurs through direct, hands-on experiences such as internships, research, education abroad, and teaching practicums. When UNL moved toward requiring experiential learning for all undergraduate students, the partnership between UHP and CTT was transformational in facilitating UHP’s building on its existing framework for experiential learning and thus serving as …

Elementary School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives On The Management Of Pediatric Feeding And Swallowing Disorders, Kelsi L. Szakovits

Brehm Scholars Research

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) frequently serve autistic students in the school setting. Research reveals a relationship between autism, sensory processing, and pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). As a result, autistic students may have compromised nutritional health and safety, which stands to impact their ability to access the curriculum. PFD is under the scope of the school-based speech-language pathologist’s practice. However, data has shown a perceived lack of confidence and a limited number of support and resources in the educational setting for SLPs to carry out interventions. This qualitative study will seek to understand the perspectives of elementary school-based SLPs regarding the implementation …

Access To Pharmacies: Implications For Theory, Outcomes, And Policy, Emily Gravlee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation achieved the following objectives: (1) developed a patient-centered access to pharmacies framework; (2) evaluated the impact of pharmacy closures on immunization rates among Medicare beneficiaries; and (3) examined the influence of state-level pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulations on rates of pharmacy closures.

For objective 1, a grounded theory methodology was used to identify a patient-centered access to pharmacies framework (PcAP). This framework asserts that patients determine whether they have access to a pharmacy through evaluation of their characteristics, the characteristics of pharmacies, and their own needs or values within the context of a health-related need. This evaluation of …

Exploring Aging And Bone Health In Normal Weight Obesity And The Prevalence Of Unhealthy Lean Phenotypes, Pouria Sefidmooye Azar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is a complex chronic condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat. While numerous studies have highlighted the risks of adverse complications associated with obesity, limited research has explored the relationship of body composition phenotypes, more specifically normal weight obesity with aging, and bone health. Also, the prevalence of unhealthy lean phenotypes in adults in the U.S. is not clear. A secondary-data analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002 were performed to further examine the relationship between body composition phenotypes—normal weight lean (NWL), overweight/obesity with normal body fat percentage (OBL), normal weight obesity (NWO), …

Exploring Commonalities Of Effective Elementary Teachers, Doneen Johnson

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Low performing schools have consistently faced challenges in narrowing the achievement gap and meeting the needs of diverse learners, especially those living in high poverty situations. Effective teaching can significantly influence student outcomes and positively shape students’ academic trajectories through the use of high-impact strategies and relationship-centered instruction. This convergent mixed-methods study aimed to define and understand the characteristics of effective teachers, investigate the perceptions of effective teachers about the reasons for their success, and identify the strategies effective teachers use to support students in low performing elementary schools in a North Carolina school district. Quantitative data sources included a …

Human Papillomavirus Knowledge, Beliefs, And Behaviors Among Community College Students: Why Should It Matter?, Eric Pittman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States (U.S.). Approximately 42.5 million individuals in the U.S. are infected with disease-associated HPV, and 13 million new cases occur every year. It is estimated that 85% of sexually active adults will be infected with HPV at some point during their lifetime. Most individuals infected with HPV are asymptomatic and clear the virus without any complications. However, in some individuals, the virus persists. Prolonged HPV infection has been associated with six different types of cancer and genital warts. There are approximately 37,000 cases of HPV-associated cancers …

Beliefs And Factors That Influence Female College Students’ Decision To Consume Weight Loss Products, Cynthia Ummay Siddiqua

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Rising societal pressures, body image concerns, and the increasing accessibility of commercial weight loss products (WLPs) have led to heightened use among young women, particularly college students. Female undergraduates are especially vulnerable due to social media influence, peer comparison, and transitioning lifestyles. Despite the popularity of WLPs, concerns persist regarding their safety, efficacy, and the psychosocial beliefs driving their use. This study seeks to understand the beliefs and factors influencing WLP consumption among female college students using Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Methods: A cross-sectional, exploratory survey was conducted among female undergraduate students aged …

Validation Of Salivary Proteomic Biomarkers For Early Detection Of Oral Cancer In The Egyptian Population, Dalia Ghalwash, Ahmed M. Ammar, Ayman El-Gawish

Dentistry

Purpose: The present study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of important proteomic salivary biomarkers; IL-6, IL-8, and sCD44 in the early detection of oral cancer, and any poss associations with risk factors of oral cancer in an Egyptian population Methods: The present investigation was conducted on 100 individuals; 25 healthy controls, 25 patients having oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) with dysplasia; 25 patients having OPMDs without dysplasia, and 25 oral cancer patients. Demographic data modified gingival index, oral hygiene level, and salivary levels of the biomarkers were assessed. Results: Salivary levels of IL-6, IL-8, and sCD44 progressively increased with increased …

Acute Strength Training, Not Menstrual Cycle Phase, Increases Lipid Oxidation Rates Following Exercise In Well-Trained, Eumenorrheic Females., Alyssa L. Parten, Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, Eric K. O'Neal, T Scott Lyons, Hunter S. Waldman

Kinesiology

Previous research supports the role of 17-β-estradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P₄) in altering lipid oxidation (LOx) rates during aerobic exercise, but it has yet to be determined if LOx is altered between menstrual cycle (MC) phases following strength training (STR). This study examined post-exercise LOx rates in eumenorrheic females, following a bout of STR during the early-follicular phase (EFP) and mid-luteal phase (MLP). Twenty-two (age: 25.1 ± 5.7, BMI: 24.5 ± 2.7) well-trained females completed a repetition maximum (RM) test for the back squat, bench press, and deadlift. Five sets of 3 repetitions at 80-85% 1RM …

Cost-Effective Hierarchical Cobalt Nanostructured Laser-Induced Graphene For Enhanced Uric Acid Detection, Anju Joshi, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

This study presents an innovative, cost-effective strategy to develop a flexible, enzyme-free biosensor for the sensitive detection of uric acid (UA). Utilizing electrochemically modified cobalt nanostructured on laser-induced graphene electrodes (CoNCs/LIG), this approach surpasses traditional noble metal-based electrocatalysts in sensitivity and affordability. The one-step electrochemical modification method is efficient and straightforward, enabling the uniform deposition of hierarchical flower-like cobalt nanostructures. These structures synergistically enhance the performance of the LIG, resulting in a broad detection range of 5 to 700 µM with a sensitivity of 6.75 µA µM^-¹ cm^-² and a low detection limit of 3.66 µM for UA. …

Examining Exercise Self- Efficacy And Functional Mobility In Urban Law Enforcement Officers, Margo F. Jenkins

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Law enforcement officers perform various physically demanding tasks, but much of their daily activities are sedentary or light intensity. Quality movement patterns are vital for fitness, reducing the risk of injuries, and contributing to motivation for physical activity. PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship between exercise self-efficacy (ESES) and functional mobility (FMS) among law enforcement officers. METHODS: 55 officers participated, with exercise self-efficacy measured using the ESES scale and movement patterns assessed with the Functional Movement Screening (FMS). Correlational analysis and linear regression were used to explore the relationships between FMS and ESES, years of service (YoS) and FMS, …

Raft-Based Polymer And Nanoparticle Materials For Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment And Diagnostics, Aaron Priester

Doctoral Dissertations

"Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Neurodegenerative diseases that develop post-TBI can be, in part, attributed to DNA and cell-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation products (LPOx). This thesis focused on overcoming the limits of current TBI material treatment approaches by employing a RAFT (reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer) polymer approach that incorporated novel therapeutic, diagnostic and peptide-targeting monomers. An improved nanoparticle synthesis approach was also developed. Thiol and thioether-containing monomers neutralize both ROS and LPOx while Gd-containing monomers with enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast provide diagnostics and material tracking in …

The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Behavior Of Student-Athletes, Kerry A. Smith, Kathleen Fritch, James Rost, Amy Jo Riggs, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Monika Krah

Georgia Educational Researcher

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior while controlling for academic major, year, and gender among Division III student-athletes. Sufficient nutrition is essential for athletic performance, injury reduction, and overall health. However, student-athletes face unique challenges that can disrupt optimal nutrition, including poor nutrition knowledge and access to available resources. While several studies have examined the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior, no known studies have addressed this among Division III student-athletes. This non-experimental correlational study examined dietary behavior using the Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Participants (REAP-S) and …

Emcreg-International Multidisciplinary Consensus Panel On Management Of Hyperkalemia In Chronic Kidney Disease And Heart Failure, Natalie Kreitzer, Nancy M. Albert, Alpesh N. Amin, Craig J. Beavers, Richard C. Becker, Gregg Fonarow, W. Brian Gibler, Katherine W. Kwon, Robert J. Mentz, Biff F. Palmer, Charles V. Pollack, Iliana L. Piña

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Hyperkalemia, generally defined as serum potassium levels greater than 5.0 mEq/L, poses significant clinical risks, including cardiac toxicity and muscle weakness. Its prevalence and severity increase in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus, and heart failure (HF), particularly when compounded by medications like angiotensin converting inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and potassium sparing diuretics. Hyperkalemia arises from disruptions in potassium regulation involving intake, excretion, and intracellular-extracellular distribution. In CKD and acute kidney injury, these regulatory mechanisms are impaired, leading to heightened risk. The management of chronic hyperkalemia presents a challenge due to the necessity of balancing effective cardiovascular …

Do Food Planner Apps Enhance Responsible Food Consumption? The Impact Of Perceptual Antecedents And Moderating Effects On Usage Intention, Rajat Subhra Chatterjee, Irfan Hameed, Ranjan Chaudhuri, Demetris Vrontis, Sumana Chaudhuri, Sheshadri Chatterjee

Plymouth Business School

Purpose: A food planner app helps users to create meal plans and recipes to their preferences, dietary requirements and lifestyle needs. Many food planner apps also could assist with grocery lists, calorie tracking, food waste management and reminders to users. But there is less adoption of such apps. Limited studies examine reasons for non-adaptability, emphasizing the need for more research. This research addresses this gap by observing the effect of pertinent factors such as expectant outcome and openness to change on the extended technology acceptance model. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on theories and extant literature, a theoretical model was developed. The model …

Potential Of Green Synthesis Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles For The Management Of Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Mini Review, Atiqah Suhaili, Ya Chee Lim, Mei Ann Lim, Lee Hoon Lim, Mohammad Mansoob Khan, Monowarul Mobin Siddique

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease is a metabolic disorder with limited pharmacological treatment options and only one approved medication to date. MASLD can be asymptomatic in its earlier stage and hence, prevention of this disease progression is the most effective approach. Recently, green-synthesized nanoparticles, particularly silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), have gained interest due to their eco-friendly production, biocompatibility, and bioactive properties. This review highlights the biosynthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs using medicinal plant extracts and their reported biological effects relevant to MASLD management including anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. While findings are promising, further mechanistic studies and preclinical …

The Effect Of Blanching And Steaming Pretreatment On The Quality Of Durian (Durio Zibenthinus Murr.) Seed Flour, Nabilah Daniel, Rosnah Shamsudin, Mohd Sabri Pak Dek, Jhauharotul Muchlisyiyah, Masmunira Rambli

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.), the "King of Fruits," has seeds that offer nutritional benefits, including high fiber for gut health and high protein for muscle growth. However, natural browning enzymes can limit its use in baking. This study investigates the comparative effects of blanching and steaming durations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes) on the color and techno-functional properties of durian seed flour (DSF), providing an optimization-based approach rarely reported for this material.. Durian seeds were sourced from various stalls in Malaysia, washed, soaked in 0.6% sodium metabisulfite, and then blanched or steamed for for varying durations as …

Local Food Systems And Sustainability: A Granville Cookbook, Jocelyn Rafter

Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Wellbeing Through Caregiver Support: Improving Quality Of Life For Individuals With Special Needs And Complex Medical Diagnoses In Nicaragua, Jenna K. Devchand

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals with disabilities living all over the world are constantly faced with additional barriers. In low-income countries, such as Nicaragua, there is often a gap in access to resources and education, for both individuals living with disabilities and their caregivers. Access is essential to provide high quality care to meet unique needs. This occupational therapy doctoral capstone project was created to support individuals providing care to children with special needs and complex medical diagnoses in Nicaragua by providing community-based education and sustainable resources to caregivers to enhance wellbeing in daily life. The deliverable was presented in country in Nicaragua to …

Non-Enzymatic Glycoxidation Reports On Society, Environment And Biology To Inform On Enduring Cancer Disparities, Fariha Imtiaz, Boxiao Ding, Bradley A. Krisanits, Katherine A. Walter, Lindsay L. Peterson, Susan Steck, Marvella E. Ford, Gayenell Magwood, Victoria J. Findlay, David Turner

Annual Research Day

Background: Despite advancements in cancer treatment, disparities in incidence and mortality persist among different races and ethnicities. These disparities are influenced by an intricate interplay between environmental, biological and social factors that underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to understand this relationship. Objective/Aim: To show that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) due to non-enzymatic glycoxidation represent informative and functional markers that report on the combined impact of environmental, biological and social factors on enduring cancer disparities. Methods: To address this objective, a more holistic approach to disparities research was used ranging from basic research, population-based investigations, preclinical and clinical …

Food Insecurity Rates And Its Related Factors In The State Of Ohio, Sophia Danchine, Maia Sethi

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Food insecurity is an ongoing issue across Ohio counties, influenced by socioeconomic factors, geographical location, and age and ethnic demographics. This study explores food insecurity rates from 2016 to 2023, comparing urban and rural counties, various social determinants of health, such as income, education, and age, and exploring correlations with racial and ethnic demographics. Using data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps database, statistical analyses revealed key findings that food insecurity was not significantly different when comparing rural versus urban counties in Ohio. The most significant predictor to food insecurity in 2023 was median household income, followed by percent …

An Interdisciplinary Fetal Neonatal Neurology Collaborative Promotes Integrative Life-Course Brain Health., Mark S Scher, Harris Eyre, Steven Donn, James M Roberts, Michael E Msall, Carolyn M Salafia, Richard Towbin, Peter N Robinson, Ken Loparo, Michael Berk, Elena Moro, Valerie Smith, Susan Ludington, Nadia Badawi, Rod W Hunt, Alistair Gunn, Harvey B Sarnat, Kirthana Kunikullaya, Betsy Pilon

Faculty Research 2026

A proposed interdisciplinary fetal neonatal neurology collaborative offers life-course brain health training across three time-sensitive teaching opportunities. The educational organization includes a broad representation of inter-related fields. Formal training will re-enforce career-long learning that fosters creative thinking. Acquiring a life-course perspective of brain health can contribute solutions to the global public health crisis involving neurological and mental health disorders across the lifespan. Teaching transdisciplinary interventions begins with parental childhood and reproductive health which will influence the maternal-placental-fetal triad throughout pregnancy into labor and delivery. The second teaching opportunity focuses on the symptomatic minority who receive neonatal neurocritical care and convalescent …

Vitriol For The Masses: How The U.S. Government Uses Language Within Propaganda To Influence Citizens’ Opinions On Immigrants, G Smith-Rasmussen

CEG 450 Cultural, Environmental, and Global Studies Capstone

Politicians do not directly express vitriolic words and beliefs; instead, they test the boundaries of what is accepted and slowly push the line until the hate becomes increasingly normalized. The United States government has similar goals in mind when pushing anti-immigration propaganda. The aim is to normalize harmful stereotypes and ideas of what immigrants are, to sway people into supporting their policies. The current immigrant population that is being heavily targeted is Latin immigrants. This paper aims to analyze how harmful the 2024 presidential administrations' language surrounding Latin immigrants is through discourse analysis.

Body Mass Index, Sleep, And Food Insecurity Predict Prevalence Of Anxiety And Depression In College Students, Makenzie Barr-Porter, Amelia Sullivan, Jade Mcnamara

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

This study aimed to assess the relationship between mental health, health behaviors, and food security in young adults in a university environment. Young adults (N = 536) at two United States universities completed a survey assessing health behaviors and characteristics. Logistic regression determined the odds of anxiety and/or depression based on gender identity, body mass index (BMI), food security status (FSS), and sleep restfulness. Over one-third of students were food insecure (36.7%), and almost all reported anxiety (57%) and/or depression (39.1%). Students who identified as female, reported very low FSS, poor sleep, and had higher BMI were at greater odds …

Water Justice, Emily Ann Senkosky

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

My portfolio will be centered around the theme of “Water justice,” which aims to unpack people’s manipulation of riverways and the environmental costs of this practice. Rivers, and their watersheds, have served as lifeblood for human and ecological populations the world over since the dawn of man. Derived from these watersheds is a multitude of ecosystem services and freshwater necessary for the sustainability of life. But freshwater makes up only 3% of the globe’s total water supply, making it a limited and dwindling resource. As the world’s population accelerates, climate change quickens, and societal needs for freshwater advance, the manipulation …

Clinical Evaluation Of Retention And Biting Force In Complete Mandibular Overdentures Retained By Two Implants Using A Solitary Ball And Socket Versus Solitary Bar And Clip Attachments: A Crossover Study, Mohamed Ali Manaa, Khaled Mohamed Zahran, Hesham El-Sharkawy, Ashraf Anwar Gebreel

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: a clinical evaluation of retention and biting force in complete mandibular overdentures retained by two implants using a solitary ball and socket versus solitary bar and clip attachments. Materials and methods: Fourteen completely edentulous male patients aged 49 to 65 were selected and received a maxillary complete denture and two mandibular complete dentures. Each patient received bilateral dental implants placed in the canine areas using a stereolithographic guide. They were grouped according to the period of wearing the prosthesis into: the conventional complete denture group (CD Group), using two duplicated mandibular dentures over three months; ball and socket attachment …

Swallowing Dynamics Of Two Implants Versus Single Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures: Randomized Clinical Trial, Mohamed Taha, Christine Raouf Ibrahim, Abdallah Mohammed Ibrahim

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective This study evaluated the swallowing dynamics of two-implant (2-IOD) versus singleimplant (1-IOD) mandibular overdentures using the Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST). Methods Ten completely edentulous patients were selected from the Out-Patient Clinic of the Prosthodontics Department at the Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University. All patients initially received conventional complete dentures and were considered Group I, then randomly distributed into two equal groups; Group II (2-IOD) received a twoimplant overdenture with locator attachments, while Group III (1-IOD) received a single implant overdenture with locator attachment. Swallowing dynamics were assessed using the …

Digital Versus Functional Pick-Up Techniques For Two-Implant Retained Mandibular Overdentures: A Crossover Study, Aya E. Elnagar, Khaled M. Zahran, Heba Abo-Elfetouh Elsheikh, Fatma Ahmad El Waseef

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: To evaluate two pick-up techniques—digital and functional—for two-implant retained mandibular overdentures with respect to occlusal force distribution using the digital occlusal analysis system (Occlusense®). Patients and Methods: Twenty completely edentulous, healthy patients were selected from the Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University. Conventional complete dentures were first constructed, followed by placement of two implants in the mandibular canine regions using a guided surgical approach and a delayed loading protocol. For each patient, two sets of digitally fabricated mandibular overdentures were constructed. Patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups: Group I received digital complete overdentures with digitally created …