Digital Commons Network^™

The Truth Behind Avocado Expansion In The Algarve: A Synthesis Of Public, Environmental Associations, And Government Perspectives And Response, Mandy Ausman

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Avocado expansion has exponentially increased in the Algarve region of southern Portugal in recent years. The surge in expansion has provoked contention and discrepancy in the media regarding how and if avocado production can persist in the water-scarce region due to worsening drought conditions related to climate change coupled with the fruit’s significant water footprint. This paper aims to synthesize the arguments and response of the public, environmental associations, and government agencies to the expansion of avocado production in the water- scarce region of the Algarve, highlight the region’s current challenges of avocado expansion and water management regulation, and analyze …

Analyzing Human - Nonhuman Primate Conflict Mitigation Techniques In Mto Wa Mbu, Northern Tanzania, Lily Adams

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Human – non-human primate conflict is particularly crucial due to primates’ high capacity to live among human populations. The study to analyze Human - Nonhuman Primate Conflict Mitigation Techniques, was carried in November 2023 at Mto wa Mbu, Northern Tanzania. To analyze techniques currently being used to mitigate human – non-human primate conflict, this study collected data through semi-structured interviews. Over 87% (n=35) of respondents used multiple mitigation techniques simultaneously. 80% of respondents (n=32) reported using projectiles to ward off foraging primates, 75% of respondents (n=30) reported using loud noises (made either by the voice/body or by manipulating noisemakers), 67.5% …

Minimum Exchange Rate And A Negative Interest Rate: The Swiss National Bank’S Unconventional Monetary Policy During Eurozone Volatility, Wally Bargeron

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Monetary policy is one of the most important tools that a government has to influence its economy. This means the ability for a country to determine their own monetary policy is important to that country’s autonomy. Switzerland has consistently based its decisions on what would afford it the highest level of autonomy, including the decision not to join the European Union and subsequently the decision to retain their own currency.

The Swiss National Bank retains the mandate to keep price levels (inflation) stable, but it is challenged by an appreciating currency. Because the Swiss Franc is a safe-haven currency, money …

Creating A Framework For An Effective Koala Recovery Center: A Case Study Of Friends Of The Koala, Nsw, Finley Scoular

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Koala populations in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital District are currently faced with factors that threaten their survival. Within one decade, their status has shifted from stable to vulnerable to endangered. The cause of this is attributed to increased exposure to dog attacks, vehicle collisions, diseases, and habitat fragmentation and destruction. The koalas' status of endangered in these territories has illuminated the need for human intervention. This study focuses on the specific form of human intervention that involves the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wild koalas. Due to the recent koala status change from vulnerable to endangered, …

Create Healthy Gardens: Evaluation Of A Snap-Ed And Master Gardener Collaboration, Emma Parkhurst, Lacee Jiminez, Sheriden M. Hansen, Kristi Strongo, Heidi Leblanc

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

A multidisciplinary team established the Davis County Create Healthy Gardens (CHG) program to improve access to fresh produce and help low-income residents gain skills to grow food and prepare nourishing meals. An evaluation of the program shows that participants had access to over 275 pounds of fresh produce, and most participants reported an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. They also reported an increase in their knowledge in gardening and food preparation.

Rumination Syndrome Diagnosis Supported By Colon Manometry In A Pediatric Patient, Alex Biller, John Rosen, Amornluck Krasaelap

Posters

Introduction: Rumination syndrome is a disorder of gut-brain interaction characterized by effortless repetitive postprandial regurgitation, reswallowing, and/or spitting.(1) This condition is caused by increased intragastric pressure due to abdominal muscle contractions, leading to the opening of the lower esophageal sphincter and the return of gastric content into the esophagus.(1) Rumination is a clinical diagnosis after the exclusion of other etiologies of symptoms. The diagnosis of rumination is clinical, but supportive evidence can be obtained through esophageal or antroduodenal manometry.(2) We present a unique case report of rumination syndrome diagnosis supported by data obtained during colon manometry in a pediatric patient. …

Assessment And Sourcing Of Heavy Metal Contamination Of Middle East Semi-Enclosed Marine Environs Via Near-Shore Sediment Analysis, Abdullah Alnasser

Civil and Environmental Engineering Theses and Dissertations

Heavy metal contamination in the natural world is complex as many metals can be sourced anthropogenically, naturally, or via both vectors. Many heavy metals are known to be toxic, non-biodegradable, and trophic level bio-magnifiers. Therefore, it is important to monitor and study their concentrations, distributions, and processes for transport and sequestration. Near-shore marine sediments act as a sink for heavy metals in the water column due to their physiochemical properties.

In this dissertation’s second chapter, thirty sediment samples from three latitudinally distinct mangrove areas from the Red Sea of Saudi Arabia (near Yanbu, Jeddah, and the Farasan Islands) were analyzed …

Ua64/2 The Challenge: Magazine For The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 55, Fall 2023), Elizabeth Joyce Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

Magazine created by and about the WKU Center for Gifted Studies.

Boise State Magazine, Anna Webb (Editor)

FOCUS on Boise State

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Artificial Sweeteners On The Human Body And Microbiome, Lauren K. Steely

Honors Theses

While artificial sweeteners are becoming a popular sugar alternative, their negative effects remain understudied and obscure to the general public. Whether people purposely incorporate them into their diet, artificial sweeteners are found in thousands of products and are consumed by all ages. The calories and weight gain associated with refined sugar often cause people to turn to zero-calorie options, thinking they are healthier; however, artificial sweeteners serve just as, if not greater, a threat to one’s health. Artificial sweeteners have been associated with weight gain, numerous health risks, type 2 diabetes, and negative effects on the gut microbiome. The goal …

Risks Of Being A Female Athlete: Prevalence Of The Female Athlete Triad And Awareness Of It By The Athletic And Student Population, Mary M. Wilson

Honors Theses

The Female Athlete Triad is an interrelationship between energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and bone health. It effects many female athletes, specifically those that participate in lean physique sports. This condition can cause many issues with one of the most common being time loss injuries from bone stress issues. Athletes and athletic support staff have limited knowledge over the Triad, partially because of limited policies and procedures in place to treat and educate for it. This thesis will conduct a literature review to better understand prevalence and general knowledge of the Female Athlete Triad in athletic populations and to assess the …

Occupational Balance Education: A Prerequisite To Healthy Habit Formation, Maggie Hall

Honors Theses

The transition to college elicits newfound independence for those who are moving from their homes to campus. With this transition, the individuals are now forced to establish their own routines and habits in a completely new environment. Because of this, college students are more likely to experience high levels of stress, poor dietary habits, low sleep quality, and decreased physical activity. Individual behaviors cause around 50% of premature deaths, so establishing healthy habits as early as possible is the best thing a person can do to keep chronic illness and unwanted medical struggles away. Occupational balance, or the pleasant integration …

Education For Ed Clinical Staff For Ebh Protocol, Danielle Burger Bsn, Rn, Bianca Carrera Adn, Rn, Makenna Case Bsn, Rn, Jessica Smith Bsn, Rn, Veline Smith Bsn, Rn

Vizient/ AACN Nurse Residency Program™ EBP Projects

No abstract provided.

Second International Consensus Report On Gaps And Opportunities For The Clinical Translation Of Precision Diabetes Medicine, Deirdre K. Tobias, Jordi Merino, Abrar Ahmad, Catherine Aiken, Jamie L. Benham, Dhanasekaran Bodhini, Amy L. Clark, Kevin Colclough, Rosa Corcoy, Sara J. Cromer, Daisy Duan, Jamie L. Felton, Ellen C. Francis, Pieter Gillard, Véronique Gingras, Romy Gaillard, Eram Haider, Alice Hughes, Jennifer M. Ikle, Laura M. Jacobsen, Anna R. Kahkoska, Jarno L.T. Kettunen, Raymond J. Kreienkamp, Lee Ling Lim, Jonna M.E. Männistö, Robert Massey, Niamh Maire Mclennan, Rachel G. Miller, Mario Luca Morieri, Jasper Most, Rochelle N. Naylor, Bige Ozkan, Kashyap Amratlal Patel, Scott J. Pilla

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Precision medicine is part of the logical evolution of contemporary evidence-based medicine that seeks to reduce errors and optimize outcomes when making medical decisions and health recommendations. Diabetes affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, many of whom will develop life-threatening complications and die prematurely. Precision medicine can potentially address this enormous problem by accounting for heterogeneity in the etiology, clinical presentation and pathogenesis of common forms of diabetes and risks of complications. This second international consensus report on precision diabetes medicine summarizes the findings from a systematic evidence review across the key pillars of precision medicine (prevention, diagnosis, treatment, …

Muhlenberg Magic, Lehigh Valley Health Network

LVHN documents

No abstract provided.

Chemical Communication In Insects: New Advances In Integrated Pest Management Strategies, Angel Guerrero, Gadi V.P. Reddy

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

"Weight Loss Is My Goal And Being Healthy Is My Goal. I Can Get Over The Hot Flashes": A Qualitative Exploration Of Menopausal Transition Experiences And Preferences For Weight Management Among White Women, Chelsea L. Kracht, Jessica St. Romain, Julie C. Hardee, Nanette Santoro, Leanne M. Redman, Kara L. Marlatt

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Objectives A qualitative research study design was used to (1) describe experiences of White women during the menopausal transition, and (2) identify barriers and facilitators for participating in a lifestyle program targeting weight management. Methods Perimenopausal and postmenopausal White women who self-reported a desire to lose or maintain weight participated in focus groups. Women were queried about their past diet, exercise, and weight management practices; menopausal transition; and specific components and considerations for developing a lifestyle program for weight management. Thematic analysis was conducted on coded transcripts and four main themes emerged, each containing three to six subthemes. Results Twenty-eight …

Genetic Deletion Of Dnajb3 Using Crispr-Cas9, Produced Discordant Phenotypes, Shadi Nejat, Kalhara R. Menikdiwela, Aliyah Efotte, Shane Scoggin, Bolormaa Vandanmagsar, Paul J. Thornalley, Mohammed Dehbi, Naima Moustaid-Moussa

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Several pathways and/or genes have been shown to be dysregulated in obesity-induced insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We previously showed, for the first time, impaired expression of DNAJB3 mRNA and protein in subjects with obesity, which was concomitant with increased metabolic stress. Restoring the normal expression of DNAJB3 attenuated metabolic stress and improved insulin signaling both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a protective role of DNAJB3 against obesity and T2D. The precise underlying mechanisms remained, however, unclear. This study was designed to confirm the human studies in a mouse model of dietary obesity-induced insulin resistance, and, …

Soluble Rage And Skeletal Muscle Tissue Rage Expression Profiles In Lean And Obese Young Adults Across Differential Aerobic Exercise Intensities, Edwin R. Miranda, Jacob T. Mey, Brian K. Blackburn, Alec B. Chaves, Kelly N.Z. Fuller, Ryan K. Perkins, Andrew T. Ludlow, Jacob M. Haus

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Nearly 40% of Americans have obesity and are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Skeletal muscle is responsible for >80% of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake that is attenuated by the inflammatory milieu of obesity and augmented by aerobic exercise. The receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is an inflammatory receptor directly linking metabolic dysfunction with inflammation. Circulating soluble isoforms of RAGE (sRAGE) formed either by proteolytic cleavage (cRAGE) or alternative splicing (esRAGE) act as decoys for RAGE ligands, thereby counteracting RAGE-mediated inflammation. We aimed to determine if RAGE expression or alternative splicing of RAGE is altered by obesity in …

Recommendations From The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline For The Assessment And Management Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Helena J. Teede, Chau Thien Tay, Joop Laven, Anuja Dokras, Lisa J. Moran, Terhi T. Piltonen, Michael F. Costello, Jacky Boivin, Leanne M. Redman, Jacqueline A. Boyle, Robert J. Norman, Aya Mousa, Anju E. Joham, Wiebke Arlt, Ricardo Azziz, Adam Balen, Lisa Bedson, Lorna Berry, Leah Brennan, Wendy Brown, Tania Burgert, Maureen Busby, Carolyn Ee, Rhonda M. Garad, Melanie Gibson-Helm, Cheryce Harrison, Roger Hart, Kim Hopkins, Angelica Lindén Hirschberg, Tuong Ho, Kathleen Hoeger, Cailin Jordan, Richard S. Legro, Rong Li

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

STUDY QUESTION: What is the recommended assessment and management of those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and consumer preference? SUMMARY ANSWER: International evidence-based guidelines address prioritized questions and outcomes and include 254 recommendations and practice points, to promote consistent, evidence-based care and improve the experience and health outcomes in PCOS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The 2018 International PCOS Guideline was independently evaluated as high quality and integrated multidisciplinary and consumer perspectives from six continents; it is now used in 196 countries and is widely cited. It was based on best available, but …

Recruitment Methods And Yield Rates For A Multisite Clinical Trial Exploring Risk Reduction For Alzheimer's Disease (Rrad), Amanda N. Szabo-Reed, Tristyn Hall, Eric D. Vidoni, Angela Van Sciver, Monica Sewell, Jeffrey M. Burns, C. Munro Cullum, William P. Gahan, Linda S. Hynan, Diana R. Kerwin, Heidi Rossetti, Ann M. Stowe, Wanpen Vongpatanasin, David C. Zhu, Rong Zhang, Jeffrey N. Keller, Ellen F. Binder

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: The risk reduction for Alzheimer's disease (rrAD) trial was a multisite clinical trial to assess exercise and intensive vascular pharmacological treatment on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: Eligibility, consent, and randomization rates across different referral sources were compared. Informal interviews conducted with each site's project team were conducted upon study completion. RESULTS: Initially, 3290 individuals were screened, of whom 28% were eligible to consent, 805 consented to participate (87.2% of those eligible), and 513 (36.3% of those consented) were randomized. Emails sent from study site listservs/databases yielded the highest amount (20.9%) …

Impact Of A Nutrient Formulation On Longitudinal Myelination, Cognition, And Behavior From Birth To 2 Years: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Nora Schneider, Mickaël Hartweg, Jonathan O’Regan, Jennifer Beauchemin, Leanne Redman, Daniel S. Hsia, Pascal Steiner, Owen Carmichael, Viren D’Sa, Sean Deoni

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Observation studies suggest differences in myelination in relation to differences in early life nutrition. This two-center randomized controlled trial investigates the effect of a 12-month nutritional intervention on longitudinal changes in myelination, cognition, and behavior. Eighty-one full-term, neurotypical infants were randomized into an investigational (N = 42) or a control group (N = 39), receiving higher versus lower levels of a blend of nutrients. Non-randomized breastfed infants (N = 108) served as a reference group. Main outcomes were myelination (MRI), neurodevelopment (Bayley-III), social-emotional development (ASQ:SE-2), infant and toddler behavior (IBQ-R and TBAQ), and infant sleep (BISQ) during the first 2 …

Toward Food Security In 2050: Gene Pyramiding For Climate-Smart Rice, Isnaini Isnaini, Yudhistira Nugraha, Niranjan Baisakh, Nono Carsono

Faculty Publications

The decline in crop productivity due to climate change is a major issue that threatens global food security and is the main challenge for breeders today in developing sustainable varieties with a wider tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Breeding climate-smart rice (CSR) cultivars may be the best adaptation to climate change, with the potential to improve future food security and profitability for farmers in many nations. The main objective of this review is to highlight the direction of development of superior rice breeding from time to time, and various studies of new techniques of breeding methods for pyramiding various …

Responses Of Phytoplankton Communities To Internal Waves In Oligotrophic Oceans, Lingqi Ma, Xiaolin Bai, Edward A. Laws, Wupeng Xiao, Cui Guo, Xin Liu, Kuo Ping Chiang, Kunshan Gao, Bangqin Huang

Faculty Publications

Understanding the potential impacts of internal waves on phytoplankton communities in oligotrophic oceans remains an important research challenge. In this study, we elucidated the impact of internal waves on phytoplankton communities through a comprehensive 154-hr time-series of observations in the South China Sea (SCS). We identified distinctive variations in phytoplankton pigment biomass and composition across the upper, middle, and lower layers of the euphotic zone, which we attributed to the perturbations triggered by internal waves. Phytoplankton other than Prochlorococcus in the lower, nutrient-replete layer likely benefitted from allochthonous nutrients introduced by internal waves, but their growth rates were constrained by …

The Low-Hanging Fruit: Health, Rights, And The Commission, Bright Nkrumah

Washington and Lee Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice

The year 2022 marked the 35th anniversary of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. As it is a custom in many communities, when one reaches this milestone, it is an opportune time to introspect and reflect on the successes and challenges encountered in one’s journey. It is this template that the paper adopts to measure the prospects and setbacks of the African Commission in the advancement of the right to health. The Article argues that while the body remains the poster child of the continent’s human rights architecture, its inability to clearly articulate how states ought to advance …

Strategies Elementary School Children Use To Influence Mothers' Food Purchasing Decisions, Nazratun N. Monalisa, Edward A. Frongillo Ph.D., Christine E. Blake Ph.D., Rd, Susan E. Steck, Robin B. Dipietro

Faculty Publications

This study aimed to understand the strategies elementary-school-aged children used to influence mothers' food purchasing decisions. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 40 children aged 6–11 years and their mothers living in South Carolina. Strategies to influence mothers' food purchases were collected from children and their mothers separately. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and open-coded. The constant comparative method was used for data analysis. Coding matrices were used to compare children's and mothers' responses on the children's strategies. Children reported 157 instances of 25 distinct strategies to influence mothers' purchasing decisions. Mothers had concordance with 83 instances of these …

2023-October-01-Renowned Health Policy Leader To Speak At Carnegie Hotel On Nov. 7, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

Christopher, executive director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE), will speak on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Dr. Gail C. Christopher, a nationally recognized leader in health policy known for her work bringing holistic health and diversity concepts into public sector programs and policy, will give a free public lecture at East Tennessee State University next month. 

Christopher, executive director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE), will speak on Tuesday, Nov. 7, in the Grand Soldiers Ballroom at the Carnegie Hotel at 6 p.m. A meet and greet reception will take place at 5:30 p.m. 

This is the …

The Importance Of Cultural Competency: Improving Patient-Provider Relationships Improves Hispanic Health, Lizeth Tapia

Honors Theses

Background: Hispanics living in the U.S have poor health compared to Non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics experience more disease, a higher likelihood of dying from chronic disease such as cancer, heart disease and unintentional injuries. Aside from prevention knowledge and access to healthcare, another factor that can affect Hispanic health is the patient-provider relationships. More specifically, culturally competent healthcare providers are more likely to have better communication and interactions with their patients as they understand their culture and can apply it into the healthcare setting. Therefore, cultural competency is key to improving health outcomes among Hispanic patients and an important skill to …

Loggerhead Shrike Occurrence Along Urban Gradients In South Carolina’S Coastal Plain, Michelle A. Krauser, Christopher E. Hill

Biology

The urban landscape is understudied compared to less developed ecosystems, despite providing suitable habitat for wildlife, including some species of grassland birds. Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) are predatory songbirds that frequent grasslands and have been observed using grassy areas in developed and more natural landscapes, yet remain largely unstudied in developed landscapes. We investigated the effects of development, measured as impervious surface percentage, on Loggerhead Shrike occurrence in urban areas in South Carolina, U.S.A, and also tracked canopy cover (%), highway density (m/ha), non-highway road density (m/ha), total road density (m/ha), and powerline density (m/ha). The first author searched 300 …

Implementation Of A Pcp Referral In Urgent Care For Patients With Hypertension, Teri Alesha Scott

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Adult patients with uncontrolled hypertension at Saluda Pointe Urgent Care (SPUC) do not have an established primary care provider (PCP) for follow-up.

Purpose: To improve access to care by establishing patients with uncontrolled hypertension (>140/90) with a PCP.

Method: Implement a PCP referral at SPUC for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The Primary Care Connection Center (PCCC) contacted the referred patients within 72 hours to schedule an appointment. An Organizational Change Management (OCM) Solutions survey measured provider attitude and readiness for change before and after implementation.

Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients 18 and older, without an …