Digital Commons Network^™

Growing Sensory Education And Resources At Gbe Alliance, Kelsey Gardner

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Global Behavior Education Alliance (GBE Alliance) to bring together occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This project was designed with the GBE Alliance mission at the forefront, providing research-based, comprehensive care to meet individual needs. The goal of this project was to educate staff and families on sensory systems, regulation, and supporting children through play. Key outcomes included a motor station with guided activities to target each aspect of the sensory system, break time spaces with tools to increase regulation, sensory room designed …

The Implementation Of The Neonatal Eating Outcomeassessment To Evaluate Oral Feeding Skills In The Nicu, Katelyn J. Roloff

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The Implementation of the Neonatal Eating Outcome Assessment to Evaluate Oral Feeding Skills in the NICU

Katelyn Roloff, OTDS; Stacie Forehand, OTR/L; Brooke Mulrenin PhD, MOT, OTR/L

Division of Occupational Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina

Approximately 80% of preterm infants develop oral feeding difficulties during their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization (Pineda et al., 2020). Preterm infants often demonstrate inadequate feeding readiness, poor arousal/state regulation, physiological instability, and poor oral motor reflexes, all essential for independent feeding (Grabill et al., 2023; Pineda et al., 2020). Common feeding assessments rely on non-standardized clinical observation, have limited ability to track …

Identifying Least-Restrictive Interventions For Food Selectivity In A School Setting, Charlotte R. Kerwin

Doctoral Dissertations - College of Arts and Sciences

There is a breadth of behavior analytic research in the treatment of food selectivity and refusal in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (Bachmeyer, 2009; Ledford et al., 2018; Williams & Sieverling, 2023), but many studies are conducted in clinics, hospitals, or homes by researchers, and use escape prevention as a primary component of intervention (Ledford et al., 2018; Saini et al., 2019). Recent research has prioritized the identification of antecedent and reinforcement-based interventions without the use of escape prevention in the treatment of food selectivity (see Tereshko et al., 2021, for a review), and …

Understanding Preeclampsia In High-Altitude Bolivia: Clinical Profiles And Development Of Culturally Appropriate Resources, Katie J. Dace

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women in Bolivia face unique health risks compared to women in other countries due to living at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level (12,000 feet). Current local interventions do not fully meet the needs of mothers as evidenced by high maternal mortality rates. Additionally, there is a lack of local research initiatives and educational materials. This capstone project aims to contribute to both these gaps with the development of culturally appropriate educational materials and by laying the foundation for further research on preeclampsia in La Paz, Bolivia.  METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was taken to gather the …

Nutrition Science Graduate Students Engage In Assessment Practices In An Accredited Program, Claire Cooney, Nikki Beckwith

One University Assessment Celebration

No abstract provided.

Emergence, Differentiation, And Modeling Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells In Developing Embryos, Lucy Shive

Caroliniana Undergraduate Research Journal

In the field of developmental biology, the understanding of embryogenesis is driven by ever-advancing techniques of studying embryos’ structures and behaviors. Yolk sacs are critical to an embryo’s survival and its function in producing a mature organism from a simple zygote. A hallmark of embryonic yolk sacs is their production of primitive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Recent research has explored the mechanisms by which these HSCs develop and migrate, as well as the mechanisms by which they differentiate into various cell types. This more thorough understanding of HSCs is the basis for the development of embryo models, peri-gastruloids, from stem …

Involving Nutrition Students In The Assessment Process, Nancy Rindfuss

One University Assessment Celebration

No abstract provided.

Bridging Movement Science And Clinical Care: Advancing Evidence-Based Scoliosis Care Through Professional Education And Outreach Initiatives, Megan B. Tenery

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP), a Pilates studio specializing in scoliosis that serves clients from adolescents to older adults. SSP offers virtual and in-person private lessons, group classes, teacher training, and a scoliosis-focused retreat. These services are designed to educate individuals with scoliosis and movement practitioners on evidence-based, functional correction movements that support daily living. The primary objectives of this project were to expand SSP’s educational and community reach through the development of a new Pilates certification, an educational email series, a health and wellness podcast, and other outreach efforts. The primary …

Evaluating Resistance Training Knowledge Among Secondary School Educators And Coaches: Development And Impact Of A Professional Development Program, Josh Redden

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Resistance training is a critical component of health-related fitness in secondary education, yet research has consistently demonstrated that physical education teachers and coaches lack sufficient content knowledge to effectively instruct and supervise these programs. This action research study evaluated resistance training content knowledge among physical education (PE) teachers, adapted physical education (APE) teachers, and sport coaches within a Louisiana school district and assessed the impact of a one-hour asynchronous professional development course delivered via school district email. Twenty-six participants completed pre- and post-assessments using a 20-item instrument developed through a modified Delphi process with an expert panel. Data were analyzed …

Effect Of Irrigation Scheduling On Forage Yield And Quality Of Rhodes Grass And Common Vetch Under Water Stress Conditions, Abdo Bakri Fakirah, Adel Alhjami

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture

This study examined the effects of different irrigation intervals (7, 14, 21, and 28 days) on the growth, yield, and quality of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) under field conditions in Sana'a Governorate, Yemen, during two growing seasons. A randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement was employed. Short irrigation intervals (7 and 14 days) significantly enhanced plant height, fresh weight, and dry matter yield in both forage species, whereas moderate water stress (21 days) increased crude protein concentration. Rhodes grass showed higher biomass production, while common vetch achieved superior forage …

Occupational Therapy In Action: Enhancing Diabetes Awareness And Support In Rural Schools, Sierra Cook, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes among adolescents highlights the need for early prevention-focused interventions. This capstone project implemented an occupation-based program for middle school students targeting body awareness, nutrition, movement, and stress management. Five interactive workshops incorporated hands-on activities, including energy check-ins, meal planning, movement stations, and coping strategy development, to promote engagement and support the development of healthy routines.

Occupational Therapy In Action: Enhancing Diabetes Awareness And Support In Rural Schools, Sierra Cook

Student Capstone Papers

The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes among adolescents highlights the need for early prevention-focused interventions. This capstone project developed and implemented an occupation-based educational program for middle school students targeting body awareness, nutrition, movement, and stress management. The program consisted of five interactive workshops addressing energy awareness, meal planning, social and environmental influences on health, movement-based regulation strategies, and coping skills. Hands-on activities, including energy check-ins, meal logs, movement stations, and coping toolbox development, were used to promote engagement and support the development of healthy routines.

Ckd-Associated Osteoporosis: A Comprehensive Clinical Update, Suthiya Anumas, Midori Sakashita, Waroot Pholsawatchai

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Objective: To provide an updated overview of the pathophysiology, diagnostic strategies, and treatment options for chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated osteoporosis.

Methods: A narrative review of recent literature and guideline recommendations, including KDIGO 2017 and 2025, with emphasis on bone health assessment and pharmacologic interventions in CKD.

Results: CKD impairs bone quantity and quality through mechanisms involving uremic toxins, hormonal imbalances, metabolic acidosis, medications, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the standard for assessing bone mineral density, additional insights are provided by bone turnover markers, high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), and bone biopsy. Both antiresorptive and anabolic …

Association Between Dietary Self-Perception And Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Young Adults Latinas, Mi Zhou, A. Susana Ramirez, Angela Xu, Jacqueline Bergman

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Objective: To investigate the relationship between self-perceived overall dietary healthfulness and self-reported sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among young adult Latinas, accounting for socioeconomic and acculturation-related factors. Design: Cross-sectional analysis using survey data. SSB intake was assessed using the BEVQ-15, and dietary self-perception was measured via a two-item scale. Multiple linear regression models examined associations between self-perception and total daily SSB intake, adjusting for income, education, and two validated acculturation indicators. Setting: Participants were recruited from a national online panel across the United States. Participants: A total of 881 Latina women aged 18–29 years participated. After removing cases with invalid outcome …

Massive Septic Shock And Complex Survivorship In A Medically Complex Pediatric Patient Following Gastrostomy Tube Malposition With Operative Findings Of Feed Within The Retrorectus Space, Samira R. Haberman, Christopher M. Ahmad, Olivia R. Kaufman, Rae-Anne Kastle, Brett Dunbar

Student Publications

Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) replacement is often routine; however, in children with complex medical needs, misplacement can rapidly lead to life-threatening complications. We describe the case of a 16-year-old male patient with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis who developed fulminant septic shock after accidental G-tube dislodgement and malposition. At an outside hospital, reinsertion attempts required tract dilation; bloody aspirate and inconclusive radiographs were overlooked, and feeds were resumed at home. After 48 hours, the patient presented to a community hospital in profound shock (blood pressure 40/20 mmHg, lactate 7.8 mmol/L, procalcitonin >50 ng/mL) with extensive abdominal wall emphysema and feed extravasation into the …

Invisible In The Storm: Disasters And The Disability Divide, Helia Hull

Idaho Law Review

“Sometimes it takes a natural disaster to reveal a social disaster.”

Examining The Benefits Of A Standardized Protocol For Hyperglycemia Screening In Adult Oncology Patients: A Pilot Study, Alexa Dashko

Pacific Journal of Health

Many individuals receiving cancer directed therapy are at risk of developing hyperglycemia and new, or worsening of, diabetes due to location of their cancer, treatment regimen, and/or prolonged use of steroids. Research shows that uncontrolled hyperglycemia can have detrimental effects on individuals’ response to cancer therapy, treatment associated toxicities, quality of life and overall mortality. Despite extensive research identifying the need for routine monitoring and management of hyperglycemia in oncology patients, medical societies have yet to establish formal screening guidelines for practitioners. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the outcomes of establishing a protocol for screening and …

Study The Effect Of Climate Change On Barley Crop (Hordeum Vulgare L.) And Improving Its Productivity Through Municipal Treated Wastewater Utilization, Wasef A. Alzayadneh

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Climate change presents a complex risk to crop productivity, with elevated temperatures, rising CO2 and UV-B enhancement profoundly impacting growth. Although the effects of individual stressors are well-documented, limited information is available regarding the combined effects of variables such as elevated CO₂ (eCO2), UV-B radiation, and elevated temperature (eT). This knowledge gap is especially critical for major cereal crops such as barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), which ranks fourth in global production and serves as a valuable source of forage for livestock. However, traditional forage production is unsustainable in arid regions, where water shortage and extreme weather conditions are present, as …

Investigating The Effect Of Kcl Stress In Raphanus Sativus, Mason P. Oelke

ATU Scholars Symposium

Presented by Stephanie Nelms at the Arkansas INBRE Conference on November 7-8, 2025.

Presented by Mason Oelke at Arkansas Tech Scholar's Symposium on April 9th, 2026.

Potassium is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development, yet excessive potassium fertilization can induce salt stress with detrimental consequences for crop productivity and nutritional quality. Despite its agricultural relevance, potassium chloride induced stress remains significantly understudied compared to classical sodium-based salinity. This thesis investigates the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of Raphanus sativus to KCl stress using an integrated approach that combines germination assays, mineral profiling, and gene expression analysis.

Radish seeds …

Examining Outcomes Of Client Education Interventions To Reduce Caffeine Intake In The College-Age Population, Mackenzie Leonard, Mikayla Evans

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

This scoping review aimed to explore health interventions that address excessive caffeine consumption in college students aged 18–23 years. Excess caffeine intake is associated with a range of health concerns, including neurological, cardiovascular, and behavioral issues, highlighting the need for effective interventions to mitigate its impact on overall wellness. The literature exploring interventions aimed at modifying health behaviors among the college student population is notably limited. Furthermore, there has been a lack of studies replicating interventions aimed at reducing caffeine intake. These gaps suggested the need for further investigation and exploration of reports pertaining to health promotion. The results of …

‘Ghost Franchises’ And Their Branding Challenges: Have They Eliminated Too Many ‘Touchpoints’?, Marko Grunhagen

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Intergovernmental Challenges And Achievements, Biennial Report Fiscal Years 2022-23 And 2023-24

Biennial Report

No abstract provided.

Analyzing Cognitive Development In Elementary-Aged Children And Its Implications For Teaching And Learning Strategies, Hardita Amalia Sri Ayu Lestari, Rinnanik Rinnanik, Evy Ramadina, Febi Nur Biduri

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

The acceleration and optimization of an individual's development can surpass that of their peers, with disparities emerging from age-related, genetic, dietary, and environmental factors. A profound understanding of human development serves as a crucial foundation for comprehending an individual's needs and character, particularly among elementary-aged children. Defined as those aged 7-12 years or encompassed within the educational system, this demographic necessitates a thorough examination of their cognitive development. Cognitive development constitutes an extensive domain that encompasses various thinking abilities, such as reasoning, memory, problem-solving, ideation, and creativity. Consequently, the present study embarks on a substantive and comprehensive analysis of the …

Colostrum Fatty Acid Composition And Its Association With Reproductive Traits In Sows Under Tropical Conditions, Dwi Sunu Datrianto, Kunaporn Homyog, Surasak Jittakhot, Padet Tummaruk

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Colostrum provides essential nutrients and immune factors that newborn piglets can absorb only within the first 24 h after birth. Fatty acids are essential for neonatal physiology, supporting thermoregulation, neurodevelopment, and immune function, and serving as a key energy source to reduce hypothermia and mortality in piglets. However, information on the fatty acid composition of sow colostrum under tropical conditions and its relationship with reproductive performance remains limited, warranting further investigation to improve piglet survival. This study evaluated the fatty acid profile of sow colostrum under tropical production conditions and examined its associations with reproductive traits. Colostrum samples were collected …

Syracuse Veterans Field Guide: The Homefront Edition, Amanda Keeler, Seth M. Owens, Elizabeth Kubala, Ken Marfilius

Voices of Service Symposium

Social services are available to veterans in the Syracuse area, yet locating and accessing help can remain challenging-particularly when needs span multiple systems and eligibility requirements are unclear. The goal of this project was to create a brief, pocket-sized resource guide that can be distributed to area veterans and used quickly "in the moment": to identify actionable supports.

The guide organizes services into 12 categories: accessing veterans' benefits; mental and physical healthcare; education benefits; financial services; housing; nutritional support; legal services; documentation resources; technology access; and peer support. Within each category, the guide provides a curated, limited set of local …

Effects Of A Major Disruption On Mental Health Of Pregnant Women In South Carolina, Lizmarie Maldonado

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Mental health conditions are a leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women, and untreated mental health conditions are associated with adverse maternal and birth outcomes. Major disruptions, such as pandemics, hurricanes, or wildfires, create unprecedented challenges and may impose additional stressors during an already vulnerable time. Community or medical care disruptions during such events may lead to adverse health outcomes. This dissertation seeks to characterize the impact of a recent major disruption on mental health outcomes among pregnant women using administrative claims data for all births in South Carolina in 2019 and 2020. By leveraging unique data sources, …

Occupational Therapy And Periodontics Collaboration To Improve Hand Health And Fine Motor Skills In Dental Student, Zainab Alsuwaiyan

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Background: A study conducted in 2023 by the Occupational Therapy (OT) Department and Marquette University school of dentistry (MUsoD) demonstrated that many student participants scored below average on hand function testing, indicating a need for occupational therapy intervention. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy–led training for periodontics and registered dental hygienist faculty on the performance of dental students in the Introduction to Clinical Practice course (DEIN 7114). Methods: Faculty teaching in DEIN 7114 were recruited for this study. They participated in educational sessions led by occupational therapy faculty focusing on musculoskeletal disorders …

April 9, 2026, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2020-

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Shared Power, Shared Purpose: A Boundaryless Servant-Leadership Model For Early Childhood Education Programs, Stephanie Akers, Beth Morton

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

This article proposes a model for a boundaryless early childhood program grounded in servant leadership and responsive to Kentucky’s regulatory and quality context. Drawing on research about boundaryless organizations, servant leadership, equity, inclusion, and program quality, the model reimagines the early childhood program as a collaborative community rather than a strictly hierarchical, compliance-driven organization (Ashkenas et al., 2015; Friesen et al., 2024; Greenleaf, 1977; NAEYC, 2019, 2020). The early childhood program maintains clear roles (director, assistant director, education coordinator, teachers, and support staff) but loosens rigid boundaries among classrooms and stakeholder groups. State licensing and Kentucky’s quality rating and improvement …

The Interaction Of Front-Of-Package Food Processing Claims And Disclosures For Ultra-Processed Products, Scot Burton, Garrett Rybak

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.