Digital Commons Network^™

African American Women’S Body Image Perceptions And The Built Environment, Andrea Denise Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American (AA) women have a 54.8% overall obesity rate in the United States. This quantitative cross-sectional study’s aim was to determine what factors may have an impact on body image perceptions of AA women in Alabama and New Jersey. A gap in research this study addressed is sociodemographic and geographic differences that may impact obesity rates among AA women. The theoretical framework used for this study was the social cognitive theory. Secondary data were obtained from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Linear regression (LR) analyses results showed that none of the sociodemographic variables (education level, employment status, …

Experiences In Informal Mentoring Among African American Women In Management, Alexandria Simone Samuels-Ross

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a lack of African American women representing senior management and executive positions within nonprofit organizations due to organizational culture, gender stereotypes, and failure to capitalize on the talents of women in general. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the informal mentoring experiences of African American women employed as managers for over two years in nonprofit organizations. Research has suggested the need for further study of on-the-job mentoring and its impact on employees’ job satisfaction and opportunities to advance within an organization. The theoretical framework that guided the study was social exchange theory, which is …

Exploring The Behavioral Health Clinician Shortage At A Rural Midwestern U.S. Agency, Tracy L. Wilson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Behavioral health clinician shortages are a significant and ongoing problem in the United States, especially in rural areas, which have higher rates of homelessness, suicide, substance use, and violence rates than urban areas. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore factors contributing to the behavioral health clinician shortage in a rural midwestern U.S. public health department. The goal was to gain a better understanding of this shortage and explore strategies and solutions for recruiting and retaining behavioral health clinicians at the agency’s facilities. The Baldrige excellence framework undergirded the investigation. Data sources included interviews with three administrative …

Relationship Between Employee Engagement, Kind Of Initiatives, And Workplace Wellness Program Effectiveness, Alicia Dobrzeniecki

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ineffective workplace wellness programs prevent organizations from decreasing employee health and well-being costs. Workplace wellness managers lose more than $1,100 in decreased productivity each year. Grounded in the theory of planned behavior, the purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between workplace wellness engagement, kind of workplace wellness initiatives, and workplace wellness program effectiveness. Data were collected from 146 workplace wellness program managers who completed the HERO scorecard. The multiple linear regression analysis results indicated the model was able to significantly predict workplace wellness program effectiveness, F(2, 143) = 85.482, p = < .001, R² = .545. Both predictors provided a significant contribution to the model, with workplace wellness engagement level (t = 8.342, p = < .001, β = .543) providing a higher contribution to the model than kind of workplace wellness initiatives (t = 4.584, p = < .001, β = .298). A key recommendation for workplace wellness program managers is to emphasize employee engagement in workplace wellness programs and choose the appropriate initiatives to ensure workplace wellness program effectiveness. The implications for positive social change include the potential for improved health and well-being within the U.S. workforce.

An Educational Program To Enhance Knowledge And Communication For Nursing Staff Who Care For Dementia Patients, Behnaz Mohammadi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractDementia is a progressive chronic disease that requires skilled nursing care. Staff at a skilled nursing facility were not using best practices to prevent and manage the psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia. The purpose of this DNP project was to implement a dementia care education to address this gap in knowledge. The question for the evidence-based educational project was whether the program increased knowledge, promoted positive attitudes, and increased confidence in dementia care staff. A 5-hour workshop was presented in person, twice in two weeks. The person-centered care model served as a framework for the project. Nursing staff (N …

Improving The Patient Repositioning Process: A Quality Improvement Project, Sydney Elizabeth Mcgough

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Research has shown that visual turn reminders can improve patient repositioning to prevent pressure injuries. The aim of this quality improvement project was to improve adherence to repositioning by increasing the perceived usefulness of the visual turn reminder.

Methods: A pre-intervention survey was distributed to 70 staff members with 22 responses. Staff were given the opportunity to recommend changes to the visual reminders and were informed that feedback would lead to the identification of common themes. Based on feedback, high visibility turn reminders were developed and implemented on the unit. A post-intervention survey was distributed to the same 70 …

2021 Unh Extension Belknap County Highlights Sheet, Amy Loader

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

The Potential Of Bison Restoration As An Ecological Approach To Future Tribal Food Sovereignty On The Northern Great Plains, Hila Shamon, Olivia G. Cosby, Chamois L. Andersen, Helen Augare, Jony Bearcub Stiffarm, Claire E. Bresnan, Jeff M. Martin, Et Al.

Natural Resource Management Faculty Publications

Future climate projections of warming, drying, and increased weather variability indicate that conventional agricultural and production practices within the Northern Great Plains (NGP) will become less sustainable, both ecologically and economically. As a result, the livelihoods of people that rely on these lands will be adversely impacted. This is especially true for Native American communities, who were relegated to reservations where the land is often vast but marginal and non-tribal operators have an outsized role in food production. In addition, NGP lands are expected to warm and dry disproportionately relative to the rest of the United States. It is therefore …

Snap-Ed Nm Evaluation: Policy, System, And Environment Evaluation 2018-2022, Theresa H. Cruz, Erica Landrau-Cribbs, Camille Velarde, Yvonnie Vitanzos

Reports & Documents

No abstract provided.

Conditions That Mimic Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In A Pediatric Population: A Diagnostic Guide For Primary Care Providers, Elena Schatell

Capstone Showcase

This article outlines common neurobiological, developmental, psychological, and other medical diagnoses and conditions that symptomatically mimic attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the pediatric population. Many of these disorders are comorbid with ADHD, but they may also be misdiagnosed as ADHD. Due to the similarity in presentation, these conditions must be included when formulating a differential diagnosis. Accurately diagnosing a child with ADHD requires a thorough evaluation and work up to rule out diagnoses on the differential.

Effects Of Environmental Warming On Clarias Gariepinus Growth And Physiology, Dean Cahill

Capstone Showcase

Fresh water makes up about 0.8% of the Earth’s surface and is home to six percent of its species. Environmental warming is projected to have a significant effect on freshwater systems as the century progresses. They are susceptible to irreversible damage because fresh water availability and temperature is dependent of climate. The Clarias gariepinus, or the African Catfish, is popular among aquaculture in Africa and Asia because of its rapid growth, quick reproduction, and hardiness. The goal of my thesis was to examine the effect of environmental warming and elevated temperatures on the growth and physiology of Clarias gariepinus populations …

A Clinical Review Of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension In The Newborn, Kaela Mahoney

Capstone Showcase

Persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn (PPHN) is an illness of the circulatory and respiratory systems which affects approximately 0.002% of newborns but carries a significant morbidity and mortality burden. Diagnostic measures are focused on determining etiology whereas treatment measures are intended to improve pulmonary function. It is crucial for neonatal providers to be aware of patients at risk for developing PPHN and be prepared to initiate treatment early. This presentation reviews pathophysiology, etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of PPHN.

Management Of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Related To Hypopituitarism, Kellie Jamin

Capstone Showcase

The treatment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is well-established in childhood but less understood in adults, given the more complex role that growth hormone (GH) assumes in this population. Decreased functionality of the pituitary gland, otherwise known as hypopituitarism, can present with an isolated GHD in adulthood, which may result from a number of factors including neoplasm, ischemia, infection, traumatic injury, or systemic disease. Adult GHD may be definitively diagnosed with a stimulation test, the insulin tolerance test (ITT) being the study of choice. With a positive ITT, the disorder can be treated with growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT), which …

The Clinician’S Approach To Primary Dysmenorrhea: Nutrient And Supplement Modifications, Rachel Albert

Capstone Showcase

As evidence-based practice on health topics and standards continually evolves, it remains the responsibility of the clinicians to seek out data and newly discovered information that may pertain to patient populations. A longstanding issue that clinicians must address is the approach to primary dysmenorrhea. Currently it is estimated that 50% to 90% of the female population in the reproductive age group experiences this condition, making it the most prevalent health related problem among women of these ages. While this number represents a wide range of the population, many women still accept the symptoms of dysmenorrhea as commonplace and therefore do …

Waist-To-Height Ratio As An Alternative To Body Mass Index, Grace Acosta

Capstone Showcase

The body mass index (BMI) has many limitations. Therefore, it is important to explore alternative options for estimating excess body adiposity and determining obesity-related health risks in the general population. Alternatives have been explored, including waist-to-height ratio, but further research is needed to assess the benefits and barriers that exist to replacing BMI as the standard measure of body composition and weight-related health. The purpose of this article is to examine waist-to-height ratio as an alternative to BMI as an indicator health at the population and individual level. Using existing literature, the disadvantages of BMI are outlined and discussed. Additionally, …

Waist-To-Height Ratio As An Alternative To Bmi, Grace Acosta

Capstone Showcase

The body mass index (BMI) has many limitations. Therefore, it is important to explore alternative options for estimating excess body adiposity and determining obesity-related health risks in the general population. Alternatives have been explored, including waist-to-height ratio, but further research is needed to assess the benefits and barriers that exist to replacing BMI as the standard measure of body composition and weight-related health. The purpose of this article is to examine waist-to-height ratio as an alternative to BMI as an indicator health at the population and individual level. Using existing literature, the disadvantages of BMI are outlined and discussed. Additionally, …

Covid-19 And Advanced Course Enrollment: Kentucky High Schools, Jessica Thomas

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

In Kentucky governments, districts, and schools made decisions about school closures and mode of learning that would impact community health as well as student achievement. Within those schools, students themselves were also making decisions that could impact their futures academically. In spring 2020, students were choosing their courses for the following year. Vast uncertainty about what the 2020/2021 school year would look like had the potential to impact those decisions. Disruptions to spring 2020 classes could also impact whether a student felt they had learned the prerequisite skills needed to pursue advanced coursework. This study found that advanced course enrollment …

Effect Of Trust And The Covid-19 Pandemic On Nonprofit Collaboration With Food Insecurity Services In Kentucky, Aaron Brewer

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Food insecurity in Kentucky is at a crisis point. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, it has only gotten worse. Nonprofit organizations that focus on food insecurity are fighting to fill the gap between federal and state programs but still struggle to find enough resources as demand grows. In order to help achieve their strategic missions, organizations often engage in collaboration with one another. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the landscape of many services and businesses across the world and certainly in Kentucky. Food insecurity organizations were faced with new challenges because of the health …

Prevalence Of Alcohol-Interactive Medications And Conditions With Concurrent Alcohol Use In Older Adults, Jackson Hull

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Many prescription medications can either directly or indirectly interact with alcohol and many chronic conditions may be worsened by alcohol use. Medications, such as antihypertensives, anticoagulants, and gastrointestinal agents, can be dangerous when taken with alcohol and can lead to loss of consciousness, falls, serious bleeding and other issues. Chronic conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypertension and cirrhosis can directly be worsened with alcohol consumption. These potential complications are pertinent to all ages, but there is greater concern of these interactions in older adults, defined as adults over 65 years old. Using survey data from older adults in Lexington, …

Analysis Of Regulatory Options To Reduce Ethylene Oxide Emissions In Southern Louisiana, Claire Oyler

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Toxic chemicals are dangerous when exposed directly to humans but are often vital for the production of goods and services. Ethylene Oxide is a carcinogenic gas used as a commercial sterilizer and emitted during the manufacturing process of common household goods. The term fence-line communities describes the residents living adjacent to facilities emitting toxic chemicals into the air. Several predominately minority, low-income fence-line communities in Southern Louisiana are exposed to higher than average levels of Ethylene Oxide from nearby manufacturing facilities. This raises environmental justice and overall public health concerns in the area. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged …

Las Lentejas Y Los Garbanzos En Los Textos Culinarios De España, Thomas Deveny

Teatro: Revista de Estudios Escénicos / A Journal of Theater Studies

ABSTRACT
The references to lentils and chickpeas in Spanish culinary texts allow us to discover the “foodways” of Spain. They are a constant in the Spanish diet, but the texts show us the different ways in which Spaniards experience their culture: from the cultural exchange between different groups in the Middle Ages to contemporary haute cuisine, they are part of quotidian life and reflect the zeitgeist of each historical period.

RESUMEN
Las referencias a las lentejas y los garbanzos en los textos culinarios españoles nos permiten descubrir los “foodways” de España. Son constantes en la dieta española, pero los …

Venous Ulcer Wound Care Management, Sonam Dolkar

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Problem: Venous ulcer wounds are commonly managed in outpatient clinics by providers in conjunction with nurses; however, lack of wound care knowledge and evidenced-based wound care management among nurses make providing effective care challenging and difficult. Known as stasis ulcer, venous ulcer accounts for 80 percent of lower extremity ulcerations and its incidence increases with age and recurrence is quite common. These wounds can be challenging to treat, often taking at least four to six weeks to heal, and often requiring long-term therapeutics for optimal healing and reoccurrence prevention. Venous ulcer wounds are an important medical problem with substantial economic …

The Relationship Of Physical Activity And Dietary Quality And Diabetes Prevalence In Us Adults: Findings From Nhanes 2011-2018, Furong Xu, Jacob Earp, Alessandra Adami, Lee Weidauer, Geoffrey W. Greene

College of Education Faculty Publications

This study aimed to examine the relationship of physical activity and/or dietary quality and diabetes prevalence in the general population and within specific age groups. It was a cross-sectional study using 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Patterns Equivalents data (n = 15,674). Physical activity was measured by Global Physical Activity questionnaire; dietary quality was analyzed using the Healthy Eating Index 2015; diabetes prevalence was determined by reported diagnosis and glycohemoglobin or fasting glucose. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression adjusted for demographic variables and weight status. Results revealed that although …

Denouncing Gender Violence In Spain And Rewriting The Female Narrative, Irene Kotyk

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This paper analyzes how Spanish female artists across Spain denounce domestic violence by exposing abuse and the culture of women domination in public spaces. Gender violence is important to analyze because it is a current issue in Spain, and globally, as there is a fight for gender equality in countries around the world. Technically speaking, domestic violence includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse occurring between partners or within a family (Dutton). Recently, many artists across Spain are looking to reconstruct a new narrative for women. This paper will look at how gender-based violence against women was practiced throughout the Spanish …

Group-Based Diabetes Self-Management Education For Somali Population With Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus, Hamdi Abdi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background and Purpose: Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a serious chronic disease that requires knowledge, daily self-management, and lifestyle modifications. T2DM is a widespread disease in Western world, however, it affects racial minority immigrant populations, including Somalis at disproportionally higher rates than the general population. This quality improvement project was developed and piloted to discern whether culturally appropriate small group-based education program for Somali patients with T2DM may improve self-management skills to alleviate long-term complications.

Methods: This project used descriptive statistics to compare participants’ knowledge and T2DM self-management behavior pre and post intervention. Subsequent to Seattle University IRB approval, …

Healthcare Disparities In Rural Veterans, Matthew Johnson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Veterans, as a population, tend to have higher levels of disability than the civilian population. The Veterans Affairs (VA), as an organization, is infamous for the bureaucratic challenges it presents to those seeking services. The complicated, confusing, and lengthy process of accessing care through the VA often presents a barrier in and of itself. Due to these and many other factors, veterans suffer from higher rates of disability, chronic illness, and mental illness compared to the general population. Rural veterans face additional barriers to healthcare based on their locale, including increased physical distance to care, and a shortage of general …

Optimizing Food Access In The Enhanced Shelter Environment: A Policy Evaluation Project, Reanna Moore

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In the unhoused population, food access is a basic human need important not only for adequate nutrition, but also reducing feelings of food insecurity. Enhanced shelters are well poised to impact food access by providing meals and storage options for shelter residents. However, food hoarding behaviors, food safety concerns, and limited budget add complication to this problem. Shelter policies that optimize the availability of meals, food storage, and kitchen use have the potential to positively impact food security, but must be balanced with the individual needs of the shelter. It is important for enhanced shelters to identify best practices and …

Optimizing Nitrogen Management In Winter Wheat Production Systems For Improved Bread Baking Quality, Ammar Sadiq Mahdi Al Zubade

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

In Kentucky, there is growing interest among farmers to produce high protein and strong gluten wheat that is suitable for bread baking to meet the demand of local artisanal bakers. Soft red winter wheat (SRW) is the most commonly wheat grown in the state and throughout the Southeastern US. Flours produced from SRW are relatively low in grain nitrogen (N) due to the region’s moderate winters and warm humid conditions during grain filling. As such, SRW is used in baking products where lower protein flours are preferred, such as cookies, cakes, pastries and crackers. Unlike SRW, hard red winter wheat …

Manipulating Species Diversity: Environmental Impacts In Row Crop, Livestock, And Grassland Agroecosystems, Alayna A. Jacobs

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

The diversity of living species in an agroecosystem affects both natural resources and agricultural production efficiency. The rise of managed plant monocultures has allowed agricultural yields to increase over time. However, simplifying agroecosystems affects the capacity of the system to sustainably provide clean air, water, and productive soils essential for continued food and fiber production. This dissertation manipulates species diversity in row crop and forage agroecosystems prevalent in the Eastern United States and tracks the associated environmental and agricultural production consequences.

In row crop agroecosystems, increasing plant diversity with winter cover crops has been suggested as a strategy to increase …

Precision Medicine And Novel Therapeutic Strategies In Detection And Treatment Of Cancer: Highlights From The 58th Iacr Annual Conference, Sean Kennedy

Conference Papers

Innovation in both detection and treatment of cancer is necessary for the constant improvement in therapeutic strategies, especially in patients with novel or resistant variants of cancer. Cancer mortality rates have declined by almost 30% since 1991, however, depending on the cancer type, acquired resistance can occur to varying degrees. To combat this, researchers are looking towards advancing our understanding of cancer biology, in order to inform early detection, and guide novel therapeutic approaches. Through combination of these approaches, it is believed that a more complete and thorough intervention on cancer can be achieved. Here, we will discuss the advances …