Digital Commons Network^™

Dieticians’ Perceptions Of Pediatric Obesity Education In Children’S Hospitals Located In Northeast Maryland, Constance Bartu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Dieticians play a vital role in the fight against pediatric obesity in the United States. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore dieticians’ perceptions of internal and external reinforcements and barriers to childhood obesity interventions in children’s hospitals within Northeast Maryland. The study was framed by the social cognitive theory described by Bandura. As applied to this study, the theory focuses on prevention and intervention strategies used by dieticians working in children’s hospitals while offering educational interventions and other health care services. Interviews were conducted with eight dieticians with a minimum of 4 years working in children’s hospitals …

Perceptions Of Whole Plant-Based Diets And Weight Among Hispanics In Miami, Florida, Zoraida Powell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Being overweight or obese poses major public health concerns and contributes to the development of chronic illnesses. While researchers have explored how a total plant-based diet impacts excess body weight or obesity, there is still a lack of clarity about how Hispanics living in Miami, FL, perceive or understand this diet concerning overweight and obesity. Using a generic qualitative approach, this study was conducted on how Hispanics in Miami, FL, understand and view a whole plant-based diet (WPBD) for preventing and reducing overweight and obesity. Through interviews with 14 diverse Hispanic participants, the study revealed that they see WPBD as …

Rurality’S Impact On Alaska Native Elders’ Levels Of Physical Activity And Obesity, Jessie Doherty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

While there have been studies on obesity levels and physical activity levels across many populations and age groups, few studies have focused on Alaska Native Elders. The purpose of this study was to examine rurality (urban vs. rural counties), physical activity, and obesity level while controlling for sex, self-reported loneliness, and self-reported stress. The theoretical foundation for this study was based on the socio-ecological model (SEM), and the research questions in this study explored how rurality impacted obesity levels and how rurality impacted physical activity levels in Alaska Native Elders. The methodology of this study was a quantitative cross-sectional design …

Assessing A Community Health Worker-Facilitated, Digitally Delivered, Family-Centered Diabetes Management Program: Single-Arm Quasi-Experimental Study, Zenong Yin, Vanessa L Errisuriz, Heather Cuevas, Bertha E Flores, Laura Delfausse, Christina Galvan, Jing Wang, Chengdong Li, Renata Morfin, Shiyu Li, Maysa Sapargeldiyeva, Giliane Yza Muyna, Minyu Zhang, Vanessa Sweet, Deborah Parra-Medina

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated complications disproportionately affect low-income Latino populations, who also experience disparities in diabetes self-management (DSM), including poor medication adherence, physical activity, diet, and glycemic control.

Objective: This study examined, through an academic-community partnership, the effectiveness of ¡Salud, Salud! (an evidence-based, family-centered diabetes self-management education and support [DSMES] program) on primary (glycemic control and quality of life) and secondary (social, psychological, and behavioral factors related to T2D management) outcomes among low-income Latino adults with T2D or prediabetes.

Methods: In total, 81 adults (mean age 48.90 years, SD 12.57; n=57, 70.4%, female; …

The Impact Of Electronic Activities On The Development Of Multimedia Production Skills Among Students Of The Faculty Of Education At Shaqra University, Saud Saad Faize Alakloby

University of Bisha Journal for Educational Sciences

The employment of electronic activities in the learning and processes requires the teacher and the learner multiple skills, including the skill of multimedia, which has become one of the necessities necessary for learning, Therefore, this study aimed to find out the effectiveness of electronic activities in developing multimedia skills among students of the Faculty of Education at Shaqra University, and the study sample consisted of 42 female and female students who were divided into 21 female students for the control group that underwent the traditional method, 21 female students for the experimental group that underwent the strategy of electronic activities …

Bridging The Gap: Awareness Of Healthy Menstrual Practices Among Married And Single Women In Baghdad Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ban Yousif Yaaqoob

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Menstruation is a natural biological process that significantly impacts women’s physical and emotional well-being. Despite its universality, misconceptions and unhealthy practices surrounding menstruation persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of married and single women regarding healthy menstrual habits in Baghdad, Iraq.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 20, 2022, to February 25, 2023, involving 100 women divided into two groups: 50 single females from the College of Health and Medical Techniques and 50 married employees from Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Data were collected through structured interviews and …

The Impact Of Storage Duration And Elevated Temperature On The Biological And Chemical Characteristics Of Whole Milk Powder, Hussein Ali Shaghati, Rawia Mahmood Yousif, Asmaa Ali Awad

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

A total of 45 Whole milk powder(WMP) samples from the same brand and batch were collected and tested pre and post-storage under closed conditions at 45–50 °C. during 60, 90, 120, and 150-day intervals. For the chemical indicators of the WMP, there were no significant differences in the content of fat during the different storage intervals, as the fat value was 30.00–29.99%, while the protein percent was 23.23% and did not change significantly during the storage at 60, 90, 120, and 150 days respectively. On the other hand, significant differences occurred in the moisture content, where the moisture value ranged …

Therapeutic Potential Of Sh-Hp (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys) In Helicobacter Pylori Infection And Acute Gastric Intoxication, Mohammed Mahdi Salman Ghadban

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Helicobacter pylori is a highly prevalent gastric pathogen (colonizing ∼50% of people worldwide) that causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, MALT lymphoma, and gastric cancer. Rising antibiotic resistance (e.g. >15% clarithromycin resistance) has compromised standard eradication regimens, necessitating novel therapies. SH-HP (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys) is a synthetic hexapeptide analogue of the endogenous hormone ghrelin/GHRP-6, originally developed as a growth hormone secretagogue. Preclinical studies reveal that SH-HP/GHRP-6 has potent gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects: it prevents stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions and mitigates multiorgan damage in ischemia/reperfusion models. Given that ghrelin receptor signaling plays a key role in gut mucosal defense (via nitric oxide and …

Shohani Hormonal Guard (Shg): A Multifunctional Nutraceutical Approach To Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Through Metabolic, Hormonal, And Anti-Inflammatory Pathways, Mohammed Mahdi Salman Ghadban

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine-metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by ovarian dysfunction, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism, often accompanied by an overactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. “Shohani Hormonal Guard” (SHG) is a nutraceutical formulation designed to target PCOS pathophysiology via multiple ingredients. We present a comprehensive review of SHG’s components – including inositols, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), berberine, ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients (zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin D3/K2, resveratrol, chromium, probiotics, etc.) – and their mechanistic roles and clinical benefits in PCOS. The literature demonstrates that SHG’s ingredients improve insulin sensitivity, modulate cortisol and …

Perioperative Repercussions Of Cannabis Use-Implications For Gi Endoscopy Sedation, Basavana Goudra, Michael Green

Department of Anesthesiology Faculty Papers

The legalization of cannabis in multiple U.S. states and several other countries, along with its increasing social acceptance across diverse demographic and socioeconomic groups, has led to a growing number of patients presenting for interventional procedures with a history of cannabis use. Although anesthetic and sedation-related implications may be less pronounced than in major surgery, they remain clinically relevant and warrant careful consideration. Key factors include acute intoxication, chronic use, and cannabis use disorder. Cannabis users often require higher-and sometimes unpredictable-doses of propofol and other sedatives. Inhalational use is associated with airway hyperreactivity, increasing the risk of bronchospasm and, in …

Groundwater Quality Analyses For Irrigation Purposes In Salah Al-Din, Iraq: A Review, Noor A. Radhi, Dawood E. Sachit, Abdul-Sahib T. Al-Madhhachi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The focus of this study is the effect of the physical and chemical characteristics of groundwaters on plants and agricultural crops, following the last studies on this matter. The results underscore the necessity for groundwater treatment before its utilization in irrigation for sustainable agricultural farming. It is also possible to identify which crop type can be grown in well-watered land, according to the characteristics of irrigation water and the yield of each crop. The study also introduces some ideas about irrigation water quality parameters such as Electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, Chloride (Cl^–), Sodium (Na …

Radiological Insights Into Spina Bifida Occulta In Adults: Unveiling The Hidden Defect In The Lumbosacral Spine Of The Northern Indian Population At A Tertiary Care Centre, Binita Chaudhary, Ruchika Narayan, Prem Kumar, Bijaya N. Nayak, Padamjeet Panchal

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Spina bifida occulta (SBO) is a congenital spinal defect characterised by incomplete closure of the posterior neural arch. Despite its clinical relevance, discrepancies remain in the published literature. This study aimed to determine the distribution pattern and prevalence of SBO in the Northern Indian population using three-dimensional reconstructed specimens of the lumbosacral spine. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2023 and November 2024 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna, India. A total of 241 computed tomography (CT) scans of the spine from patients aged over 18 years were analysed. Three-dimensional images were reconstructed …

Wic Victory Gardens: Integrating Micro-Farming Into The Women, Infants, And Children Program To Expand Nutrition Access, Reduce Long-Term Costs, And Increase National Food Resilience, Joseph Jm Walker

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure introduces WIC Victory Gardens, an innovation that expands the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program beyond food consumption into food production. By enabling a portion of WIC benefits to be redeemed for gardening inputs—including seeds, starter plants, raised-bed kits, or hydroponic systems—families can produce their own fruits and vegetables at home. This reframes WIC as a capacity-building program that addresses multiple national challenges simultaneously: improving dietary quality, reducing obesity and diabetes risk, lowering long-term healthcare costs, and increasing mental health and family resilience. Economically, $100 in seeds can yield up to $2,500 in produce, offering a …

The Effects Of Plastic Mulch And Irrigation On Hemp Chemistry And Leaf Endophytes, Allison Rietman, Connor Morozumi, Robert C. Pearce, Natalie Christian

Journal of Agricultural Hemp Research

As an emerging crop, cultivation techniques for industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) are still being developed and optimized. For example, irrigation and plastic mulching are some management practices that have been touted for their benefits in improving crop quality. Both techniques ensure ample water availability, which has often been attributed to improving hemp cannabinoid and terpene composition. In this study, we examined how supplemental irrigation implemented in a plastic mulch system influenced the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of one cultivar of CBD hemp, Lifter. We grew industrial hemp in field with plastic mulch and applied regular irrigation to one group …

Lived Experiences Of Obese Women In Mississippi Concerning The Role Of Psychosocial Factors In The Development Of Obesity, Temitope Olabode

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

One of the highest rates of obesity in the United States is in Mississippi, where middle- aged obese women deal with a variety of social, cultural, and personal issues, including shame, discrimination, and stigma based on weight, mental anguish, cultural norms, financial limitations, and restricted access to healthcare. This study investigated the psychosocial factors that contribute to obesity in women aged 40- 60 years, and the effects of obesity on body image, self-esteem, health behaviors, and quality of life. A qualitative phenomenological study using the social ecological model (SEM) framework looked at the individual, interpersonal, and policy levels of the …

Functional Foods For Older Adults: Comparing The Bioactive Properties Of Cheese To Identify Products That Promote Healthy Ageing, Aimee Plante

Theses

Functional foods for the elderly: comparing the bioactive properties of cheese to identify products that promote healthy ageing.

People are living longer, and a healthy ageing population is a key goal of our National Positive Ageing Strategy. One approach to support this initiative is to promote and develop functional foods that can support healthy ageing by reducing age-related conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. Cheese particularly aged and fermented varieties like cheddar show great potential as a functional food with inherent and established health properties. It naturally contains bioactive peptides, vitamins, minerals, protein and possible cultures that confer …

Vaccine Value Profile For Schistosomiasis, Gavin Yamey, Kaci Kennedy Mcdade, Roy M Anderson, Sarah M Bartsch, Maria Elena Bottazzi, David Diemert, Peter J Hotez, Bruce Y Lee, Donald Mcmanus, Adebayo J Molehin, Meta Roestenberg, David Rollinson, Afzal A Siddiqui, Miriam Tendler, Joanne P Webster, Hong You, Raphaël M Zellweger, Caroline Marshall

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic flatworms (Schistosoma). The disease in humans can be caused by seven different species of Schistosoma: S. mansoni, S. japonicum, S. haematobium, S. malayensis, S. mekongi, S. guineensis and S. intercalatum, as well as by hybrids between species, including livestock schistosome species. People are infected when exposed to infested water and the parasite larvae penetrate the skin. Poor and rural communities are typically the most affected, and the general population who lives in affected areas and is exposed to contaminated water is at risk. Areas with poor access to safe water and adequate sanitation are also …

Impact Of Irrigation And Micronutrient Treatments On Insect Herbivore Population Dynamics In Soybean, Rahul Debnath, Justin George, Ammar B. Bhandari, Rupesh Kariyat, Gadi V.P. Reddy, James P. Glover, Tulsi P. Kharel, Krishna N. Reddy

Entomology and Plant Pathology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Soybean production is substantially affected by insect pests, necessitating the implementation of appropriate management strategies. Effective irrigation and fertilizer regimes have been found to affect pest populations in agroecosystems. However, their interactive effects on herbivore incidence are less understood. This study reports the abundance and diversity of insect pests, especially hemipteran, lepidopteran, and stink bug species complexes, encountered on soybeans throughout their vegetative and reproductive growth stages under varying irrigation and micronutrient treatments. First, we compared total and major insect pest population densities in irrigated and rainfed conditions. Afterwards, we evaluated how the frequency of insect pests on soybean was …

Staff Education Program To Increase Staff Knowledge On Evidence-Based Practices To Reduce Falls, Ariella Carrenan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Falls among older adults in long-term care facilities constitute a pressing concern, affecting 30% to 40% of residents each year due to physiological changes associated with aging. Such incidents precipitated injuries, extended hospitalizations, elevated healthcare costs, and increased the potential for legal liabilities. This project investigated the effect of a structured educational intervention on nursing staff knowledge of fall prevention strategies in a long-term care facility where the fall rate of 3.4% exceeded the state average of 2.5% and the national average of 3.3%. The project explored the question: In a long-term care facility, does staff education increase staff knowledge …

Assessment And Identification Of Bacteria In Sagu Lempeng Sold In Ambon City, Indonesia, Dilya Maghfirah Taher, Melda Yunita, Yuniasih Mulyani Jubeliene Taihuttu, Siti Nur Azizah

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Maluku Province in Indonesia is known for its diverse traditional foods, including sagu lempeng, which is widely consumed across different social groups. However, poor hygiene during its preparation, packaging, and sale in traditional markets can serve as a medium for microbial contamination, posing potential health risks. In Ambon City, the capital of Maluku, no research had been conducted concerning the total plate count (TPC) analysis and identification of food-contaminating bacteria in sagu lempeng, which are crucial for ensuring its microbiological safety. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of sagu lempeng according to Indonesian National Standards …

Halal-Friendly Wellness Tourism In Non-Muslim Countries: Perceptions Of Muslim Tourists, Ann Suwaree Ashton, Rasmee Islam

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

This study explores the perceptions of Muslim tourists regarding wellness-related activities while travelling in non-Muslim countries. Although halal tourism has witnessed significant global expansion, there remains a notable gap in the literature concerning the development of halal-compliant wellness products and services in destinations outside the Muslim world. Employing a qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 40 Thai Muslim participants who travelled to non-Muslim countries between 2022 and 2023. The investigation centres on four primary categories of wellness activities: spa, therapy, and massage services; sports, leisure, and adventure experiences; spiritual well-being practices; and the slow food movement. The findings underscore …

Impact Of Microplastics Contaminated Food And Beverages On Reproductive And Mental Health, Lala Opeyemi Titilayo, Adisa Ayomide Funmilayo, Adelowo Joy Motunrayo, Oladapo Jesutomi Eniola, Oyekanmi Bolape Adeola, Lala Olusegun Gbenga, Afolabi Opeyemi Olanike, Ajayeoba Titilayo Adenike, Morakinyo Adetoun Elizabeth, Oladipo Elijah Kolawole, Oyowvi Mega Obukohwo, Oyedepo Temitope Adenike

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as a global environmental pollutant resulting from widespread plastic waste. Increasing concerns have been raised regarding their potential contamination of food and beverages, which may pose health risks to humans. This review aimed to evaluate current literature focusing on potential reproductive and mental health risks associated with the consumption of microplastic-contaminated food and beverages. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple databases and Boolean operators to identify peer-reviewed English-language articles published within the past thirteen years. The review included studies that addressed microplastics in food and beverages, their …

The Effect Of Astaxanthin On Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (Tnf-Α) And Interleukin 10 (Il-10) Expression In Uv-B-Induced Rats Model, Akhmad Setyo Rahman, Theresia Indah Budhy, Jusak Nugraha, Nur Lailatul Fadhilah

Folia Medica Indonesiana

The skin, the largest organ in the human body, serves as a protective barrier against external factors. Exposure to UV-B radiation accounts for approximately 90% of skin damage, leading to aging characterized by dryness and wrinkles. Proper nutrition has been associated with skin repair and delayed aging. Astaxanthin, known for its pharmacological properties including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities has garnered attention for its ability to improve damaged skin when administered as a daily supplement. This study investigated the roles of TNF-α and IL-10 as inflammatory markers in skin damage and repair, which remain underexplored. A true experimental randomized …

Review Of Holy Food: How Cults, Communes, And Religious Movements Influenced What We Eat, An American History, Mitchell K. Jones

Communal Societies

No abstract provided.

Genome-Wide Analysis Of Dna Methylation Signatures Linking Prenatal Exposure To The Chinese Great Famine And Blood Lipids In Late Adulthood: The Genomic Research Of The Chinese Famine (Grecf) Study, Huan Wang, Luqi Shen, Tingting Liu, Ruiyuan Zhang, Zhenghe Wang, Jingkai Wei, Ye Shen, Jinzhen Guo, Toni Miles, Changwei Li, Zhiyong Zou

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background/objectives: Prenatal exposure to famine can lead to lasting health effects through changes in DNA methylation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of prenatal exposure to the Chinses Great Famine (1959-1961) on human epigenome and the subsequent influence on blood lipids.

Methods: We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of peripheral blood-based DNA methylation and prenatal exposure to the Chinese Great Famine as well as blood lipids among eight participants exposed to famine and eight sex-matched participants (born ≤ 3 years after the famine). Genome-wide DNA methylation sites were profiled using the Illumina EPIC BeadChip, which covers 850K methylation …

Functional Effects Of Heavy Metal Exposures On N6-Methyladenosine (M6a) Methylation And Other Epitranscriptomic Modifications In The Central Nervous System, Niraj Lodhi, Lauren Powell, Jay S. Schneider

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Among different RNA methylations, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant in the brain and determines the fate of RNA through reversible processes using methyltransferases, demethylases, and methyl-binding proteins. The reversibility of m6A is an emerging regulatory mechanism for gene expression, regulating many aspects of RNA metabolism and influencing learning and memory processes. Global m6A profiles are dynamically modified via the activity of various writers, readers, and erasers. However, m6A alterations from exposure to heavy metals, including the metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn) and the metalloid arsenic (As), and the impact on brain function, are not …

Forage Sampling Guide For Agronomic Crops, Jody Gale, Matt Yost, Megan Baker, Michael Pace, Earl Creech, Grant Cardon, Kalen Taylor, Cody Zesiger, Tiffany Evans, Rhonda Miller, Clara Anderson

All Current Publications

Forage sampling is a valuable tool that provides producers with quality information for calculating feed rations and marketing their forages. To ensure that this information is accurate and reliable, it is important to understand how to collect these samples correctly. Sampling tools have been developed that simplify this process and improve accuracy.

Educating Future Nurse Practitioners And Physician Associates On Pretreatment Of Swallowing In Head And Neck Cancer, Hannah M. Berk, Erin L. O'Bryan, Imran Musaji, Carly A. Thomas, Jamie Harrington

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Head and neck cancer treatment frequently results in long-term severe swallowing deficits, often requiring feeding tube dependency. Patients who have completed swallowing exercise programs before and during cancer treatment experienced more positive swallowing outcomes, but most patients are not referred for swallowing intervention early enough in their care to prevent long-term deficits. This student research project aimed to measure health profession students’ knowledge of swallowing pretreatment for head and neck cancer patients and to investigate the impact of an educational module developed and presented by a Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate student to improve knowledge and awareness of this clinical …

Sustainable Practices In The Restaurant Industry: Review 2020-2025, Joel Reynolds

ICHRIE Research Reports

This review examines sustainability practices in the restaurant industry from 2020-2025, analyzing environmental, social, economic, and technological dimensions. Using a rigorous methodology including comprehensive database searches and thematic synthesis, we identified significant fragmentation across research streams and persistent gaps between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation. Our analysis reveals how contextual factors—including geographical location and restaurant segment—significantly influence sustainability approaches, challenging universal prescriptions. The review highlights critical methodological limitations in current research, particularly regarding measurement approaches, system boundaries, and ethical considerations of technological innovations. These findings provide a foundation for developing more integrated, context-sensitive sustainability frameworks for both researchers and practitioners.

Imus Longganisa: A Cultural Heritage Food In Cavite, Marie A. Aquino, Dyan Loreine V. Lopez, Colleen Daphne U. Villanueva, Jimford U. Tabuyo

ICHRIE Research Reports

This study assessed the cultural heritage significance of Imus Longganisa, a traditional delicacy from Cavite, Philippines. Grounded in the cultural heritage preservation framework, the research examined the aesthetic, social, and historical dimensions of Imus Longganisa as perceived by the Imuseños. Utilized a quantitative evaluative design, the study employed purposive sampling of 291 respondents from Imus City, gathering data through validated online survey questionnaires using a 4-point likert scale. Analytical methods, including descriptive statistics and ANOVA, identified significant variations in perceptions based on demographics such as age, frequency of consumption, and budget. Findings revealed that respondents appreciated the aesthetic appeal of …