Digital Commons Network^™

Characterizing The Relationship Between The Presence Of Depression Risk, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, And Benzodiazepine Use To Get High, Julia Kollitz

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Aim: To determine if there is a relationship between depression risk, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and engaging in benzodiazepine misuse.

Methods: A secondary cross-sectional analysis was conducted on data from a sample of people who use drugs (n=743). Depression risk was assessed via the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale. Meeting DSM-IV criteria for PTSD was identified using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). We used simple and multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the association between mental health factors of interest and benzodiazepine misuse, defined as self-reported benzodiazepine use “to get high” in the past six months.

Results: Of the …

A Case Study In Program Evaluation: A Prospective Program Evaluation Of Timely Reporting And Action Of An Infectious Disease Outbreak, Destiny Cozart

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus also known as MRSA is an infection of a staph bacteria. High school athletes are at risk of contracting MRSA through skin to skin contact and/or MRSA contaminated equipment. This case study uses the CDC's six-step framework for program evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the online training modules designed to increase the knowledge of staff and stakeholders about MRSA and infectious disease outbreaks. The findings from this evaluation will advise the potential change(s) implemented in training modules, ultimately to enhance competency for decision makers and prevent MRSA and infectious disease outbreak amongst high school athletic programs.

Prevalence Of Hpv16 E6 Antibodies And Oral Hpv Among Men Living In Kentucky, Christopher O. Otieno

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

ABSTRACT

Objective: The incidence of human papillomavirus-driven oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC) is surging in the United States, particularly in the southeast and Appalachia. The reason for this increase is unknown. We evaluated the prevalence of two markers of increased risk, HPV16 E6 antibodies and oral HPV infection, among men in Appalachian and non-Appalachian Kentucky.

Methods: This study was nested within an ongoing HPV-OPC screening study of healthy men aged 45+ residing in urban (non-Appalachian) and rural (Appalachian) Kentucky and included the first 1,581 participants with either HPV serologic and/or oral HPV testing. Blood and oral rinse samples were collected at enrollment. …

Dental Outreach In Academic Dental Settings, Tisha Clayborn

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Creating an effective outreach program in a dental academic setting involves a strategic approach combining educational objectives and community service. This Dental Outreach Program Guide aligns with organizational objectives, contributes to community well-being, and serves as a model for future outreach initiatives in academic dental settings. This program utilizes the PRECEDE-PROCEED planning model to design and evaluate an oral health strategy. This program aims to outline a strategic plan incorporating evidence-based decision-making, data-driven metrics, and a comprehensive roadmap for successful implementation.

Fall 2023 Covid-19, Influenza, And Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Uptake In Kentucky, Abigail Dial

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Fall 2023 COVID-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Uptake in Kentucky

Background: In the fall of 2023, vaccine recommendations included updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as well as a new vaccine and immunization for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Vaccine co-administration, the administration of more than one vaccine in one vaccination session, is safe and effective for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines and can improve vaccine uptake for all recommended vaccines (Bonanni, et al., 2023; CDC, 2023). The COVID-19 pandemic altered the landscape for locations where people receive vaccinations, and it may be beneficial to public health to have …

Tislelizumab With Gemcitabine And Cisplatin As A Neoadjuvant Regimen For Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Case Series., Ze Wang, Yapeng Wang, Shuo Wang, Qiang Ran, Song Peng, Yao Zhang, Jun Zhang, Dianzheng Zhang, Luofu Wang, Weihua Lan, Qiuli Liu, Jun Jiang

PCOM Scholarly Works

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The feasibility of combined tislelizumab with gemcitabine and cisplatin as a neoadjuvant regimen for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) remains to be investigated.

CASE PRESENTATION: The neoadjuvant treatment not only shrunk tumours significantly but also lowered their stages from T4bN1M0, T3N0M0, and T3bN0M0 to pT1, pT0 and pTis, respectively. The treatment suppressed tumour cell proliferation and promoted luminal-to-basal transition.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: MIBC is an aggressive bladder cancer with poor prognosis. All three patients with MIBC benefited greatly from the neoadjuvant regimen (tislelizumab + gemcitabine + cisplatin). It appears that the effect of the treatment is independent of the …

Spop Downregulation Promotes Bladder Cancer Progression Based On Cancer Cell-Macrophage Crosstalk Via Stat3/Ccl2/Il-6 Axis And Is Regulated By Vezf1., Meiqian Li, Yangyan Cui, Qi Qi, Jiakuan Liu, Jiaxuan Li, Guifang Huang, Jiale Yang, Jingya Sun, Zhihui Ma, Shengjie Liang, Dianzheng Zhang, Jun Jiang, Rujian Zhu, Qiuli Liu, Ruimin Huang, Jun Yan

PCOM Scholarly Works

Background: Cancer cells are intimately intertwined with tumor microenvironment (TME), fostering a symbiotic relationship propelling cancer progression. However, the interaction between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) remains poorly understood. Methods: UBC cell lines (5637, T24 and SW780), along with a monocytic cell line (U937) capable of differentiating into macrophage, were used in a co-culture system for cell proliferation and stemness by MTT, sphere formation assays. VEZF1/SPOP/STAT3/CCL2/ IL-6 axis was determined by luciferase reporter, ChIP, RNA-seq, co-IP, in vitro ubiquitination, RT-qPCR array and ELISA analyses. Results: We observed the frequent downregulation of SPOP, an E3 …

Acceptance-Based Process Variables On Postpartum Well-Being And Distress: The Mediating Role Of Psychological Flexibility., Alexa Bonacquisti, Emily C Woodworth, Maria Diaz, Victoria A Grunberg

PCOM Scholarly Works

OBJECTIVE: Although up to 20% of women experience postpartum depression and/or anxiety, current interventions are limited. Identifying the processes that impact outcomes can inform and enhance interventions. Our study aims to examine: (1) whether acceptance-based process variables (awareness, acceptance, cognitive defusion, psychological flexibility) were associated with postpartum outcomes; and (2) whether psychological flexibility mediated the relationship between treatment engagement and postpartum outcomes.

METHOD: Postpartum women (N = 266) were recruited online using snowball sampling via social media (i.e., Facebook). They completed a cross-sectional survey of validated and reliable quantitative measures assessing their well-being, emotional distress, and acceptance-based processes.

RESULTS: Hierarchical …

Art-Based Autoethnographic Study Of A Senior Professional Woman Of Color's Journey, Raceal Mcwhorter

Art Therapy | Doctoral Dissertations

This proposed dissertation study is a visual autoethnographic qualitative study of the recalled lived experiences of a senior woman of color's journey to become a spiritual art therapist professional during the 20th to 21st Century in the United States of America. This study interprets the memories of events in my lifetime, looking back through the lens of a spiritual mental health art therapist practitioner. The adverse effects of the legacy and enforcement of silence on women and black people. I hope that by describing my lived experiences and felt sense -- and illustrating my arduous journey to overcome societal racism, …

News And Perspectives: Words Matter In Primatology, Michelle Bezanson, Liliana Cortés-Ortiz, Júlio César Bicca-Marques, Ramesh Boonratana, Susana Carvalho, Marina Cords, Stella De La Torre, Catherine Hobaiter, Tatyana Humle, Patrícia Izar, Jessica W. Lynch, Tetsuro Matsuzawa, Joanna M. Setchell, Gladys Kalema Zikusoka, Karen B. Strier

Faculty Publications

Postings on social media on Twitter (now X), BioAnthropology News (Facebook), and other venues, as well as recent publications in prominent journals, show that primatologists, ecologists, and other researchers are questioning the terms “Old World” and “New World” due to their colonial implications and history. The terms are offensive if they result in erasing Indigenous voices and history, ignoring the fact that Indigenous peoples were in the Americas long before European colonization. Language use is not without context, but alternative terminology is not always obvious and available. In this perspective, we share opinions expressed by an international group of primatologists …

The Development Course Of Modern Educational Technology In China, Long Li

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the progress of science and technology, new media continuously entered the field of education, promoting the development of educational technology. In the Current Educational Technology stage, the theories and practices of educational technology in the United States have significant influence. This article mainly takes China and the United States as examples to briefly describe the development process of modern Educational Technology domestically and internationally. The evolution of Educational Technology in the United States comprises two parallel threads: one is the development of media technology (materialized technology), and the other is the …

Innovative Technologies In Teaching Art Disciplines In Educational Institutions, Natalia Ursu, Ivan Hutsul, Serhii Luts, Iryna Paur, Timur Takirov

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study concerns the urgent need for adaptation and introduction of innovative technologies for the education of creative personality, development of skills, and a deeper understanding of art forms in educational institutions in Ukraine. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of novel technologies in increasing student engagement, acquiring skills, and artistic expression in various art disciplines in educational establishments. The study applied analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization of philosophical, psychological, and pedagogical methods, art history sources, and Internet resources to the problems under study. It was proven that the integration of innovative technologies in teaching …

Humanitarian Disciplines In The Conditions Of Distance Learning At The Stage Of Higher Education Transformation In Ukraine, Kostiantyn Bohomaz, Liudmyla Sorokina, Zoia Voronova, Nataliia Valuieva, Natalia Kuzmenko

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Humanities play a vital role in shaping intellectual, social, and emotional aspects in children. The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of distance learning have transformed humanities education in Ukrainian universities. It is essential to examine the specific changes brought about by distance learning and their impact on humanities education in the country. The main research methods used were analysis, abstraction, and forecasting. The study reviewed the challenges faced by teachers and students in Ukraine regarding the introduction of digital technologies in education, particularly in the humanities. Furthermore, the role and possibilities of using technology in distance learning were described, as …

Bridging Theory & Functionality: Our Urban Spaces, Tate Hurley

Undergraduate Honors Theses

On a global scale, our communities are complex in their identities, culture, and traditions. Yet, these characteristics often fail to translate into the spaces that define public environments, such as parks, natural reserves, or walking spaces in urban life. This problem is systematically rooted in landscape architecture and design's flawed educational and professional setup. The intersectionality of our society should not be washed over by capitalism, gentrification, or the new “green wave” of architecture and construction. Large corporations who fund projects are more valued in design than the people who inhabit and interact with these “third places.” This inherently limits …

Løvetann/Tvntēli'on/Beàrnan-Brìde/Paardebloem: Decolonization Through Heritage, Brooke Howton

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Through their lifelong passion for genealogy, Brooke “Uisce'' Howton researches a way to dismantle White supremacy and colonization through analyzing and reconnecting to their heritage. This involves learning about the nature of White supremacy, which is ever present in American society, and gaining a better understanding of what the history of racial formations in the United States looked like. Through this new lens, she revisits old traditions that she had been able to experience, mostly through her maternal family; all while learning new traditions that she has been unable to experience due to the adoption of her paternal grandmother, mystery …

International Cultural Property Protection And Law: Ukraine And Beyond, Susanna Helms

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This project examines the ongoing destruction and theft of Ukrainian cultural heritage by Russian forces since February 2022 in tandem with international cultural property law, and theory, and case studies. By studying relevant cultural property laws and gathering information from associated theories of cultural property nationalism and internationalism, this project examines how these laws and theories apply to modern Ukraine. This thesis utilizes a qualitative approach to analyze theories surrounding cultural property and heritage and explores how these theories influence international law. For a more comprehensive approach, three case studies are used and examined via qualitative historical analysis: Nazi art …

Strictly Intersectional Scrutiny: A Recommendation For Transforming The Epc To Highlight Queer Black Women, Kayla M. Richardson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and how this interpretation can become more intersectional for Black queer women. This question is explored within the scope of two theoretical frameworks: Derrick Bell’s theory of interest convergence and Kimberlé Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality. This project examines whether any factors compel SCOTUS to be more intersectional in its approach to the Fourteenth Amendment. Simultaneously, this study also considers what social contexts make SCOTUS more likely to focus on the interests of the oppressor, a demographic …

Annual Report Salisbury, New Hampshire 2023., Salisbury Town Representatives

Salisbury, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

Heterochrony In The Interpretation Of Stained Glass Windows: A Case Study On Light In The Church Of Orsanmichele, R.J. Maupin

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

In the last decade, scholars of medieval art have examined how the materiality of religious objects was seen to increase the sacredness of the rituals in which they were used. Christians in the Middle Ages understood that objects had the potential to move from the material (such as glass or gems) to the immaterial (the divine presence of God). While stained glass is a medium that is defined by the mutability of its material, scholars have focused primarily on the iconography of glass windows and the workshop practices of glaziers rather than phenomenological meanings. There is recognition of the visual …

Town Of Sunapee Annual Report For The Year Ending December 31, 2023., Sunapee Town Representatives

Sunapee, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

Annual Report Town Of Center Harbor, New Hampshire For Year Ending December 31, 2023, Center Harbor Town Representatives

Center Harbor, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

Crisis Negotiation Techniques In Interactional Context: Managing A Suicide Threat In An Emergency Service Call, Angela Garcia

Natural & Applied Sciences Faculty Publications

Previous research reveals that standard crisis negotiation techniques are useful in assisting suicidal persons, but how routine interactional procedures impact their implementation has not yet been sufficiently examined. Aim: This paper investigates how routine interactional procedures impact the effectiveness of crisis negotiation techniques in an emergency services call involving a suicide announcement. Methods: A publicly released emergency service call was transcribed and analyzed using the qualitative technique of conversation analysis. Results: The call taker used crisis negotiation techniques such as maximizing autonomy, displaying active listening, and distracting the caller to keep them on the phone. These techniques were implemented successfully …

How Reflection Works In Transformative Dialogue/Mediation: A Preliminary Investigation, Angela Garcia, Erik Cleven

Natural & Applied Sciences Faculty Publications

Transformative dialogue and mediation (TD/M) is an approach to conflict resolution used in mediation and inter-group dialogues about social justice and race, political polarization, and ethnopolitical conflict. TD/M practitioners believe their approach supports the agency of participants and helps them interact with greater confidence, self-awareness, and understanding of the perspectives of others. However, previous research on TD/M has not yet addressed how it achieves those outcomes. This pilot study works to fill that gap by investigating how reflection, the most commonly used TD/M technique, is utilized in a facilitated meeting of the steering committee of a non-profit organization. We conduct …

Office Of Professional Accountability Annual Report 2023, Tennessee. Department Of Safety & Homeland Security.

Miscellaneous Reports

No abstract provided.

More Sick, More Broadly Spiritual: A Comparison Of The Spirituality Of Adolescents With And Without Chronic Illness, Carrie A. Ives

Religious & Theological Studies Student Work

Purpose: This project sought to explore any difference in spirituality between adolescents with and without chronic illness. Assessment tools were reviewed for appropriateness for this population.

Methods: A literature review was conducted, followed by novel research. 10 adolescents were interviewed, using a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative results were analyzed using T-test and MANOVA. The qualitative results were analyzed to find themes and patterns.

Findings: Those with chronic illness and/or mental illness were more likely to have a broader, non-traditional view of religion than their healthy peers. Otherwise, no differences were found between the spirituality of adolescents with and without chronic …

Cervical Cancer Education & Prevention For Women In The Philippines, Kate Isabel Juanillo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Although cervical cancer is preventable, it continues to pose a significant health concern in the Philippines as evidenced by high cervical cancer diagnosis rates. The purpose of this quantitative study is to investigate low cervical cancer screening rates and the effectiveness of educational interventions in increasing awareness and screening rates. A literature review will examine topics such as low cervical cancer screening rates, cervical cancer screening methods, and barriers. This research proposal involves a quasi-experimental study that investigates education as an intervention for increasing cervical cancer awareness and cervical cancer screening rates. Fifty Filipino women will be randomly assigned to …

Breastfeeding Support In Your Pocket: Evaluating The Impact Of A Mobile App On Maternal Success, Maygan Brandt

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Breastfeeding has well-known benefits for both the nursing infant and the birthing parent. It bolsters the newborn immune system, and reduces the risk of future health conditions in both parties. Due to these advantages, several health organizations internationally recommend exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age. However, only a fraction of infants in the United States meet this goal each year. Improved rates and duration of exclusive breastfeeding will lead to better long-term health outcomes for patients. The use of smartphone applications for breastfeeding education and support has not been thoroughly researched. Objective: This thesis explores the feasibility of …

Predicting Quality Of Life In Driving Scene Using Image Recognition Techniques And User Group Information, Ployrada Suvarnakuta

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study presents a machine learning approach for predicting perceived urban Quality of Life (QoL) by integrating visual features from street-level imagery with personal attributes, including demographic, socioeconomic, and travel behavior data. Using datasets from Bangkok and London, we trained supervised models—Support Vector Machines and Multilayer Perceptrons—under multiple input configurations to evaluate the contribution of each data type. Results show that combining visual and personal features improves prediction accuracy compared to using visual features alone. Statistical feature selection identified income, education, housing stability, and travel patterns as consistently important predictors, with some variation across urban contexts. These findings underscore the …

Enhancing Grade 3 Learners' Creative Writing Through Makerspace Pedagogy, Mary Sada Chanzera, Wachira Nicholas

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

This research project explored the integration of MakerSpace interventions to enhance creative writing skills in Grade 3 learners. It addressed the challenges students face in expressing thoughts through writing, and aimed to unlock linguistic potential and stimulate imagination with interactive tools and collaborative spaces. Traditional teaching methods in Kenya often fail to foster a love for writing or produce proficient writers. Factors such as limited exposure to diverse materials and difficulty understanding English structures contribute to low motivation and poor performance. The study highlighted the need for engaging and effective teaching approaches. MakerSpace interventions offer hands-on, experiential learning that encouraged …

News Media Coverage Of Court Matters Involving Children In Kenya., Lenox Omondi Otieno

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The pivotal role of news media as the fourth estate in society cannot be overstated; it profoundly influences public opinion, shapes perceptions, and mirrors a nation's values. Much like in other countries, in Kenya, media assumes a central role in reporting legal proceedings, especially those involving children. The manner in which these events are covered carries significant consequences, directly impacting the welfare and rights of the children concerned. This study critically examines the news media's coverage of court proceedings involving children in Kenya, focusing on mainstream television channels, namely Citizen TV, NTV, and KTN News, owing to their substantial viewership. …