Digital Commons Network^™

Correlation Of Radon Gas Concentrations And Associated Radiological Risks In Soil Using Ssntds With Gis And Spss At Najaf Governorate, Iraq, Rafal Mohamed Abdulsada, Lubna A. Alasadi

Al-Bahir

All human beings are affected by soil directly or indirectly. This study focuses on the effect of radon gas and related radiological risks using SSNTDs, specifically CR-39 detectors, in eighty secondary schools in Najaf and Kufa cities, Najaf Governorate, Iraq. As we recognize the importance of soil and its strong connection to humans, the study focused on areas where public and private schools were built, where students are present, and the potential for radiation risks to affect students' health. The results show that the average concentrations of C, C_Rn were 64.329±59.149 Bq / m³ and 3150.699±2897.036 Bq / …

Green Synthesis Of Copper And Silver Nanostructured Particles From Eremurus Plant Extract And Comparison Of Their Optical Properties And Antibacterial Activities, Doaa Ayad Kamil, Ali F. Al-Rawaf, Mohammed Yarub Hani, H.H. Obeed, Tabarek Falah Deindee, Mohammed Ridha Shaeed

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In the present investigation, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanostructured particles were synthesized from Eremurus plant by means of an environmentally benign methodology in which plant extracts served as both reducing and stabilizing agents. The resultant nanostructured particles were subjected to characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). XRD analysis confirmed development of Ag nanostructured particles with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and also Cu nanostructured particles with cubic form. Moreover, the average crystallite dimensions obtained for Ag and Cu were 18.3 nm and 65.7 nm, …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Epoxy Resin Co-Doped With 2,5-Diphenyloxazole And Cerium Fluoride Nanoparticles For Radiation Detection, Akapong Phunpueok, Jaruwan Seangrit, Sarawut Jaiyen, Krittiya Sreebunpeng, Wuttichai Chaiphaksa, Kewalee Nilgumhang, Voranuch Thongpool

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This paper presents the fabrication and characterization of a plastic scintillator prepared from epoxy resin doped with 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) and cerium fluoride nanoparticles (CeF₃ NPs) for radiation detection. The CeF₃ NPs were prepared by a chemical process and examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); it was found that the prepared particles were true CeF₃ NPs with an average particle size of approximately 17 nm. The CeF₃ NPs were co-doped with PPO into epoxy resin and formed into a plastic scintillator of 3 cm in diameter and 2 cm in length. Analysis of …

Prevalence Of Work Stress On Marital Stability Of Married Lecturers In University Of Ilorin, Modupe Gbemisola Fatoye, Foluke Nike Bolu-Steve

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study investigated the prevalence of work stress and its impact on marital stability among married lecturers at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A descriptive correlational survey design was employed, and 100 married lecturers were selected through a multistage sampling technique across five faculties. Data were gathered using a researcher-designed instrument titled “Work Stress and Marital Stability Questionnaire (WSMSQ),” which demonstrated strong reliability with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.81. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA, were used to analyze the data at a 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed a significant …

Effective Engagement In Online Asynchronous Graduate Courses: How Students Perceive Engagement In Their Graduate Programs, Matthew A. Galeota, Robert M. Mangione, Stephanie M. Foote

New York Journal of Student Affairs

An increase in online learning has created a set of new challenges for higher education institutions. Institutions seek to retain students and ensure they are engaged in their courses. This paper examines forms of engagement that traditional and nontraditional students perceive in their online asynchronous graduate courses at a public flagship university. The authors examined relevant literature and surveyed students across several online graduate education programs. The survey shows that collaborative engagement, specifically the indicator of connecting to institutional opportunities, is the lowest tallied. This suggests that online graduate programs should seek to implement more collaborative engagement indicators. The survey …

Scoping Review: Ethical Issues Involved In Using Mhealth Technologies In Home Care For Older Adults, Miaomiao Shen

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Advancements in mobile health (mHealth) technologies have reshaped the delivery of healthcare, offering new possibilities for improving the quality of care, particularly for older adults receiving care at home. While the potential benefits of mHealth are considerable, integrating technology into home care for older adults raises several ethical concerns.

Purpose: To explore and map the ethical issues associated with using mHealth technologies in the home care of older adults.

Inclusion criteria: Studies that focus on mHealth technologies used in home care for older adults (aged 65+); Studies that explicitly discuss ethical issues; Original studies incorporating quantitative, qualitative, …

Lessons Learned: Creation Of A Global Classroom Initiative, Kim Alexander Decker

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Creating global classroom initiatives are incredibly important for future health care providers as they enter a rapidly changing and complex health care environment as demonstrated by the recent pandemic. Global classroom initiatives promote student readiness to become global citizens. This presentation will describe an international academic experience between a school of nursing in the Midwestern United States and a school of nursing in the United Kingdom. The goal was to add an international dimension to a senior level community health nursing didactic course (USA) and a baccalaureate nursing honors course (UK) without leaving their campuses. Both courses focused on the …

Experience Of Managing Financial Impact Of Cancer And Cancer Treatment, Chu Hua Chung, Shiuyu Katie C. Lee, Chun-Liang Lai, Yen-Shen Lu, Chiao Lo

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Not all of cancer treatment will be covered by health insurance, even in the country providing public coverage, such as in Taiwan. Treatment costs, medical necessity, and care processes may impose a significant financial and emotional burden on patients and their families, especially facing with diverse coverage of national or commercial health insurance for new cancer drugs or systemic treatments. Financial burdens may involve absences from work, and hidden costs related to the alteration of family roles. That's how to manage the burden remains to be uncovered for further development of supportive care.

Purpose: This study aimed …

Healthy Aging And Pet Caretaking: Findings From The Health And Retirement Study, Beth A. Pratt, Erika Friedmann

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The global population of 1 billion people ≥ age 60 is expected to double by 2050, likely increasing the prevalence of age-related cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). Examining biological, psychological, and social (biopsychosocial) factors and possible moderation by other critical factors, including neighborhood physical disorder (i.e., graffiti, litter, vandalism, safety) and cohesion (i.e., mutual trust/solidarity between neighbors), may inform development of targeted interventions to improve biopsychosocial and cognitive health. Human-animal interaction (HAI) has been found to improve health outcomes and may be a viable option to enhance biopsychosocial factors and delay cognitive decline in older adults (Gee et al., 2017). …

The Mini Nurse Academy: Diversifying Nursing Through Partnership And Community Engagement, Valerie Clary-Muronda, Clarissa Collier

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose To describe the implementation and evaluation of a community engagement program using the NBNA Collaborative Community Health Model to address health equity by educating school students about health literacy and careers in nursing.

Global Health Equity Lack of diversity within the nursing profession contributes to persistent health disparities (Bartlett et al., 2022). Evidence suggests that a nursing population that mirrors the diversity of communities served is more likely to improve health outcomes. The Mini Nurse Academy (MNA) offers an innovative approach to increasing the diversity in nursing by introducing elementary school students to the nursing profession while educating them …

Valid And Reliable? Psychometric Evaluation Of A Preceptorship Survey, Leonie Declerk

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Health professions use a preceptorship model for clinical education. Numerous studies have evaluated barriers and facilitators to nurse practitioner (NP) preceptorship. However, few used theory-guided, psychometrically-sound, survey instruments. My purpose was to develop and test validity and reliability of a preceptorship survey, using the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) as a framework. I developed a pool of 82 survey items that reflected 11 constructs in the IBM from published literature and unpublished research findings. Eight faculty and 12 NP preceptors evaluated content-validity and clarity of the items, and one item was removed. The survey was deployed to a sample …

The Association Between Substance Use And Mental Health In College: A Multi-Substance Analysis, Odunayo A. Elijah, George T. Mugoya, Mercy Ngosa Mumba

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis, is widespread among college students and has been linked to mental health issues. This study investigates the relationship between substance use risk and serious mental illness (SMI) in a large college student sample, examining how different levels of use correlate with mental health outcomes.

Methods: Utilizing variables from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III (Fall 2019-present) Spring 2022 reference group dataset (n = 69,131 students), we assessed the association between levels of substance use (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis) and SMI, controlling for demographic and behavioral covariates. The …

Research Findings Describing Home-Based Nurses’ International Scope And Standards Of Practice, Susan M. Hinck, Mary C. Narayan

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background. The International Home Care Nurses Organization and the American Nurses Association (ANA) are collaborating to develop the International Scope and Standards of Home-Based Nursing Practice. The first step was to conduct research with home-based nurses (HBNs; nurses who provide care for patients in their homes) to develop an evidence-base for the international scope and standards document.

Methodology. This IRB-reviewed study consisted of a literature review to locate key documents (e.g.; ICN, 2021; Narayan et al., 2017; Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2024; Rusli et al., 2021, Saari et al., 2024) and four surveys: 1) status of country’s Home-Based Nursing …

Mixed Reality In Modern Nursing Practice: A Systematic Review Of Clinical Applications, Chandler H. Moser, Changhwan Kim, Bindu Charles, Renila Tijones, Elsa Sanchez, Jedry G. Davila, Hemilla R. Matta, Erin Barker, David Goldenberg, John Madara, Michael J. Brenner, Cildi-Clabsi Study Team, Vinciya Pandian

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Objective: This study aims to review recent literature on using mixed reality (MR) in nursing practice, focusing on outcomes related to nursing efficiency, satisfaction, ergonomics, competency, and team effectiveness. The research addresses the growing interest in using MR technology to enhance nursing care delivery and improve access to care.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus, were searched for relevant literature from January 2013 to January 2023. Inclusion criteria were studies that employed MR in nursing settings with measurable outcomes in efficiency, satisfaction, ergonomics, competency, or team …

The Effects Of Lactation Practices On Lactational Amenorrhea: A Systematic Review, Helen Baker, Anna Newton-Levinson, Sharon Leslie

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Lactational amenorrhea (LA) is a contraceptive method that suppresses ovulation postpartum through frequent and exclusive breastfeeding, with up to 98% effectiveness in the first six months if practiced optimally (Curtis et al., 2024). LA relies on consistent breastfeeding intervals and nipple stimulation, which inhibit gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion (McNeilly, 2001). Factors such as supplemental feeding, breast pump use, and early return to work may reduce LA's efficacy (Stuebe & Chen, 2022). This review assesses the impact of various lactation practices on LA to provide current insights and support informed counseling on breastfeeding as a contraceptive method.

Methods: Following PRISMA …

Nurses' Involvement Of Caregivers In Managing Childhood Illnesses In Vhembe District, South Africa, Sophy Mogatlogedi Moloko

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Nurses are responsible for improving family and community component of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy [1] by providing counselling and health education to caregivers of children under-five years [2]. However, some caregivers still delays seeking healthcare for their children. The delay results from lack of recognition of disease severity, cultural and religious beliefs regarding child health and illnesses [3]. The aim of the study was to explore nurses' involvement of caregivers in the prevention and management of childhood illnesses in Vhembe district, South Africa.


A qualitative exploratory description design was applied in the study. A sample of …

A Mixed Method Study On Nurses Pain Management For Hospitalized Persons Living With Dementia, Beverley F. Ingelson

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose Statement: To assess factors influencing nurses’ beliefs and knowledge when assessing and managing pain in hospitalized older persons living with dementia (PLWD).

Background: Hospitalized PLWD often experience unrelieved pain. Pain is common in PLWD. Undermanaged pain accelerates changes in cognition, memory loss, and functional decline. Nurses’ personal feelings and professional experiences with pain may lead to inaccurate knowledge and beliefs based on negative stereotypes of aging and dementia.

Methods: A mixed method study was conducted using an explanatory sequential design. The quantitative cross-sectional survey study measured nurses’ self-perceived knowledge and beliefs about pain assessment and management in PLWD. The …

Vaccine Hesitancy In Rural Southeastern United States, Janet Brown, Leigh Ann Bray Dayton, Kimberly Rogers

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Minority populations in the United States (U.S.) have lower COVID-19 vaccination rates compared to the overall U.S. vaccination rates. COVID-19 vaccination rates in the United States are 81% for all races and ethnicities combined, while the vaccination rate for those identifying as Hispanic or Latino is 67%. This has not significantly improved from a 29% rate of vaccine hesitancy among those who identified as Hispanic in 2021. Community-engaged research has been found to be effective in identifying and understanding factors related to vaccine hesitancy and the broad reach of public libraries provides unique opportunities for outreach efforts to …

Hemoglobin A1c And Timing Of Sternal Wound Infection Recognition In Cardiac Surgery, Marisa Tran Le, Sarah Craig

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

SWIs remain a critical concern in cardiovascular surgery, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality among patients. The literature review examined multiple studies establishing the relationship between elevated HbA1c levels and increased risk of postoperative complications in relation to glycemic dysregulation and its detrimental effects on wound healing and postoperative infection. Despite existing research exploring the incidence of SWIs and HbA1c levels, a notable gap exists in the literature regarding the time of recognizing SWIs in patients categorized by specific HbA1c benchmarks following cardiac surgery. My research aims to address this gap by evaluating the difference in the time it takes …

Antimicrobial Resistance (Amr): Policy And Practice Challenges In West Africa, Charles Kwanin

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Antimicrobial resistance is a complex global health challenge we face now in our world. There are global solutions developed to tackle this challenge. To explore the challenge, Ghana and Liberia were the countries of focus. Using policy analysis of data from the Tripartite Antimicrobial Resistance Country Self-Assessment Survey (TrACSS) by the World Health Organization data Global database as of 2022 on AMR an analysis of the various policies both governments have been implemented was conducted. A semi-structured interview was conducted among three selected from each country. The results of this study indicate that AMR is a global health security challenge; …

Effects Of Health Literacy Empowerment Education In Korean Nurses, Gun Ja Jang

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This study aimed to examine the effects of health literacy empowerment education on the health literacy and cultural competence of nurses working in a Korean public hospital, which is easily accessible to vulnerable populations, including Medicaid beneficiaries and multicultural groups. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Participants included 60 nurses employed at public hospitals who directly engaged in patient care and consented to participate in two educational programs on October 17, 2024. Odd-numbered applicants were assigned to the control group, while even-numbered applicants were placed in the experimental group. The control group (30 nurses) received a standard …

The Influence Of Substance Use On Sleep Architecture In College Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Odunayo A. Elijah, George T. Mugoya, Mercy Ngosa Mumba, Shameka Cody, Dhikrullah Mudathir

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Substance use and poor sleep quality are prevalent issues among college students, often impacting their physical, mental, and academic well-being. This study examines the relationship between substance use and sleep quality.

Methods: Utilizing variables from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III (Fall 2019-present) Spring 2022 reference group dataset (n = 69,131 students), we employed adjusted logistic regression models to assess associations between tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use risks and multiple dimensions of sleep quality, including sleep onset latency, early awakening, daytime fatigue, and difficulty falling asleep. Substance use risk was calculated using the …

The Eat, Sleep, Console Method In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Integrative Research Review, Kelsey Seigman

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The use of opioids during pregnancy has risen dramatically in the last 25 years, resulting in an increased rate of newborns experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome (Chyi et al., 2023). The primary assessment tool used to care for these infants has historically been the Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System (FNASS). In recent years, the FNASS tool’s subjective nature has turned interests to the novel Eat, Sleep, Console assessment tool (Amin et al., 2023). This integrative research review was conducted by using a modified methodology suggested by Whittemore & Knafle (2005) and seeks to answer the research question, “For neonates of greater …

Text Message Intervention Among Northeast Louisiana Women With Cardiovascular Disease, Sherrie Roberson

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Physical activity plays a significant role in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and reoccurring cardiac events. Physical inactivity is a global burden, and women are self-reporting physical inactivity or insufficiency is higher (8%) than males. In Louisiana, women ages 55 to 64 had the highest risk factors for CVD and heart attack. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a 6-week text messaging intervention on the effects of physical activity and physical activity self-efficacy among Northeast Louisiana women with cardiovascular disease.

Methods: Female subjects (N = 46) were recruited from the different parishes of Northeast …

Exploring The Latent Growth Trajectory Of Depression In Arthritis Patients, Yoonjung Ji, Wonhee Baek

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Arthritis markedly diminishes the quality of life, compromises independence, and substantially escalates healthcare expenditures [1]. Numerous studies have identified a link between arthritis and depression. A meta-analysis indicated that depression is highly prevalent among individuals with arthritis and is linked to worse outcomes [2]. Additionally, some research suggests that individuals with depression have a higher likelihood of developing arthritis compared to controls [3]. However, there is a lack of research examining how depression progresses over time following an arthritis diagnosis and identifying the factors that influence these changes.

To investigate the trajectory of depression over time in patients diagnosed with …

Gnome Logic: Evidence-Based Strategies For High-Impact Medical Education Pathways, Barbra A. Roller, Sasha R. Sioni

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Socioeconomic inequities divert underrepresented talent from the physician pipeline. Integrating Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), leaky-pipeline diagnostics, and 14 years of mixed-methods research on Florida International University’s pathway program, we present a logic model aligning Goals, Needs, Objectives, Methods, and Evaluation (GNOME). GNOME links diagnosed barriers to SCCT-aligned supports and pre-specified metrics, yielding gains in self-efficacy, application intent, and matriculation. The model offers a practical, cost-effective roadmap for institutions seeking a more equitable medical workforce.

Reflections On The Journal Of Community Engagement And Higher Education, Catherine Stemmans Paterson

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This editorial focuses on the final edition of the Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education, as well as the 17 previous volumes it contains.

Promoting Educative Antiracism Dialogue And Activism Through Community Engagement, Greg Bartley, Danielle Ligocki, Robert A. Martin, Chaunda L. Scott

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article highlights lessons learned from bringing together antiracist/activist faculty representing the Initiative to Eradicate Racism at Oakland University and community members from the Pontiac Collective Impact Partnership. We use Byrd and Scott’s (2010) Critical Racism Pedagogy Model as a lens to understand how university/community partners can discuss social issues in productive and engaging ways. Specifically, this partnership demonstrates how faculty and communities can work collaboratively to create communities of practice with parallel antiracism/activist goals.

Structurally Framing Service Learning As Teaching Excellence: An Examination Of Collaborative Efforts Between Community Engagement And Faculty Development Centers, James Morgan Lewing, Lisa Bunkowski

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This study explores collaborations between faculty development centers and service learning and community engagement structures at public institutions awarded the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with five chief academic officers, none of the respondents stated intentional collaborations were present at their respective institutions. The study underscores the need for strategic alignment to institutionalize community engagement, avoiding siloing and enhancing sustainability through faculty development initiatives that promote teaching excellence.

Preparing Future Educators: Using Service-Learning In Mathematics Courses For Prospective K-12 Teachers, Sayonita Ghosh Hajra, Brianna Davis, Jose Alanis, James Tokunaga

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Although experiential learning is widely recognized for its benefits, its implementation in content-focused mathematics courses for prospective teachers remains limited. To address this gap, this paper explores the integration of service-learning into three distinct mathematics courses for prospective teachers, detailing how it was implemented in each course. Results highlight opportunities for learning, particularly in developing agency, a sense of belonging, competence, and enriched experience among prospective teachers.