Digital Commons Network^™

Undergraduates’ Lifestyle And Suboptimal Health Status (Shs): A Cross-Sectional Study In The Ha’Il Region Of Saudi Arabia, Bandar Alsaif, Collins Otieno Asweto, Sehar Un Nisa Hassan, Mohamed Ali Alzain, Mohammed Elshiekh Saeed, Ahmed Kassar, Kamal Elbssir Mohammed Ali, Mouna Ghorbel, Rafat Zrieq, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background University students in Saudi Arabia are embracing some of the negative traits of the fast-paced modern lifestyle, typified by unhealthy eating, low physical activity, and poor sleep habits that may increase their risk for poor health. Health and holistic well-being at the population level are among the priorities of the 2030 vision of a vibrant society in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The current study thus aims at determining the prevalence and predictive factors of Suboptimal Health Status (SHS) among university students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 9,026 undergraduate students between 31st May and 15th June 2023. …

Validation Of The Alzheimer's Disease-Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation Food Frequency Questionnaire Using Weighed Food Records And Biomarkers: The Method Of Triads Model, Samantha L. Gardener, James D. Doecke, Philippa Lyons-Wall, Ralph N. Martins, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The objective was to apply the triangular approach, the Method of Triads, to determine the validity of the Alzheimer’s disease-Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) in 98 cognitively unimpaired Australian older adults using blood biomarkers and 4-day weighed food records. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated between each dietary method and the validity coefficient was calculated using the Method of Triads. 95% confidence intervals for the validity coefficients were estimated using bootstrap sampling. Spearman’s correlation coefficients between FFQ and weighed food record intake for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and vitamin E (r = 1.00 and r = 0.95, …

Extraction Of Triterpenoids From Carya Cathayensis Sarg. Husks And Enhancement Of Their Antibacterial Properties By Loading Into Chitosan Aerogels, Haixin Sun, Xinya Gu, Baozhu Shi, Tianhua Huang, Junlai Nian, Jidong Sun, Tarun Belwal, Liezhou Zhong, Benu Adhikari, Zisheng Luo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Carya cathayensis Sarg. is widely cultivated in China as a specialized nut crop, and its discarded husks (outer pericarp) are rich in triterpenoids with known antibacterial properties. In this study, triterpenoids were extracted from Carya cathayensis Sarg. husks (CCSHs) using a surfactant-mediated, ultrasound-assisted extraction method optimized via response surface methodology, the optimized extraction yield was 33.92 ± 0.52 mg UAE/g DW. Ab-8 macroporous resin was used to purify the triterpenoids from the crude extracts, achieving a 4.3-fold increase in purity. Mesoporous chitosan aerogels were prepared, and their morphology, pore size, and specific surface area were evaluated using microscopic and nitrogen …

Diverged Populations Admixture Bolsters Genetic Diversity Of A New Island Dibbler (Parantechinus Apicalis) Population, But Does Not Prevent Subsequent Loss Of Genetic Variation, Rujiporn Thavornkanlapachai, Harriet R. Mills, Kym Ottewell, Cathy Lambert, J. Anthony Friend, Daniel J. White, Zahra Aisya, W. Jason Kennington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Translocating individuals from multiple source populations is one way to bolster genetic variation and avoid inbreeding in newly established populations. However, mixing isolated populations, especially from islands, can potentially lead to outbreeding depression and/or assortative mating, which may limit interbreeding between source populations. Here, we investigated genetic consequences of mixing individuals from two island populations of the dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis) in an island translocation. Despite a high level of genetic divergence between the source populations (FST ranges 0.33–0.64), and significant differences in body size, individuals with different ancestries were able to successfully interbreed in captivity and in the wild. However, …

Becoming Singular: Musical Identity Construction And Maintenance Through The Lens Of Identity Process Theory, Melissa Forbes, Jason Goopy, Amanda E. Krause

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study uses identity process theory to understand the social–psychological processes that motivate individuals to construct an identity in which music, singing, and singing teaching feature prominently. We conducted reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 Australian singing teachers (with an average age 60) to understand how they enacted identity principles that motivate identity construction and maintenance. Findings were captured in two themes: (1) ‘It has just been music’: Living a musical life is my destiny; (2) ‘I know my value’: Achieving goals in music and teaching is motivating. Participants’ consistent musical engagement across the lifespan satisfied the identity …

Revealing The Hidden Benefits Of Social Emotional Learning: Unpacking What’S Really Going On?, Marissa Schweinfurth

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study explores the role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in enhancing executive function (EF) skills among elementary school students, with a particular focus on those facing high levels of adversity. The research was driven by three key questions: (1) Can SEL improve EF skills in young students? (2) Does SEL lead to faster development of EF skills compared to typical age-related expectations? (3) Which specific SEL strategies are most effective in promoting EF skills? Utilizing the "Transactional Model of Stress and Coping" by Lazarus and Folkman as a conceptual framework, this study examined how SEL interventions act as coping …

Limiting H1n1 Replication Via The Dsrnai Pathway Using Sequence-Specific Ldsrna, Shawn Marie Sharon Carr, Stephanie Dewitte-Orr

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The seasonal influenza virus causes a common respiratory illness that can be life threatening to the immunocompromised, the very young, and the elderly. The current strategies for avoiding a serious influenza virus infection are good hygiene practices and the annual influenza vaccine. Unfortunately, last year’s influenza virus vaccine effectiveness ranged between 32-60% for children and adolescents and 46-54% for adults. These low efficacy rates are due to the vaccine often targeting hemagglutinin, a highly variable surface protein. This thesis seeks to create a prophylactic treatment via the RNA interference (RNAi) response that targets the virus’s conserved genes that are integral …

Immune Pathway Modulation In Melanoma Using Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated Dsrna Delivery, Bethel C. Iwuji

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division, which typically results in the formation of tumours. Even with advances in treatments, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally. Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer which is highly malignant, develops in the pigment-producing cells of the skin, melanocytes, and in the late stages of the disease poses a significant challenge for therapeutic intervention due to its multidrug resistance. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and can recognize and destroy …

Comprehensive Analysis Of Environmental Particulate Matter: Chemical Composition And Microbial Assessment, Uyen T. L. Le

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Rapid industrialization and population growth have contributed to a decline in air quality, with particulate matter (PM) posing particular concern. PM originates from both natural and human sources and often contains toxic chemicals and microorganisms, including potential pathogens. Inhalation of PM is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, underscoring the need to characterize better its chemical and biological composition in understudied region - Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The present thesis is a culmination of three main parts. Part 1 will describe the use of the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay to quantify the oxidative potential of PM through DTT consumption of redox-active field …

Crime Modeling Using An Integrated Cnn–Lstm Architecture With Embedded Self-Excitation, Pawandeep Kaur

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

It is often assumed that natural phenomena occur randomly over time. However, careful analysis reveals that these events typically form some series or sequences and exhibit distinctive temporal patterns. These patterns are not exclusive to nature. They also appear in human activities, often studied under the concept of bursty human dynamics. The statistical methods analyzing bursty human dynamics not only capture overall trends or seasonality but also explore how past events influence future ones. It makes the analysis more realistic and the results more closely aligned with reality. Bursty human dynamics can be studied at two levels: the individual level …

Integrating Indigenous Values And Community Strengths To Achieve Indigenous Food Sovereignty And Community Well-Being In The Ka’A’Gee Tu First Nation, Northwest Territories, Jennifer K. Temmer

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Northern Indigenous communities face disproportionate impacts from interconnected challenges related to climate change, food security, health, and cultural preservation, that threaten traditional food systems and practices. While there is a growing recognition of the importance of community-driven solutions, existing frameworks fail to integrate Indigenous values and local priorities effectively. This research addresses this gap by exploring how the Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation (KTFN) is responding to these crises through climate change adaptation efforts focused on food system sustainability as a pathway to self-sufficiency and community well-being. To contribute to these efforts, this dissertation uses Participatory Action Research to facilitate community-driven …

Nature For All? Assessing Equitable Public Access To National Urban Parks In Canada: A Comparative Analysis, Andrew Tenute

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The number of health challenges is rising both globally and in Canada. Research consistently shows that time spent in nature can mitigate some of these health challenges, offering significant mental, physical, and well-being benefits. Parks and protected areas in Canada, including the expansion of the National Urban Park (NUP) program by Parks Canada, provide valuable opportunities for nature-based engagement. However, access to these spaces is unjust, as many individuals face structural, intrapersonal, and interpersonal constraints. While prior studies have explored the motivations and well-being outcomes of women and Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) individuals, there remains a limited …

Functional Design Of Dissymmetric Ligands For Coordination Systems, Kaitlyn R. Brown

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Herein, the functional design of dissymmetric ligands for coordination systems is explored with a focus on their synthesis and structural characterization. The design strategy of these ligands incorporates the ability to coordinate both metal cations and anions along with a ligand site for other functionalization. Their synthesis, structural and other characterization, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and some metal-coordinated complexes are discussed. Chapter 1 introduces supramolecular and coordination chemistry, along with relevant literature that supports this research and outlines the thesis objective. Chapter 2 investigates the hydrogen bonding of a dissymmetric pyrimidine thioether ligand in its neutral form, water solvate, protonated nitrate …

The Progressive Potential Of The Horror Arg: A Digital Ethnographic Analysis Of Instagram Account Sabrinamiller230, Matthew N. Wiebe

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Alternate reality games (ARGs) are transmedia games that exist and operate utilizing a number of digital communication platforms. These games see players employing their digital literacy skills in order to solve narrative puzzles and craft theories with other ARG players – through engaging with the alternate reality fiction presented to them. sabrinamiller230 is a horror themed ARG that takes the appearance of an Instagram profile and presents players with a speculative alternate reality world featuring an alien who critiques humanity’s many injustices. This research paper seeks to address a key problem regarding the lack of digital ethnographic studies of ARG …

“Just Checking”: Racial Profiling And The Criminalization Of Black Students At Post-Secondary Institutions, Yugita Looknauth

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

“Just Checking”: Racial Profiling and the Criminalization of Black Students at Post-Secondary Institutions

This dissertation examined the experiences of Black students who came into contact with campus security at five universities and one college in Ontario, Canada. Critical race theory and methodology, and qualitative research design amplified the voices of 17 participants who shared stories of racial profiling marked by racialization, criminalization, surveillance, and the normalized scrutiny of Black life. These experiences are legitimized by post-secondary institutions that are actively reproducing the very racism they are often celebrated for interrogating by allowing a culture of anti-Black racism to exist with …

The Usual Suspects: A Review Of Common Dysbiosis Of The Human Mouth, And The Associated Microbial Species, Sophie Katherine Shields

Honors Theses and Capstones

The mouth, often referred to as the oral cavity in scientific literature, is described as the second most diversely populated microbiome in the human body, only after the gut. The cavity’s temperature, abundant water, high nutrient levels, and diversity of sites are all critical factors that make the oral cavity a space booming with life. The mouth harbors over 700 species of bacteria, in addition to numerous fungi, viruses, and protozoa species. Together, when working in harmony, these species provide critical supports to the functions of the human body. When dysbiosis occurs, however, the overgrowth of a single species may …

Molecular Simulation Studies Of Protein Interactions Associated With Aging, Charlotte Jenna Thomas

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Biological Computing From Microscopic To Macroscopic Evolution, Xiaofeng Ding

Masters Theses

A unified theory from microscopic to macroscopic DNA-based biological systems is explained in terms of the rule components used when the system size is increased. Even though the eight female rules in each ruleset are provided with an equal probability of the computation-state outcomes, the initial ensemble of the computation states will exponentially settle into one dominant rule that supports the nutrition needed for growth. The remaining seven rules form into two minority groups to provide the biological characteristics of the system's growth from a micro to macroscopic evolution. The object of this study is to prove that such a …

The Lived Experiences Of African American Women In Predominantly White Higher Education Institutions In Texas And Their Journey To Advancement To Tenure, Wanda Dyer, Wanda Yvonne Carter-Dyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

African American women are underrepresented in predominantly White higher education institutions in Texas. Inconsistent treatment and policies have contributed to the disparate numbers of African American women in predominately White institutions. African American women are subjected to discrimination based on race, sex, and color. The problem investigated in this study was the barriers to African American tenure-seeking women in predominately White institutions. Barriers discussed in those interviews were discrimination, equity, inclusion, lack of support systems, organizational culture and relationships, and mentors. Six African American women in PWIs in Texas were interviewed to give a voice to the barriers experienced …

Sorghum And Sorghum-Based Products: Nutritional Composition, Prebiotic Potential And Health Benefits In Gut Microbiota Interactions, W. M.A.D.Binosha Fernando, Rasheed A. Abdulraheem, Kalmee Pramoda Kariyawasam, Amal Sudaraka Samarasinghe, W. M.Kendrea T. Fernando, Hannah Barnes, Malina Robertson, D. P.W. Jayatunga, B. G.D.N.K. De Silva, Vijay Jayasena

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a member of the Poaceae family and is the fifth most important crop globally. Sorghum grains (SGs) are rich in health-promoting macro- and micronutrients and phytochemicals. SGs are commonly consumed as food or as ingredients in food, especially in African countries. Therefore, food products such as ogi, bread and flour have been and are still being developed from SGs to provide nutritional and health benefits. However, the nutritional and prebiotic potential of SGs, especially the pigment pericarps, has not been fully exploited. This review describes micronutrients in different varieties of sorghum and the health benefits …

More Than One Way To Be A Planktivore: The Vast Morphospace Of Plankton-Feeding Reef Fishes, Isabelle Ng, David R. Bellwood, Jan M. Strugnell, Sergio R. Floeter, Alexandre C. Siqueira

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Planktivorous reef fishes are thought to possess unique morphological traits to feed on small, evasive prey. Despite the multitude of family-level studies addressing this hypothesis, results remain inconclusive. Our goal, therefore, was to determine whether specialised traits and patterns of morphological convergence are congruent across a comprehensive phylogeny of reef-associated fishes. We measured 15 morphological traits from 815 images of 299 species in 12 globally distributed families. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we mapped the evolution of plankton-feeding across lineages; assessed the effect of planktivory on body shape; and tested for the presence of morphological convergence among planktivores. We demonstrate that …

Train Less And Still Similarly Improve? Maturational Growth Is More Influential Than Training Engagement On Performance Indices Development In Volleyball, Stephen Cobley, Marie Javet, Shaun Abbott, Caitlin Fox-Harding, Stephen Bested, Daniel Hackett, Michael Romann

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Identifying factors which more or less account for performance improvement during developmental stages is essential for sports science knowledge and coaching practice. Accordingly, this study examined the longitudinal, changing, influences of Volleyball-specific Training Engagement (VTE) and Maturity Status on physical test performance development. Participants were N = 139 Swiss female competitive volleyball players, aged 10–14 years at baseline (M = 12.93, SD = 1.15 years). Annually for 3 years, participants completed the 9-3-6-3-9 Agility Sprint; Standing Long Jump [SLJ] and Jump & Reach test. Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) examined longitudinal independent and interactive relationships between VTE (hours/week) and Maturity Status …

Embracing The Both/And: Learning From The Lived Experiences Of White Facilitators Of Racial Equity Workshops, Alicia M. Wargo

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study focuses on the lived experiences of seasoned White facilitators of racial equity workshops to understand how they navigate the complexity of occupying a White racial identity while working to challenge the belief systems of white supremacy ingrained in themselves and others. Through applying Critical Race Theory as a framework to grounded theory methodology, this study examined whiteness as a sensitizing concept in micro, meso, and macro levels of analysis, situating this dissertation in the theoretical exploration of the multifaceted and pervasive nature of whiteness. Much of the research on racial equity work examines White participants in nascent stages …

Design Thinking For Health Environments: Case Study Research On Innovation, Design Leadership, And Healthcare Complexity, Diana S. Nicholas

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

As healthcare costs are skyrocketing, of the 6,093 hospitals in America, 53% will lose money in the current year (Coleman-Lochner, 2022). Design health innovation centers (DHICs) are formed in Europe and the United States to create efficiencies in healthcare related to budget challenges. DHICs exist in unique contexts both in America and Europe that are not yet well understood. These efforts are difficult to lead due to the lack of understanding of their worth and how their process is valuable to healthcare settings (Bhattacharyya et al., 2022). The specific problem examined here is that little is known about how DHIC …

Ethical Imperatives For Rational Paternalism In Advisor-Client Relationships, Igor A. Zey

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study seeks to understand the role of ethics and rational paternalism in the practice of financial advising. A significant amount of research examines the effects of rational paternalism on the governmental and institutional levels. Very little research has addressed the issues associated with rational paternalistic behavior by advisors toward their clients. Investopedia (2013) focuses on advisors’ ethics and moral responsibilities, underscoring the ethical standards clients should expect from their financial advisors. However, practically none of the literature examines the ethics, morals, and practical aspects of individual paternalism. In response, this study examines the concept of rational paternalism in advisor-client …

A Pedagogy Of Self: A Critical Autoethnography Evaluating The Self And The Lessons Of Exposure, Experience, Action, And Inaction, Jeremy Grisham

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation is a critical autoethnography, which evaluates a lifetime of experience through the lens of an educational theory in critical pedagogy, and two psychological theories in liberation psychology and feminist therapy. These theoretical frameworks will help me evaluate how the lessons of my life have acted in both oppressive ways, and ways in which I have supported and benefited from systemic oppression. This research demonstrates that the existence of my own diagnosed psychopathologies, which have provided symptomatic pressures, have ultimately stemmed from systemic pressures, even those systems of which I have inherently benefited. Through this research, I conclude that …

Reimagining Care: Experiences Of Trauma-Informed Approaches And Deinstitutionalization In Caribbean Child Welfare, Sarah L. Subhan

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study explored the perceptions and experiences of child welfare professionals on trauma-informed care and implications for deinstitutionalization in Trinidad and Tobago. The qualitative study utilized research interviews from 21 participants to inform findings. The participants included professionals from various agencies who work with children in care and protection. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, yielding six overarching themes (1) the need for training and capacity building in child protection, (2) systemic and organizational challenges to trauma informed care, (3) cultural and community factors impacting child protection, (4) the need to support family units as a pathway to …

An Examination Of Harm During The Real-Life Experience, Michelle E. Balch

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The Real-Life Experience (RLE) has been described as a coercive and arbitrary requirement without evidence of validity or reliability. This can cause more harm than it prevents for a significant subset of transition-seeking transgender clients. For these reasons the RLE was dropped from the WPATH Standards of Care after version six. However, the RLE has been adopted by a number of health insurance companies as a measure of readiness to receive transition services. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and semi-structured interviews of five individuals were conducted to evaluate their perceptions of RLE and the meaning they attach to their broader …

Relating To Pain: Attachment As A Framework For Understanding Chronic Pain, Katie H. Brenner

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Despite contemporary Western healthcare’s emphasis on the biopsychosocial model of illness, there has been relatively limited attention given to the way that attachment relationships, as part of the social sphere of the model, impact individuals’ chronic pain experiences and management. Attachment influences help-seeking behaviors, sense of self-efficacy, coping skills, and communication abilities, all of which are implicated in pain experience and management. As such, this dissertation examines the question: Do attachment experiences influence how individuals perceive and manage chronic pain? This study expands on the existing research by conceptualizing attachment as a fluid experience that varies across relationships and circumstances, …

Geriatric Care In Corrections: An Exploratory Study Of Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives On The Needs Of An Aging Prison Population, Cynthia A. Scheiderer

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The incarcerated population in the United States is aging. The proportion of adults 55 or older in prison rose from 3% in 1993 to 16% at year-end 2022 (Carson & Sabol, 2016; Carson & Kluckow, 2024). Researchers have consistently found evidence that the prevalence of disabilities and functional impairment is higher among older adults who are incarcerated than among those in the community. As the incarcerated population ages, corrections professionals responsible for providing safety, housing, and health care must respond to the needs of the population. In this qualitative study, 21 corrections professionals from the disciplines of custody, classification, medical, …