Digital Commons Network^™

A Longitudinal Study Of Illness Perceptions Of Hospitalized Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome, Freda Dekeyser Ganz, Genday Shafir, Levana Jakobson

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Illness Perceptions (IPs) are associated with health behaviors and health outcomes among those with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)^1,2,3. IPs can change over time^4,5. They are also associated with emotional factors5,6 and previous medical history².

Purpose: To describe factors associated with changes over time in IPs among those hospitalized with ACS.

Methods: A national survey of all patients admitted to Israeli hospitals with ACS over 2 months in early 2024 were included. Patients were surveyed while hospitalized and 3 months later by telephone. Demographic and medical history data were obtained from medical records. …

Effects Of Working From Home Job Satisfaction, Productivity, Employee Retention: A Systematic Review, Tricia Nwokocha, Emmanuella Anucha

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

PICO Question: Does working from home, as opposed to traditional office-based work, affect employees’ job satisfaction, productivity, and retention globally?

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this review is to align SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)/SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) to examine the impact of working from home on job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention.

Background: Telecommuting across industries has become a prevalent practice, driven by changing dynamics of the workplace and technological advancement of the office. While telecommuteing offers work-life balance and flexibility, its effects on job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention remain unexplored, especially in relation …

Assessing And Addressing Distress For Informal Caregivers Caring For Oncology Patients, Megan Bridget Murphy

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Distress clearly impacts cancer patients, but it also impacts their loved ones, their informal caregivers (ICG). Not only do these ICGs experience distress, but ICGs often experience even more distress than patients receiving treatment (Amonoo et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2023). Despite the prevalence of ICG distress, they are often not screened for distress or provided resources to help them cope (Nightingale et al., 2024).

Purpose: This quality improvement project aims to assess the effect of implementing a distress screening tool for informal caregivers in an outpatient regional cancer system. Distress levels of ICGs will be noted in …

Effects Of An App-Based Walking Program On Weight Management In Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients, Youngjin Lee, Da-In Park, Saemi Kang, Da Bit Lee

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: The global rise in obesity, driven by high-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles, has become a significant public health issue. Simultaneously, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing. Obesity in IBD patients exacerbates symptoms, interferes with treatment and leads to additional complications. As a result, managing weight loss and preventing obesity are crucial for improving outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a mobile app-based walking program for obese IBD patients at a clinical IBD center. The primary outcomes measured were body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and skeletal muscle mass.

Methods: This study was …

Effects Of Continuing Nursing Care For Patients With Total Laryngectomy: Rct, Kumiko Kotake, Kaori Haba, Mami Kurita, Kazuyo Iwanaga, Yoko Ishibashi, Aya Takahashi, Ichiro Kai, Yoshimi Suzukamo, Yoriko Hara, Ichiro Ota, Hiroyuki Uemura

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: The objective of the study was to clarify whether informational/psychological nursing intervention could improve the quality of life of laryngectomized patients 3 months after hospital discharge compared to the provision of information only, and to examine whether the nursing intervention could continue to improve the quality of life at twelve months after discharge.

Methods: Randomization was performed according to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. Hospitalized pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer patients who underwent laryngectomy had agreed to participate in the study.
They were randomly assigned to two groups: we offered relevant information including the distribution and conducted interviews on …

Public Views On Violence Towards Clinicians, Ilya Kagan, Gillie Gabay, Sigal Shafran Tikva

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Patient-perpetrated violence (PPV) against clinicians is a significant global concern that affects both the safety and well-being of clinicians. Despite abundant research into the negative impact on safety and quality of care, studies exploring public perceptions of PPV remain scarce. This study aimed to examine public perceptions of PPV against clinicians, focusing on the perceived prevalence of the phenomenon and public support for preventive and punitive measures.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey collected data from 1,375 Israelis, who rated the frequency of PPV incidents and their support for intervention strategies. Descriptive statistics were used to test the distribution of …

Service Skills And Needs Of Older Volunteers In The Community Care Centers, Li-Ching Yang, Kuei-Min Chen

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Considering Taiwan’s impending shift toward becoming a super aged society (National Development Council, 2020), active involvement in volunteer work is identified as a means to facilitate active aging (Hsu et al., 2019; Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2021), enhance social participation, and sustain the mental and physical well-being of older adults (Hsu et al., 2019; Li & Hsieh, 2020; Wu & Tsai, 2021). However, Existing volunteer training programs lack pretraining assessments to gauge preparedness for the challenges faced by frontline care providers.

Purpose: To identify the demographic characteristics, service skills and needs of older volunteers and investigate the influences …

Investigating Potential Alzheimer's Disease Therapies Through An Agent-Based Model Of Impaired Microglia Metabolismmodeling Impaired Microglia Metabolism, Cheyenne Ty, Abigail Penland, John Gerving, Martin Mendoza-Ceja, Megan Pratt, Kamila Larripa

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia globally and is marked by amyloid-β plaque accumulation, decreased brain pH, disrupted metabolism, and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, are essential for maintaining brain homeostasis and are critically involved in the progression of AD. While microglia can initiate protective immune responses to injury and disease, dysregulated microglial metabolism may contribute to the exacerbation of Alzheimer's pathology. To investigate potential therapeutic strategies, we developed an agent-based model simulating the effects of exercise and metabolic enhancement on dysfunctional microglia. Our findings suggest that …

Enhancing Care Through Culturally Sensitive Interventions For Hispanic/Bilingual Patients Along The Texas-Mexico Border, Samantha N. Solis, Joanna Garza

Research Colloquium

In 2022, Hispanics became the largest racial and ethnic minority in the United States, with a population of 63.7 million, comprising 19.1% of the total population. Despite this significant presence, Hispanic communities continue to face substantial barriers to healthcare, including limited access to services, language challenges, financial constraints, and the stigma surrounding mental health care.

Geriatric Brittle Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Case Study And Management Strategies, Saba Irfan, Amanda Cantu

Research Colloquium

“Brittle diabetes” describes a form of diabetes marked by severe, unpredictable fluctuations in blood glucose, often leading to frequent episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Though not formally recognized by major diabetes organizations, the term is clinically useful, especially for vulnerable populations such as older adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Age-related factors—cognitive impairment, mobility limitations, dexterity issues, sensory decline, inconsistent eating habits, and frailty—make glycemic control particularly challenging and require a personalized, multidisciplinary management approach.

We report the case of a 66-year-old Hispanic female with long-standing T1DM, seizure disorder, and osteoporosis. Despite adherence to a prescribed insulin regimen, her …

Murine Typhus Masquerading As A Urinary Tract Infection: A Case From Endemic South Texas, Nida Asif, Yareli Durazo, Corey Haines, Cesar Gutierrez

Research Colloquium

Background: Murine Typhus is a rare flea borne illness caused by Rickettsia typhi, with approximately 100-200 cases reported annually in the United States, primarily in Southern Texas, California and Hawaii, transmitted by fleas from rodents or other animals. It often presents with nonspecific symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. Given its vague clinical presentation and regional endemicity, murine typhus is frequently underrecognized delaying appropriate treatment.

Case presentation:A 77-year-old lady with a known history of HFrEF of 25-30% was presented to the ED due to mild left lower quadrant abdominal pain associated with two episodes of loose bowel movements and decreased appetite …

Chronic Diarrhea And Severe Hypokalemia In An Aids Patient: Unmasking Cryptosporidium Infection, Nida Asif, Elizabeth Mills, Sikandar Zia

Research Colloquium

Background: Cryptosporidiosis is a common cause of chronic diarrhea in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome particularly those with CD4 counts below 100 cells/mm3. In such cases, persistent gastrointestinal losses can result in severe electrolyte abnormalities, including life threatening hypokalemia. Recognizing this association is critical as delayed correction may result in serious morbidity. Reporting cases with this complication enhances clinical awareness and may guide more vigilant electrolyte monitoring in similar patients.

Case presentation: A 41-year-old male with a history of HIV diagnosed in 2005 and progression to AIDS (acquired human immunodeficiency) presented to the emergency department with a one-month history of …

“Trapped In Silence”: Chronic Phenytoin Toxicity In A Nonverbal Elderly With Cerebral Palsy, Nida Asif, Sikandar Zia, Yareli Durazo, Oyinlola Fasehun, Andres Suarez Parraga

Research Colloquium

Background: Phenytoin is the one of the oldest and widely prescribed anticonvulsant drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, exhibiting saturable metabolism at higher concentrations, hence small dose changes can disproportionately raise serum levels and precipitate toxicity. Chronic use can result in neurological toxicity (e.g., ataxia, nystagmus). Because these manifestations are often nonspecific, chronic phenytoin toxicity is frequently under-recognized or misattributed to other conditions especially in patients unable to report symptoms.

Case presentation: A 73-year-old female with past medical history of cerebral palsy with associated neurological complications including cognitive impairment, nonverbal status and childhood epilepsy maintained on long term phenytoin therapy …

Fortify Resilience A Multi-Level Approach To Mitigating Burnout And Promoting Well-Being In Physician Residents, Monica C. Perez, Yvette K. Cantu Cazares, M. Hernandez, Deepu George

Research Colloquium

The Fortify Resilience initiative is a multi-level program designed to cultivate and sustain a culture of well-being for Residents and Fellows (R/Fs) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine’s (SOM) Graduate Medical Education (GME) residency and fellowship programs. This initiative addresses burnout and invests in well-being at individual, group, and institutional levels through three core drivers: Access Strategy, Empowerment Initiatives, and System Redesign.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting As Painless Parotitis In A 65-Year-Old Male: A Case Report, Mary Arden G. Guillory, Ashlyn Holubar

Research Colloquium

Background: Lymphoma is a malignancy of lymphocytes, which are progenitors to B-cell lymphocytes and T-cell lymphocytes (Padala and Kallam 2025). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (31% of adult cases), typically presenting in males in their 60s (Thandra, Barsouk et al. 2021). Typical B symptoms include fever, night sweats, and weight loss; however, atypical presentations can delay diagnosis and treatment. Prompt treatment of DLBCL is crucial to maximize the chances of remission and potential cure. Treatment depends on staging and disease type but with appropriate chemotherapy, survival can be long and possibly curative. …

Deprescribing And Polypharmacy In Heart Failure Patients Aged 80 Years And Older: A Case Report, Learsi R. De Hoyos, Elizabeth Mills-Reyes, Chelsea Chang

Research Colloquium

Background: Since 2004, the number of adults aged 65 and older has increased by 5.6%. With a growing geriatric population, medical management should maximize benefits and minimize risks. Polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of 5 or more medications, is a common concern in older adults. In adults 80 years and older, the prevalence of polypharmacy is 67.1%. Among adults with heart disease, the prevalence of polypharmacy increased from 40.6% to 61.7% between 2000 and 2018. In the context of heart failure, guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) includes beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 …

Misleading Hematochezia In Cirrhosis: Avoiding The Rectal Varices Trap. A Case Report, Kashif Ali, Valeska Balderas

Research Colloquium

Duodenal diverticular bleeding (DDB) is a rare cause of acute hematochezia, particularly in patients with liver cirrhosis, accounting for less than 0.14% of cases. We report an 80-year-old female with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis and recent esophageal variceal ligation who presented with bright red rectal bleeding and hemodynamic instability. Initial suspicion was rectal variceal bleeding; however, endoscopic evaluation revealed a bleeding diverticulum in the second part of the duodenum. Hemostasis was successfully achieved with endoscopic clipping. DDB, especially in the juxta-papillary region, poses diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and nonspecific presentation. Early identification is critical, as more than half of …

Investigating Environmental And Socioeconomic Contributors To Adult Obesity In The Rio Grande Valley, John Nicholas Cauba, Jihoo Woo, Russell Wiggins, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), comprising the four southernmost Texas counties—Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy—is a predominantly Hispanic region along the United States– Mexico border. Recent epidemiological studies indicate that the prevalence of obesity in the RGV substantially exceeds both state and national averages, with profound implications for the region’s overall health burden. For instance, large-scale health surveys estimate that between 45% and 50% of Mexican–American adults in the RGV are classified as obese. Genetic predisposition is estimated to account for approximately 50% of the variance in body mass index (BMI), and environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet, …

Interpreting The Supreme Court: Finding Meaning In The Justices' Personal Experiences, Amy Howe

Florida Law Review

At his 2004 confirmation hearing, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. famously compared the role of a Supreme Court Justice to that of a baseball umpire and promised “to remember that it’s my job to call balls and strikes.” Roberts likely intended this to mean that he would serve as a neutral arbiter of the law, who simply applies the existing rules to reach the correct outcome. But in judging, as in baseball, that is not as easy as it sounds, especially when one of the primary criteria on which the Court relies to choose its cases is whether the …

Playful Learning Journeys: Exploring The Perceptions And Knowledge Of Lecturers/Tutors And Student Teachers, Frank Twum, Samuel Kweku Hayford, Dandy Dampson, Johnnie Kojo Hayford

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This paper investigated the perceptions and knowledge of play-based learning (PBL) by lecturers/tutors and student teachers. Ninety lecturers/tutors (68 males, 22 females) and 363 student teachers (191 males, 172 females) participated in the study. While both lecturers/tutors and student teachers favored PBL, they had some concerns. Lecturers/tutors acknowledged the benefits of PBL, including its enhancement of memory, conceptual development, and motor skills in children. However, nearly two-thirds found it time-consuming. Student teachers were of the view PBL promoted positive student experiences. However, more than half felt PBL offered limited opportunities for their own learning during lessons. Both groups demonstrated knowledge …

Wernicke’S Encephalopathy With Classic Triad And Normal Mri In A Young Woman Following Rapid-Sequence Bariatric And Biliary Surgery, Hugo Zamarron, Nina Mourao, Roberto A. Cruz Saldana

Research Colloquium

Background: Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a life-threatening neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, most commonly associated with alcoholism. However, postoperative nutritional deficiencies in young patients undergoing bariatric procedures are increasingly recognized. This case is unique due to the rapid succession of bariatric and cholecystectomy surgeries, development of classic Wernicke’s symptoms with a normal MRI, and diagnostic delay due to overlapping differential diagnoses including intracranial hypotension and myelopathy.

Case Presentation: A 22-year-old woman with class III obesity underwent sleeve gastrectomy in July 2022, followed by significant weight loss and persistent intractable vomiting. Due to suspected gallbladder disease, she underwent a cholecystectomy in …

Investigating Soil Co2 Flux Among Varying Soil Types During Inundation Conditions, Jennifer Volk, Arya Patel

The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal

Land use change has contributed to the increase of carbon dioxide (CO₂) release, exacerbating global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. CO₂ is also naturally produced in the soil via microbial respiration which breaks down soil organic matter (SOM). Several studies have investigated factors affecting CO₂ flux from soils, but few have compared CO₂ flux from a range of soil types under controlled conditions with varying water levels. This study subjected intact soil cores from six different soil types to varied periods of inundation and dry events using the same water and timing. During each event, CO …

An Unusual Case Of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Due To Weissella Cibaria In A Patient With Decompensated Cirrhosis, Janetly Reinoso, Felipe Diaz Jr, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious infection commonly encountered in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites, usually involving gram-negative organisms. Weissella cibaria is a gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultative anaerobe not typically associated with intra-abdominal infections. This case report highlights an unusual instance of SBP caused by W. cibaria in a cirrhotic patient, emphasizing the clinical importance of identifying atypical organisms and discussing implications for antimicrobial stewardship in vulnerable populations.

Case Presentation: A 65-year-old woman with decompensated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis status post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement and recurrent ascites requiring weekly paracentesis presented with altered mental status following …

From Imaging To Impact: A Multi-Disciplinary T32 Program Framework And Initial Insights For Training In Image-Guided Cancer Therapy, Kari J. Brewer Savannah, Stephen Y. Lai, Clifton D. Fuller, Kristy K. Brock

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

As multi-disciplinary image-guided assessment and therapies become increasingly important for precision oncology, the need for comprehensive training opportunities that effectively prepare the next generation of clinician-scientists and scientists is evident. We present an innovative, evidence-based research training framework that integrates the following critical features: 1) intentional and personalized mentoring and career development, 2) immersive research in image-guided cancer therapy, 3) strategic mentored clinical exposure, 4) structured didactic learning and professional development opportunities, and 5) mentored grant writing. Designed to foster scientific rigor, translational thinking, and multi-disciplinary collaboration, the Image-Guided Cancer Therapy T32 Training Program (IGCT-T32) aims to prepare postdoctoral fellows …

Bone-Sparing Effects Of Pueraria Mirifica Extract On Bone Loss In Androgen-Deficient Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca Fascicularis), Thaweechai Saetae, Taratorn Kemthong, Sukanya Jaroenporn, Suchinda Malaivijitnond

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Synthetic estrogens provide remarkable benefits for bone health in men; however, they also present several drawbacks after long-term use. Pueraria mirifica, a phytoestrogen-rich herb, has garnered attention due to its positive effects and minimal adverse side effects on bone in females. Most research on bone health has been conducted on rodents; however, bone architecture and remodeling in rodents differ from those in humans, making it challenging to apply the results to clinical trials.
Objectives: Thus, this study assessed the bonesparing effects of P. mirifica extract (PME) in androgen-deficient male cynomolgus macaques.

Materials and Methods: Adult male macaques were divided …

An Estimation Study Of The Co2 Emissions In Saudi Arabia Using Machine Learning, Mohammed A. Albalawi, M.M. El-Halwany, Mahmoud H. Mahmoud, Mohamed Gar Alalm

Mansoura Engineering Journal

As part of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) pledged to implement policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 2030 Vision, which KSA unveiled with the goal of building a more sustainable and diverse economy, led to a number of projects, such as the national renewable energy program, the Saudi green initiative, and the circular carbon economy. Additionally, KSA just revealed a bold plan to achieve net-zero status by 2060. The Kingdom pledged to cut its carbon emissions by 278 million tons of CO2eq (equivalent) yearly by 2030 in its revised nationally determined contribution …

From P-Values To Practical Relevance: An Introduction To Effect Sizes Through A Legal Psychological Example, Paul Riesthuis, Henry Otgaar, Tery Setiawan, Nathanael Sumampouw, Charlotte Bücken

Psychological Research on Urban Society

Null-hypothesis significance testing and p-values are frequently criticized for their focus on detecting non-zero differences and their inability to provide evidence for the null hypothesis. In this article, we highlight how effect sizes, when meaningfully interpreted, can address these issues. Specifically, we argue that researchers should consider the smallest effect size of interest (SESOI) - the smallest effect size that yields practical or theoretical relevance. We propose several methods for estimating the SESOI and present a consensus study among Indonesian professionals which can be used to estimate the SESOI for child eyewitness testimony research. Results suggest that most Indonesian professionals …

Machine Learning Approach For Fake Image Forensics, Abdullah Mujawib Alashjaee

University of Bisha Journal for Basic and Applied Sciences

Digital forensics is crucial in investigating and analyzing digital evidence, including images, to uncover potential crimes and identify manipulated or fraudulent content. A significant challenge in digital forensics is distinguishing between authentic and manipulated images. This paper applies a popular pre-trained deep learning model, VGG16, for feature extraction in real vs. fake image detection and various machine learning (ML) models as classifiers. The feature extraction part until the flatten layer of the VGG16 model is utilized to extract discriminative features that capture high-level image representations comprising local and global patterns. ML models, including Random Forest, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, and …

Nonlinear Dynamics Of Dust Acoustic Waves In A Dusty Plasma In Presence Of Two Opposite Polarity Dust Species, Omer A. Magzuob, Nauman Raza, Muntaha Khalid, Evren Hincal, Kottakkaran Sooppy Nisar

University of Bisha Journal for Basic and Applied Sciences

In a non-linear dynamical structure, this research presents a new analytical framework for examining the Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation in the realm of dusty ion-acoustic waves. Our objective is to produce a wide range of optical solitons at a reduced cost and time scale for evaluation by employing specific integration techniques. To achieve this, we are using two analytical approaches: the unified Ricatti equation procedure and the new extended auxiliary equation strategy. These methods help us to discover a variety of exact solutions for the governing model, including solitary, rational, elliptic functions, and periodic waves. Using numerical simulations and graphical representations, we …

Adaptive Ensemble Approaches For Face Mask Detection Using Transfer Learning Model, Faisal Alshanketi

University of Bisha Journal for Basic and Applied Sciences

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, wearing a mask has become mandatory and remains crucial in the ongoing pandemic. In certain situations and conditions, masks may be required periodically. However, manually monitoring large crowds of people to ensure they are wearing masks in public places or events can be an arduous task that is both time-consuming and difficult to manage. One way to address the challenge of manually monitoring mask-wearing in public places is to adopt machine learning (ML) methods and ICT-based surveillance mechanisms, thereby reducing the need for large numbers of personnel. While previous studies have proposed various machine learning models …