Digital Commons Network^™

Traumatic Brain Injury In Pediatrics, Natalie Deibel

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an acquired brain injury as a result of an external force to the head. Common causes for these injuries include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports, and abuse. The affected location of the brain, severity, and age at the time of injury affect what deficits are present. Resulting deficits can be in speech, language, behavior, motor, and cognition/executive functions (Manasco, 2020). Traumatic brain injuries can affect all ages. No parent wants to experience their child going through this. TBIs do not just affect the patient but also loved ones. During this difficult time, parents or caregivers …

Health Misinformation During Epidemiological Crises, Bethany Stefan, Alexis L. Emich, Katrina R. Lamp

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Health misinformation is more prevalent than ever in the modern age and poses serious risks for those who believe it. Medical fallacies can become especially harmful during periods of widespread disease when the misinformed respond in ways that increase threats to public health. The purpose of this systematic review is to describe and critically appraise the evidence about how health misinformation during endemics and pandemics can influence behaviors and responses, as well as the implications of interventions affecting these behaviors. A systematic search of the literature with inclusion/exclusion criteria using CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, and PsychINFO resulted in …

Cultivating Sense: Cultural Change In The Prosecutor's Office, Shih-Chun Steven Chien

Minnesota Journal of International Law, Vols. 28:2 onward (2019-present)

Prosecutors exercise broad discretion. They are widely viewed as the gatekeepers of the criminal justice system. To date, studies on prosecutors in different jurisdictions have largely focused on how to conceptualize, manage, and eventually control the exercise of prosecutorial discretion. Scholars have recently turned their attention to the importance of internal organizational management and leadership’s role in changing office culture as a means to regulate prosecutorial discretion. But we have limited empirical evidence as to how changes occur within a prosecutor’s office and what precise role organizational leaders play during this process. This Article constructs a new paradigm for the …

Economic Sanctions In Afghanistan: Does It Still Make Sense?, Zachary Taylor

Minnesota Journal of International Law, Vols. 28:2 onward (2019-present)

No abstract provided.

2023 Research Fronts: 128 Research Fronts Revealed

Double Helix Methodology

November 28, the Institutes of Science and Development,Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASISD), the National Science Library of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Clarivate released two reports, namely “2023 Research Fronts” and “Research Front 2023: Active Fields, Leading Countries/Regions”, at a joint forum in Beijing.

Volume 74 Issue 2 (2023), Case Western Reserve Law Review

Case Western Reserve Law Review

No abstract provided.

Human Interaction With The Divine, The Sacred, And The Deceased: Topics That Warrant Increased Attention By Psychologists, Thomas G. Plante, Gary E. Schwartz, Julie J. Exline, Crystal L. Park, Raymond F. Paloutzian, Rüdiger J. Seitz, Hans-Ferdinand Angel

Psychology

Humans have likely been attempting to communicate with entities believed to exist, such as the divine, sacred beings, and deceased people, since the dawn of time. Across cultures and countries, many believe that interaction with the immaterial world is not only possible but a frequent experience. Most religious traditions across the globe focus many rituals and activities around prayer to an entity deemed divine or sacred. Additionally, many people–religious, agnostic, and atheists alike–report communication with their departed loved ones. During highly stressful times associated with natural disasters, war, pandemics, and other threats to human life, the frequency and intensity of …

Design Of Secure, Low-Power Internet Of Medical Things With Precise Time Synchronization, Steven C. Puckett

Dissertations

With the emerging worldwide aging crisis, low power, secure health monitoring becomes increasingly important. Internet of Things (IoT) technology is revolutionizing many application fields, creating a new opportunity: Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). The main IoMT issues include security, energy efficiency, and time synchronization. This study evaluates the IoMT design space, security weaknesses of IoMT systems, and methods of synchronization of distributed IoT sensors. The researcher presents an analysis of the design space of IoMT controllers in Espressif ESP-32 family of microcontrollers and the development, implementation, and evaluation of the ecoSync: a time-synchronization algorithm for IoMT devices on standard Wi-Fi …

Whiteness As Ideology, Gregory S. Parks

Case Western Reserve Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Under-Policing Of Crimes Against Black Women, Lisa Avalos

Case Western Reserve Law Review

No abstract provided.

Factors That Influence Jury Verdicts In Police Use Of Force Cases, Christopher M. Bellas

Case Western Reserve Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of The Implementation Of A Multifactorial Life Skills Manual In A Residential Substance Use Treatment Facility, Jennifer Anderson

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"In 2017, 35% of families and 44% of domestic violence survivors residing in shelters reported concerns about their ability to function in work and social environments (Schultz-Krohn & Quinn, 2018). It is crucial to view this vulnerable population with a trauma-focused care lens. In 2020, 8% of transgender adults experienced homelessness and were twice as likely over cis- gendered individuals (Van Dyke & Blaskowlitz, 2022). Individuals who experience substance use typically have underlying, unresolved trauma. Most of this population has experienced some form of domestic violence."

Perceptions Of Individuals Participating In B.E.A.R. P.A.W. Center Life Skills Program: Persons With Iadl Goals, Alisha Bailey

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"Individuals with disabilities often face challenges in occupational engagement, particularly with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which significantly impact their independence and quality of life. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) defines occupational engagement as a person's ability to engage in occupation based on choice, motivation and meaning in a supportive context both environmental and personal factors (AOTA, 2020). For instance, a study conducted by Raina et al. (2020) demonstrated that 43.9% to 61.7% of individuals with these chronic conditions developed an IADL disability over a span of five years."

Unlimbited Recreation: Access To Resources For Improved Wellness & Wellbeing For Individuals With Ull/D, Alyssa Daniels

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"The doctoral experiential (DEx): Unlimbited Recreation explored the multifaceted aspects of upper limb loss and difference (ULL/D), focusing on recreational therapies and nonprofits' role in supporting affected individuals. This project highlighted the challenges individuals face with upper limb loss or difference and the therapeutic potential of recreational interventions. Additionally, it examined the contributions of nonprofits in providing comprehensive support and facilitating community integration for those individuals."

Program Efficacy To Reduce Stressors For Direct Care Workers In A Retirement Community, Kwaku Frimpong-Boateng

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"The research study was carried out to identify factors that contribute to staff stress & burnout, different experiences that direct care workers (DCWs) encounter in residential living or senior living facilities, mechanisms to reduce workplace stress and burnout and occupation-based activities as intervention strategies to manage stress and burnout symptoms. This was a purposive and convenience sampling study which included a semi-structured interview, pre and post surveys. Participants were 3 DCWs that work full-time on 2 shifts in a senior living community. The study took place over 5 days with an occupation-focused activity (walking meditation,) that occurred once a day …

Assessing Lanes For Change: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Water Safety And Swimming Programs, Avery Adams Fornaciari

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 years, and the second leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 5 to 14 years old in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Globally, drowning remains a public health crisis, as it is the third most common cause of intentional death (World Health Organization, 2021). On the topic of water-related injuries and fatalities, the literature has displayed the influence of socioeconomic disadvantage and geographic location as being associated with an increased drowning risk (Willcox-Pidgeon et al., 2021). In addition, a cyclic …

Effects Of Reducing Pain And Muscle Tension And Improving Daily Functional Performance Through Myofascial Decompression On The Muscles Within The Upper Limb, Michaela Gallagher

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"Many adults in the United States who attend college, experience chronic pain impacting their quality of life (QOL) and ability to fully engage in meaningful daily occupations. The objective of this clinical research trial was to assess the effectiveness of myofascial decompression (cupping therapy) on reducing pain, improving QOL, and improving occupational performance within college students. This study targeted graduate students at Western New England University (WNE) who experienced pain within their upper limb, impacting their ability to fully engage in daily occupations. Eight total participants produced consistent data, including six Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students, and two Law …

Implementation Of The Risk Of Relapse Screening Tool Within Substance Use Populations, Jacob Dugard

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"Occupational therapy aims to promote healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making across a diverse range of individuals. Originally titled the Risk of Opioid Overdose Screening Tool, the Risk of Relapse Screening Tool (RORST) was developed to be more inclusive and relevant to various substance users beyond opioids. The RORST questionnaire was constructed based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change, allowing for personalized interventions corresponding to an individual's readiness to modify behavior. The present situation highlights an unmet need for successful community transition for individuals with substance use disorders due to a lack of education and communal resources. The RORST was administered …

Enhancing Congregate Care Staff Knowledge And Self-Efficacy To Address Youth Substance Use Prevention Through An Educational Program, Victoria Giaccone

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"Group or residential care homes are specialized facilities that offer support and care for youth facing significant emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges, as well as complex trauma. It is essential to acknowledge that youth with a history of trauma are particularly vulnerable to engaging in substance use, and there is a growing prevalence of substance use among younger individuals. To effectively address and prevent youth substance use, it is imperative to have well-trained staff members who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide appropriate support and interventions within these care settings. The study involved residential care staff members …

Implementation Of Driving Services Into A Student-Run Pro-Bono Occupational Therapy Center, Amanda C. Hill

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"This doctoral experiential capstone project focuses on the implementation of driving services into the BEAR PAW Center to offer a free driving program to members of Springfield, Massachusetts (MA) and the surrounding community. In conjunction with implementation into the BEAR PAW Center, the Western New England University (WNE) Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) curriculum will be reevaluated to incorporate the driving component into the existing requirement. This will allow current and future students to learn more about occupational therapy’s role in driving and serve as an additional experiential learning opportunity. The overall goal of the project is to increase access …

Increasing Occupational Engagement For Individuals With Partial Hand Loss Through Telehealth, Amelia T. Lee

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"Individuals with partial hand loss have diverse needs and experiences. Skoff & Skoff (2022) found that individuals with partial hand loss experience symptoms of anxiety, anger, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder for at least three months following amputation. For this Doctoral Experiential Capstone, the student researcher sought to expand the existing Unlimbited Wellness© telehealth program created by Dr. Debra Latour, OT, PP-OTD, M.Ed., OTR, to include individuals with partial hand loss in the population and add additional educational modules regarding returning to work. The program was a mixed-methods research design with a pre and post-program survey and Quick DASH. The …

Effects Of Reducing Pain And Muscle Tension And Improving Daily Functional Performance Through Myofascial Decompression On The Muscles Within The Thoracic Spine Region, Morgan T. Lukasik

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"The aim of this doctoral capstone project was to investigate the effectiveness of myofascial decompression to reduce pain and muscular tension to improve daily functional performance on the muscles within the thoracic spine region (upper back). The research method of this study includes myofascial decompression through the application of dry cupping therapy. The study investigated the effectiveness of this instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique when applied twice per week for four weeks to a sample of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Western New England University. This study utilized objective measures including the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, …

Effects Of Myofascial Decompression On Reducing Pain And Muscle Tension In The Lumbar Region Of The Spine And Improving Daily Functional Performance, Justin Murata

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"This study investigates the impact of myofascial decompression (MD) on pain, muscle tension in the lumbar region, and daily occupational performance. Utilizing negative pressure to enhance blood circulation and tissue healing, MD was administered to nine Western New England students with low back pain (LBP) twice a week for four weeks. The Wong-Baker Pain Scale and World Health Organization's Quality of Life (QOL) Scale were utilized for data collection and analysis. Findings reveal that MD yields immediate pain reduction, suggesting its potential as a preparatory method for occupational therapy interventions like therapeutic exercises or activities. Further research should explore the …

Perceptions Of Individuals Participating In Bear Paw Center Life Skills Program: Persons With Social Skills Goals, Olivia Nappi

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"Across the United States, there are a limited number of pro-bono life skills programs available for adults with disabilities. Oftentimes, free of cost life skills special education services are provided through the public education system but then terminates upon high school graduation. This leaves young adults with disabilities at a disadvantage when attempting to develop independent living skills during a transitional phase of life. This study explored the lived experiences of young adults participating in pro-bono, occupational therapy student-run life skills group program through the Bear Paw Center at Western New England University. The purpose was to gather the perceptions …

Effects Of Reducing Pain And Muscle Tension And Improving Daily Functional Performance Through Myofascial Decompression On The Muscles Within The Cervical Spine Region, Kaeli Serafino

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

"The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of myofascial decompression to reduce pain and muscular tension in the neck to enhance participation in daily activities and overall quality of life. The study looks at the effectiveness of this modality when applied twice per week for four weeks, with a two-week intermission between the first and last two weeks, to a sample of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Western New England University. This study utilizes self-report measures including the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (QOL-BREV), Wong Baker Pain Scale, and pain logs to assess the …

Citing Chatgpt And Other Generative Ai Tools In Student Research, Alicia Carlson, Globe U.S. Coordination Office

Resources

No abstract provided.

Sugar And Spice: Sex, Money, And Social Media, Rachel Elizabeth Davis

Theses and Dissertations--Sociology

Interest in transactional sex, or the provision of a sexual relationship in exchange for gifts and/or money, has increased in recent years among researchers, nongovernmental organizations, and law enforcement officials as increasing numbers of women self-identify as hypergamous, indicating their interest in forming heterosexual partnerships with men of higher status. Hypergamous women may identify as sugar babies, spoiled girlfriends, or high-value women. A sugar baby is a woman providing romantic companionship to an older man, known as a sugar daddy, in exchange for money and/or gifts. A spoiled girlfriend is a woman whose partner provides her with money and/or gifts …

Parenthood, Mental Health, And Intergenerational Adversity: Exploring Gender Role Ideologies, Household Composition And Work-Family Conflict, Ashley Vowels

Theses and Dissertations--Sociology

To date, research at the intersections of parenting, stress, gender, and mental health has yielded complicated and inconsistent results. The objective of this dissertation was to deepen our understanding of how parenting stress contributes to the mental health of both parents and their children, especially within the context of balancing work and family responsibilities. A three-study approach was used to assess differences by sex, gender role ideology, and household composition. Additionally, it explored the impact of parents’ characteristics on their children’s well-being in adulthood.

This project utilized secondary data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID). Multivariate regression analyses …

Therapeutic Inertia In The Pharmacologic Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Investigation Of Causes And Recommendations For Change, Kelly Walton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a pervasive chronic condition and a serious global health issue. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) comprises approximately 90-95% of all DM cases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). The prevalence of T2DM has risen rapidly over time; in fact, the number of adults diagnosed with T2DM over the past 20 years has more than doubled (CDC, 2022). T2DM currently affects an estimated 462 million people globally (equal to 6.28% of the world’s population), including more than one out of every 10 Americans (American Diabetes Association [ADA], 2018; CDC, 2022; Khan et al., 2020). In …

Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Qualitative Study Exploring Factors In Vaccine Decision-Making In Parents Of School-Aged Children, David Misslbeck

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: As of May 3, 2023, within Washington state, of those aged 5-11 years old only 36.8% having received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and only 32.3% are fully vaccinated. Since October 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer-BioNTech has been approved for everyone ages 5 years and older. Current recommendations encourage parents to vaccinate their children in this age group, but it is possible Washington parents have some reservations or other difficulties with choosing to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore what factors influence parents of Washington state when …