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Anemia In Pregnant Women: Findings From Kuwait Birth Cohort Study, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Ali H. Ziyab, Majeda S. Hammoud, Reem Al-Sabah, Saeed Akhtar

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background Anemia is the most common hematologic disorder in pregnancy, affecting over one-third of pregnant women globally. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women and its associated factors in the Kuwait Birth Cohort study.

Methods The Kuwait birth cohort (n = 1,108) was a prospective study in which pregnant women were recruited during their second or third trimester. Data were collected through personal interviews during antenatal care visits, including data on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Blood samples were analyzed under strict quality control to measure various laboratory indicators. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) < 110 g/L. Predictors of anemia were categorized as underlying or direct factors, and logistic regression models were used to investigate their association with anemia.

Results …

Frailty And Sleep In Adult Survivors Of Childhood Cancer: A Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Report, Lauren C. Daniel, Margaret M. Lubas, Huiqi Wang, Mariana Szklo-Coxe, Kirsten K. Ness, Annalynn M. Williams, Daniel A. Mulrooney, Rebecca Howell, Wendy Leisenring, Yutaka Yasui, Leslie L. Robinson, Gregory T. Armstrong, Eric J. Chow, Kevin R. Krull, Tara M. Brinkman

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background

Young adult survivors of childhood cancer exhibit rates of frailty similar to adults several decades older without a cancer history. Frailty has been associated with sleep disturbances in non-cancer populations, but the relationship has not been examined in childhood cancer survivors who are known to exhibit elevated rates of sleep problems.

Aims

Examine associations between frailty and poor sleep quality in long-term survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods

This study utilized data from 9044 participants (> 5 years from diagnosis, M(age) = 40.8 years [SD = 9.5]) in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Survivors' frailty status, chronic health conditions (CHC), …

Consumption Of The Food Groups With The Revised Benefits In The New Wic Food Package: A Scoping Review, Qi Zhang, Priyanka T. Patel, Bidusha Neupane, Caitlin M. Lowery, Futun Alkhalifah, Faezeh Mahdavi, Esther May Sarino

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: On 18 April 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the first food package changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in over a decade, which reduced some food benefits (juice, milk, canned fish, and infant fruits and vegetables) and offered substitutes (cash-value vouchers (CVVs) or cash-value benefits (CVBs) to redeem for fruits and vegetables, cheese, soymilk, or other dairy products). Methods: To assess the impact of the changes on the consumption and redemption of these food groups, a systematic search was conducted, identifying 23 peer-reviewed publications between 2010 and 2024. …

Analyzing The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention Mortality Data Using Weekly Exceedance In Mortality Count And Weekly Change In Mortality Indicator: A Time Series Study, Aditya Chakraborty, Mohan D. Pant

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background and Aims

Cause-specific mortality (CSM) count prediction plays a vital role in the context of public health policy. In this study, we introduce a new analytical approach, which is divided into three phases to answer specific questions regarding CSM due to 14 specific causes by computing different simple, compound, and conditional probabilities.

Methods

A multivariate time series forecasting model was developed using the CDC weekly mortality count data. A binary data matrix was constructed for 14 causes of death (COD) as a function of weeks by combining the observed and forecasted mortalities. We introduced two new concepts: Weekly Exceedance …

A Modern Optimization Approach With Data-Driven Analytical Modeling For The Healthcare Business Segment (Hbs) From The S&P 500, Aditya Chakraborty, Chris Tsokos

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Introduction: The S&P consists of eleven business segments, which are classified according to the type of industry. The current study focuses on developing a non-linear analytical model for the Healthcare Business Segment (HBS) of the S&P 500, as a function of different economic & financial indicators. Materials and Methods: The analytical model used six financial indicators together with four economic indicators to predict the weekly average closing price (WCP) of HBS stocks. Johnson’s SB transformation corrected skewness, while desirability-based optimization identified indicator values maximizing WCP. The model’s performance and generalizability were validated through repeated 10-fold cross-validation. Results: All attributable contributors …

Pediatric Cancer Incidence, Temporal Trends, And Mortality In The United States By Health Disparities Indicators, Seer (1973-2014), Prachi P. Chavan, Laurens Holmes Jr.

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Pediatric cancer incidence has been increasing in the United States, despite improvement in pediatric cancer survival. This steady increase in incidence trends is not completely understood but maybe associated with social and environmental factors. In this study we aimed to assess the cumulative incidence, temporal trends, and mortality rates in pediatric cancer. Additionally, we examined sub-group variability in both incidence and mortality rates. Methods: Data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) −18 from 1973–2014 were used for the purpose of analysis in this study. Age-adjusted incidence rates were used to assess temporal trends in cancer among children aged < 1–19 years. Univariable and multivariable binomial regression models were used to examine the association between race and cancer mortality while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: There were 92,594 cancer diagnoses during this period. White children comprised 74,758, (80.7%), black children 10,030, (10.8%), and other races 6648, (7.2%). Overall the age-adjusted cumulative incidence was slightly higher among white children (16.4%) than black children (12.4%) and other (13.0%). Children aged 15–19 years and those in metropolitan regions were more likely to be diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Relative to females, males were 16% more likely to die from the disease [adjusted Risk Ratio (aRR): 1.16, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.09–1.22]. Additionally, compared to white children, black children had higher mortality rates [(aRR): 1.37, 99% CI: 1.23–1.52]. Conclusions: There is an increasing trend in pediatric cancer incidence; while white children have the highest incidence, black children and males indicated a survival disadvantage, indicative of racial and sex variability in overall pediatric cancer in the United States.

Psychometric Validation Of Eq-5d-5l In Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury In China, Haixia Xie, Qi Zhang, Rong Jin, Jianhui He, Xinxing Hu, Yixuan Zhang, Xiaoping Shao, Xiaohong Li, Hua Zhai, Fengshui Chang

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objectives

The EQ-5D is a brief measure for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but chronic spinal cord injury (CSCI) related psychometric evaluation of the EQ-5D-5L has not been explored. We conducted a validation study on the Chinese version of the EQ-5D-5L for individuals with CSCI in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center. The floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, test and retest reliability, discriminatory power (only for EQ-5D-5L), convergent validity (using Spearman correlation coefficients), and known-group validity of the EQ-5D-5L and visual analog scale (VAS) were analyzed.

Results

A total of 271 …

The Impact Of Technological Innovations On Consumer Behavior In E-Commerce: A Systematic Review, Yue Wang, Jianzheng Shi, Terence T. Ow, Jia Yun, Yuanyu Yang

Management Faculty Research and Publications

This study systematically reviews the literature on the impact of technological innovations in e-commerce on consumer behavior, using the SPAR-4-SLR methodology and TCCM framework. It consolidates research across various technologies, including websites, social media, live streaming, AR/VR, and AI. The analysis reveals a growing interest in this field post-2017, with a focus on websites and social media, but highlights a research gap in emerging technologies. Key theoretical frameworks are identified, emphasizing the need for integration to comprehensively understand consumer behavior. The review maps out antecedents, mediators, moderators, and outcomes, stressing the importance of longitudinal studies and advanced analytics. This approach …

Comparison Of Diabetes Education Content Experienced By Blind And Nonblind People With Diabetes, Nazanin M. Heydarian, Qusay Hussein, Zully Guerra, Bhumi Patel, Allyson S. Hughes, Julia E. Blanchette, Yessenia Castro

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

This survey sought to examine disparities in diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) to illuminate gaps underlying morbidity and mortality disparities experienced by blind people with diabetes and develop a pathway for improved health care delivery and health outcomes. Blind participants were more likely to report getting DSMES on strategies to promote treatment adherence and noncompliance with medical regimen; yet, blind and nonblind participants did not differ on primary care provider visits or amount of time spent in diabetes education. These findings suggest that DSMES content may differ for blind versus nonblind participants.

Diabetes Care Disparities In Deaf/Hard Of Hearing And Blind/Low Vision Populations, Allyson S. Hughes, Karissa Mirus, Nazanin M. Heydarian, Michelle L. Litchman

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

Purpose of Review

Describe the connection between Deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) and diabetes, explain the bidirectional relationship of blind/low vision (BLV) and diabetes, characterize challenges DHH and BLV populations face when seeking healthcare regarding their diabetes management. Highlight the inaccessibility of diabetes technology in these populations. Provide best practices when communicating with DHH and BLV people in the clinical setting.

Recent Findings

Diabetes disparities exist in DHH and BLV populations due to systemic barriers to health equity related to access and communication. Structural barriers, risk factors, social determinants of health, and the U.S. healthcare system do not support the DHH …

Predictors Of Donor-Site Wound Complications Following Fibula Free Flap Reconstruction, Soroush Ershadifar, Angela Colback, Ugur Nur Basmaci, Machelle Wilson, Andrew C Birkeland, Dustin A Silverman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: The fibula free flap (FFF) remains the workhorse flap for head and neck defects necessitating osteocutaneous reconstruction. Although lower extremity angiography, ultrasound (US), and other vascular studies are routinely used for fibula assessment and patient selection, predictors of donor-site morbidity following harvest remain poorly understood. We sought to investigate the factors associated with FFF donor-site complications.

Study design: Retrospective analysis of patients at a tertiary care center.

Setting: Tertiary care center.

Methods: In total, 119 patients undergoing FFF reconstruction during the years 2012 to 2022 were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of soft-tissue donor-site …

Delayed Newborn Bathing To Increase Breastfeeding, Nadia Martino, Amanda Bace, Carrie Moneysmith, Mary Brooks, Shelly Wu, Wala Safi

Nurse Residency Posters

Facilitator: Ellie Barte, RN

Reducing Falls In Hospitalized Adults With The Use Of Bed Alarms, Tracy Hock Bsn,Rn, Marzane Hawthorne Rn, Prabesh Acharya Bsn,Rn, Megan Kuck Bsn,Rn, Jonna Hicks Bsn,Rn

Nurse Residency Posters

Facilitator: Megan Sowder

Grant Medical Center

Occupation-Based Activities For Neuroatypical Adults In Inpatient Settings, Kim Miller, Angelina Mills, Latasha Sheets

Nurse Residency Posters

Facilitators: Melissa Harper and Donita Warren

OhioHealth O-Bleness Hospital

Promoting A Culture Of Well-Being On A Nursing Unit, Jayla Campbell Rn, Jessica Detty Rn, Rebekah Krider Rn, Abby Winegardner Rn

Nurse Residency Posters

Facilitator: Ellen Villalobos

OhioHealth Berger Hospital

The Caseload Chronicles: Investigating The Case Manager Role Through The Perspectives Of Current Special Education Teachers, Khalil Milad Abouhamad

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Teacher attrition and resulting shortages have become severely problematic across the United States. This is especially true within special education. This study employs role theory (Kahn et al., 1964) to isolate the case manager role carried by special education teachers, investigate it through the stories of current practitioners, and establish it within academia. Burnout theory (Maslach, 1993) provides a lens through which to evaluate the strain of working conditions surrounding the case manager role. Elements of narrative inquiry (Clandinin, 2006; Creswell & Guetterman, 2019) in the form of 1-1 interviews with current IEP case managers from across California provided the …

A Qualitative Inquiry Of Adult English Language Instructor Experiences Fostering Inclusion, Community Building, And Student Motivation, Kathrene Marie Razo

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

By Kathrene Marie Razo

University of the Pacific

2025

The central focus of this inquiry is on understanding adult English instructor experiences fostering inclusion, community building, and student motivation in the language classroom. In addition, it highlights contextual background relative to common life barriers faced by the adult English language learner population as they relate to an immigrant’s journey of establishing themselves in a new land.

Furthermore, this inquiry was prompted by a need to gain a clearer understanding of the best practices that are revealed by educators’ shared lived experiences to assist in the support of learners in …

Professional School Alumni Donor Motivations For Making Charitable Bequest Gifts To Their Alma Mater, James A. Dugoni Edd

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Professional School Alumni Donor Motivations for Making Charitable Bequest Gifts to Their Alma Mater

Abstract

By James A. Dugoni

University of the Pacific 2025

This study explored the reasons University of the Pacific (UOP) professional school alumni in the fields of dentistry, law, and pharmacy have chosen to make charitable bequest gifts to their alma mater. The study looked at their student, alumni, and donor experiences to determine the factors that motivated them to leave a charitable bequest gift. The study further analyzed how social exchange theory can explain their planned giving behaviors. This study contributes to the body of …

Gadd34 And Crep Regulation In The Unfolded Protein Response, Comparing Molecular Mechanisms In Humans And Zebrafish, Angela Adams

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

In eukaryotic cells, many newly synthesized proteins are sent to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of a cell to be folded into the proper conformation for functionality. When proteins get misfolded, or cannot be folded fast enough, these proteins accumulate in the ER which causes the cell to become stressed. This leads to a process known as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). Once UPR has been initiated, the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) becomes phosphorylated to inhibit global protein synthesis within the cell, while simultaneously activating the expression of several genes to either aid in cell recovery or …

Mentors’ Experiences Supporting Beginning Teachers Of Students In High-Needs, Urban Schools, Guy Lamont Ollison

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Research has consistently demonstrated the positive impact of mentoring on beginning teachers. However, it has also been revealed that teachers serving students in highly-diverse, high-needs, urban, low-income schools often receive inadequate, inconsistent, and low-quality support. In fact, studies indicate that the overall quality of support provided to beginning teachers is closely linked to the income level of the student population they serve (Alkins et al., 2006; Mizrav & Lachlan-Hache, 2019). A lack of meaningful mentor support can negatively affect the learning outcomes of marginalized students of color.

The purpose of this basic qualitative study, guided by a phenomenological approach, was …

Understanding Self-Efficacy And Motivation In Elementary Teachers: The Influence And Support Of School Administrators, Maria Vigil

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Teachers’ attrition is commonly seen within the first five years in the profession. Various reasons exist as the cause for this decision including: low pay rates, lack of support and stress. With the important role educators hold, a clear understanding of their specific needs can help strengthen their abilities while remaining in the field. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to understand teachers’ perspectives of what influences their self-efficacy and motivation in order to promote strong work performance, effectiveness, increase teacher satisfaction and retention rates while highlighting the impact of support provided by school administrators. The research questions …

Effects Of Cross-Sex Hormone Therapy (Csht) On Aortic Reactivity And Metabolic Parameters In Gonadectomized Male And Female Rats, Rifat Ara Islam

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

With the rising awareness, the number of individuals identifying themselves as transgender in the US is increasing over the years. Cross-sex hormone therapy (CSHT) may alter cardiometabolic parameters leading to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in transgender population. However, the underlying mechanisms of impaired cardiovascular functions in transgender female (male to female, MtF) or transgender male (female to male, FtM) individuals are not well documented. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2)- and testosterone propionate (Tes)-treatment on key cardiometabolic parameters and aortic reactivity in castrated (CAS) male and ovariectomized (OVX) female Sprague Dawley (SD) …

Knocking On Resistance’S Door: Investigating The Spread And Drivers Of Kdr Mutations In Northern California Culex Tarsalis, Esther Blankenship-Cutshall

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Vector-borne diseases are an increasingly relevant threat to public health as climate change alters the ecology of vector populations in relation to humans. One key to combating vector-borne disease is using pyrethroid insecticides against mosquito populations. However, wild mosquito populations have exhibited resistance to those key pyrethroids. One resistance mechanism under investigation is the altering of the voltage-gated sodium channel, which is associated with the genetic mutations known as kdr. The prevalence and history of kdr mutations has been investigated in some populations of Culex pipiens, however, it is unknown in northern California Culex tarsalis populations. This study aims to …

From Street Codes To School Codes: Transformative Educational Intervention For Gang Affiliated Student. An Active Research Study, Alexandra Saldivar

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Gang-affiliated youth face significant challenges in educational and community settings, often resulting in lower graduation rates, limited career opportunities, and an increased risk for behavioral problems. While gang activity on school campuses has increased in recent years, there is limited research and little effort specifically tailored to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the WhyTry intervention, a resilience-focused program designed for at-risk populations, modified with additional counseling and a gang-intervention emphasis to address the unique challenges gang-affiliated students face. The study explores whether the modified WhyTry program can improve academic performance, …

And Yet She Persisted: An Autoethnographic Exploration Of A Mature Doctoral Student Experiencing Grief And Loss During The Doctoral Journey, Jenny Masterman Abbott

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This evocative autoethnographic study explored the lived experiences of a mature doctoral student navigating grief and loss while progressing through a doctoral program. The research connected the personal narrative of the author a nurse, educator, wife, mother, and widow to broader themes of resilience, identity, and persistence in higher education. Using narrative inquiry and self-reflective vignettes, this dissertation sought to illuminate how grief intersects with academic life, shaping both personal meaning and scholarly perseverance.

The study was guided by four research questions: (1) What does it mean for the mature doctoral student to be successful in negotiating the doctoral journey …

A Look Into A Great Coach: Qualitative Study Of Post-Game Talks Of A Highly Successful Volleyball Collegiate Coach, Daniel Nobuo Llarenas

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the post-game talks of a highly successful collegiate coach. A total of 19 post game talks were audio recorded during the 2012 championship season of the University of California Irvine (UCI) Men’s Volleyball team. Coach John Speraw; an American Caucasian Division I Men’s Collegiate Volleyball coach and was the Head coach during the 2012 season. Post game talks were recorded with intentions of assessing content and transcribed verbatim with the average length of each talk was 7 minutes and 23 seconds (4:36 – 23:04 mins). Analyses of the transcripts revealed 2 …

The Comstock Act’S Equal Protection Problem, Danny Y. Li

Michigan Law Review Online

Following its victory in Dobbs, the antiabortion movement has set its sights on a national abortion ban. Affiliates of the second Trump Admin- istration—including the vice president-elect—have endorsed the re- newed enforcement of the 1873 Comstock Act as one avenue for implementing such a ban. This Essay argues that contemporary enforce- ment of the Comstock Act as a national abortion ban would be unconsti- tutional. The Act violates the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection guarantee because it was enacted with the discriminatory purpose of in- hibiting illicit sex to promote women’s sexual purity. Only contemporary reenactment of the law without constitutionally …

The Federal General Counsel, Law, And Our Democracy At A Crossroads, Seth Frotman

Michigan Law Review Online

This speech, given by the general counsel of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on January 7, 2025, examines how federal government lawyers can help ensure that laws are faithfully administered to address the contemporary challenges facing American citizens. Despite the CFPB’s successes in protecting consumers from predatory financial practices—particularly amid the rapid digital transformation of the economy—undemocratic forces have increasingly rigged the legal system to serve as both sword and shield for the powerful. The speech describes how judge-made doctrines like “major questions” have been weaponized to disempower Congress from writing statutes with enduring relevance. These challenges represent an …

The Perceptions Of Principals And Faith Leaders Regarding The Transmission Of Presentation Charism In Australian Presentation Schools, Gemma Louise Thomson

Theses

This purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of Principals and Faith Leaders regarding the transmission of Presentation charism in Australian Presentation schools. In particular, the study investigated how Principals and Faith Leaders perceive the nature of Presentation charism, as well as how it is evidenced in their leadership approaches in Catholic schools in the Presentation tradition. Furthermore, the study explored the perceptions of Principals, Faith Leaders and Presentation Sisters of what is required to formally and informally transmit the Presentation charism in Australian Presentation schools. The study’s review of literature identified four areas of literature that formed …

The Changing Nature Of Outdoor Play Spaces In West Australian Primary Schools: An Exploratory Case Study. Exploring Play Opportunities, Design And Utilisation Of An Intentionally Designed Nature Play Space (Idnps)., Catherine Fitzhardinge

Theses

The development, wellbeing and learning of children is of global importance; opportunities that promote healthy childhood development have long lasting social and economic impacts. Play is the primary occupation through which children develop; nature play provides opportunities for physical, cognitive, social and emotional skill development. West Australian (WA) schools are installing intentionally designed nature play spaces (IDNPS) to support outdoor play opportunities and connection to nature. However, there is little contextual evidence regarding how these spaces are designed and utilised to support child development, wellbeing and learning.

This exploratory, mixed methods case study examined how children aged 4-7 years old …