Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Power Of Meaningful Learning Moments: Relationships In Academia, Jillian Bollinger, Ots, Rebecca Loughran, Ots, Alexandria Krasin, Otd, Otr/L, Madison Via, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Otr/L, Cla, Chse

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

• The demanding nature of graduate-level coursework creates rigorous academic environments that can strain student-faculty relationships.¹⁻⁶
• Graduate students often come from diverse backgrounds, which shape their approaches to coursework, classroom engagement, comfort in accessing resources, and relationship-building with faculty.⁴
• In such settings, faculty may question students' academic integrity, potentially undermining mutual trust and camaraderie.¹
• However, fostering a culture of expressed gratitude in academia can help students acknowledge the meaningful contributions faculty make to their education while enhancing their learning and behavior. This, in turn, enhances faculty motivation and may reduce burnout.2,³,⁶
• By encouraging gratitude in academic environments, institutions can strengthen …

A Clinical Practice Guideline For Managing Gastrointestinal Toxicities Related To Glp-1ra And Gip/Glp-1ra Medications, Lindsay Williamson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The project is a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for managing Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities related to Glucagon-like Peptide-Receptor Agonist 1 (GLP-1RA) and Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/Glucagon-like peptide-1Receptor Agonist (GIP/GLP-1RA) medications. Many patients are seeking weight loss with these agents, which cause GI toxicities that lead prescribers to have patients remain at lower doses that are sub-therapeutic or discontinue therapy. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are prescribing these therapies for patients and lack an evidence-based CPG for properly managing the most common GI toxicities. APRNs can successfully monitor and manage GI symptoms to promote tolerability and treatment adherence. The project question focuses on …

Cancer Screening Disparities Among Women With Disabilities In The United States, Kathleen Young

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Breast and cervical cancer screening reduces mortality; however, women with disabilities and mental health challenges experience persistent disparities in access to preventive services. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationships between self-reported serious difficulty hearing, serious difficulty seeing, and frequent mental distress with breast (mammogram) and cervical (Pap test) cancer screening use among women in the United States (mammogram model, n = 844; Pap model n = 774), using the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System dataset. The social-ecological model provided the framework. Two logistic regression models were conducted, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, income, marital …

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Prevention Staff Education For Medical- Surgical Nurses, Grace Ann Abustan Porciuncula

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Background: CLABSIs remain a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs, particularly in hospitalized patients requiring long-term vascular access. Despite established guidelines, inconsistent adherence to central line dressing change protocols persists within the DNP project organization, often due to insufficient staff knowledge and variability in practice. This practice gap increases the risk of catheter site contamination and leads to preventable CLABSI events, creating a clear need for intervention. Method: A designed educational program that integrated interactive lectures, case studies, and simulation-based activities. A pre- and post-intervention assessment to measure changes in participants’ knowledge and self-reported confidence in applying …

Psychoeducation For Community Support Workers To Decrease No Call And No-Show Rates In An Outpatient Mental Health Facility, Promise Lum Ngongwashi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Missed appointments remain a critical issue in health care, as they contribute to poorer patient health outcomes, treatment discontinuity, and increased system costs. Improving staff knowledge in this area is essential for ensuring timely, equitable, and effective patient care. This doctoral project was a staff education initiative designed to enhance community support workers (CSWs’) knowledge of methods for encouraging patient adherence to clinic appointments through psychoeducational training. The practice problem addressed was the inconsistency in staff use of evidence-based strategies to motivate and support patients in maintaining clinic attendance. The practice-focused question guiding the project was: Does psychoeducation improve CSWs’ …

Hiv/Aids Among Young People In South Sudan: Assessing Misconceptions About Transmission, Healthcare Access, And Cultural/Religious Factors, John Valent Abore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be a significant public health challenge among young people in South Sudan (SSD). Despite global efforts to curb the spread of HIV, misconceptions about HIV transmission, barriers to access to healthcare services, and cultural/religious factors that affect the epidemic persist in South Sudan, and it is not obvious how these factors interact to impact outcomes. This quantitative cross-sectional study investigated whether there is a relationship between misconceptions about HIV transmission and HIV/AIDS status and whether access to healthcare and cultural/religious factors mediate this relationship among young people (aged 18–35) in SSD. A secondary data analysis …

Perceived Gaps In Preparation For Pathology Residency And Opportunities For Improvement, Barbara Knollmann-Ritschel, Julie Karp, Stephanie Barak, John Childs, Kristen Johnson, Amanda Lofgreen, Mary Berg, Satyapal Chahar, Hailey Gosnell, Cindy Mccloskey, Balaram Puligandla, Kristie White, Bronwyn Bryant

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

The transition from medical school to residency is both a transformative and a challenging process. International literature suggests that there are known or perceived gaps in preparation for residency training in many areas of medicine. However, in the current published literature, there is no discussion of perceived gaps existing in pathology residency preparation. This study surveyed both pathology residency program directors and first-year pathology residents about the knowledge of pathology and basic medical skills residents received in medical school, perceptions about readiness for pathology residency, and perceived gaps in preparation for pathology residency that could be addressed. This survey found …

Nurse Residency Program: Improving Staff Awareness Through Education, Cynthia Kay Butterman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Across the health care continuum, organizations face persistent nursing shortages and the challenge of integrating novice nurses into clinical practice, often with limited skills and underdeveloped critical thinking abilities. Nurse residency programs have been integrated by many facilities to provide support for new novice nurses in transitioning from academia to the professional nursing role. This quantitative, quasi-experimental research project was conducted at a community-based hospital with an existing 8- to 10-week nurse residency program that had very limited stakeholder involvement. The purpose of the project was to create an educational training module for key stakeholders to strengthen awareness of why …

Perspectives Of Nursing Faculty On The Barriers, Opportunities, And Teaching Strategies For Developing Peer Feedback Skills Among Entry-Level Nursing Students, Anna Kornienko

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Peer feedback benefits nursing education and practice by fostering collegial relationships and promoting the quality of care, yet students often lack training to engage effectively. While existing research has examined student perspectives, the experiences and strategies employed by nursing faculty remain underexplored. The purpose of this qualitative study, guided by the student feedback literacy framework, was to explore the perspectives of nursing faculty on the barriers, opportunities, and strategies for developing peer feedback skills among undergraduate nursing students. Seventeen Canadian nursing faculty participated in semi-structured virtual interviews. Analysis revealed five themes that aligned with the study’s three foci: strategies (a) …

Staff Education To Enhance Therapeutic Communication In Community Clinic Settings, Marian Allen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

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Female Cardioprotection In A Mouse Model Of Alcohol-Associated Cardiomyopathy, Joshua M. Edavettal, Meagan Donovan, Nicholas R. Harris, Xavier R. Chapa-Dubocq, Keishla M. Rodríguez-Graciani, Janos Paloczi, Liz Simon, Bysani Chandrasekar, Jason D. Gardner

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Chronic alcohol misuse is the leading cause of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of alcohol-associated cardiomyopathy (ACM), particularly regarding sex-specific susceptibility and mitochondrial contributions, are not fully known. In this study, we utilized a preclinical model of chronic + binge ethanol consumption to investigate sex differences in disease severity and mitochondrial function. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed ethanol or control liquid diets for 30 days, with 2 binge episodes on days 10 and 30. Cardiac morphology was assessed via echocardiography and cardiac function via left ventricular pressure-volume catheterization. Mitochondrial function was evaluated ex …

Bifurcated In-Stent In Situ Technique For Creation Of A Bifurcated Bridging Stent-Graft System To 2 Target Vessels Using A Single Directional Branch: A Report Of 2 Cases, Gustavo Paludetto, Lethicia Mesquita, Bruno Pagnin Schmid, Lucas Ruiter Kanamori, Dora Babocs, Thanila A Macedo, Gustavo S Oderich

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: The objective of the study is to describe a novel bifurcated in-stent in situ technique (BIS2T) for creation of a bifurcated bridging stent-graft system to target 2 vessels using a single directional branch during complex endovascular aortic aneurysm.

Technique: The technique uses 3 balloon-expandable stent-grafts. The first supporting stent-graft is deployed from the directional branch into the first target vessel or aneurysm sac. A reentry catheter is used to create an in situ fenestration in the first stent-graft, which is predilatated with a 3 mm 0.014 inch angioplasty balloon. This is exchanged for a 0.035 inch 5 Fr catheter …

Development Of A Digital Career Literacy-Based Gamification Application To Improve Career Readiness Of Students With Special Needs, Agus Afriliyanto, Vesti Dwi Cahyaningrum, Ratna Wulandari, Mohamad Da'i

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

The development of digital technology has opened up new opportunities in education, including for students with special needs who often face obstacles in acquiring career skills, resulting in low career literacy and impacting their career readiness. This study aims to develop a digital career literacy-based gamification application as an innovative learning medium to improve the career readiness of students with special needs, with a scope covering design, development, and testing in accordance with their cognitive characteristics and learning needs. The study used a simplified Borg & Gall R&D model consisting of five stages, involving 30 students with special needs from …

International Conference On Dentistry, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

The Difference Between The Total And Differential Leukocyte Counts In Patients With Symptoms Of An Infection And Healthy Patients, Valon Durguti, Agnesa Hasangjekaj, Norma Budima Basha

UBT International Conference

Infections are one of the most common reasons for seeking medical help and the accurate identification of their nature, bacterial or viral – remains a key step in determining the appropriate treatment. This study work, which was part of a bachelor’s degree thesis of a UBT student from the medical-biochemistry program, aimed to analyze in a laboratory way the total and differential number of leukocytes from the blood of patients with symptoms of an infection, comparison with healthy patients, and how much these analyses can help in clinical diagnosis. The study was conducted at the biochemical and hematological laboratory “NORMA” …

An Overview On Chemical Profile For Oil And Alcholic Tinctures Of Rosmarinus Officinalis Plants, Blerina Xhaferaj, Anila Kripa, Sokol Kocia, Lindita Vrushi, Kozeta Vaso, Aurel Nuro

UBT International Conference

This study shown data on chemical profile for oil and alcoholic tinctures of Rosmarinus officinalis cultivated populations from Durres area. Rosemary is an essential perennial aromatic, evergreen shrub belonging to the family Lamiaceae and indigenous to the Mediterranean region. This plant has branches full of green leaves that exude a characteristic fragrance. For this is widely used in culinary. Rosemary is used since ancient times in traditional medicine because of its vital health effects. Rosemary is a popular and versatile, medicinal plant, and is often used in tinctures and other home remedies. It can be used to treat respiratory infections, …

Consanguinity And Rare Genetic Disorders: Epidemiology, Case Studies, And Clinical Implications, Yllka Gashi, Anjeza Temaj, Erda Aliu, Sefedin Bilalli, Driton Selmani, Gazmend Temaj, Nexhibe Nuhi

UBT International Conference

Consanguinity, defined as reproductive unions between closely related individuals, considerably increases the probability of offspring inheriting rare autosomal recessive (AR) disorders. This review explores the effects of consanguinity on the incidence, complexity, and spectrum of inherited diseases, emphasizing rare genetic syndromes within diverse populations. Consanguinity rates vary significantly by region, directly influencing the prevalence of founder mutations and specific AR diseases. In-depth literature review and case analyses—including Joubert syndrome, mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), epidermolysis bullosa (EB), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)—underscore the increased phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity within affected groups, often resulting in blended or unusually severe disease manifestations. Recent molecular techniques, …

The Most Frequent Subjective Complaints Of Pregnant Women Regarding Their Periodontal Health, Mihajlo Petrovski, Lumturie Asllani Hashani

UBT International Conference

The periodontal status is one of the most important segments of oral health during pregnancy. Based on the possible connection between pregnancy and periodontal health, as well as the large number of complaints by pregnant women about their periodontal health, the main goal of this investigation was set - to assess the subjective complaints related to periodontal conditions among pregnant women. To fulfill the goal of the research, an anonymous survey on 40 pregnant women was conducted. Based on the processed data, most of the subjects complained of gum-bleeding during brushing teeth and fetor ex ore, as well as dental …

Phytotherapeutic Potential Of Lawsonia Inermis And Juglans Regia In Dermatologic Care: Enhancing Patient Adherence And Outcomes Through Community Pharmacy Practice, Dafinë Kastrati Zejnullahu, Emine Daci Zejnullahi

UBT International Conference

Eczema and superficial mycoses are common, chronic dermatologic conditions that affect quality of life. Conventional therapies may cause side effects and resistance. This prospective observational study evaluated a topical emulsion containing Lawsonia inermis and Juglans regia in a community pharmacy with pharmacist-led interventions. Seventy-three adults applied the emulsion for up to 21 days. Significant improvements in erythema, scaling, and pruritus were observed, particularly in cases of chronic eczema. No adverse events occurred. Pharmacist counseling improved adherence and reduced corticosteroid use. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of phytotherapeutics and emphasize the evolving role of community pharmacists. Further randomized trials are …

Ribosome Biogenesis, Ribosomal Protein Alterations, And Tumor Suppressor P53 In Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms And Therapeutic Opportunities, Mendorr Xharra, Yllka Gashi, Anjeza Temaj, Erda Aliu, Sefedin Bilalli, Driton Selmani, Shefki Xharra, Kumrije Xharra, Gazmend Temaj, Nexhibe Nuhi

UBT International Conference

Ribosomes, as essential cellular machines for protein synthesis, are tightly regulated in normal cells but become dysregulated during cancer development, contributing to uncontrolled proliferation and biomass accumulation. Increased ribosome biogenesis and mutations in ribosomal proteins are hallmark features of many cancers. These alterations often lead to ribosomal stress, triggering p53-mediated cellular responses, a key tumor suppressor pathway frequently mutated or inactivated in malignancies. Advances in understanding ribosome-related molecular pathways have paved the way for novel anti-cancer therapies targeting ribosome biogenesis, ribosomal protein function, and associated signaling cascades. Additionally, the formation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) contributes to tumor heterogeneity …

Radon Concentration Measurements In Some Enclosed Environments In The Gjilan Region, Lulzim Thaqi, Inesë Basha

UBT International Conference

The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of radon (²²²Rn) in 31 locations, including schools, public buildings, and private residences in the municipalities of Gjilan, Kamenica, and Viti, to compare the results with international standards and identify potential public health risks. Measurements were conducted during May–June 2025 using the portable AMES PRM-145 device, which detects alpha radiation through scintillation cells. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, calculating the average radon concentration and the annual effective dose according to UNSCEAR and ICRP (2009) models. The results revealed elevated concentrations in several sites, with the highest …

Rare Case Of Acute Haemorrhagic Rectal Ulcer Case Report, Zaim Gashi, Valon Hamza

UBT International Conference

Acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer (AHRU) is a relatively rare disease that can lead to massive hematochezia. It presents as a sudden and brisk painless bleed that is common among elderly patients who have chronic conditions such as coronary artery diseases associated with the use of anti-platelets, diabetes mellitus, hypoalbuminemia, liver diseases, sepsis, stroke, and chronic renal failure on hemodialysis. Here, we report a first case of acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer in our country, with the above-mentioned risk factors and succsessfully endoscopic hemostatic treatment via dual combination therapy wich consist in dilute epinephrine injection and clipsing with finally achieved hemostasis from …

International Conference On Applied Medicine Nursing, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

Ai In Dentistry: Human Insight Powered By Intelligent Tools, Diella Uka

UBT International Conference

Artificial intelligence is shifting routine dentistry from manual interpretation to datadriven care. Vision algorithms now screen panoramic and cone-beam CT images in seconds, flagging caries, periapical lesions, and anatomical landmarks with specialist-level accuracy. Predictive models merge these findings with electronic records to forecast implant stability or periodontal risk before symptoms arise, enabling earlier, patient-specific interventions. Realworld studies report shorter chair time, more consistent diagnoses, and clearer patient communication when dentists use AI-annotated images at the point of care. Progress brings responsibility. Models trained on narrow datasets can overlook certain ages or anatomies; performance may drift as imaging protocols evolve; and …

Evaluation Of Dental Arch Width And Its Correlation With Gender And Age In Adolescents With Early Permanent Dentition, Delvina Panxhaj, Jeta Kubati Kiseri

UBT International Conference

The development of the dental arch during adolescence represents a crucial period for shaping the orofacial structure and orthodontic planning. The main objective was to assess whether significant differences exist in these parameters depending on gender and age.In this study, conducted at the University for Business and Technology (UBT) in Pristina, the morphometric dimensions of the mandibular arch—specifically intercanine width, intermolar width, and arch length—were analyzed in a sample of 40 dental study models. Participants were divided into two age groups: the first group included study models of children aged 1213, and the second group included those aged 13–14; in …

The Impact Of Health System Digitalization On Advancing Oral Public Health In Kosovo, Shqipe Hyseni Buleshkaj, Naser Rugova

UBT International Conference

Digitalization of health systems has emerged as a transformative force in improving healthcare delivery and accessibility worldwide. In the context of Kosovo, where oral public health faces challenges such as limited preventive programs, low awareness, and restricted access to specialized services, digital health solutions can play a key role in advancing both efficiency and equity of care.This study explores the impact of health system digitalization on advancing oral public health in Kosovo, with a focus on identifying opportunities, challenges, and perceptions among key stakeholders.A qualitative research design was applied, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to three groups of respondents: (1) …

Revolutionizing Dentistry With Artificial Intelligence, Dugagjin Sokoli, Genc Demjaha, Vlora Berisha, Teuta Komoni, Arta Gjikolli, Krenare Mehmeti, Saranda Dermaku, Donika Arifi

UBT International Conference

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into dentistry represents a paradigm shift in diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. Traditional approaches to radiographic interpretation, implantology, and prosthodontics, while effective, are inherently limited by inter-operator variability, time constraints, and the complexity of patient-specific factors. Recent advances in AI, including machine learning, deep learning, and predictive analytics, provide tools capable of analyzing large, complex datasets with precision and consistency beyond human capability. This paper aims to critically examine the role of AI in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and optimizing treatment planning in dentistry. A comprehensive literature review highlights AI’s significant contributions across three main …

Effective Control Of Hypertension With Single-Pill Combination Antihypertensive Drugs, Belma Gjergjizi Nallbani, Ali Nallbani, Gentiana Balaj

UBT International Conference

Arterial hypertension is a major global health concern, often requiring effective management strategies to reduce cardiovascular risks. This study underscores the clinical effectiveness of Single Pill Combination (SPC) therapy in managing hypertension among patients previously on monotherapy or suboptimal treatment regimens. Although BMI and comorbidities such as dyslipidemia were prevalent, they did not consistently predict treatment response—highlighting the complex interplay of factors influencing blood pressure outcomes. Although there was variation in how each patient responded, SPC therapy generally led to better control of blood pressure. Further research is still needed to understand what other factors may influence the success of …

International Conference On Pharmaceutical And Natural Sciences, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Enhancing Public Awareness And Communication On Indoor Radon Risk, Margarita Kuqali, Ylli Kaçiu, Gazmend Nafezi, Frank Holzwarth

UBT International Conference

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer, particularly among non-smokers. Despite its health risks, public awareness of indoor radon exposure remains low in many countries, including Kosovo. Traditional risk communication often struggles to engage diverse populations or adapt to modern digital habits. This paper explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance radon awareness through intelligent communication tools. Natural language processing (NLP) and AI-powered chatbots can deliver instant, personalized, and accessible information tailored to different languages, literacy levels, and cultural contexts. Additionally, sentiment analysis of social media can detect misconceptions and …