The Role of Self Esteem Upon the Recovery of Eating Disordered Patients

Eating disorders such as anorexia-nervosa, bulimia-nervosa, and binge-eating disorders are detrimental to overall health and well-being. The demands of beauty ideals and attitudes impact young adults negatively as they attempt to meet societal beauty standards. The need for approval, fitting in with the community, and confidence drive the behaviors of people in negative ways. In recent years, the modernization of social media has contributed to dieting cultures, the thin ideal, harmful weight-loss practices, and the cycle to use the body as a means to control or repent. External factors affect the risk of eating disorders which contribute to the challenge of recovery from eating disorders. The definition of recovery is individualized, and it is important to understand the complexity of the experiences of an individual. Eating disordered patients and their ability to seek help is mediated by both internal and external factors that affect their portrayal of themselves and others. This perception is mediated by self-esteem levels that have been influenced by relationships, social media, and the definition of recovery. Self-esteem is a predictor of the length of time and quality of recovery in patients. This study aims to conduct surveys and interviews to determine self-esteem levels, disordered eating attitudes, and their effects upon each other during recovery from eating disorders. Additionally, awareness of food stigmatization, the impact of social, family, and relationship factors, and supports and barriers to recovery will be explored. The research question of “What is the role of self-esteem in the recovery from eating disorders and how is self-esteem recovered in these stages?” plays an important role in determining what factors support eating disorder recovery, the recovery journey, and influence disordered eating

Development and Validity Analysis of the Pragmatic Assessment of Role Transition and Onboarding for Midwives (Parto-M) Instrument: An Exploratory Study

This exploratory study addressed the significant gap in research regarding the transition of newly qualified midwives to practice. The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to identify the areas of strength and domains of challenge for new graduate midwives in their role transition to independent practice. The study sought to answer the following research questions: Q1 What is essential to measure in an instrument assessing what is necessary for a new midwife to successfully bridge from education to orientation and onward after evaluation by new graduate midwives and subject matter experts? Q2 What is the calculated content validity index (CVI) of the Pragmatic Assessment of Role Transition and Onboarding for Midwives (PARTO-M) instrument as rated by the subject matter experts? The first phase entailed the creation of the PARTO-M instrument, which was constructed by leveraging an extensive literature review, the core competencies of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the International Confederation of Midwives, and the researcher’s expertise as a midwife educator and midwifery practice director. The second phase focused on the assessment of the instrument\u27s face and content validity. This phase involved deploying surveys to subject matter experts and new graduate midwives to gather critical feedback. The study involved two samples—17 subject matter experts and 14 new graduate midwives, which were considered adequate for the determination of content validity and avoiding chance agreement. The final phase of the study was dedicated to a thorough data analysis, refinement of the tool based on the data and feedback received, and ensuring the instrument\u27s relevance, clarity, and applicability in real-world settings. There were seven domains of the instrument: outpatient skills, outpatient management, inpatient skills, inpatient management, orientation and onboarding, role transition, and midwifery demographics. Data analysis involved calculating the item content validity index and the scale content validity index (S-CVI) in each domain of the instrument. Significant content validity indices were achieved for the majority of instrument items. Per Polit et al. (2007), the S-CVI is significant if it is 0.90 or greater. The overall instrument S-CVI for relevance was significant with S-CVI of 0.953 for the subject matter experts and 0.908 for the new graduate midwives. Despite the overall high content validity, some items required refinement. For instance, the relevance S-CVI for the domain of outpatient skills did not meet the threshold of significance for either sample at 0.894 for both. During the survey process, qualitative insights reinforced the quantitative data. For example, the need for robust orientation programs and effective mentorship was repeatedly underscored by both new midwives and subject matter experts. Participants highlighted professional challenges such as imposter syndrome and burnout, advocating for more structured support, and training during the transition period. Through comprehensive analysis and iterative feedback, the PARTO-M instrument was validated, resulting in a foundational tool that paves the way for future research aimed at enhancing midwife role transition and retention. By addressing the systemic issues and providing a validated tool for assessing the transition experience, this study contributed valuable insights and a new instrument that could inform the development of supportive structures and interventions for new midwives

Investigating the Influence of Experimental Parameters on the Formation of Gold Nanoparticles: A Green Synthesis and Design of Experiments Approach

This thesis examines the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using catechin, a naturally occurring plant-derived compound, as both a reducing and capping agent. The synthesis process was guided by a structured Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology to ensure systematic investigation and optimization. A two-phase experimental approach was adopted. First, a full factorial screening design was used to evaluate the effects of catechin concentration, NaOH concentration, and pre-reaction time. This was followed by an optimization phase using a face-centered composite design to identify conditions that produce nanoparticles with ideal characteristics. The nanoparticles were analyzed using UV-visible spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS), which provided data on surface plasmon resonance (SPR λmax), hydrodynamic diameter (Z-average), and polydispersity index (PDI). The screening results identified NaOH concentration, along with its interaction with catechin concentration, as key variables influencing nanoparticle formation. Mechanistic interpretation suggested that higher alkalinity improves catechin’s effectiveness in reducing gold ions, thereby facilitating nanoparticle formation. These findings were confirmed in the optimization phase, where NaOH emerged as the most influential factor. The model also predicted optimal conditions that would produce small, uniform particles with low PDI values. However, these conditions have not yet been experimentally tested. A comparison of two synthesis approaches, based on the order of reagent mixing, showed that adding catechin to NaOH before combining with the gold solution led to more reliable and stable nanoparticle formation. In contrast, the opposite sequence, introducing NaOH to the gold solution before adding catechin, often failed, especially at low concentrations. When a delay (pre-reaction time) was introduced to the alternative synthesis procedure, the results of the gold nanoparticles were larger-sized nanoparticles. This suggests that both reagent order and timing significantly affect the outcome. In conclusion, the purpose of this study is to synthesize and optimize the production of gold nanoparticles using catechin and NaOH under environmentally friendly conditions through a combination of screening and optimization experimental designs. This study also highlights how both the chemical environment and mixing sequence impact nanoparticle quality

What Are the Preferred Delivery Modes for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Insomnia Treatment Among Adults with Chronic Insomnia Disorder?

Sleep difficulties are one of the most common complaints for adults in primary care and mental health centers. Chronic insomnia is a serious condition that could significantly impact overall health and well-being, as well as personal and social life. Assessing individual receptiveness and preference for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-I treatment delivery mode could increase their utilization of CBT-I, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. The purpose of this scholarly project was to determine the receptivity to and delivery preferences for CBT-I among adults with chronic insomnia. The following project question guided this study: Q1 How receptive to and what are the preferred delivery modes (face-to-face, via internet program, or smartphone app) for cognitive behavioral therapy-insomnia (CBT-I) treatment among adults with chronic insomnia disorder? This descriptive, non-experimental evidence-based practice project could describe adults\u27 preferences if they were given options for treatment modalities for their insomnia. The survey used for this scholarly project was the Treatment Acceptability and Preferences measure developed in 2009 by Dr. Souraya Sidani. It was updated to the Treatment Perceptions and Preference measure in 2018. Using the theory of planned behavior as a framework for project development could assist healthcare providers in understanding and assessing an individual\u27s attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and intention to participate in cognitive behavioral therapy for treating insomnia. This approach ultimately aimed to improve sleep outcomes. The data analysis results showed that 20.7% of participants preferred face-to-face CBT-I delivery, 10.3% preferred an internet program and 69% preferred a smartphone app. Providers could improve therapy outcomes for chronic insomnia patients by personalizing CBT-I delivery based on individual receptivity and preferences, thus increasing health equity and access to care

Copyright and Academic Writing

Real students. Real graduate works. Real examples. When graduate students discover copyrighted materials fundamental to their own research projects, how do they legally and ethically incorporate those materials into their own works? Join us to review examples of copyrighted materials that were used in graduate works. We\u27ll analyze examples of fair use, instruments, social media posts, and more. For this session, we are partnering with GradCO, a collaboration of universities across Colorado designed to deliver a variety of high-quality professional development workshops, information sessions, and trainings to our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Register at https://forms.office.com/r/UEg5uJ7sS

Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Need for Patient-Focused Care

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is an acute auditory condition marked by the rapid onset of hearing loss, often without an identifiable cause, termed idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The estimated incidence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss is 5 to 20 per 100,000 adults. Anatomy and physiology of the ear highlights the important mechanisms in the ear that are involved in sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Including the type of hearing loss, (sensorineural), and the importance of the cochlear blood supply. The anatomy and physiology of the ear is the foundation for understanding the pathophysiology and various potential mechanisms, including vascular compromise, viral infections, and cochlear membrane disruption. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss has diverse audiometric presentations and prognostic factors, such as variations in audiogram configurations, initial symptoms, and timing of treatment on recovery outcomes. Current treatment options include corticosteroids and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Audiologists play a crucial role in SSNHL management through diagnostic evaluation, patient monitoring, and rehabilitation, working in tandem with physicians to follow professional guidelines. Effective patient care requires a blend of informational and emotional counseling in order to address both technical and psychological aspects of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The Four Habits model emphasizes empathy and patient-centered communication, improving outcomes by focusing on understanding the patient’s perspective and emotional needs. For improved diagnostics, treatment, and patient-centered care there needs to be standardization within the literature for definitions and clinical guidelines. There also needs to be future research on a patient’s quality of life and the psychological impacts of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. This manuscript provides a literature review on sudden sensorineural hearing loss as well as clinical insights and patient-centered approaches for healthcare providers to optimize patient outcomes with timely interventions and effective counseling strategies

Adv_Assessment2_From Vision to Reality: Aligning PLOs with Curriculum & Assessment

Learn how to bridge the gap between program learning outcomes (PLOs), curriculum design, and assessment to create a cohesive and effective learning experience. This session will provide practical strategies for ensuring alignment that supports student success and meaningful program improvement

The Influence of Mental Illness Stigma on Juror Decision-Making

The current study examined the influence of a defendant’s mental illness diagnostic labels on mock jurors’ decision-making in a hypothetical criminal case. Due to the present stigmatization of mental illness in the United States, it was hypothesized that if a criminal defendant of a violent crime were given a mental illness diagnosis, specific labels would significantly impact jurors’ perceptions of guilt. Specifically, it was predicted that defendants diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) or borderline personality disorder (BPD) would have more guilty verdicts in comparison to a control. In contrast, those diagnosed with schizophrenia would receive fewer guilty verdicts compared to a control. Participants read a vignette describing a fictional robbery and aggravated assault case, where the defendant was labeled with one of the three diagnoses or had no mental illness description. After reviewing the vignette and jury instructions, participants rendered a verdict. Results revealed no statistically significant correlation between diagnostic labels and verdicts given

Beg_Assessment2: Crafting Effective PLOs: Clear, Measurable, and Meaningful

Explore best practices for designing Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) that are clear, measurable, and meaningful. This session will provide practical strategies to ensure PLOs align with institutional goals, support student success, and facilitate effective assessment

The Missing Void: Lack of Pockets in Womenswear and its Effect on Daily Life

Pockets give power to people who possess them. Yet, an estimated half of the U.S. population —women— frequently wear garments lacking useful pockets. Why? Womenswear is molded by beauty standards. This study brings an anthropological perspective on gender inequality in the U.S. by examining modern clothing and the differences in pocket access by gender. 127 participants were recruited for a mixed methods survey, most from a medium-sized university in the Mountain West region. Survey questions explored the attitudes and experiences of people who wear women’s clothing regarding pockets (or the lack thereof) and its impact on their daily lives. Open-ended questions were assessed qualitatively using manual coding, exploring thematic patterns through a gender lens. The main themes discovered was participants belief that lack of pockets in womenswear stems from aesthetic expectations in fashion and the assumed want or use of purses. Other qualitative themes showed accessibility of useful pockets in womenswear is impacted by capitalism, sexism, sexualization of female bodies, fashion industry decisions, forced reliance on companions with pockets, men’s expectations, historical values influencing modern clothing, and the devaluing of essential items carried by women. Quantitatively, three multiple-choice questions were examined. Two questions were analyzed using the two tailed, Mann-Whitney U test where no statistical significance was found, and one question was inspected using descriptive analysis. The lack of pockets in women’s clothing is felt daily by people who wear the style, yet little action has been taken on an industry-wide level to reverse this inconvenient absence in womenswear