Exploring the efficacy of evidence-based practice within public mental health agencies

The aim of this project was to explore the efficacy of evidence-based practice within public mental health agencies. It is hoped that this research project will create dialog surrounding evidence-based practice as well as push for a more clear understanding of it and its implementation in public mental health agencies

The effect of insect herbivory on the growth and fitness of introduced Verbascum thapsus L.

A majority of the plant species that are introduced into new ranges either do not become established, or become naturalized yet do not attain high densities and are thus considered ecologically and economically unproblematic. The factors that limit these relatively “benign” species are not well studied. The biotic resistance hypothesis predicts that herbivores, pathogens and competition reduce growth and reproduction of individual plants and so suppress population growth of non-native species. We explored the effect of insect herbivory and surrounding vegetation on growth and fitness of the non-native biennial plant Verbascum thapsus (common mullein) in Colorado, USA. Mullein is widespread in its introduced North American range, yet is infrequently considered a management concern because populations are often ephemeral and restricted to disturbed sites. To evaluate the impact of insect herbivores on mullein performance, we reduced herbivory using an insecticide treatment and compared sprayed plants to those exposed to ambient levels of herbivory. Reducing herbivory increased survival from rosette to reproduction by 7%, from 70–77%. Of plants that survived, reducing herbivory increased plant area in the first year and plant height, the length of the reproductive spike, and seed set during the second year. Reducing herbivory also had a marked effect on plant fitness, increasing seed set by 50%, from about 48,000 seeds per plant under ambient herbivory to about 98,000 per plant under reduced herbivory. Our findings also highlight that the relationship between herbivory and performance is complex. Among plants exposed to ambient herbivory, we observed a positive relationship between damage and performance, suggesting that, as predicted by the plant vigor hypothesis, insect herbivores choose the largest plants for feeding when their choice is not restricted by insecticide treatment. In contrast to the strong effects of experimentally reduced herbivory, we found that cover of other plants surrounding our focal plants explained relatively little variation in performance outcomes. Overall, we found that herbivore-induced impacts on individual plant performance and seed set are substantial, and thus may help prevent this naturalized species from becoming dominant in undisturbed recipient communities

Senior Recital: Hannah Norton, mezzo-soprano

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Bachelor of Music in Performance. Ms. Norton studies voice with Dr. Nathan Munson.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/2344/thumbnail.jp

No Man is an Island: Group-based versus Individualized Education for Diabetics

No Man is an Island: Group-based versus Individualized Education for Diabetics By Hannah Christopher, RN Alexandra Norton, RN Elissa Charron, RN The University of North Georgia About 25 million, or 8.3% of Americans, have diabetes. Diabetes leads to problems such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, amputations, and more. The current prevention, treatment and education system is fragmented which reduces the effectiveness of self-management skills as well as increases complications and healthcare costs. This evidence-based project seeks to determine whether group-based or individualized education is more beneficial in improving the health of patients with diabetes. Review of the literature from MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ProQuest databases resulted in 10 relevant studies. Results from Cochran Reviews, meta-analysis and RCTs indicate group education leads to improvements in clinically important health outcomes and self-management skills for diabetics as well as a reduction in healthcare costs. Nurses need to advocate for revamped training in diabetes education as well as creating and expanding community based education programs to create a standard of care. Keywords: Diabetes, group education, individual education, self-management, evidence-base

Assessment of and Response to Data Needs of Clinical and Translational Science Researchers and Beyond

Objective and Setting: As universities and libraries grapple with data management and “big data,” the need for data management solutions across disciplines is particularly relevant in clinical and translational science (CTS) research, which is designed to traverse disciplinary and institutional boundaries. At the University of Florida Health Science Center Library, a team of librarians undertook an assessment of the research data management needs of CTS researchers, including an online assessment and follow-up one-on-one interviews. Design and Methods: The 20-question online assessment was distributed to all investigators affiliated with UF’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and 59 investigators responded. Follow-up in-depth interviews were conducted with nine faculty and staff members. Results: Results indicate that UF’s CTS researchers have diverse data management needs that are often specific to their discipline or current research project and span the data lifecycle. A common theme in responses was the need for consistent data management training, particularly for graduate students; this led to localized training within the Health Science Center and CTSI, as well as campus-wide training. Another campus-wide outcome was the creation of an action-oriented Data Management/Curation Task Force, led by the libraries and with participation from Research Computing and the Office of Research. Conclusions: Initiating conversations with affected stakeholders and campus leadership about best practices in data management and implications for institutional policy shows the library’s proactive leadership and furthers our goal to provide concrete guidance to our users in this area

Can You Credit This? A Credit-Bearing Information Literacy Course for Graduate Health Science Students

Objective: University of Florida HSCL librarians have long offered information-related instruction through guest lectures in the programs they serve and stand-alone workshops; however, librarians had not taught any credit-bearing courses focused on information literacy prior to 2016. To more fully integrate information-related skills into curricula, librarians developed a one-credit course for graduate students, initially targeting those in basic science programs but expecting that its modular format would allow easy adaptation for other health science programs. After two successful semesters teaching this course, librarians adapted the instructional content to an audience of graduate students in the College of Public Health and Health Professions. Methods: The basic science version of the course covered literature searching, bibliographic citation software, basic NCBI resources, funding sources, data management, and information ethics. In transforming the class for health professional students, librarians replaced the genetic and genomic resources sessions with introductory sessions on systematic reviews and grey literature. Conceptual material fit mapped well to the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Framework. Health professions PhD program coordinators provided feedback on the syllabus and helped inform students about the course. Results: Formal student evaluation data is not yet available; however, informal feedback indicated that the course was incredibly valuable for doctoral students; one student even suggested making the course required. Student quiz scores and class discussion revealed that the choice of topics resonated with students, captured their interests, and fulfilled a need not met by their other courses. Conclusions: Developing and teaching a credit-bearing graduate course on information-related topics is one mechanism for librarians to further integrate into the curricula of their programs and broaden their reach. A course that has been developed and approved by a specific campus unit may prove relevant to other units and easily customized to fit their needs, thus increasing its impact

Physico-chemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of gelatin-chitosan based films loaded with nanoemulsions encapsulating active compounds

The aim of this research was to develop and characterize gelatin-chitosan (4:1) based films that incorporate nanoemulsions loaded with a range of active compounds; N1: canola oil; N2: α-tocopherol/cinnamaldehyde; N3: α-tocopherol/garlic oil; or N4: a-tocopherol/cinnamaldehyde and garlic oil. Nanoemulsions were prepared in a microfluidizer with pressures ranging from 69 to 100 MPa, and 3 processing cycles. Films were produced by the casting method incorporating 5 g N1,2,3,4/100 g biopolymers and using glycerol as a plasticizer, and subsequently characterized in terms of their physico-chemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed for all films in terms of moisture content (18% w/w), and thermal properties. The films' solubility in water and light transmission at 280 nm were considerably reduced as compared to the control, N1 (15% and 60% respectively) because of the nanoemulsion incorporation. The film loaded with N1 showed the greatest (p < 0.05) opacity, elongation at break and stiffness reduction, and was the roughest, whilst the lowest tensile strength and ability to swell were attained by films loaded with N3 and N4, respectively. DSC and X-ray analyses suggested compatibility among the biopolymeric-blend, and a good distribution of nanodroplets embedded into the matrix was confirmed by AFM and SEM analyses. Films loaded with nanoencapsulated active compounds (NAC) were very effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and also showed high antioxidant activity. Overall, the present study offers clear evidence that these active-loaded films have the potential to be utilized as packaging material for enhancing food shelf life

Assessments for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Functional Cognition: An Evidence-Based Practice Project

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project addressed the following question: What occupational therapy and interdisciplinary assessments are currently used and have the best psychometric characteristics and are most effective for screening or evaluating functional cognition of individuals with mild cognitive impairment and measuring the outcomes of intervention programs for mild cognitive impairment