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Breakfast In Schools: Literature Review
Full text linkBreakfast is recommended as part of a healthy diet because it is associated with healthier macro and micronutrient intakes, BMI, and lifestyle. Breakfast is also widely promoted to improve cognitive function and academic performance (Hoyland et al., 2009). Yet, according to Hayes and FitzSimons (2024) in the 2021-2022 school year, 51.9 out of every 100 students picked up breakfast, while in the 2022-2023 school year that decreased to 50.9 out of every 100 students. That is a decrease of 1.2 million children for the school year not receiving school breakfast that had the year prior. Hearst et al. (2017) discovered common hurdles K-12 students must overcome: delayed drop off/ bus arrival, not being hungry, limited time to eat, and the likeability of breakfast options. This literature review is going to explore the question: What are the benefits for students who participate in the School Breakfast Program (SBP)?
In 2019, the School Breakfast Program (SBP) served close to 15 million children on average daily, and 85 percent of those breakfasts were to low-income students for free or for a reduced price (Guthrie, 2021). A school-based policy, such as breakfast after the bell (BATB), and environmental change intervention, such as cafeteria staff engagement with the student population, like National School Breakfast Week activities and special menu items, can successfully reduce perceived barriers to eating school breakfast. These same initiatives can also improve students\u27 classroom behavior and nutrition and diet quality (Olarte et al., 2023). While there is a positive trend in classroom behavior there are split results on positive effects on academic performance.
Exploring the themes of breakfast and its relationship to student behavior and performance, accessibility of said breakfast, and lastly the nutritional value to the student is imperative to the success of that child through their school career and beyond
Restrictive Masculinity and Depression
Full text linkRestrictive masculinity contains rigid traditional norms that reinforce emotional suppression, dominance, and self-reliance, contributing to poor mental health outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine if belief in restrictive masculinity norms was associated with depressive symptoms in young adults. A survey of n=1008 young adults (18-25 years old) living in Rhode Island was completed. Restrictive masculinity was measured using a 12-item questionnaire, and depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item CES-D10. Logistic regression models, stratified by sexual/gender status, were used to estimate the main effects, after adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, and relative social status. Overall, 45.4% of participants screened positive for depression. The stratified logistic regression models suggest that higher restrictive masculinity scores are associated with greater odds of screening positive for depression (OR[95%CI]=1.05 [1.01,1.10]), but only among cis-gendered heterosexual males. Secondarily, higher relative social status was protective against screening positive for depression but only among cis-gender heterosexual females (OR[95%CI]=0.81 [0.70,0.93]) and participants identifying as a sexual or gender minority (OR[95%CI]=0.74 [0.66,0.83]). Expanding access to mental health screening and targeted education is essential and integrating these into community settings can improve mental health outcomes and societal acceptance of diverse masculinities
Building Adolescent Wellness through Fitness
Full text linkNeurodivergent (ND) adolescents are less physically active than their typically developing (TD) peers. Challenges associated with ND include low self-confidence, high anxiety, impaired social skills, or unwillingness to try new things, which can impact engagement. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to reduce many of these difficulties, having a positive impact on TD peers. (Soga et al., 2015). Current programs available for adolescents that focus on PA are competitive and can increase anxiety. The prevalence of ND conditions continues to rise, so it is crucial to support the social-emotional wellness of ND adolescents. Use of PA can improve independence and strengthen transitions into adulthood (Lee et al., 2020). This scoping review aimed to gather information from existing literature on the effects of PA on ND adolescents and to investigate the types of PA interventions currently used. Ten articles were retrieved through the search process. Major themes included both participant and parent-reported outcomes. Amongst the studies, participants demonstrated or described improvements in stereotypic behavior, social-emotional behavior, executive functioning, attention, and motor abilities, and parents reported that their child demonstrated improvements in social skills, self-esteem, peer relationships, and communication (Smith et al., 2013; Benzing & Schmidt, 2019; Mebler et al., 2018; Bremer et al., 2016; Hoza et al., 2015; Sun et al., 2022; Bustamante et al., 2016)
The Disconnect Between Real Policing and Television
Full text linkCrime television shows portray a certain image of police officers that can either hurt or improve their public image. This study explored the evolution of the portrayal of law enforcement in fictional television shows compared to real world work. The investigator’s primary research was to watch two episodes from six different crime series and analyze how each show portrayed homicide and kidnapping cases. Secondary research was to interview police officers on how cases, like those depicted in the shows, are truly investigated and solved. The findings suggest that crime shows often mislead audiences and skew the public’s opinion of police officers. In these shows, gender demographics in law enforcement are often unbalanced. They portray the officers as heroes who can do it all, capable of solving crimes in one day. However, the interviewed officers revealed that real cases can take anywhere from several months to over a year to solve. The investigations in television are straightforward, ignoring the tedious work of law enforcement. Technology does not produce high speed answers, as forensic analysis can take weeks to complete. Criminal investigations take months to go through the legal system, from gathering evidence to conducting interviews. Investigators often work on multiple cases simultaneously and often work with specialists who help investigate and solve the case
Feeding the Incarcerated
Full text linkThe project is a basic outline of how the mental health of prisoners and the nutritional value of prison food is impacted by budget constraints. Nutritional value and quality of the food provided to incarcerated individuals impacts them physically and mentally. Research shows that budget constraints impact the quality and nutritional value of the food. This project focused on necessary improvements to the food quality while keeping the budget low and cost-effective. The outcome of this project is to make a difference with the nutrition and budget of the food being supplied for incarcerated individuals
A Path to Wellness & Connection for Adolescents
Full text linkAdolescents face unique emotional and social challenges that increase their susceptibility to social anxiety. Traditional talk therapy often fails to engage them, highlighting the need for alternative approaches suited to their developmental stage. Creative expression—through drawing, painting, and digital art—provide a safe, nonverbal outlet for self-exploration, allowing adolescents to externalize fears and self-conscious thoughts. This process promotes emotional regulation, enhanced coping skills, boosted self-confidence, and reduces social anxiety symptoms.
This presentation summarized research on the effectiveness of creative expression in adolescent mental health counseling. It highlighted how expressive arts enhanced self-expression, reduced anxiety, and strengthened interpersonal connections, demonstrating their value as a holistic, developmentally appropriate treatment approach.
Various creative art forms were integrated into therapy to alleviate social anxiety and distress. Group creative activities encouraged social interaction and collaboration, helping adolescents develop empathy, improve communication, and build meaningful relationships. Shared art-making fostered a sense of community, reducing isolation and social withdrawal, which were closely tied to social anxiety. Additionally, creative expression empowered adolescents by offering structured yet flexible self-expression, complementing traditional therapy
Pomegranate Peel Powder as Preservative in Muffins
No full textThis research examined the development of Pomegranate Peel Powder (PPP) muffins as a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional bakery products. The study aimed to assess the formulation, sensory acceptance, and nutritional benefits of incorporating PPP into muffins. Pomegranate peel is known for its high antioxidant content and dietary fiber, making it a valuable ingredient in functional food development. The research explored the impact of PPP on the texture, flavor, and overall consumer preference. Analytical methods, including proximate analysis and sensory evaluation, were employed to determine the feasibility of these formulations. The findings contribute to the growing field of functional and plant-based food innovation, offering insights into enhancing product appeal while maintaining nutritional integrity and sustainability. This study underscores the potential of fruit by-product utilization in addressing food waste and improving the nutritional profile of bakery items
Project Curl Brand Identity & Website Design
Full text linkThis project was completed in collaboration with a JWU student from the entrepreneurship program as part of the Design Team I class. The objective was to develop a brand identity and fully designed website prototype for ProjectCurl, a startup focused on providing affordable and unique hair care solutions for college students with curly hair using a personalized hair quiz to recommend products.
The project covered the full branding process, including logo development, wireframing, and the creation of a comprehensive website prototype. Throughout both the branding and website process, there was consistent feedback and rounds of revisions, which allowed the design to evolve. Throughout the process, the design team maintained consistent client communication to ensure the design aligned with the founder’s vision, giving the design team a real-world experience with a client.
Each team member had a designated role in the project, such as leading the branding process and establishing the overall look and feel of the company, the art direction of the website design and the overall user experience and guiding the layout and visual structure and hierarchy through a fully developed Figma prototype. This project provided valuable experience in client collaboration, brand creation, and digital design execution, a process similar to the professional design world
Unraveling the Impacts of Online Secondhand Resellers on Brick-And-Mortar Thrift Stores
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to provide insight into the current online controversy debating the effects of online secondhand resellers on brick-and-mortar thrift stores. While this debate has been featured in consumer media sources (e.g., Heydari, 2022), there is a lack of scholarly research on this topic. This study seeks to fill that gap by examining the effects of online secondhand resellers on brick-and-mortar thrift stores, particularly concerning price increases, product availability, and quality of items. Online qualitative surveys and interviews were conducted to develop an understanding of the perceptions on this topic held by both online resellers and thrift store employees. Resellers were recruited through social media and provided the survey link to take at their convenience. Thrift store employees were recruited through Instagram, LinkedIn Messaging, and in-person recruitment. Ultimately, two in-person interviews were completed, as well as 15 online surveys. Coding and thematic analysis were utilized to determine the impacts of the data collected. Analysis suggests a minimal perceived connection between online resellers and rising thrift store prices and decreasing quantity and quality. However, the limitations of this study (e.g., a small sample, qualitative data focusing on perceptions, unknown demographics of respondents) make it so that no firm conclusions can be drawn. Further research will need to be conducted