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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SLEEP, AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG COGNITIVELY IMPAIRED OLDER ADULTS WITHOUT DEMENTIA
Depressive symptoms are commonly experienced by older adults experiencing cognitive decline or dementia symptoms. Research is sparse in understanding modifiable drivers of depression among older adults with or without dementia. The current study examines the interplay between insomnia, physical activity, and depressive symptoms among cognitively impaired individuals without dementia. We performed a hierarchical regression analysis to investigate these relationships using the Health and Retirement Study (n=1208). Depressive symptoms and insomnia are based on the self-report, and a negative binomial model to evaluate these relationships with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals examined this interaction. Holding everything else constant, we found that the level of insomnia is positively associated with the level of depressive symptoms in older adults. The results of the interaction terms suggest that the relationship between insomnia and depressive symptoms varies by physical activity but not gender
The Relationship of Uncertainty in Illness and PTSD Symptoms in Adult Patients with Chronic Lyme Disease
To assess the prevalence of and relationship between uncertainty in illness and PTSD in the population of adults with chronic Lyme disease (CLD). Design: Quantitative, cross sectional Setting: Online, social media, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Participants: A total of 231 participants who identified as having CLD. Most of the participants were college-educated, Caucasian females from the United States with ages ranging 18-75. Methods: Anonymous surveys were distributed through Lyme disease groups on social media. Results: Key findings were the significant prevalence of uncertainty in illness and PTSD in CLD patients sampled and a positive linear relationship between these two factors in this population. Conclusion: Individuals living with contested illnesses such as CLD are at a higher risk of experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which are risk factors for PTSD. The study population reported high rates of trauma and betrayal related to interactions with medical providers, symptoms of illness, and social interactions. The results of this study demonstrated high prevalence of PTSD and uncertainty in illness within the study population of adults with CLD, as well as a moderate positive relationship between PTSD and Uncertainty in Illness. Patients with CLD require competent and compassionate medical care including regular screenings for PTSD
Religious Queer Trans-Nationalism: A Zine and Theory
From the author:
The relationship between religion and its institutions, sexuality, and gender is both historically and personally complex, and the intricacy and discourse between these constructs disproportionally affects religious queer and transgender communities.
The Divine Transgender concept, embraced by a growing community of proudly religious trans and gender non-conforming people, views bodies that identify with these categories as enlightened to break down restrictive gender binaries and undergo a spiritual self-realization process in the form of transition, becoming closer to God during the journey. This zine aims to creatively and imaginatively manage these relationships and educate about the ways religions have affirmed and embraced queer identities historically.https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/student_zines/1012/thumbnail.jp
Childhood Adversity, Resilience, and Achievement Levels
The current study aims to evaluate the potential effect of preterm birth, low birth weight, or adverse childhood experiences on subsequent academic achievement, psychological distress, and resiliency levels. A total of 240 (including 52 formerly premature infants) participants enrolled in colleges across the United States completed an online survey. Participants were asked to report demographics and complete various measures which include physical symptoms, interpersonal support, adverse childhood experiences, measures of achievement, psychological distress, and resiliency. The primary analyses results indicate that preterm birth was correlated with depressive symptoms, but not with academic achievement or resilience. Additionally, low birth weight was associated with academic achievement measures in high school, but not college, and increased depressive symptoms. However, low birth weight was not associated with resilience levels. Adverse childhood experiences were positively correlated with achievement measures in high school and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Adverse childhood experiences were not associated with resilience levels. These findings provide preliminary evidence that early birth complications and adverse childhood experiences can have a profound impact on subsequent academic achievement and psychological distress in adolescence and young adulthood. Further research into preterm birth and low birth weights effects on resilience levels should continue to be explored
Realizing the Right to Food in Maine: Insights From International Law
In November 2021, Maine made history as the first U.S. state to constitutionally recognize the right to food. Maine’s right to food amendment— which sought to address widespread food insecurity and corporate control of the food supply—proclaims food as a “natural, inherent and unalienable right,” and empowers Mainers to grow and consume food of their own choosing, affirming their right to food sovereignty. This Article makes three key contributions to scholarly examinations of this historic amendment. First, it situates the amendment within the broader landscape of domestic and global struggles for the right to food and food sovereignty. Second, the Article considers how the right to food framework under international human rights law can help define the normative content of Maine’s newly affirmed constitutional right, and the state’s corresponding obligations to uphold that right. Third, the Article proposes legislative and policy reforms to help realize the right to food in Maine, while also considering potential challenges. The Article concludes that despite these challenges, the right to food amendment carries the potential to ensure lasting food security in Maine, while shifting the balance of power in the food system
On the Human Right to Healthy Menstruation
This short essay introduces the Bellagio Declaration on the Human Right to Healthy Menstruation, a statement signed by an interdisciplinary group of academics, artists, policymakers, clinicians, and practitioners in 2024. The Declaration frames the human right to healthy menstruation as including (1) non-discrimination on the basis of menstruation; (2) dignity in all matters related to menstruation; (3) access to facilities, resources, and supplies that facilitate the management of menstruation in a manner that is affordable and safe and that fosters a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment; (4) lifelong access to timely and medically accurate information about all aspects of menstruation; (5) lifelong access to informed and affordable menstruation-related health care; and (6) menstruation-related privacy, including privacy protection for menstruation-related data. The Declaration immediately follows
Impact of Training on Employee Motivation and Performance in the Sports Industry
This study explores the crucial relationship between employee training and its influence on motivation and performance within the sports industry, focusing on insights from Athletic Directors within the Pace University Athletic Department. Through three comprehensive, in-depth interviews with these key stakeholders, the study aims to discern the effects of targeted, effective training and clear goal setting on employee motivation and performance outcomes. The insights gathered from the Athletics Directors at Pace University reveal a strong correlation between well-designed, efficient training programs and heightened motivation. When training initiatives are aligned with clear objectives and goals, employees exhibit increased levels of enthusiasm, commitment, and job satisfaction. Importantly, these motivated employees consistently achieve performance levels that exceed expectations, showcasing the profound impact of strategic training on work effectiveness within the sports sector.
This study emphasizes the importance of investing in tailored training programs that align with both organizational objectives and individual needs. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on training’s pivotal role in shaping employee motivation and driving exceptional performance in the competitive realm of the sports industry
THEY “EYEBALLED” THE RIVER AND BUILT THE DAM: LESSONS FROM THE HIDROTAMBO DAM FLOOD DISASTER TO GUIDE IMPROVEMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT LAW IN ECUADOR
Ecuador is a trailblazer in human and environmental rights. The country enshrined in its 2008 Constitution the human right to water and the right to live in a healthy and ecologically balanced environment. It was also the first country in the world to recognize nature as a subject of rights in and of itself. However, the Ecuadorian legislature has failed to fully recognize these rights in the country’s civil law codes. This article explores the shortcomings of Ecuadorian law on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and proposes modifications to better ensure the protection of international and constitutional human and nature’s rights through the EIA process. Part I describes the environmental review process for the San José del Tambo hydroelectric project and the dam’s socio-environmental impacts in the Dulcepamba watershed over the past two decades. Part II examines international and domestic law governing environmental review and identifies gaps in the Ecuadorian EIA law that hinder the protection of human and nature’s rights. Part III recommends several legal reforms to the Ecuadorian EIA law, “CODA,” which will allow for protection of human and nature’s rights, thereby reducing socio-environmental harm from hydroelectric and other projects in marginalized rural communities. In a period of Ecuadorian history marked by feverish attempts to develop and extract the country’s natural resources, the need for enhanced EIA standards is urgent and essential to realize the rights of marginalized rural communities and of nature
When to Save the Baby: A Fundamental Conditions Approach
Parents and physicians often grapple with the agonizing decision of whether to continue life-sustaining treatment for critically ill infants. In this paper, we introduce a novel framework called the Fundamental Conditions Approach (FCA) to guide these difficult choices. Building on S. Matthew Liao’s work, the FCA evaluates whether an infant possesses or can develop the fundamental capacities necessary for engaging in basic activities that constitute a good life. These capacities include the ability to think, respond to facts, develop interpersonal relationships, and interact with one’ environment. We argue that if an infant lacks nearly all of these fundamental capacities and medical interventions cannot restore them, there are stronger ethical grounds for withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. Conversely, if an infant retains some fundamental capacities or could develop them with treatment, there are compelling reasons to continue care. To illustrate its practical and ethical implications, we apply the FCA to complex cases such as Tinslee Lewis and other infants with severe congenital conditions. We also compare the FCA with other prevailing models, including the best interest standard, the Life Worth Living Approach, the relational potential standard, and medical vitalism. We contend that the FCA offers more concrete guidance while avoiding some of the limitations inherent in these alternatives. While the FCA cannot eliminate all uncertainty in these challenging situations, we conclude that it provides a substantive and intuitively plausible approach to decision-making about life sustaining treatment for critically ill infants
Closing the Literacy Gap: Correlation of Chronic Illnesses on Reading Fluency
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of chronic physical health issues on literacy fluency among students spanning Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. Chronic illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes, and sickle cell disease, can significantly hinder academic performance, particularly in literacy. This research seeks to explore how specific literacy interventions can improve reading fluency for students managing health-related challenges. Utilizing a single-subject design, the study will examine individual cases to determine the effectiveness of tailored literacy strategies. The methodology includes both a baseline assessment phase and an intervention phase. Baseline assessments revealed that students with chronic health conditions exhibit notable literacy deficits, particularly in reading fluency and comprehension, which correlate with their health challenges. Assessment tools, including standardized reading tests and qualitative interviews, will be employed to evaluate the literacy and health experiences of these students. During the intervention phase, strategies such as individualized reading plans, targeted fluency practice, and assistive technology will be implemented to address these deficits. The impact of these interventions will be monitored through systematic data collection, including progress monitoring and feedback from students and parents. The findings of this study aim to provide insights into the correlation between chronic physical health conditions and literacy fluency, informing best practices for educators and policymakers to support students facing health-related academic challenges and improve their literacy outcomes. By implementing specific interventions tailored to different learners’ needs, I aim to enhance their academic success and confidence in managing their health concurrently