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Optimizing the Well-Being of Residents Diagnosed with Dementia: An Activities Calendar and Guide for Cognitive and Physical Engagement
No full textThis thesis explores the critical role of structured activities in enhancing the cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals with dementia. Drawing on evidence-based research and practical experience as an Activities Assistant, it emphasizes how engaging, person-centered activities can mitigate symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote social interaction across the stages of disease progression. The research culminates in the development of an ideal activities calendar tailored to patients with dementia, accompanied by a comprehensive guide detailing activity benefits, implementation strategies, and required resources. This framework addresses the unique challenges of dementia care, offering practical tools for caregivers to adapt activities based on individual needs and progression levels. By bridging research and practice, this work aims to advance dementia care methodologies, supporting caregivers in fostering meaningful engagement and improving outcomes for individuals with dementia
The Wild Dark or, La oscuridad salvaje: Illuminating Identity Through Failure
Get PDFThis thesis, The Wild Dark or, La oscuridad salvaje: Illuminating Identity Through Failure, explores how the narrative power of darkness can serve as a catalyst for profound self-discovery, particularly in the aftermath of significant failure. Drawing upon literary analysis and the author\u27s personal experience of shifting academic paths, the study examines how confronting metaphorical darkness allows for a critical rebuilding of identity and self-concept. The play referenced in the title, The Wild Dark or, La oscuridad salvaje, serves as a central point of analysis, investigating the interplay of theme, setting, and scenario in depicting this transformative process. By engaging with the atavistic human fear of the unknown, the thesis argues that narratives utilizing darkness as a central metaphor provide a unique opportunity for both characters and audience members to confront their own insecurities and emerge with a more profound understanding of themselves. Ultimately, this work illuminates the revelatory potential inherent in failure and the crucial role darkness plays in facilitating the reconstruction of identity
The Transition Process of Syrian Refugee Families Separated by U.S. Immigration Law
Get PDFRefugees are regarded as one of the most pressing humanitarian issues worldwide due to intricate social, economic, and demographic factors. Changes in U.S. immigration policy across successive administrations, particularly regarding the refugee ban and the duration of the resettlement process, have significantly impacted admission procedures. Consequently, family separations occur during the resettlement process, compelling families to navigate immigration policies while managing the challenges of being apart. This separation from their children greatly affects refugees’ ability to integrate into American society.
The research examines how Syrian refugee families cope with the separation resulting from U. S. immigration law. An important lens was applied to the relationship between refugees managing family separation and U. S. immigration policy, guided by the research question:
How do Syrian refugees cope with family separation caused by U. S. immigration law?
This study included 14 Syrian refugee families who shared their experiences through three stages of data collection: 37 questionnaires reflecting diverse family demographics from Syrian cities, one focus group composed of 14 participants, and individual interviews with five participants from five refugee families.
Key themes emerged from participants\u27 responses to the questionnaires, focus group discussions, and individual interviews. Data analysis revealed three consistent themes: 1) building a community through robust networks, cultural integration, and language acquisition; 2) coping strategies involving the effectiveness of technology, feelings of belonging, and support from refugee agencies; and 3) the roles of children in enhancing employment opportunities, assisting with advocacy, and facilitating adaptation
A Practical Guide for Navigating the PTE Tax Landscape
No full textThe State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction has historically allowed taxpayers to deduct the full amount of state and local income, property, or general sales tax paid as an itemized deduction on their federal tax return. However, with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017, this deduction was capped at $10,000, creating disparity for taxpayers in high tax states and causing those high tax states to look for workarounds. In response, many states have introduced the Pass-Through Entity (PTE) tax as a workaround to the SALT cap. Pass-through entities are typically defined by the flow through of income and deductions directly to their owners, who then pay any resulting tax at the owner level. The new PTE tax allows the entity to pay the tax at the state level, creating a credit or deduction that flows through to the owner.
This revolutionary change presents opportunities and challenges for taxpayers, offering benefits, but also creating uncertainty. This research examines these issues, using a state-by-state analysis of the PTE election. The benefits and uncertainties surrounding the PTE election will be further highlighted by a visualization of multiple tax returns, comparing high-income tax, low-income tax, and no income tax states pre-TCJA and post-TCJA. The findings offer a practical guide for taxpayers and practitioners navigating the PTE tax landscape, helping them make informed decisions in light of these changes
Two Neighbors Walk into a Ballot Box A Soon-to-be Lawyer’s Second Take on Jesus and 21st Century Politics
Get PDFAlthough the overarching question of the thesis is What party would Jesus register for in a 21st century election? , the goal is to teach Christians how to think about politics well. By critically analyzing scripture and four controversial issues that pervade politics, the thesis intends to detach the preconceived notions of our day and attach logically sound thinking to the minds and hearts of Christians who are politically active in the United States. The four issues that are tackled include the following: Same-sex marriage, abortion, immigration, and Just-War theory. Each chapter contains an argument for the Republican party and Democratic party, and also includes my analysis of each stance, concluding with a decision on what party Jesus would vote for pertaining to each specific situation. Regardless of political party, the thesis is an attempt at an engaging and unbiased conversation that beckons us all towards cross-shaped love
A Comparative Analysis of Financial Ratios in Healthcare Sectors
No full textHow can for-profit financial strategies be adapted to support nonprofit financial stability? And how would those strategies translate to entities with diverse operational goals? The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of nonprofit and for-profit healthcare organizations operating in Texas, examining financial differences driven by organizational structures and objectives across three healthcare sectors: Hospitals, Specialty Care Providers, and Community Health Centers. Using financial data from Form 990 and 10-K tax filings, this analysis aims to identify sector-specific financial challenges and opportunities, providing insight for financial decision-makers seeking to improve the long-term sustainability of nonprofit healthcare providers
A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Employment and Its Impact on Physical Activity, Academic Performance, and Quality of Life Among Bellarmine University Students
Get PDFIntroduction: Half of undergraduate students are employed, meaning they must balance work with academics, physical activity (PA), and personal responsibilities. This study examines the potential negative impact of employment on PA, academic performance, and quality of life (QOL) among college students. Methods: The cross-sectional survey comprised 125 Bellarmine University students (Age 21.07 ± 3.40; 52% female, 48% male). Measures included the RAND SF-36 for QOL, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and a custom academic and employment questionnaire. Racial and ethnic demographics included White (75.2%), Black or African American (11.2%), Hispanic or Latino (15.2%), Asian (4.8%), Multiracial (4.8%), and Other (0.8%). Statistical analyses included Spearman rank correlations, linear regression, Chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and t-tests to examine relationships between work variables (paid hours, total hours, work motivations) and outcomes: moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA), total PA (TPA), GPA, and the eight RAND SF-36 QOL health domains. Results: Greater work hours were associated with lower vigorous and total physical activity, reduced general health scores, and increased fatigue. Total work hours significantly predicted declines in weekly physical activity. Physical activity levels differed by work type, with non-working students reporting the highest vigorous PA. Students engaged in paid work alone reported fewer physical limitations compared to other groups. Employment motivation played a key role: students working for field experience had higher GPAs and energy levels, while those working for enjoyment also reported greater energy. In contrast, students working to support family expenses experienced higher levels of bodily pain. Conclusion: Student employment, particularly longer work hours, may adversely affect physical activity and perceived health. However, the nature and motivation of employment shape these outcomes. Efforts to support student well-being should consider these complexities to help students better balance work, health, and academic demands
The Impact of Perceived Discrimination on Mental and Physical Health among the Hispanic Immigrant Population
No full textDiscrimination has profoundly shaped the lives of individuals within disadvantaged communities, but its impact on mental and physical health has often been overlooked. In this project, I review literature on perceived discrimination based on immigrant status and its effects on psychological and physical health and examine a potential mediator and moderator of these relationships. Specifically, the relationships between immigration-based discrimination and both mental health and physical health may be mediated by perceived stress, meaning that discrimination may lead to higher stress levels, which results in poorer health outcomes. Furthermore, these relationships may be moderated by psychological resilience; individuals with higher levels of psychological resilience may experience less stress and better health outcomes. Then, I propose a study to test these ideas. The overarching aim of this research is to bring greater awareness to the significant relationship between discrimination, stress, and health outcomes within the Hispanic community. This study aims to contribute to current research to help bridge the gap between understanding mental and physical outcomes concerning discrimination
Faculty Perceptions of the Affective Domain in Entry-To-Practice Respiratory Therapy Education: An Exploratory Descriptive Qualitative Study
No full textBackground: The affective domain of learning is one of the three learning domains that comprise Bloom\u27s Taxonomy of learning. The respiratory therapy profession places a great emphasis on the development and assessment of all three learning domains in entry-to-practice respiratory therapy education. While the cognitive and psychomotor domains receive significant attention, the affective domain of learning is often given less attention due to its complexity and lack of definition in the profession. Purpose: An exploratory descriptive qualitative study focused on exploring the affective domain of learning in entry-to-practice respiratory therapy education, specifically how the domain is defined, and the methods faculty use to support its development. Analysis: The data was analyzed utilizing Braun and Clark’s (2006) qualitative thematic analysis under the social constructivism theory approach. Results: Analysis of the data resulted in three themes: Inward Reflection, Outward Connection; The Telling and Doing of Becoming; and Different Paths, Same Destination
Allied Health Student\u27s Attitudes and Beliefs on Health Literacy Issues Focused on the Non-Native English-Speaking Community
No full textToday\u27s allied health students and their professors are faced with many challenges, including the low level of health literacy among the United States population. Healthy People 2020 defined health literacy as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions” (Healthy People 2030). This definition was expanded in Healthy People 2030, to include concepts related to personal and organizational health literacy. Social determinates, such as a language barrier, further complicates an already complex situation with health literacy levels. This focus group, interview-based qualitative study aimed to investigate allied health students’ attitudes and beliefs of health literacy, particularly with non-native English Speakers and the importance of training while enrolled in their educational programs. Participants were students from the Medical Assisting, Paramedic/Emergency Medicine, Radiography, Respiratory Therapy 1st year and 2nd year, and Sonography allied health programs. Participants engaged in a simulation activity, including four brief health literacy videos, followed by the six focus group sessions. Study results include that allied health students believe health literacy training is important for their future practice, they are not currently receiving enough training, simulation is the preferred method of delivery, and they feel a need for inclusivity for all patients in the American healthcare system.It was discovered that allied health students believe that health literacy issues occur within all populations of individuals. Participants commented that all populations should be viewed as priority in the American healthcare system, regardless of who they are, where they’re from or what language they speak