UBIR Repository (Univ. at Buffalo)
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Data supporting "Dust-producing weather patterns of the North American Great Plains"
This dataset supports a preprint published on EGUsphere, the preprint repository for the European Geosciences Union, on Oct. 8, 2024. Abstract for associated preprint, which is currently in revision at Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: "The North American Great Plains are a semi-arid and windy environment prone to dust events that produce a variety of hazards to public health, transportation, and land degradation. Dust has substantial spatial variability across the plains, and the weather responsible for that dust is understudied in most of the plains, especially the North and East. Here we identify specific weather patterns associated with dust occurrence across the plains. We make use of an atmospheric classification that defines 21 weather patterns for the Great Plains that includes various stages of warm and cold frontal passages, northerlies, anticyclones, and summertime patterns not associated with mid-latitude cyclones. We use the time series of weather pattern to composite satellite daily dust observations from 2012-2021. We calculate average dust occurrence for each weather pattern, the contribution of each pattern to local dust loads, and identify the specific weather patterns most important to each location and subregion. We find no single weather pattern is responsible for dust occurrence in the plains, but that different patterns are responsible for dust in different subregions of the Great Plains. Passing cold fronts are most responsible for dust events in western Texas and New Mexico, southerlies are responsible in the northeastern plains of from Iowa to the Dakotas, and summer weather patterns produce the majority of dust in the High Plains from Colorado to Canada. Identifying the dust-producing weather patterns of particular subregions is a valuable step toward understanding dust variability and improving dust predictions, both present and future."This work was supported by the RENEW Institute of the University at Buffalo
The Effectiveness of a Protocol Module used to Influence NP Student's Knowledge with Psychotropic Screening/Metabolic Syndrome in the Patient Population at Risk
UB SON, DNP Research ProjectBackground and significance: People with mental illness and on psychotropic therapy can have a decrease in life expectancy of 15-20 years related to metabolic syndrome and premature cardiovascular disease. Current research reports a significant GAP in research to clinical practice to screen for metabolic syndrome. Purpose, Aim and Objectives: This Doctor of Nursing Practice Project quantitatively explored the impact of implementing a metabolic syndrome protocol module (MSPM) for the graduate nurse practitioner student just prior to graduation. It evaluated the impact on their knowledge of metabolic syndrome (MetS), risk factors and appropriate use of a screening protocol. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework used for this project was Dr Nola Pender's Theory of Health Promotion. According to Dr Pender's theory the advanced practice nurse practitioner (APNP) must first develop a trusting and therapeutic nurse-patient relationship to achieve positive outcomes and take into consideration the patient's biopsychosocial variables to instill motivational significance to change behaviors. It is imperative that patients understand the importance and impact MetS screening will have on their mortality. Methods and Design: The design was a quasi experimental quantitative study on APNP graduate students in their final clinical practicum. A pre/post survey questionnaire was administered to determine knowledge gained after administration of the MSPM. Analysis of collected data was performed using the SPSS software. Protection of Human Rights and Ethical Considerations: IRB approval from the stakeholders and the University of Buffalo was obtained. The subjects, graduate NP students, voluntarily and anonymously participated. They were informed of the objectives and aims of the project. Participation in no way affected their grade or successful completion of the course
Reimagining State Punitive Systems: A Case Study of New York
Spring 2023 HON 499 Independent Study: In 2021, New York State's incarceration rate was 376 per 100,000 individuals. If it were its own nation, New York State would rank 15th in worldwide incarceration rates. New York State alone has a higher incarceration rate than every founding NATO country. Many of the incarcerations in New York State are due to drug offenses. In addition to past and current drug laws being damaging to families and the economy, they are also largely ineffective in stopping drug overdose deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths attributed to drug overdoses in the United States have been rising over the past two decades. Current policies have not proved effective in stopping drug overdoses, and the number of overdoses in the United States continues to rise. In addition, there is a strong link between incarceration and drug overdose deaths..
Exploration of Postoperative Registered Nurses’ Understanding and Educational Needs of Identifying Residual Neuromuscular Blockade After Rocuronium Administration with Timely Sugammadex Administration
UB SON, DNP Research ProjectNeuromuscular blockade is necessary to provide muscle relaxation during surgery, and to perform endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. The administration of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers like rocuronium causes muscle relaxation. Neuromuscular blockade is reversed with reversal agents like sugammadex after surgery. In the postoperative period, patients can experience residual neuromuscular blockade which is associated with a greater risk of pulmonary complications, hypoxemia, and the inability to protect the airway. The purpose of this DNP project is to create an educational session for RNs who care for patients in the postoperative period on residual neuromuscular blockade identification and treatment to help increase the number of times that residual neuromuscular blockade is recognized in the postoperative period. Ida Jean Orlando’s Deliberative Nursing Process will be used. The PDSA model will be used as a framework when creating the pretest, post-test and educational component. A pretest and post-test will be used to compare the RNs’ knowledge before and after receiving education. All participants who agree to be in the study will remain anonymous and no personal identifiers will be collected. The post-test scores were higher than the pretest scores. The education improved RNs’ understanding of residual neuromuscular blockade and its treatment. This project should be repeated with a larger sample size in the future. Specific topics will need to be rewritten and retention of information should be tested in an additional post-test
Intimate Partner Violence Screening in the Primary Care Setting
UB SON, DNP Research ProjectIntimate partner violence (IPV) screening is considered a “Grade B” recommendation by the
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). However, there is a lack of adequate guidelines, clear policies for screening, and a lack of available research related to IPV. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project is to explore the existing knowledge and practices related to IPV screening in women of reproductive age in a primary care setting. This project aims to assess knowledge and understanding about IPV screening amongst a group of local nurse practitioners (NPs) to promote practices that will support patients who have experienced IPV. This was achieved through conducting a review of literature related to IPV screening practices and outcomes and analyzing data from an 18-question survey delivered via Google Forms sent to a group of local NPs. The theoretical framework that was used to guide this DNP project is Normalization Process Theory (NPT). A quantitative, descriptive design was used to evaluate survey data from participants. The participants (n=3) reported feeling “somewhat confident” in discussing IPV with their patients, however, screening was rarely performed and facilities lacked guidelines for screening. Findings from this study are consistent with the literature and highlight a need for further research to improve IPV screening practices
Assessing Anesthesia Provider Competence in Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment
UB SON, DNP Research ProjectDespite various methods to mitigate the risk of aspiration during anesthesia, it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as an accurate and valuable diagnostic tool with the potential to improve patient safety by informing anesthetic plans and reducing the risk of aspiration. Despite its value, its implementation by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in clinical practice remains low. The purpose of this quantitative study was twofold; first, to investigate the use of POCUS to assess gastric contents to determine its effectiveness in mitigating the risk of aspiration during general anesthesia. Secondly, qualitatively evaluating practicing CRNAs confidence and capabilities in utilizing POCUS for gastric content assessments. The aim of this study was to develop a baseline understanding of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists' confidence and capabilities in utilizing this technology. Project objectives were to 1) conduct a comprehensive literature review; 2) develop a survey questionnaire to assess CRNAs' knowledge, attitudes, and confidence and to Identify any perceived barriers; 3) recruit a sample of CRNAs from various clinical settings to participate in the survey; 4) analyze the survey data; 5) use this data to develop recommendations for improving CRNAs' confidence and capabilities in using POCUS for gastric content assessments. Albert Banduras theory of self-efficacy was the guiding framework for the development of the survey questionnaire. Institutional review board (IRB) approval had been granted prior to conduction of surveys. Participation was voluntary, and consent was obtained prior to the start of survey
Examining Educational, Training, and Support Needs Regarding Workplace Violence, Bullying and Incivility Among Registered Nurses Employed Throughout a Large Healthcare System in Western New York
UB SON, DNP Research ProjectRegistered nurses (RNs) are at high risk for workplace violence, bullying, and incivility (WVBI) with consequences including reduced job satisfaction, decreased workplace well-being, and poor retention rates. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to examine the prevalence and types of WVBI experienced among RNs employed throughout a large Western New York healthcare system to improve hospital stakeholder knowledge and understanding regarding policy and RN educational, training, and support needs. The aim was to promote a positive work environment and culture of health and safety among the hospital's RNs by reducing and preventing WVBI. The objective was to create a written executive summary of project findings including evidence-based policy and educational recommendations for hospital stakeholders regarding RN WVBI training and support needs. The Nurse as Wounded Healer theory and the theory's Q.U.E.S.T model was utilized to guide project development and implementation. A quantitative cross-sectional design was utilized through use of an online survey and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. A majority of respondents reported being a subject of negative attitudes on the part of their colleagues (nurses). Staff team building exercises and skill application, and anonymous unit incivility assessments were the most recommended evidence-based interventions to mitigate WVBI. The implementation of evidence based interventions to improve WVBI are essential to promote a positive work environment among RN s and improve the retention of nursing staff Future studies are needed with larger sample sizes to produce findings that are statistically significant to the healthcare system
The Accessibility of Furnas Hall
2024 Spring EAS 360 STEM Communications project poster: Furnas Hall is a 10-story research and school facility that many students are required to use. The analysis for accessibility was done based on the following critical frameworks: Design Justice, Universal Design, and ADA Compliance
Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Anesthesia Providers Regarding Perioperative Care of the Patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder
UB SON, DNP Research ProjectBackground and Significance: Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are a unique population group that require individualized care. This is especially true for anesthesia providers as ASD patients are more likely to have increased anxiety, challenging inductions, and difficulties communicating. Purpose, Aim, and Objective(s): The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing (DNP) was to explore the knowledge, confidence, experience, and education of anesthesia providers caring for patients with ASD in a Western New York (WNY) hospital in order to facilitate for formation of clinical practice guidelines based on current literature. Theoretical Framework: Betty Neuman’s Neuman Systems Theory Methods and Design: Project design was a Google Forms survey distributed to all anesthesia providers at a WNY Hospital. The survey identified the need for and the development of the project deliverable. Results: Descriptive statistics, Independent Sample T-Tests, and Chi Square Test were run using SPSS 29. Descriptive statistics identified demographic averages as well as a high frequency of ASD patient encounters and a desire for further education among participants. Independent Sample T-Tests indicated that those with over five years of experience were more confidence than providers with less than five years of experience. Chi Square Test indicated that the nurses may be more knowledgeable but less confident caring for ASD patients compared to the physician group. Conclusion: Nearly 81% of participants reported being assigned to care for a patient with an ASD diagnosis. Only 38.8% of participants reported feeling confident or extremely confident in their care. Ninety-two percent of participants believed that they had not received enough training. Providers in this study expressed a desire for more information in the form of a voice over power point. Future Implications and Recommendations: Future research include a posttest to determine the effectiveness and utilization of the project deliverable as well as broadening of the study to other areas around the country to compare regional and national data
Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine Provider Perceived Barriers to the Coprescription of Naloxone and Opioids for Patients with Chronic Pain
UB SON, DNP Research ProjectThe United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends coprescription of naloxone with opioids; however, naloxone continues to be infrequently prescribed, and the number of deaths from opioid overdose continues to rise. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to quantitatively explore the perceived barriers to the co-prescription of naloxone and opioids to patients with chronic pain for Western New York (WNY) family medicine and emergency medicine physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, to identify the potential rationale for low rates of naloxone prescription. This project aimed to increase the knowledge and understanding of barriers to co-prescription of naloxone and opioids. Project objectives were to : 1) conduct an extensive literature search to identify current evidence; 2) survey emergency and family medicine providers within a large WNY nonprofit healthcare network, a local chapter of a professional nursing honor society, and a professional New York State (NYS)-based organization; 3) analyze and synthesize the data gathered; and 4) provide evidence-based recommendations. The guiding framework for this project was Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model with a quantitative cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected electronically through an online survey and transferred to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for analysis. Results identified key potential barriers to co-prescription including lack of education, misconceptions, and unclear prescribing responsibilities. The findings revealed a need for provider education on the efficacy, safety, and effect of naloxone-opioid co-prescription. More research is needed on how to address these barriers and the impact of patient-perceived barriers