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Spectroscopic studies on the oxidation of Catechol and bacterial aerosols
No full textAerosols are small airborne particles that change with changing environments in terms of temperature, pressure, chemicals, pH, and oxygen levels. These changes in aerosols’ physical and chemical properties in real time have been monitored using the techniques of Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy. The oxidation of two types of aerosols, bioaerosol and organic aerosol, were studied using the above techniques. Bioaerosols are suspended particulates in the air that either contain living organic components or are biological in nature, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollen, and microbial toxins. Among these diverse bioaerosols, bacterial aerosols containing Bacillus cereus or Escherichia coli were studied. Their physical property such as size distribution was monitored after the bacterial aerosols were under oxidative stress. Bacterial aerosols’ size is closely related to their viability with larger bacterial aerosols having higher viability chances. As Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli are different in sporing and nonsporing, respectively, they were found to form different distributions in aerosol sizes. Although they formed different sized particles, both bacterial aerosols showed two size distributions. The sporing bacterium, Bacillus cereus, produced a spore with the mean size of 914 nm and a larger aggregate with a mean size of 3350 μm. The nonsporing bacterium, Escherichia coli, formed a Smaller fragments at 30 nm in size and a large aggregate with a mean diameter of 170 μm. The two bacterial aerosols responded differently to oxidative stresses caused by 70% isopropanol or 10% bleach. Large aggregates of B. cereus were destroyed by both stressors, but spores of B. cereus were fragmented by 10% bleach or were aggregated into particles of a few spores by 70%isopropanol. Instead of being destroyed, large aggregates of E. coli increased or remained the same size under both stressors, while the small fragments either broke down further or remained intact. This implies that different bacteria, especially sporing and nonsporing bacteria, should be treated differently when airborne to effectively change their viability. These findings are important in the formulation of strategies to reduce the spread of airborne pathogens and understanding their impacts on environmental and human health in general. Organic aerosol is a product of air pollution and consists of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Catechol, a benzene ring with two hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to adjacent carbon atoms, is an industrial product and a precursor to toxic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dangerous radicals. Polymerization of catechol was seen visually as discoloration and spectroscopically. The rate of the polymerization process was controlled to be able see intermediates or products in depth and also to understand the chemistry of catechol that is airborne instead of in bulk solution. The aerosolized catechol showed new results, double peak (at 272 nm and 280 nm) in the UV absorbance spectra, that represents two different electronic transitions, possibly allowed by its intermolecular interaction in cis- or trans- isomer. Oxidation of the catechol aerosol revealed that there are different reaction pathways for when oxygen is deprived (0%) or plentiful (20%). With 20% Oxygen in the air of the solution or aerosol, the aerosol’s absorbance spectra showed no change upon pH changes, but the solution’s absorbance spectra demonstrated extended polymerization in alkaline conditions. When Oxygen was removed from the air, there was an indication that the aromatic ring might have opened to form trans, trans-muconic acid at higher pH with no evidence of discoloration that represents extensive polymerization. Most importantly, with 0% Oxygen in the air, there is a strong possibility that an important radical species in catechol oxidation, the semiquinone radical, is observed in the alkaline conditioned (pH 9 and 11) aerosols
A proposal for more useful AI ethics: hierarchical principlism & the principle of compassion
No full textPrinciplism is one of the leading approaches to AI ethics. Developed originally to address bioethical issues in medicine and research, the theory requires decision-makers to consider various ethical principles to justify their actions. Despite its dominance in bioethics and growing popularity in AI ethics, principlism faces serious theoretical and practical criticisms. One serious criticism is that since ethical principles are combined ad hoc, conflicts inevitably arise between them, leading to inconsistencies. While defenders of principlism propose a process for resolving such disputes, contemporary critics argue that this process is incomplete, and at best, principlist frameworks can only help structure analysis and justifications intelligently, but cannot provide definitive, action-guiding moral prescriptions. AI principlists have not adequately reckoned with this theoretical limitation. Here, I propose a solution to conflicts between principles by designating one principle as an arbitrating principle above others—what I call hierarchical principlism. Since attempts to use existing principles as arbiters have led to controversy, I suggest using a new principle—a modified version of the principle of beneficence requiring the minimization of suffering, which I call the principle of compassion—to arbitrate these conflicts. I argue that this approach, which I call compassionate principlism, leads to fewer moral objections and inconsistencies and provides more definitive action-guiding moral prescriptions in AI ethics than traditional principlism. I conclude by applying compassionate principlism to ethical dilemmas in AI ethics, including misinformation, bias, and automation
How Instructor Engagement Shapes Nursing Students’ Perceptions and Specialty Preference
No full textBackground: As nursing students approach graduation, choosing a specialty becomes a key decision. Although clinical rotations offer exposure to different practice areas, the role of the clinical instructor is equally influential. Instructor engagement extends beyond teaching skills and may shape how students perceive clinical environments. Objective: This study examines how clinical instructor engagement influences senior nursing students’ specialty preferences. Method: A longitudinal cohort design will be used with pre-licensure BSN students at a small private university in Northern California. Students will complete the same survey twice during their program, and paired t-tests will be used to assess changes in specialty interest after the final senior-year clinical rotation. Results: Data collection has not yet begun. Anticipated findings may clarify whether higher instructor engagement correlates with shifts in specialty interest, suggesting the importance of engagement-related teaching behaviors such as fostering belonging, inclusion, and respect. Conclusion: This study seeks to enhance understanding of how clinical instructor engagement shapes specialty choice and influences the clinical learning environment in nursing education
The Effects of Strong Parental Support and Societal Support Compared to Low or Absent Support in LGBTQIA+ Youth
No full textBackground: LGBTQIA+ youth with unsupportive backgrounds face negative outcomes in their mental health. Past studies share that LGBTQIA+ youth have increased symptoms of mental illness including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors related to unsupportive environments among parents, peers, and society. Objective: By advocating for this minority group through education and culturally competent care, healthcare providers can reduce negative outcomes in the mental and physical well-being of the youth. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to address the impact of parental and societal support in LGBTQIA+ mental health, and to implement interventions and increase awareness of this issue. Method: The proposed research will utilize a cross-sectional correlational design on 1,000 LGBTQIA+ youth aged 13-17 with parental consent or IRB approval. Individuals will answer statements through a Likert scale rated from 1-6 and their mental health will be evaluated through PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety. Results: The anticipated results will be that low or absent parental and societal support increases adverse mental health outcomes in LGBTQIA+ youth, while strong support is correlated with decreased adverse mental health outcomes. Conclusion: In healthcare, addressing parental and societal support towards LGBTQIA+ youth promotes culturally competent care and decreases adverse mental health outcomes for sexual and gender minorities. This study highlights the importance of interventions and change in unsupportive backgrounds to improve the future of LGBTQIA+ youth mental health
How Social Media and Cyberbullying Correlate to Eating Disorders in Adolescents
No full textBackground: Social media is very prevalent in today’s society, particularly in adolescents. This time period is crucial for this age group in terms of developing a sense of purpose and identity. Although social media may keep many of our children entertained, they also can create negative impacts on them and ultimately hinder their overall development both mentally and physically through negative body image and unrealistic self-expectations. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find the correlation between social media use and the rise of eating disorders in adolescents. Doing so would allow us to find ways to lower the risk of adolescent eating disorders due to social media. Design: An observational cohort study will be conducted between two groups of adolescents: 50 high school students that use social media on a daily basis vs. 50 high school students that do not use social media at all. We will conduct this study over one school year, and at the end of the school year, we will do a final observation on each of the 100 high school students and survey their feelings in regard to their own body image and physical health. Finally, we will compare the results to see how strong of a correlation there is between social media use and eating disorders in this age group. Results: Although this study has not yet been conducted, we expect to see a relatively strong correlation between social media use and the rise of eating disorders in adolescents
Paternal Involvement and Bonding in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Evaluating Daily Caregiving, Emotional Well-Being, and Father-Infant Connection
No full textBackground: Premature birth and serious neonatal conditions frequently require infants to obtain care in the NICU, producing psychological and emotional obstacles for families. Despite the fact that skin-to-skin contact has been extensively researched for its strengths in encouraging stability and bonding, there persists restricted importance and understanding on paternal participation in routine caregiving tasks such as feeding, diapering, temperature checks, and swaddling. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate paternal participation in daily NICU caregiving tasks to address gaps in comprehending how these experiences impact bonding and emotional well-being among fathers of hospitalized infants. Methods: This study will employ a quasi-experimental design conducted across two NICUs to assess how paternal engagement in daily caregiving activities affects attachment and emotional well-being among fathers of hospitalized infants. A total of 100 fathers will be randomly allocated to either an organized caregiving group or a standard care group with a lack of caregiving opportunities. Data will be retrieved through validated instruments including the Paternal Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS:NICU), the Paternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (PPAS), and a brief Confidence in Caregiving Questionnaire. Statistical evaluation will incorporate independent t-tests and continuous measures utilizing analysis of variance to compare changes in bonding, confidence, and stress between groups over a period of time. Results: It is anticipated that fathers in the organized caregiving group will display higher bonding and confidence scores and reduced stress levels compared to those receiving routine care. Conclusion: This study acknowledges a substantial gap in neonatal nursing research by exploring the impact of paternal caregiving engagement on emotional well-being, confidence, and father-infant connection. The findings may provide evidence-based techniques that encourage nurses to promote paternal engagement as a crucial element of family-based care
Meta-Analysis: Diabetes Mellitus and the Risk of Endometrial Cancer
No full textBackground: Many studies have looked at the relationship between diabetes mellitus and development of endometrial cancer. This study provides an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the estimated effect of diabetes and the risk of endometrial cancer.
Methods: Some studies were found on databases such as PubMed and Iceberg. The remaining studies were extracted from the initial studies found. Binary data was collected and the raw data was imputed into a Fixed Effects Model.
Results: A total of 25 studies were included in this meta-analysis, generating statistically significant results (p \u3c 0.001, OR 2.05, 95% Cl 1.92-2.19).
Discussion: Diabetes is found to be a significant risk factor to the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Further studies needed to help develop higher standards of care in preventative health
Supporting New Graduate Nurses: Residency, Mindfulness, and Simulation
No full textThe purpose of this research proposal is to examine the effectiveness of support systems in helping new graduate nurses bridge the potential gap between nursing education and clinical practice. It aims to address the inconsistencies in nursing education and clinical practice, and how these strategies can better support new graduate nurses. This study will focus on new graduate nurses within their first 2 years of practice in an inpatient setting. A mixed-methods convergent parallel design approach will be used by combining quantitative questionnaires with qualitative interviews at the same time. This will evaluate the effectiveness of nurse residency programs, mindfulness-based courses, and simulation-based training during new graduate nurses’ transition period to clinical practice. If the findings are positive or indicate that these support systems significantly improve new graduate nurses’ confidence, competence, and retention, and their transition period as a whole, it will provide evidence for the value of ongoing support systems in an inpatient setting.The information gained from this research will inform educators, preceptors, hospital managements, and clinical leaders about effective strategies to support the the transition from nursing students to practicing nurses. It will provide important information to improve existing programs, ultimately contributing to a better workplace and increasing patient care
Advancing Screening for Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnant Individuals throughout the Perinatal period to prevent Adverse Pregnancy and Maternal Outcomes
No full textBackground: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of IPV screening education is essential in preventing these adverse pregnancy outcomes from occurring. Method: A randomized, cohort study with a quantitative- experimental design will be used to examine the effectiveness of proposed IPV education programs for healthcare providers. Eight selected OBGYN offices will be used in this study. Four will be randomly selected to implement IPV education on the proposed screening tool while four will not receive IPV education but will receive the screening tool. Data: The data for this study has yet to be collected, yet the expected results will display the implementation of IPV education and universal screening will allow for early detection of IPV. Descriptive statistics will be used to compare the effectiveness of IPV education in the experimental group versus the control group. Inferential statistics will be used to determine a p-value. If the p-value is \u3c 0.05 the results of the experimental group are statistically significant meaning the implementation of IPV education for healthcare providers and use of proposed IPV screening tools to identify individuals exposed to IPV during pregnancy would be proven. Conclusion: Intimate Partner Violence education and training for healthcare providers will contribute to early intervention for pregnant individuals exposed to IPV and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes from occurring.
Keywords: intimate partner violence screening, adverse pregnancy outcomes, early detection of intimate partner violence, intimate partner violence education
Exploring Dominican University Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Economic Barriers to Accessing Essential Women’s Health Products
No full textPeriod poverty is defined as inconsistent or inadequate access to feminine hygiene products, and it has been shown to negatively impact physical and mental health, academic performance, and dignity across diverse populations. Existing research highlights financial strain, social stigma, and insufficient support as key barriers to menstrual equity among individuals experiencing homelessness, adolescents living in low-resource environments, low-income women, and general undergraduate students (Brinkley & Niebuhr, 2023; Dave et al., 2022; Gruer et al., 2021; Lahme et al., 2018; Parkinson et al., 2024; Gilchrist et al., 2024). However, no studies have examined these issues amongst Dominican University nursing students who may believe period poverty is a current issue or whether they personally experience these challenges. Guided by Andersen\u27s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this thesis identifies the lack of research on nursing students and proposes an exploratory qualitative study. This proposed study will collect open-ended responses from senior nursing students attending Dominican University of California and analyze the data using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns. Findings from this research may provide valuable insight into unmet needs within the nursing community, inform campus-level interventions, and support advocacy efforts. Understanding students’ experiences will contribute to nursing practice by strengthening awareness of menstrual inequity, informing future patient advocacy, and encouraging action that promotes menstrual health equity