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Implementation of the risk of relapse screening tool within substance use populations
Get PDFOccupational therapy aims to promote healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making across a diverse range of individuals. Originally titled the Risk of Opioid Overdose Screening Tool, the Risk of Relapse Screening Tool (RORST) was developed to be more inclusive and relevant to various substance users beyond opioids. The RORST questionnaire was constructed based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change, allowing for personalized interventions corresponding to an individual\u27s readiness to modify behavior. The present situation highlights an unmet need for successful community transition for individuals with substance use disorders due to a lack of education and communal resources. The RORST was administered to five participants, ages 16 and 17 years, who were residing in a residential substance use treatment facility to determine its relevance, readability, and efficacy in determining risk of relapse
Effects of reducing pain and muscle tension and improving daily functional performance through myofascial decompression on the muscles within the upper limb
Get PDFMany adults in the United States who attend college, experience chronic pain impacting their quality of life (QOL) and ability to fully engage in meaningful daily occupations. The objective of this clinical research trial was to assess the effectiveness of myofascial decompression (cupping therapy) on reducing pain, improving QOL, and improving occupational performance within college students. This study targeted graduate students at Western New England University (WNE) who experienced pain within their upper limb, impacting their ability to fully engage in daily occupations. Eight total participants produced consistent data, including six Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students, and two Law students. Data was analyzed through a pre and post design of assessments and surveys
Effects of reducing pain and muscle tension and improving daily functional performance through myofascial decompression on the muscles within the thoracic spine region
Get PDFThe aim of this doctoral capstone project was to investigate the effectiveness of myofascial decompression to reduce pain and muscular tension to improve daily functional performance on the muscles within the thoracic spine region (upper back). The research method of this study includes myofascial decompression through the application of dry cupping therapy. The study investigated the effectiveness of this instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique when applied twice per week for four weeks to a sample of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Western New England University. This study utilized objective measures including the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, Wong-Baker Pain Scale, and daily pain logs to assess the effectiveness of the modality on the upper back. These results can be used as a resource in the field of occupational therapy and incorporated into evidence-based practice for practitioners who are seeking a more holistic and sustainable pain management technique
The effectiveness of a social-emotional learning and motor skill enrichment program in preschool-aged children
Get PDFChildren “at risk” are vulnerable to lower social and emotional (SE) competence and motor skill development. Due to the unique upbringing of children of low socioeconomic families, it is important for early childhood professionals to understand the need for social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom and into adulthood. Motor skill development during preschool years are significantly associated with the development of SE skills and academic performance (Cheung, 2022). The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of an SEL and motor skill enrichment program in preschool-aged children at an early learning facility. This study involved evidence-based practice within the scope of occupational therapy (OT) to ensure quality performance outcomes in preschoolers. Through a quasi-experimental design, the preschool classrooms of Educare Springfield were divided into an experimental and control group. The Social and Emotional Learning Behavior Observation and Reflection: A Resource Tool was utilized during the pre- and post-intervention phases to assess positive classroom behaviors. Data analysis involved inferential and descriptive statistics. Areas of improvement for observed positive behaviors in the classrooms include self-concept & self-awareness, self-regulation & adaptability, and accountability. This study suggests that the SEL and motor skill enrichment program served as a positive enhancement to the current SEL curriculum at Educare Springfield. SE and motor skill development is critical for a child to participate in activities of daily living, school, and play. A sustainability plan for further implementation was explained through an educational presentation and program manual at Educare Springfield
Integrating fuzzy multi-criteria decision analysis and technology adoption models to the preparation of developing nations for passenger vehicle electrification
Get PDFThe automobile industry is trending towards an all-electric passenger vehicle future. The strength of this trend can be seen with increases in the adoption rates of electric vehicles, increases in accessibility to supporting infrastructure and governmental policies favoring the advancement of clean energy technological initiatives such as the electric vehicle and the discouragement of fossil fuel use. Large vehicle manufacturers are pledging to transition to all electric fleet
Unlimbited recreation: access to resources for improved wellness & wellbeing for individuals with ULL/D
Get PDFThe doctoral experiential (DEx): Unlimbited Recreation explored the multifaceted aspects of upper limb loss and difference (ULL/D), focusing on recreational therapies and nonprofits\u27 role in supporting affected individuals. This project highlighted the challenges individuals face with upper limb loss or difference and the therapeutic potential of recreational interventions. Additionally, it examined the contributions of nonprofits in providing comprehensive support and facilitating community integration for those individuals
Addressing gaps in care for upper limb absence through teaching, learning, and research: a doctoral experiential project
Get PDFThe overall aim of this multi-faceted DEx project was to address gaps in education for individuals who are the upper limb absence (ULA) population and their healthcare professionals. Four separate, but related efforts were combined to compose this project: contributions to a learning management system for prosthetic technology, a white paper about ULA and prosthetic technology available, a research endeavor to determine how water damage affects prosthesis users, and a writing workshop for students within the Western New England University Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. These facets worked together to build my teaching skills and provide useful products for the ULA population and their practitioners. Ultimately, this project was a successful endeavor in providing useful, lasting resources
THE FALLIBILITY OF THE BRANDENBURG TEST THROUGH THE LENS OF THE CAPITOL INSURRECTION
Get PDFThis Article explores the insurrection that occurred at our Capitol in relation to the Brandenburg test. The paper seeks to discuss whether free speech has gone too far, whether Brandenburg needs reform, and how we could effectuate such changes. While the Article certainly has political undertones, sincere efforts were made to present the facts in a more neutral fashion. Despite the political nature of the Article, I wholeheartedly believe that discussing the insurrection is critical to not only our nation’s history, but to the law
When Red Apples are Green : Generalization by Picture Type
Get PDFThe purpose of the current investigation was to determine whether the form of visual stimuli used in training object-to-picture matching would affect accuracy of responding to novel variations of those objects for some learners
Continuous Casting of Microencapsulated Alloys as Phase Change Materials
Get PDFThe overarching goal of this work is to provide a potential solution to the growing needs for largescale thermal energy storage via the development of a highly scalable manufacturing process, namely continuous casting, toward industrial scale production of high temperature microencapsulated phase change materials. Using borosilicate glass coated tin metal as a model system, we designed, built, and validated two continuous casting machines with high-throughput in-line data-acquisition. The first machine enabled continuous casting of glass coated metal microwires. And the second machine subsequently uses the glass-coated metal microwire as feedstock to produce glass coated metal particles. Analytical, numerical, and experimental methods used throughout the development process are reported together with the initial data obtained for the quality and properties of the as-produced glass-coated microwires and particles