804 research outputs found
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Effectiveness of EScoop® lenses on a Select Group of Veterans
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective chart review to see if the use of EScoop® lenses improved the referred veterans\u27 contrast acuity and subjective visual discomfort of glare, photophobia, or difficulty with night driving. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed examinations of 23 veterans aged 36 to 91 who chose EScoop ® for their spectacle prescription. The EScoop ® set available in our clinic included two shades, yellow or orange, two center lens thicknesses (LT), 6 or 9 mm, and with or without 4 prism diopters yoked base up (BU) prism. Results: The largest diagnostic group tested was with traumatic brain injury (12 of 23), and they preferred the orange-tinted lens (10 of 12). The orange 9 mm LT with 4 prism diopters BU was the most commonly chosen EScoop® lens overall (5 of 23). Pre and post lens visual acuity testing with Sloan EDTRS LogMAR Low Contrast Chart at 25% contrast was available for 13 of the 23 patients. A small but statistically significant improvement of 0.11 decimal mean acuity (about one-line Snellen) under a low contrast condition was noted while wearing the preferred EScoop ® lenses (Wilcoxon Signed Rank P=0.015). Conclusion: Our retrospective study reviewed visually impaired patients with varied clinical conditions, including traumatic brain injury, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and optic atrophy. Upon informal questioning, the patients reported improvements in glare, photophobia, and night glare symptoms. Objectively, we measured approximately one line of improvement in contrast Snellen acuity, which was statistically significant. Further research is needed to discern the actual effectiveness of this lens
Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Associated with Ipsilateral Bell\u27s Palsy
Full text linkAbstract
Background: Herpes zoster is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus with spread along the dorsal root ganglion and sensory nerve to a dermatome. In herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), involvement of the ophthalmic (V1) branch of the trigeminal nerve results in ocular sequelae and often presents with a characteristic pseudodendrite. Reactivation within cranial nerve VII can lead to the neurologic complication of facial nerve palsy on the affected side. Case Report: This case report describes a patient diagnosed with HZO and subsequent same-sided facial nerve palsy (Bell’s palsy) and discusses the potential link between the two conditions. Conclusion: Treatment for HZO and Bell’s palsy is fluid and conservative treatment must be weighed against issues with polypharmacy and the severity of the disease. The prognosis of HZO and Bell’s palsy is dependent on how well symptoms are managed, including close observation beyond resolution
Welcome to the Bouncehouse: Analyzing the Musical Culture of College Football Through the Soundtrack of EA SPORTS College Football 25
Full text linkThe musical traditions within college football illustrate diverse and storied histories for each university. Due to the amount of schools within college football and their complicated histories, the origins and meanings of these songs can be disregarded or forgotten. In an effort to understand what factors of these songs elevate their sounds to traditions, this thesis examines the soundtrack of the recently released videogame, EA SPORTS College Football 25. Through a mixed methods approach of data collection from the music recorded and licensed for the videogame, the research indicates there is not one particular sound or tempo required for a song to become a tradition. Instead, when examining the qualitative data collected, common trends like having regional identity included in the song’s sound and premiering during a time of success for the football team began to become apparent. This thesis is built upon the reciprocal feedback model of musical response (Hargreaves) that emphasizes the listener as an active participant within the communication cycle, as well as the encoding and decoding process based on social contexts. After the data collection and analysis, I suggest the additional concepts that the research indicates as well as the importance of tradition in the marketing of a university
Addressing Transportation Equity for Local Populations Using Emerging Technologies
Full text linkADDRESSING TRANSPORTATION EQUITY FOR LOCAL POPULATIONS
USING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
By
Marcus Peoples Jr
This qualitative study examines the persistent issue of transportation inequity in the United States, focusing on its impact on marginalized and underserved populations. The study employs a generic qualitative inquiry from Social Justice Theory to investigate how senior public transportation decision-makers perceive and address institutional barriers, technological opportunities, and strategic improvements in transportation equity. The study underscores the pressing need to address the intricate interplay of socioeconomic conditions, racial and ethnic diversity, and varying levels of urbanization that contribute to transportation inequity. Historical and contemporary factors, such as racialized spatial segregation and dependence on automobiles, have perpetuated these disparities, underscoring the urgent need for a more equitable approach to transportation planning and policy. The study uncovers significant institutional barriers that impede transportation equity through semi-structured interviews with senior transportation decision-makers. These include deeply rooted governance structures, financing mechanisms, and policy frameworks prioritizing mobility over accessibility. However, the research also
identifies emerging technologies—such as smartphone applications, bike- sharing programs, and intelligent street infrastructure—as promising solutions to enhance transportation equity. Implementing these technologies successfully requires a careful, inclusive approach to ensure they benefit all community segments equitably. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of policy and decision-making in promoting transportation equity. By integrating advanced technologies and prioritizing the needs of underserved communities, transportation planners can develop more inclusive and accessible transit systems. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers, transportation planners, and community leaders to foster equitable transportation practices aligned with social justice principles. This study contributes to the broader discourse on transportation equity by providing a nuanced understanding of the institutional and technological dynamics. It calls for addressing historical and contemporary barriers to establish an equitable transportation system. The implications of this research extend to future studies, advocating for continued exploration of innovative solutions and strategies to enhance transportation equity in the United States
New Visual Electrodiagnostic and Psychophysical Techniques to Enhance Occupational Performance and Clinical Diagnosis
No full textColor vision deficiency (CVD) is not uncommon and affects 8% of males and 0.5% of females. Individuals affected with CVD take more time to discriminate colors and make more errors than individuals with normal color vision. This is especially true in cue-limited environments. These characteristics can lead to problematic situations as many daily activities include color coding to refine important and timely choices that arise in all manner of occupational fields including aviation, transportation, medical, and culinary, among others. Mistakes in many of these careers can be costly. Recent research has been released on the effects of color-correcting lenses to enhance CVD performance as well as isolate and exploit color-specific pathways to better detect eye disease. Considering these newer discoveries, this dissertation research focused on utilizing different measures of color vision testing to understand human color vision processing in a more detailed way, employ color perception as a diagnostic tool, and investigate whether color vision is a domain that demonstrates features of neuroadaptation and plasticity. The first study assessed the full-field threshold of the human intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) complement. The ipRGC signal was isolated from all other photoreceptors by using selective chromatic adaptation and an S-Cone blocking filter and included monocular and binocular measures. The results provided normative data for a full-field ipRGC threshold applicable to clinical and occupational functions involving the ipRGC pathway. Moreover, results showed a binocular summation effect comparable to classic studies indicating two eyes are better than one suggesting a more conventional ipRGC input to visual perception than previously assumed. The second study determined the normative values of a newly developed cone-specific Parafoveal Sensitivity Test (PFST). The test requires subjects to compare their central chromatic sensitivity to parafoveal sensitivity. The results showed a high degree of threshold agreement across all channels in normal eyes. In the third study, I used the PFST in a population of long-term Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) users without clearly manifest retinal toxicity. A large degree of within-subject variability was noted. This study also evaluated whether PFST scores were predictive of scoring on current recommended tests that monitor for toxic retinal effects (mfERG, HVF 10-2) or OCT thickness. Although no significant correlations were discovered HCQ users tested worse than normal subjects in each of the cone-specific and luminance channels, highlighting the promise of the PFST in disease populations for early diagnosis and monitoring. The last study was a double-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial that assessed the efficacy of color-correcting lenses (CCLs) in hereditary CVD subjects. A wide range of threshold and suprathreshold outcome measures were utilized. Cone-specific threshold and suprathreshold tests showed immediate improved performance on day 1 and day 7 with CCLs. There were some improvements without CCLs on day 7 suggesting a perceptual learning or neuroadaptive effect. The short intervention period coupled with non-optimal transmission profile of the prototype CCL used in this study indicates the need for additional research particularly because of promising initial results with the most recent CCL
Applying Multimodal Imaging in the Evaluation of a Rare Complication of Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma
Full text linkAbstract
Background: Retinal cavernous hemangiomas are rare, benign vascular tumors usually encountered incidentally on routine examination. Although usually asymptomatic, complications have been reported and can result in vision loss. Ancillary imaging modalities such as fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography provide valuable information about the lesion and possible associated findings. Case Report: A 66-year-old Caucasian female presented to the clinic for a comprehensive exam with mild blurry vision in both eyes with current spectacles. Her ocular history was remarkable for a retinal cavernous hemangioma along the superior-temporal arcade of the left eye. Dilated fundus exam revealed a subretinal hemorrhage under the cavernous hemangioma. Multimodal imaging included OCT, OCT-A, and a DRS fundus photo. Conclusion: In this case report, we will describe the development of a mild subretinal hemorrhage associated with a retinal cavernous hemangioma; a complication that is rarely reported
Cultivar Relaciones: Exploring Trust and Transparency in Building Relationships in an Action Research Study Within a Community-Based Participatory Research Project
No full textResearch Focus. In San Antonio, Texas, health disparities are a critical issue, shaped by a range of social determinants impacting health and contributing to inequities in healthcare. The World Health Organization defines healthcare inequity as unjust and avoidable differences in health status observed across different population groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further clarifies that disparities are evident when health outcomes or determinants vary significantly between populations. These disparities not only impose a toll on human life but also have profound societal costs affecting its citizens’ morbidity and mortality. The focus spreads across entities working in silos not working collaboratively. An opportunity exists to approach a notable fragmentation in these initiatives. This action research study sought to explore and discover ways to intentionally build productive, trusting, and transparent relationships between the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Dreeben School of Education and Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions research team, the San Antonio Metro Health District Healthy Neighborhoods (HN) city organization and select communities in an RWJF-supported participatory action research project in San Antonio, Texas.
Research Methods. Combining an action research approach with qualitative features permitted active engagement in an actual community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) project to collaboratively seek a solution for a practical problem. I used basic action research and social constructivist grounded theory-lite design regarding improving relationship development within the project, emphasizing trust and transparency. Participants were grouped into three distinct categories: (1) AR4CHW Team (2) Community Members (3) National CBPAR Thought Leaders. Data collection consisted of three primary participatory methodologies: rewriting the script for equitable healthcare (RWTS), digital storytelling (DS), and photovoice. Data collection methods involved observation, semi-structured interviews, meeting and workshop attendance, and facilitation. Data analysis focused on the participants’ concerns regarding what could be done to build productive, trusting, and transparent relationships.
Research Results/Findings. The study produced five key findings that are instrumental in cultivating trusting, transparent, and productive relationships within CBPAR. These findings are encapsulated in the following themes: (1) Trust: Authentic Belonging and Respect, (2) Transparency: Facilitator of Trust and Inclusion, (3) Participatory Methodology: Remarkable Potential, (4) Equitable Inquiry: Reflection and Focus, and (5) Multiverse: Relationship Enabler and Inhibitor. Key findings or core concepts of the five findings included (1) intentional development of the research team, (2) participatory methodology, and (3) equity-minded inquirers. The core findings support a model that responds to how this SA-based research team can build productive, trusting, and transparent relationships.
Conclusions From Research. I identified three key strategies to build trusting and transparent relationships to improve building productive alliances. (1) Deliberate Team Development, (2) Use of Participatory Methodologies, and (3) Equity-Focused Inquiry. This study has potential limitations regarding generalizability as it is contextual and relevant to a local practice problem only, and bias since the researcher was also a participant. Recommendations from this study support the AR4CHW team and CBPR/CBPAR practice
Results of a VOSH Trip to Panama
Full text linkBackground: Optometric services in many parts of the world are unavailable, or when available, limited to those individuals who have the resources and proximity to gain access to them. Recognizing this disparity in availability of eyecare services, teams from developed countries have been volunteering to provide eyecare in these areas with such a need for many years. Over time, these groups have also adopted a mission of enhancing the local infrastructure to create long-term improvement. Method: All records from a VOSH clinical trip to Panama were retrospectively analyzed to determine the prevalence of ocular conditions diagnosed. Results: As expected, the mean refractive error was low hyperopia, however, most astigmatism was oriented against-the-rule. There was also an earlier need for an additional near correction. There were 488 instances of non-refractive ocular conditions documented with cataracts constituting 75.6% of these. Documented measurement of intraocular pressures (IOP) demonstrated most findings fell within the accepted normal range of 11-22mmHg, however, there were occurrences above and below this range. Conclusion: The trip benefited many individuals while also highlighting the need for a long-term solution by improving the public health infrastructure. It demonstrated the immediate impact possible with short-term intervention while also diagnosing ocular conditions that would require long term management. Without an improvement in access to local care these conditions cannot be successfully treated or managed
Investigating the Relationship Between Employee Financial Literacy Education and Small Business Performance in the Southwest Region of Texas
Full text linkABSTRACT
Investigating the Relationship Between Employee Financial Literacy
Education and Small Business Performance in the Southwest Region of Texas
December 2024
Blake Beltran, Doctor of Business Administration
University of the Incarnate Word
Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Ernesto Escobedo
This study addressed the relationship between employee financial literacy education and the performance of small businesses in the Southwest Region of Texas, focusing on critical performance indicators, such as revenue growth, cost efficiency, and net profit margins. The researcher aimed to assess how financial literacy education among employees can impact the financial decision-making processes and, consequently, the performance metrics of small businesses across diverse sectors. The study was guided by Lusardi and Mitchell’s (2014) conceptual framework of financial literacy, which suggests that financial knowledge is essential for informed decision-making.
The importance of financial literacy has been well-documented, with studies showing its significant implications for both personal financial success and organizational performance. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC; Poll, 2017) and Bank of America’s (2016) reports highlighted a pervasive lack of financial confidence and knowledge among adults, including Millennials, who represent a substantial segment of the current workforce. This deficiency in financial literacy is not only a personal issue but also extends into the professional realm, potentially affecting financial health and decision-making within small businesses (Creditcards.com, 2013; Federal Reserve, 2003).
Despite the recognized need for financial literacy, a notable gap exists in the literature regarding the direct impact of employee financial literacy programs on the key performance indicators (KPIs) of small businesses, particularly within an urban environment such as the Southwest Region of Texas. The researcher sought to bridge this gap by examining the extent to which financial literacy programs influence financial performance metrics and exploring possible correlations between employee financial literacy levels and the accuracy of financial reporting. The examination also involved assessing how improvements in financial knowledge may enhance financial decision-making processes within small businesses.
This study is justified by the potential benefits that enhanced financial literacy could bring to small businesses, which are vital to economic growth and stability. By analyzing the effects of financial literacy on business performance metrics, this research could reveal sector-specific trends or outcomes, offering valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and business owners. The literature review incorporates key findings from sources such as Bhushan and Medury (2013), Collins and O\u27Rourke (2010), Joo (2008), and Xiao and O\u27Neill (2016). The findings address the determinants of financial literacy, the promise of financial education, and its impact on financial capability and consumer behavior. This study may contribute to the existing body of knowledge by allowing targeted research on the specific effect of financial literacy programs on the KPIs of small businesses. Through a comprehensive examination of the current state of financial literacy among employees and its impact on small business performance, this study may offer a novel perspective on the economic importance of financial literacy within the small business sector.
Keywords: consumer behavior, financial literacy, key performance indicators, small busines