Open Access Kent State (OAKS)

Dementia is highly prevalent in nursing homes due to the older patient population. Because of this prevalence and possible debilitating effects to residents daily lives, proper intervention and treatment should be determined to increase resident quality of life. Pharmacologic intervention can be beneficial but has led to an increase in the amount of daily medications residents are taking that may not be completely necessary. With polypharmacy being a necessary factor to consider, nonpharmacologic interventions are imperative to effectively manage dementia. Nonpharmacologic interventions can increase the resident’s quality of life through feelings of safety, inclusion, and independence to care for oneself. These interventions can include participation in activities and encouraging social interaction. Activities can include physical activity, reminiscence, music therapy, as well as promoting as much independence as possible. These interventions, as well as getting to know the resident and their routines, can decrease symptoms of dementia such as aggression and agitation towards the caregiver. An individualized approach to managing dementia will promote quality of life for the resident. 

The rise of plastic production sparked the rise of recycling as well. Recycling has existed for centuries for materials like metals, but in recent years along with the rise of plastic production, it has risen greatly in popularity. Increased awareness and concern for environmental health has aided in the rise of recycling. Prior to 2017, the United States and many other countries shipped most of their plastic waste to China for recycling. After China placed a ban on imported plastics, it left many countries with waste products that many facilities weren’t equipped to handle. This paper aims to gain a better understanding of recycling and what has happened in the wake of the recent changes in international plastic waste trade through a comparative study of secondary sources. Changes caused by the 2017 ban in China put a strain on the other countries that still accept plastic products.

After arriving in America, early European settlers began a volatile relationship with Native Americans that would span centuries. Events such as the Salem Witch Trials exemplified the strong fears Europeans held toward magic. Yet, the attitudes toward Native American magical practices were regarded with little to no fear by European settlers. Native American persecution (and subsequent executions) occurred for several reasons; however, the fear of their magic and rituals were not at the forefront of those concerns. By looking further into this subject matter, I hope to uncover why. I aim to build a complete narrative by using both Native American and European writings to understand Native American magic as well as the European perspective. By conducting this research, I will uncover why early European settlers viewed Native magic the way they did.