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An Exploration Of How Education Stakeholders Perceive The Implications Of Grade Repetition In Secondary Education In Western Uganda: A Qualitative Multiple-Case Study, Patrick Tumwine

Theses & Dissertations

Grade repetition is one of the bottlenecks to Uganda’s vision of producing skilled human capital to transform the nation’s status from peasant to middle class. This study explored how education stakeholders perceived the implication of students’ grade repetition at a secondary school level. I employed a qualitative approach with an embedded multiple-case study design, through which cross-case synthesis on each school’s perspective revealed similarities and differences in understanding grade repetition at a secondary school level. Individualism-collectivism theory guided the study, to understand how students realized educational expectations through an interplay of educational and cultural influence on a school’s instructional process. …

Entrepreneurship Education: Understanding The Lived Entrepreneurial Experiences Of Community College Students In South Texas, Hussain Y. Sama

Theses & Dissertations

Entrepreneurship education (EE) is a hot topic and has gained the attention and interest of scholars in the United States and globally. Despite the growth of EE, scholars have been marginalizing the impact of EE at the community college level and there is a dearth of studies in this area (Liguori et al. 2019; Mars & Ginter 2012). Therefore, I conducted this study to bridge this indicated gap and contribute to the EE literature through exploring the entrepreneurial learning and practical experiences of community college student entrepreneurs.

The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry was to better understand the lived …

Decentralization Implementation In Saudi Arabian Educational System: A Qualitative Study, Mohammed Alaklabi

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus. In the unique context of Saudi Arabian high schools, this qualitative study aimed to understand how decentralization, a significant reform initiative, was experienced by principals and teachers. It explored their perspectives, challenges, and successes and actively sought their recommendations for enhancing decentralization's implementation. By focusing on the voices of these key stakeholders, the study aimed to provide practical guidance to inform future reforms and improve education quality for Saudi high school students.

Research Methods. This qualitative study employed an interpretive design to explore the experiences and perspectives of high school principals and teachers in Saudi Arabia regarding decentralization …

Financial Self-Efficacy Among Puerto Rican Women In The United States: An Ethnographic Action-Based Research Study, Melinda Jimenez Perez

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this ethnographic action research study was to better understand the financial self-efficacy of Puerto Rican women in the United States. There is a gap in the literature in identifying the relationship between middle-class Puerto Rican women and financial literacy. In a pilot study, four major findings emerged from the survey about Puerto Rican women and their relationship with finances: (a) as children, mothers taught them to save, and as adults, they rely on the male figures in their families; (b) the traditional education systems did not provide financial education; (c) the childhood culture of poverty and scarcity …

Examining Social And Academic Integration Of International Students From Saudi Arabia And Mexico Attending Universities In The United States, Faisal Alqadiri

Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the problems and challenges of social and academic integration in U.S. higher education institutions for Saudi Arabian and Mexican undergraduate international students. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and causal-comparative study was to examine the relationship among (a) demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, education, marital status, nationality, and previous academic performance), (b) academic integration, (c) social integration, and (d) intent to drop out among Saudi and Mexican students studying at U.S. colleges and universities. In addition, the study compared whether Saudi and Mexican female students were less integrated academically and socially than their male counterparts. Previous …

Exploration Of Teachers’ Opinions Regarding The Instructional And Extracurricular Activities To Develop Transformational Leadership Qualities In Middle And Secondary School Students In Saudi Arabia, Mona Alkathiri

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus. The purpose of the current study was to examine the opinions of KSA teachers regarding the appropriate instructional, extra-curricular, and understanding activities that pertain to the development of leadership, social skills, and personal traits of KSA secondary school students.

Research Methods. This study employed a qualitative, case study research design as an exploratory method of analyzing how transformational leadership principles could be the central organizing principle reorganizing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) public school system by 2030. A purposive sample of 18 active secondary school participants were recruited from a population of teachers in middle and secondary …

Dental Caries Screening For Food Insecure Children, John Joseph Kane

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Dental caries is the most common childhood disease, disproportionally impacting minorities, and socio-economically disadvantaged children. Food insecurity impacts 23.6% of children in Texas; the majority being African American and Hispanic. Food insecurity screening rates are abysmal. Dental caries and food insecurity are significantly correlated and likely syndemic. Purpose. Implement oral examination and the “Hunger Vital Sign” screening tool in detecting dental caries and food insecurity at an urban pediatric urgent care center. Evidence. Food insecure children experience adverse health outcomes, impaired long-term health outcomes, developmental and cognitive delays, psychosocial delays, and oral health deficiencies including caries and malabsorption of …

A Quality Improvement Project To Improve The Management Of Group A Streptococcalpharyngitis Among Children, Tara Denise Gutierrez

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Group A Streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis is one of the most common pediatric illnesses and accounts for more than ten million yearly medical visits. GAS is commonly misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms. The health care provider needs to distinguish which criteria warrant testing for GAS and the recommendations for management and treatment.

The purpose and objectives of this quality improvement project were to improve adherence to the 2021 Canadian guidelines for the management and treatment of GAS pharyngitis in a small community urgent care clinic. Anticipated outcomes for this project included a decrease in unnecessary testing for GAS pharyngitis, a decrease …

Program Development And Expansion Of A Clinician-Driven Wound Care Program At An Outpatient Wound Care Center, Zhenhai Niu

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Problem. Patients with chronic wounds often present with additional physical and emotional problems because healing of chronic wounds may require months to resolve. Practitioners develop treatment plans based on their own training and clinical expertise, but unfortunately, there are no universal guidelines to inform the management of chronic wounds. Expanding multi-factorial assessments and interventions could improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this project was to implement a wound care protocol for outpatient wound care clients based on a nutritional and psychological self-assessment. Methods. A patient-completed checklist, done on arrival to the clinic, triggered clinician-driven protocol interventions addressing mental health and …

Implementation Of The Mood Disorder Questionnaire In A Psychiatric Inpatient Facility, Sandy Ann Harris

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Bipolar disorder is a combination of multiple mood disorders associated with high suicide rates. The mood disorder questionnaire is a reliable, cost-effective, and time-effective screening tool to aid in diagnosing bipolar disorder (Carvalho et al., 2015; Miller & Black, 2020). Purpose. To implement the mood disorder questionnaire during admission to improve the accuracy of diagnosing bipolar disorder among providers in patients without a history of bipolar disorder. Goal. To increase the utilization of the mood disorder questionnaire thereby increasing bipolar disorder diagnosis accuracy. Objectives. 100% of the team will attend an in-service on the project; 60% of patients without …

Improving Post-Discharge Engagement Of Mental Health Patients In The Veterans Affairs South Texas Healthcare System, Nneoma Lewis

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Discharge from a hospital is a high-risk period for mental health patients, as 20% experience an adverse event within 30 days of discharge. Poor discharge engagement can lead to complications for recovery, which include an increased risk for readmissions, longer length of stay, increased risk for suicide, and death. Hospital stays cost the United States $377.5 billion dollars per year; there is pressure for hospitals, health plans, and providers to examine the admission and discharge processes to improve healthcare delivery, transition of care, and patient health outcomes. At a South Texas VA, 67.66% of mental health patients attended all their …

Utilizing A Validated Screening Tool And Treatment Protocol For Managing Agitation And Violence In A Psychiatric Emergency Services Unit, Zarah Ashcroft

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background and Significance. Agitation is a significant concern in psychiatric units. If not detected early, agitated individuals are at high risk for becoming aggressive and violent, potentially causing harm to themselves, hospital staff, and property. The Psychiatric Emergency Services unit receives agitated and violent patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance use disorders. Purpose/Goal/Objectives. This quality improvement project aimed to implement a treatment protocol using the Broset Violence Checklist (BVC) to promote the early identification and management of potential for patient violence and aggression. Methods/Key Activities. Staff education for the nurses and providers on assessing patients at risk for aggression and …

Setting Goals For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes In Primary Care, Courtney Renee Padilla

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Type 2 diabetes is prevalent amongst the Hispanic population and increases the risk of developing chronic serious health issues (CDC, 2022, April 4). Setting attainable and realistic goals for patients with type 2 diabetes is foundational in achieving glycemic control and improving quality of life (ElSayed et al., 2023a). Purpose. To increase goal setting in patients with type 2 diabetes in the primary care setting. Goal. To promote self-management in patients with type 2 diabetes. Objectives. 100% of staff and providers will attend an in-service on goal setting using a self-management goal tool; 75% of patients will choose to …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Hispanic Restaurants In South-Central Texas: A Qualitative Study, Javier Apolinar

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus. The COVID-19 pandemic generated a major crisis for the restaurant industry in 2020 and 2021. The nationwide shutdown resulted in widespread restrictions on social gatherings, significantly impacting this industry. Hispanic businesses were not immune to this crisis, and its impact had profound effects on small businesses.

Most of the research in this field has primarily concentrated on small businesses and entrepreneurship under favorable circumstances, highlighting factors such as entrepreneurial drive, maximizing profits, taking risks, developing ideas, and promoting fair competition. Consequently, the current body of research is insufficient and fails to address the specific experiences of minority small …

Examining High School Girls’ Experiences In A Global Leadership Program: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study, Erika Haskins

Theses & Dissertations

The proportion of women in influential leadership positions continues to grow at a slow pace (Beaupre, 2022; Hoyt & Johnson, 2012). Inequalities are still present in the representation of leadership and salary wages (Catalyst, Inc., 2022; Choi, 2018). While progress is evident in regard to diversity and inclusion policies and practices in the workplace, barriers continue to exist that hinder opportunities for women who strive to achieve higher-level positions (Elias, 2018). With more women in leadership positions, advocacy for women and girls can occur, such as access to leadership development programs in schools and organizations (Beaupre, 2022; Shier et al., …

Central Activation Of Orl-1 Receptors In Heart Failure Models, Jeffrey Angell

Theses & Dissertations

Heart failure is a prevalent and debilitating disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide and is the leading cause of death in the United States. While various therapeutic strategies have been developed and approved to manage heart failure, exploration of novel targets and mechanisms are essential for improving patient outcomes. This thesis investigates the therapeutic potential of the central activation of opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL-1) by nociceptin in a rodent heart failure model.

Furthermore, this study aims to elucidate the central mechanisms underlying nociceptin induced cardiovascular and renal effects in heart failure. This involves investigating neuronal pathways and …

Mentorship In Academia And Career: A Scholarly Personal Narrative Of A Latina Millennial’S Experience, Alyssa S. Cortes Kennedy

Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation, my scholarly professional narrative (SPN), is a self-reflection of mentoring experiences as a Latina millennial in academia and professional settings. These experiences are told through the art of storytelling using testimonio, which promotes a critical awareness of cultural intersectionality and intercultural understanding through first person narrative. My experiences with mentorship in personal, academic, and professional workspaces include mentors who may or may not have influenced my own journey as a doctoral student and business professional as a Latina millennial. Using testimonio helps explain certain cultural challenges, specific scenarios or experiences, familial responsibilities, and cultural barriers, and how …

A Self-Exploration Of A Project Leader’S Career Tilt, Transformation, And Motivational Challenges In The Face Of A Mass Organizational Layoff: An Organizational Evocative Autoethnography, Valentina Rada

Theses & Dissertations

In this study, I reflected on my behavior as a project leader in an organizational culture undergoing significant transformations. I explored motivational and engagement best practices for personal and professional career growth in a changing environment, such as layoffs due to downsizing. This study includes my research rationale for improving performance given the impacted career of a project leader. I highlighted the role of goal setting as a critical part of project leadership to facilitate performance in times of organizational crisis. Additionally, I focused on autoethnography as a research method to self-reflect on the impact of self-determination on goal achievement. …

Anxiety Screening At A Psychiatric Inpatient Facility: A Quality Improvement Project, Irene Akwitti

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent anxiety and uncontrollable worry occurring more days than not for a minimum of 6 months (Patriquin & Mathew, 2017). Presently, anxiety screening and evidence-based practice treatment for adults are suboptimal. It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in patients. Purpose. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) screening tool, a validated, evidence-based instrument, in a psychiatric inpatient facility to improve early detection and treatment of anxiety disorders in patients. Methods. Staff members were educated …

Preserving The Force: A Quality Improvement Project To Reduce The Risk Of Opioid Use Disorder In The Military, Lecreshia S. Shields

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Military service members incur combat and noncombat related injuries which may lead to acute or chronic pain. Treatment of these conditions with opioids may place them at risk for opioid use disorder (OUD). Opioid related overdoses among the military community increased by 50% from 2010 to 2019. The Sole Provider Program (SPP) is recommended to address the risks of OUD among Veterans receiving care at military installations. The goal of this evidence-based project was to ensure that all persons who receive opioid prescriptions at a military facility were evaluated for inclusion into a SPP and prescribed naloxone. Objectives included: 1) …

A Quality Improvement Project To Screen For Food Insecurity In Adults With Anxiety Or Depression, Kelsie Evelyn Kroll

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background Food insecurity is the limited availability and inconsistent accessibility of healthy foods (Coleman-Jensen et al., 2022a). Food insecurity contributes to mental health problems. Individuals with food insecurity have greater odds of screening positive for depression and anxiety (Wolfson et al., 2021). The Hunger Vital Sign™ screening tool is a 2-questions evidence-based tool used to identify food insecurity (Hager et al., 2010). Purpose. Implement the Hunger Vital Sign™ tool at a non-profit behavior health clinic to identify food insecurity in adults who screened positive for anxiety or depression, offer resources for them to obtain nutritious food, and provide additional information …

Where Are All The Latinas In Information Technology? Understanding And Engaging "La Fuerza Potente" Of A Powerful Demographic, Diana Orozco

Theses & Dissertations

This study was inspired while I was researching other studies on employee motivational factors for non-profit organizations. I stumbled across the employment factors of Latinas in IT. This led me down a path of researching numbers, facts, organizational campaigns, and employment statistics. Latinas represent only 1% of the IT workforce, despite educational and organizational hiring campaigns and efforts. This led me to further inquire: What are the obstacles, what are the motivators, what is the solution and finally how would the resolutions be implemented? With many qualitative and quantitative studies that identify the deficiency, there has been little done to …

Feel The Burn(Out) And (Mom)Guilt Of Doctorate Programs Amongst Latina Mothers: A Testiomonio Reflection, Judyann Armijo

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus. This research aims to explore the experiences of Latina mothers residing in San Antonio, Texas, using testimonios as a form of data collection; asynchronous interviews were completed to obtain the participants' experiences as they journeyed through their respective doctoral programs. Through this qualitative study, the research provided an in-depth analysis to understand the relationship between motherhood, academia, and culture in relation to advanced degrees. In this study, LatCrit served as the leading theoretical framework, allowing the researcher to understand the obstacles the participants underwent not only as doctoral students but also as the other critical roles in …

Impact Of Indicators On Hispanic Student Postsecondary Stem Success, Sandra Durden

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus. My study seeks to explore the extent that select secondary and postsecondary indicators predict STEM student enrollment and persistence particularly for Hispanic students. Identifying postsecondary STEM success and college readiness indicators with special focus on malleable indicators that can assist educators, administrators, and policymakers in designing and implementing educational interventions targeted at improving representation of Hispanic students that receive postsecondary STEM degrees. Currently there are few studies that use data from nationally representative samples of students to research the relationship between predictiveness of indicators and postsecondary STEM success, in particular, studies that explore which indicators differentially predict postsecondary …

The Importance Of Contrast Sensitivity, Color Vision, And Electrophysiological Testing In Clinical And Occupational Settings, Frances Silva

Theses & Dissertations

Visual acuity (VA) is universally accepted as the gold standard metric for ocular vision and function. Contrast sensitivity (CS), color vision, and electrophysiological testing for clinical and occupational settings are warranted despite being deemed ancillary and minimally utilized by clinicians. These assessments provide essential information to subjectively and objectively quantify and obtain optimal functional vision. They are useful for baseline data and monitoring hereditary and progressive ocular conditions and cognitive function. The studies in this dissertation highlight the value of contrast sensitivity, color vision, and cone specific electrophysiological testing, as well as the novel metrics obtained with potential practical clinical …

The Relationship Between Leadership Style And Faculty Members’ Job Satisfaction At King Abdul Aziz University In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Abdulrahman Alotaibi

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus. My research focused on examining the relationship between leadership style and faculty members’ job satisfaction at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The main objective of this research was to analyze the connection in the styles of leadership and job satisfaction in the higher education sector in Saudi Arabia. My study aimed to provide insights necessary to help Saudi Arabian higher education institutions increase employee satisfaction.

I was guided in this research by the following research questions: (1) What is the prevailing leadership style of the heads of departments as perceived by their faculty members at …

Qualities Of Effective Saudi University Presidents, Ziyad Sultan

Theses & Dissertations

The transformation of educational resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was presented as a crucial part of vision 2030 by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in 2016 as an important part of an overall strategy to diversify the KSA from its over-dependence on oil revenues. Vision 2030 imagined the transformational development of knowledge resources in the KSA including the development of leadership and knowledge applications to support the social and economic needs of the nation. High on the list of priorities was transformation of the 33 public universities in the KSA to be able to operate autonomously. Clearly, …

Equalizing Community Voice In An International Service-Learning Project: A Narrative Inquiry Of A Social Entrepreneurial Peruvian Women's Group, Monica D. Hernandez

Theses & Dissertations

Traditionally, international service-learning (ISL) programs are created and led by host groups, which frequently overlook the international communities’ learning process and perspectives and the long-term impact of service missions on the community. Fundamentally, ISL is meant to address community needs. With the principal focus being on enriching students’ learning, community voice is often eclipsed. The research aim was to investigate the empowerment and efficacy of an ISL project to strengthen relationships between engaged scholars and international communities and improve future service-learning trips. Using a qualitive narrative research design, I investigated a 2021-2022 ISL Based Photovoice Project applying Kolb’s Experiential Learning …

The Efficacy Of Analgesic Subdissociative Dose Ketamine In Trauma Casualties Treated By U.S. Military Special Operations Medical Professionals In A Prehospital Environment, Darin Schwartz

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus. This study’s main objective was to determine the efficacy of sub-dissociative ketamine to reduce the pain of trauma casualties treated by U.S. military medical professionals in a prehospital environment evidenced by the 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain. Research Methods. This quantitative study was accomplished using a pragmatic approach integrating social cognitive theory complemented by mixing methods using qualitative phenomenological influence through narrative inquiry. This exploratory retrospective, cross-sectional study, utilizing a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design, used deidentified sample data (N = 47) for secondary analysis from U.S. Special Operations medical providers and were included in a casualty …

Testimonios Of Latinas In The Federal Government Senior Executive Service: Honoring Women Who Excel In Public Service, Amarylis Lopez

Theses & Dissertations

The Senior Executive Service (SES) is the highest tier of executive management and leadership in the federal government. The Latino/a population has significantly increased in the past three decades with no corresponding increase in the federal workforce and the number of Latinos/as serving in the SES remains low. As Latinos/as in the SES are largely underrepresented, their ability to influence federal policies is significantly undermined. The purpose of this study is to explore the testimonios (testimonies) of Latinas in the SES to better understand their experiences while navigating entry into the SES and maintaining their respective positions.

This study used …