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Exploring School Employee Physical Activity Behaviors And Perceptions, Ann Pulling Kuhn
Exploring School Employee Physical Activity Behaviors And Perceptions, Ann Pulling Kuhn
Dissertations
Employee involvement in physical activity (PA) while at school has been understudied and is relatively unknown (Chen & Gu, 2018; Hunt & Metzler, 2017). The purposes of this dissertation study were to (a) describe school employees’ PA behaviors while at school, and (b) explore school employees’ perceptions of the feasibility of school employee PA interventions found to be effective in published research. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used to collect school employee self-reported PA behaviors and district/school demographic information via an electronic survey from 488 school employees in northern Colorado. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, …
The Effects Of Kefir And Exercise On Immune Function And Gut Health, Peter Royal Smoak
The Effects Of Kefir And Exercise On Immune Function And Gut Health, Peter Royal Smoak
Dissertations
Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting society today, and the number of newly diagnosed cases increases every year. Unresolved inflammation is an important underlying cause of cancer and chronically elevated concentrations of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are positively related to cancer incidence and progression. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can impair beneficial gut microbes that help to protect against pathogens and modulate immunity. Physical activity and exercise regimens improve chronic inflammation and gut microbes in cancer survivors but relatively few studies have explored the potential …
An Assessment Of Conceptual Understanding Of Metabolic Pathways, Amani Atiyalla Abdugadar
An Assessment Of Conceptual Understanding Of Metabolic Pathways, Amani Atiyalla Abdugadar
Dissertations
Researchers have previously studied misconceptions of biochemistry topics such as photosynthesis, protein structure, and ATP-production. However, no studies have reported on students’ misconceptions regarding major metabolic pathways. Since learning metabolism builds on students’ prior knowledge, new material being learned will be affected by the presence of any misconceptions. Some of these misconceptions will be robust and thus hard to be replaced by the correct concepts. Thus, if students are to learn new material, these misconceptions must be diminished. This dissertation focused on the origins of these misconceptions, investigated what misconceptions students had on metabolism, and why students developed misconceptions instead …
The Influence Of Asymmetry On The Metabolic Cost Of Locomotion, Shane Patrick Murphy
The Influence Of Asymmetry On The Metabolic Cost Of Locomotion, Shane Patrick Murphy
Dissertations
In this dissertation, the measurement and impact of asymmetrical locomotion were investigated. In the first study, ten able-bodied individuals were asked to run on a treadmill from which interlimb symmetries of joint level kinematics and kinetics were measured. To obtain a stable measure of interlimb symmetry, an average of 15 strides were needed. However, no differences were found between averages from bins of consecutive and inconsecutive strides. Further, no differences were noted between the average interlimb symmetry and interlimb symmetries calculated from the first, middle, or last, strides. Although there were differences between symmetry calculations, neither measure required a greater …
Addressing Health Literacy Needs Of The Older Adult Focused On Improving Medication Adherence: An Online Education Program For Nurse Practitioners, Angela Pickerel
Addressing Health Literacy Needs Of The Older Adult Focused On Improving Medication Adherence: An Online Education Program For Nurse Practitioners, Angela Pickerel
Dissertations
As healthcare providers, nurse practitioners are tasked with assuring patients have a clear understanding of their medical health, know how to navigate the healthcare system, and recognize the need to develop self-care skills. Several populations are known to be at risk for the effects of inadequate health literacy; however, the older adult population is at greater risk because of increased burdens related to negative effects of aging on cognitive skills and increased prevalence of chronic disease requiring complex medication regimens. Inadequate health literacy has been linked to increased risk of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, adverse drug reactions and interaction, and …
The Impact Of Social And Cultural Factors On Minority Students’ Participation In An International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Elizabeth Scott-Janda
The Impact Of Social And Cultural Factors On Minority Students’ Participation In An International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Elizabeth Scott-Janda
Dissertations
Although concern about mathematical achievement inequities has become widespread, even in well-funded, high-performing high schools, unequal outcomes for minority and disadvantaged students can seem persistent and difficult to change despite strong efforts. This project reports on an ethnographic study that examined how social environments within schools can affect students’ choices of whether or not to attempt advanced coursework in mathematics, especially among marginalized groups like Hispanic minorities, low socio-economic status (SES) and rural populations. It considered how social and peer environments affect students’ approaches to schooling, and decisions they make that will have long-term implications for their futures. In particular, …
The Impacts Of Rock Climbing On The Selection Of Roosts By Bats And The Influence Of These Mammals On The Biodiversity And Nutrient Influx Of Cliff-Face Ecosystems, Ashley Kay Wilson
The Impacts Of Rock Climbing On The Selection Of Roosts By Bats And The Influence Of These Mammals On The Biodiversity And Nutrient Influx Of Cliff-Face Ecosystems, Ashley Kay Wilson
Dissertations
Humans have an un-matched ability to alter the environment, which often has detrimental effects on other species, from tiny microbes to enormous plants and animals. Bats are the second-largest order (Chiroptera) of mammals with ca. 1,300 described species, many of which have declining populations due to human disturbances of ecosystems. Being the only mammals capable of flight, bats exploit numerous ecosystems and are known to roost in various habitats including caves, trees, mines, bridges, barns, etc. Although the roosting ecology of bats in ecosystems such as caves and forests has been well documented, no study has yet examined the relationship …
Give The Fans What They Want: A Market Segmentation Approach To Sport Fans’ Social Media Usage, Kerry Dale Fischer
Give The Fans What They Want: A Market Segmentation Approach To Sport Fans’ Social Media Usage, Kerry Dale Fischer
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to construct a model that segments fans of professional sport based on the type of social media platform they preferred to use as well as their social media usage motivations. In addition, the current study sought to investigate whether previously identified motives like escape and socialization, have transformed into more selfish motives such as narcissism. Convenience and snowball sampling techniques were used to collect data from fans of professional sport who specifically used social media to consume sport, resulting in a total sample size of 176. The online survey instrument was comprised of items …
Effects Of English Proficiency On Nursing Student Empowerment And Intent To Leave The Program, Nadja James
Effects Of English Proficiency On Nursing Student Empowerment And Intent To Leave The Program, Nadja James
Dissertations
Individual (learner) empowerment plays an important role in the learning environment. A more empowered student is more likely to be academically successful and complete their program of study. The findings of this study showed nursing students who felt less empowered had a greater intent to leave their nursing program. Many prelicensure nursing programs struggle with high attrition rates, especially minority students, including students from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background. Since effective communication is crucial in the learning environment, students with lower English proficiency tend to struggle in that area. Communication issues affect CALD students’ sense of empowerment and …
“You Never Know What You’Re Gonna Get!”: The Lived Health Care Experience Of Individuals Who Identify As Transgender, Joyce Lyn Cole
“You Never Know What You’Re Gonna Get!”: The Lived Health Care Experience Of Individuals Who Identify As Transgender, Joyce Lyn Cole
Dissertations
This study used descriptive phenomenological investigation to explore the lived health care experience of individuals who identify as transgender. Results gleaned from the study provide a resource for nurse educators to employ when preparing future nurses to practice in an increasingly diverse environment. Eighteen adult members of the transgender community who had experienced health care completed virtual face-to-face, in-depth interviews. The data provided a rich description of the experiences, and analysis yielded the identification of themes that illuminate the essence of the lived healthcare experience. Findings from the data indicate that the transgender health care experience can be unpredictable and …
Assessing Concussion Recovery With Dynamic Stability Methodologies, Kurt Otto Buchholz
Assessing Concussion Recovery With Dynamic Stability Methodologies, Kurt Otto Buchholz
Dissertations
The overarching purpose of this dissertation was to investigate methods and measures of dynamic stability with the final application being assessment within a concussed population. Of the three studies presented, the focus of the first two studies was on development of a new measure of dynamic postural stability, comparing it to traditional methods, and determining how it performed relative to traditional methods. In the first study, participants performed a forward hop while kinematic and kinetic data were collected. Comparison of the kinetic estimation of the center of mass to the kinematic estimation showed moderate to strong agreement. This allowed the …
Psychometric Evaluation Of The Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey, Kathryn C. Casey
Psychometric Evaluation Of The Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey, Kathryn C. Casey
Dissertations
Graduate nurses experience stress transitioning from the role of nursing student to practicing professional nurse. Understanding the graduate nurse’s role transition experience is important because excessive and unrelieved stress might influence job satisfaction and contribute to high turnover. Measuring and improving the role transition experience for graduate nurses has become important for healthcare organizations due to concerns regarding retention. A valid and reliable instrument was needed to assess the graduate nurse’s role transition experience. The Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey (Casey, Fink, Krugman, & Propst, 2004) is the most commonly used instrument to measure the stressors, fears, and challenges experienced …
Monocyte Phenotype And Whole Blood Immune Response In Physically Active Chronic Cannabis Users And Non-Users, Jonathon K. Lisano
Monocyte Phenotype And Whole Blood Immune Response In Physically Active Chronic Cannabis Users And Non-Users, Jonathon K. Lisano
Dissertations
Some physically active individuals are now advocating for the use of cannabis with exercise for its potential to optimize the immune response. Yet, it remains to be seen whether the chronic use of cannabis products is linked to alterations in immune characteristics, such as monocyte phenotype and function in physically active individuals. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess resting concentrations of c-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte phenotype and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated production of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) following pre-treated with synthetic cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor agonist and antagonist in physically active individuals using cannabis products at least …
Staff Conceptualization Of And Engagement With Diversity And Inclusion In Collegiate Recreation: A Multilevel Exploration, Erin Michelle Patchett
Staff Conceptualization Of And Engagement With Diversity And Inclusion In Collegiate Recreation: A Multilevel Exploration, Erin Michelle Patchett
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine how collegiate recreation professionals conceptualize and engage in diversity and inclusion efforts in their roles as well as what are the influences and perceived outcomes of that engagement. Informed by constructivist and critical paradigms, an instrumental case study design was utilized to collect data from one collegiate recreation organization. Data sources included interviews with 13 collegiate recreation professionals, observations, writing activities, document analysis, and a researcher journal. Thematic analysis was utilized to examine the data. Four main themes were identified: (a) complex layers of diversity and inclusion, (b) layers of influences, (c) …
Effects Of Two Types Of Creatine Feeding And Doxorubicin On Skeletal Muscle Apoptotic Markers, Zoltan A. Torok
Effects Of Two Types Of Creatine Feeding And Doxorubicin On Skeletal Muscle Apoptotic Markers, Zoltan A. Torok
Dissertations
Doxorubicin (Dox) is a widely used anthracycline antibiotic used to treat a number of hematological and solid tumor cancers. Dosage however, is limited due to its toxic effects in healthy tissues. Negative consequences include myotoxicity in skeletal muscle, which may limit mobility and activities of daily living. Doxorubicin increases the formation of reactive oxygen species, which triggers apoptosis in the tumor and healthy tissue. Skeletal muscle undergoes apoptosis in response to Dox treatment, via the activation of the cleaved caspase-3 and its downstream target, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Creatine monohydrate (Cr), a naturally occurring chemical, when taken exogenously, can improve athletic performance. …
Science Of The Art Of Coaching: Examining The Decision-Making Process Of A Competitively Successful Endurance Running Coach, Marshall James Milbrath
Science Of The Art Of Coaching: Examining The Decision-Making Process Of A Competitively Successful Endurance Running Coach, Marshall James Milbrath
Dissertations
Several knowledge typologies exist as part of the coaching process including scientific, sport-specific, and pedagogical knowledges. Prior literature has examined these typologies through investigation of decision-making schematics and through direct inquiry of sport coaches. However, while past investigations have included heterogeneous coaching populations, the understanding of mediating knowledges in sport-specific contexts is less clear. Additionally, the investigation of coaching knowledges and their contributions to coach decision-making has been limited solely to the explicit and implicit viewpoints of coaches through interview studies and has yet to be investigated through observation of the coaching process itself. The present study investigated the decision-making …
Standards-Based Grading Practices In Middle School Mathematics Classrooms: A Multicase Study, Michelle Ann Morgan
Standards-Based Grading Practices In Middle School Mathematics Classrooms: A Multicase Study, Michelle Ann Morgan
Dissertations
This qualitative, multicase study sought to describe middle school mathematics teachers’ teaching practices as they implemented standards-based grading. Specifically, the study focused on understanding middle school mathematics teachers’ implementations of standards-based grading, use of assessment and feedback, and instructional design. Guided by cultural-historical activity theory lens, the researcher invited four middle school mathematics teachers who self-reported using standards-based grading practices to participate in the research study. Data collection for each case consisted of two interviews, lesson summaries and reflections, and classroom observations over the course of five consecutive class periods. Data analysis highlighted differences in the teachers’ uses of mathematical …
Specialty Certification In Nursing: The Influence Of Nursing Faculty On Pre-Licensure Students, Christina N. George
Specialty Certification In Nursing: The Influence Of Nursing Faculty On Pre-Licensure Students, Christina N. George
Dissertations
The seminal publication To Err is Human focused on designing healthcare processes to ensure safe patient outcomes (IOM, 2000). That report identified board certification of health professionals as one way to improve patient care quality and safety (IOM, 2000). Current discussions within the nursing profession regarding professional development have recognized value in specialty certification post-licensure, but the research on the perceived value of specialty certification has been limited among nurse educators. This study utilized the Perceived Value of Certification Tool (PVCT) to examine whether nursing faculty perceive value in certification and whether that perception is shared in the educational setting. …
Understanding The Effects Of A Mindful Yoga Intervention On The Psychological Well-Being Of Student Veterans, María Del Mar Chavarría Soto
Understanding The Effects Of A Mindful Yoga Intervention On The Psychological Well-Being Of Student Veterans, María Del Mar Chavarría Soto
Dissertations
Transitioning from military culture to a civilian and student environment can become a challenge for many military members. Additionally, high levels of anxiety, depression, PTSD and elevated percentages of suicidal thoughts have been increasing for this population (Rudd, Goulding, & Bryan, 2011). These social concerns and mental health struggles for this population highlight the urgency in the provision of more resources and efforts to address their psychological well-being (PWB) and increase the chances of success in the college environment. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the influence of a mindful yoga intervention on the …
Exploring The Needs Of Families Of Hospitalized Critically Ill Individuals In A Caribbean Setting, Amy Christine Burlar Schweizer
Exploring The Needs Of Families Of Hospitalized Critically Ill Individuals In A Caribbean Setting, Amy Christine Burlar Schweizer
Dissertations
Critical illness can be a traumatic, stressful time for families of hospitalized critically ill patients. Understanding the characteristics and needs of families of critically ill patients can assist the health care team to provide quality care that is responsive to the unique characteristics of family members. Providing culturally congruent care can help to minimize the negative consequences of this time of crisis. The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to explore the needs of family members of hospitalized critically ill adults in a Caribbean setting. Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality provided the framework for this study. …
Effects Of Flipgrid For Training On Job Satisfaction In Adjunct Clinical Nursing Faculty In A Baccalaureate Nursing Program, Maria Quimba
Effects Of Flipgrid For Training On Job Satisfaction In Adjunct Clinical Nursing Faculty In A Baccalaureate Nursing Program, Maria Quimba
Dissertations
Given the critical shortages of nurses in the United States and the corresponding shortfall of qualified faculty, the need to support adjunct faculty to meet the challenges of higher education is paramount. Comprising nearly half of the professoriate across institutions of higher education and nearly 50% of instructional time in associate and baccalaureate programs, adjunct clinical nursing faculty play a significant role in nursing education. Despite empirical research to support the need for training, development, and mentorship, ample evidence indicated lack of institutional support. Consequently, adjunct faculty experience numerous challenges accessing institutional services, struggle in their roles, and report job …
Determining Readiness To Take The National Council Licensure Examination For Registered Nurses®, Heidi Elizabeth Monroe
Determining Readiness To Take The National Council Licensure Examination For Registered Nurses®, Heidi Elizabeth Monroe
Dissertations
Numerous studies have examined the association between pre-admission and/or during nursing program variables and the outcome on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®; National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN]; 2015) but very few studies have examined post-graduation variables. This study examined post-graduation variables associated with the outcome on the NCLEX-RN® examination. The purpose of this exploratory field study was twofold. The first aspect was to identify the benchmark score on a post-graduation test (the Kaplan RN Readiness Exam; Sanders, 2014) correlated with passing the NCLEX-RN® examination. The second aspect was to explore factors that the …
The Effects Of Exercise Training On Cachexia In Mice Bearing The Colon-26 Carcinoma, Nicole Wood
The Effects Of Exercise Training On Cachexia In Mice Bearing The Colon-26 Carcinoma, Nicole Wood
Dissertations
Colon cancer is third the most prevalent cancer in the United States in both men and women. However, it is also a largely preventable disease, as colorectal cancer (CRC) risk is increased by environmental factors such as poor diet and physical inactivity. Furthermore, CRC patients are highly susceptible to significant muscle wasting. Cachexia is classified as a multifactorial metabolic syndrome associated with impairments in immune function, fatigue, and overall weakness, that lead to increased morbidity and mortality. To date, multiple studies have shown that both aerobic and resistance training, individually, are highly effective in their ability to attenuate the deleterious …
Examining The Roles Of The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pvr And The Bone Morphogenic Protein Receptor Thickvein In Regulating Self-Renewal And Division Frequency In The Cyst Stem Cells Of The Drosophila Testis Niche, Nastaran Soleimanibarzi Mues
Examining The Roles Of The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pvr And The Bone Morphogenic Protein Receptor Thickvein In Regulating Self-Renewal And Division Frequency In The Cyst Stem Cells Of The Drosophila Testis Niche, Nastaran Soleimanibarzi Mues
Dissertations
Adult stem cells live in different tissues, and they support and regenerate both the tissue they reside in and themselves. The stemness behavior is tightly regulated by the niche. The Drosophila testis is a valuable model to study stem cells in their niche. In this niche, there are two populations of stem cells; germline stem cells (GSCs) and somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs). GSCs and CySCs provide the cellular structure required to maintain the production of sperm in Drosophila males. These stem cells co-mingle around a group of non-dividing somatic cells known as the hub, and is the niche that …
Together We Move: Exploring Belonging, Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction And Motivational Factors In A Socially Structured University Physical Activity Program, Jessica B. Kirby
Dissertations
Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental life stage for individuals to establish healthy behaviors that enhance wellbeing, including quality relationships and physical activity (PA) engagement. Institutions of higher education are positioned to influence and support the development of these developmental tasks in emerging adults enrolled on their respective campuses. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore experiences of belonging, basic psychological need satisfaction (BNS) in PAbased social relationships, and motives to participate in a socially structured PA program among emerging adults on a university campus. Participants: University students who participated in the Fitness Buddies (FB) program (n=10), …
Acute Care Nurses’ Attitudes Toward Nursing Students With Disabilities, Kristy Lynn Calloway
Acute Care Nurses’ Attitudes Toward Nursing Students With Disabilities, Kristy Lynn Calloway
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to describe acute care nurses’ attitudes toward nursing students with disabilities, how these attitudes were impacted by the acute care culture, and what significance they had for behavior. No studies have been done within the United States in relation to attitudes acute care nurses hold toward nursing students with disabilities practicing and learning in their clinical settings. In this focused ethnography, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 acute care nurses who had at least two years’ experience precepting nursing students. While exploring acute care nurses’ attitudes toward nursing students with disabilities, six themes emerged: …
Developing Support Mechanisms For Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Leaders, Peter Teake Stoepker
Developing Support Mechanisms For Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Leaders, Peter Teake Stoepker
Dissertations
In this dissertation, support mechanisms for comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) leaders were investigated. In the first study, a systematic review was completed that explored the effectiveness of CSPAP professional development/training. In total, 8,982 records were screened and two articles matched the eligibility criteria and were included within the review. One study examined effectiveness using qualitative methods (Centeio, Erwin, & Castelli, 2014) and the other using quantitative methods (Carson, Castelli, Pulling Kugh, et al., 2014). Due to the limited number of articles that met the search criteria, it can be concluded that there is limited evidence to fully understand …
Effectiveness Of Simulation In Addressing Stigma, Sundeep Kaur Varaich
Effectiveness Of Simulation In Addressing Stigma, Sundeep Kaur Varaich
Dissertations
Mental health stigma hinders quality nursing care. The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to test if simulation was effective for addressing stigma in nursing education and evaluating student attitudes towards psychiatric conditions. A sample of eight-nine undergraduate nursing students were assigned to a control or treatment group and participated in either a chronic health challenge scenario or a mental health scenario to test the effectiveness of using a mental health simulation to address stigmatizing attitudes. Day’s Mental Illness Stigma Scale was used as the data collection tool for the post-test to measure students’ stigmatizing perceptions in relation to their …
Current Perspectives On The Gestalt Of Nursing Curricula, Brandi Lynne Venvertloh
Current Perspectives On The Gestalt Of Nursing Curricula, Brandi Lynne Venvertloh
Dissertations
This research study aimed to investigate the current gestalt of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curricula in the United States. Presently there is an emphasis in nursing education on the practice–education gap in order to ensure new graduate Registered Nurses are adequately prepared for entry into practice in a dynamic and complex healthcare environment. There has also been movement in nursing education to remove nursing theory from BSN curriculum guiding frameworks and replace them with essential educational standards. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to explore the lived experiences and perspectives of faculty curriculum leaders …
Blooming Where One Is Planted: Understanding Flourishing Among Rural Nurses, Marnee Lynne Crawford
Blooming Where One Is Planted: Understanding Flourishing Among Rural Nurses, Marnee Lynne Crawford
Dissertations
The reality of the challenges experienced in rural hospital-based care leave sparsely populated areas to face critical losses in nurses and healthcare services within already underserved regions of the nation. Nursing education is uniquely poised to serve as a mitigating agent against shortages in rural nursing workforce by preparing rural graduates to bloom where they are planted. This qualitative interpretive phenomenological research study explored the meaning of human flourishing as it is lived among rural nurses in the northwest region of Wyoming. The research was framed using social constructivism and the lens of rural nursing theory. Data were collected and …