Digital Commons Network^™

Ob/Gyn Women In A #Metoo World: Unraveling Agency, Gender Bias, And Gender Inequity In The Workplace, Corey L. Bazemore

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This research explores the visibility of women physicians, specifically in gynecology and obstetrics. It focuses upon their perspectives of gender inequity and sexual harassment within their broader profession and individual daily workplace. This study explores the medical and STEM women’s awareness and understanding of sexual and gender microaggressions within their professions by interviewing six women physicians. I analyze these narratives in relation to the #MeToo movement and how this movement gives visibility to the voices of women across workforces, including medicine, STEM, and other academic areas. This study shows the ongoing need to develop deeper conversations and interventions about women …

Associations Among Smoking, Vaping, Psychopathology, And Identity, Jacqueline A. Beretsky

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Although there has been progress in trying to decrease the use of cigarette smoking, a new method of smoking has evolved which is rapidly increasing, namely vaping. Adolescents who participate in smoking are more likely to increase smoking frequency if they believed that it is self-defining (“I smoke cigarettes” versus “I am a smoker”). While there has been evidence to support the claim that internal motives for smoking are correlated with smoker identity development, there has been none, to our knowledge, found for vaping identity. Due to the similarities of smoking and vaping, it is important to discover whether those …

Cardiovascular Outcomes In Nonsmokers Exposed To Secondhand Smoke: Results From The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (Nhanes) 2015-2016, Suzanne Chaar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

While the adverse health risks associated with smoking have been well-documented, few studies have examined the cardiovascular outcomes associated with secondhand smoking. The purpose of the study was to assess the distributions and association of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS). Data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016 cycle. Self-reported smoking status and cotinine levels were used to identify exposure groups (smokers, nonsmokers, and secondhand smokers), and medical history of several cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart diseases and stroke were also collected via self-report survey. The association between exposure …

Effect Of Lifting Straps On Peak Force During An Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull, Ethan A. Elkins

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the difference in peak force (PF) production with and without the inclusion of lifting straps (LS) during an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). An additional goal of this study was to identify potential asymmetry during the two protocols while evaluating the potential use of a dual force plate IMTP as a tool for player monitoring programs. Methods: Twenty-one NCAA division I men (n=10) and women (n=11) soccer players performed a maximal IMTP over dual force plates with and without the assistance of LS. The PF total between the two …

Self-Reported Health Status And Sickle Cell Trait Knowledge In Young Adults With An African Heritage At A Large University In The Southeast, Vinkrya N. Ellison

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study is to survey self-reported health symptoms and knowledge of Sickle Cell Trait in young adults with an African heritage. The aim is to expand a comprehensive assessment system to measure factors associated with carrying the Sickle Cell Trait. Historically being a Sickle Cell Trait carrier was thought to be asymptomatic. However, current research has suggested this may not be true. While young adults may have greater knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease, little is known about their awareness of Sickle Cell Trait. Furthermore, no research on these topics have been conducted in young adults with African …

The Effect Of Interventions On Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Toxicity: A Systematic Review, Claudia R. Figueroa

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Various studies show a variety of interventions for radiotherapy-induced skin toxicity. Radiotherapy-induced skin toxicity is the most common side effect for women with breast cancer who undergo radiotherapy sessions. Intervention agents include topical creams, barrier films, oral agents, as well as laser therapy. However, despite the variety of intervention agents available, there is still a lack of accepted guidelines to manage radiotherapy-induced skin toxicity. This thesis aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials with the primary purpose of exploring the available intervention methods to prevent radiotherapy-induced skin toxicity and evaluate the effects of different …

Development Of A Self-Report Scale Of Motivation: The Multifaceted Motivation Inventory, Magan T. Halverson

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Individuals experience different dimensional levels of motivation and apathy (i.e., the lack of motivation), which can reflect both state and trait contributions. Chronic apathy is common in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The primary aim of the current study was to create a new self-report measure that measures different domains of motivation/apathy with subscales and also take into account many other aspects that could affect motivation within the same scale, including energy level, anticipatory and consummatory pleasure, indecisiveness, and initial and sustained effort. A …

"Yo, Indocumentadx:" Latinx Undocumented Immigrant Identity, Freedom, And Anti-Immigrant Discourses In The United States, Guadalupe Rivas Navarro

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The thesis explores how some undocumented Latinx immigrants thrive and understand their personhood and security in the current “immigration crisis” in the U.S. Using ethnographic tools such as interviews and participant observation, I gathered undocumented Latinx immigrants’ narratives about living in Orlando, Florida. I concluded that American immigration policies use lack-of-freedom strategies to limit their experiences and rights as human beings, also as a means to deter future immigrants. Through the lens of undocumented Latinx immigrants’ stories, I analyze the relationship between freedom, power, and identity in the social hierarchy of privileges in the United States to understand how their …

Sea-Level Rise And Climate Justice For Native Americans And Indigenous Peoples: An Analysis Of The United States' Response And Responsibilities, Sarah Swiersz

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Sea-level rise and inland flooding driven by climate change threaten the health, economic development, and social stability of Native American Tribes and Indigenous Nations. Further, loss of traditional lands threatens the cultural practices and ties to heritage that provide ontological grounding for many Indigenous Peoples. While the Federal Trust Doctrine implies a responsibility for federal policy to aid Tribes by compensating them for impacts of sea-level rise, there is no legislation securing compensation for Indigenous Nations not recognized as Tribes. Due to the incommensurable nature of the damage to Native American and Indigenous communities who lose their lands to sea-level …

Effects Of Maternal Thyroid Hypofunction On Fetal Brain Development During Pregnancy: Possible Links To Autism Spectrum Disorder, Caroline R. Hobson

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Thyroid hormone regulates essential processes in early brain development such as neural cell migration, differentiation, signaling, and myelination, particularly during the early stages of gestation. During this time, fetal thyroid hormone accessibility depends on the placental transfer of thyroid hormones. Deficiency of thyroid hormone during fetal and postnatal periods may lead to permanent mental retardation and neurological deficits. Clinical studies have been conducted demonstrating links between maternal hypothyroidism and numerous neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, lower IQ, behavioral disorders, and psychiatric disorders. To investigate the effects of thyroid hormone actions on perinatal brain …

The Obama Paradox: Policy Success, Political Failure, Laura Chiu

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The presidency of Barack Obama presents us with a paradox, in that it was both a policy success and a political failure, two states that seemingly contradict with one another. His presidency is considered a policy success due to its ability to successfully pass many key pieces of legislation, despite several challenges. On the other hand, Obama's presidency is also considered a political failure primarily due to the election of Donald J. Trump, someone who is not an ally to the Obama administration and has worked to undo Obama's accomplishments as president in nearly every area. Today, Obama's legacy as …

Cultural Institutions' Digital Responses To Covid-19 Temporary Closures, Brittany N. Ryder

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of the study was to explore what types of digital content cultural institutions implemented during COVID-19 temporary closures and their effects on social media engagement. Existing research identified the role of digital content and social media in cultural institutions, but only in times of normal operations. The study adds to the existing literature by exploring types of digital content implemented, impacts on social media engagement, measures of social media engagement, and future implications in regard to COVID-19 temporary closures.

The study recruited 16 cultural institutions from across the United States to take part in in-depth semi-structured phone interviews …

Understanding The Challenges Child Welfare Workers Encounter Related To Promoting The Online Safety Of Foster Youth, Denielle Kirk L. Abaquita

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Foster care case managers are responsible for the wellbeing of foster youth in the foster care system. Teens (ages 13-17) in foster care are most vulnerable to serious risks, such as sex trafficking. Such risks have been heightened by the advent of internet-based technologies that connect foster youth with unsafe others at unprecedented frequency and speed. This thesis examines how case managers tackle the challenge of online safety as it relates to adolescents in the foster care system in the United States. I conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with case managers who worked with foster teens (ages 13-17) within the past …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Price Of Insulin In Canada And The United States, Kimia Z. Badakhshan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

There's frequent discourse regarding the rising cost of insulin in the US. Insulin is a drug that over 7 million people rely on for survival, and it has tripled in cost over the last decade. The pricing regulation of the drug is dependent on multiple stakeholders, including wholesalers, pharmacy benefit managers, and manufacturing companies. Due to the lack of governmental intervention in the process of pharmaceutical cost regulation in the US, data on the price negotiations and the rebate system between these entities is unavailable in public records, making it difficult to determine a primary cause as the root of …

Middle School Education In Music Media Literacy Could Combat The Potential Negative Effects Of Exposure To Sexual Content In Music, Stephanie B. Mihalache

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The current study focused on examining the relationship between music media literacy and middle school students. The goal of the study was to bring awareness towards adding music media literacy in the middle school curriculum; in order to further educate middle school students on the potential negative effects of popular music on their attitudes and behaviors, help middle school students understand the processes involved in the creation of popular music, and help middle school students understand how popular music can reflect and impact society as a whole. Participants (n=20) were selected through social media ads, ads posted on listservs, and …

Viral Stories In Spanish And English: A Qualitative Analysis Of Narrative Perceptions Regarding Infant Immunizations Across Major Ethno-Linguistic Communities, Zeynep H. Elshaer

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The intent of this thesis is to analyze the varying perceptions among Hispanic (Spanish-speaking) and Anglophone communities regarding vaccines and more specifically infant immunization practices, in order to identify common or diverging patterns of communication, information dissemination, and narrative discourse. Currently, medical messaging and health policy is largely formulated without thorough attention to the different ways diverse or minority ethno-linguistic communities may interpret the information, thereby leading to deficiencies in effective communication practices between individuals and healthcare providers or policymakers, and outright opposition between informal and formal public health messaging. This evaluation was conducted in order to broaden the current …

Exploring Sedentary Time Of Rural Children During Structured Versus Less-Structured Days, Serina Rayan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine rural children's sedentary time during school days vs non-school days Currently, childhood obesity research has focused predominantly on urban-dwelling children. However, existing literature indicates that rural children have higher rates of obesity than their urban counterparts. There is a current lack of evidence investigating the obesogenic behaviors of rural children, such as physical activity levels, sleep duration, sedentary behaviors and diet. With this project, I aim to observe sedentary time (time spent sitting, screen time etc.) as research has shown that independent of physical activity, sedentary time is associated with weight gain. …

Exploring The Role Of Mindfulness On Psychological Well-Being Among College Students, Nikole Elderkin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

More college students are experiencing stress that negatively affects their psychological wellbeing. Many universities are reporting that more students are seeking mental health services related to stress (Miller, Elder, Scavone, 2017). The intent of this thesis is to extend the previous research findings by specifically investigating the role of mindfulness on psychological well-being of college students. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered online survey that consists of the mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS) that measures the frequency of mindfulness state, the Psychological well-being scale (PWB) that measures six aspects of wellbeing and happiness, and the generalized self-efficacy scale (GSES). …

The Underlying Effects Of Religion In Puerto Rico, Claudia A. Chardon

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The intent of this thesis is to explore the role religion has played in the Puerto Rican society. Growing up in this culture entails a deep and implicit connection with the religious world. Religious values, beliefs, and attitudes are firmly entrenched and amplified through the family, culture, and schools. Because it is so deeply entrenched, it is difficult to find a place to leverage a critique of its impact. Thus, in order to understand the societal matters and challenges the island faces, an in-depth study that explores the beliefs, attitudes, and behavior of Puerto Ricans is necessary.

Understanding Reasons For Electing Gap Years Between Undergraduate Education And Medical School And The Impact Of Gap Years On The Student Experience Of Medical Education, Haroon Rashid

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Gap years have grown in popularity among many students attempting to go to medical school in recent years. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), more than half of matriculated students now have taken time off between their undergraduate studies and medical school. While many claim benefits to taking gap years, research on the impacts of these experiences on medical students is largely nonexistent. This study aims to qualitatively analyze the gap year phenomena and its impacts on medical students through semi-structured interviews conducted at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. Through these interviews, the researchers …

An Exploratory Examination Of The Digital Marijuana Policy Messaging Of Liberal, Governmental, And Conservative Organizations Utilizing Websites, Kimberly Kampe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to examine whether differences exist between the digital media promotion of marijuana policies by organizations based on their type (liberal, federal government, or conservative ). Concerns about illicit drug use in America are apparent when looking at the current discourse on marijuana policy. This discourse has been impacted by the media's construction of the drug problem and how that problem is defined by different sources. This messaging has the potential to impact societal views on crime, justice, and related policies. In the process of media persuasion, there are various organizations conveying divergent marijuana …

Resource Teachers And Multi-Tier Systems Of Supports: Black Males' Special Education Identification, Fredrick Brooks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The disproportionality of students placed in special education programs continues to plague the education community, particularly Black male students. "For too many Black male students, learning difficulties or challenging behaviors come to be equated with disability, often without consideration of the way in which the environment of schools and classrooms contribute to student difficulties" (Jordan, 2016, p. 33). This study examined the lived experiences of resource teachers who lead Multi-tier Systems of Supports (MTSS) implementation in their schools. The study reviewed the extent to which their perceptions, perspectives, understandings, and feelings drive their problem solving and decision-making regarding referrals to …

Long Distance Relationship Partners' Relationship Maintenance Behavior And Relationship Uncertainty Reduction, My Bui

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Social networking sites have become popular communication tools to make connections and maintain interpersonal relationships, especially for long-disance romantic relationship. Given the popularity of this new communicative platform, this study aims at updating their pattern in terms of their benefits in maintenance romantic relationships among college students. 133 students were recruited to assess their maintenance behaviors through their uses of computer-mediated communication and some traditional communicative channels as well as their uncertainty level. This results reveal that long-distance romantic relationship partners use computer-mediated communication tools such as texting, direct messaging, Snapchat, and others more frequently than partners in geographically close …

Keeping Girls' Voices At The Center Of Our Work: A Phenomenological Study On The Discipline Experiences Of Black Girls With Disabilities, Whitney Hanley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Disciplinary exclusion is disproportionately enforced with Black students with disabilities. Researchers in this area typically examine the overuse of disciplinary exclusion using homogeneous samples narrowed by race, gender, or disability category; however, implications of the overuse and misuse of discipline have rarely been explored at the intersection of race, gender, and disability. Furthermore, Black girls with disabilities and their experiences with discipline are often muted, or overlooked. Due to perceived defiance, which current researchers support, the actions and choices of Black girls are under heightened surveillance. Responses to their behavior often results in inequitable use of discipline. A master narrative …

An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Education Assistance Dogs And The Attendance, Verbal Communication Utterances, And Maladaptive Behaviors Of Self-Contained Special Education Students In One Florida School District, Heather Lucas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the introduction of education assistance dogs (EAD) on the attendance, verbal communication utterances, and maladaptive behaviors of students on behavior intervention plans who were enrolled in self-contained, special education classrooms. Teachers in two elementary classrooms and one middle school classroom gathered data on the three areas of focus. The researcher then utilized a single subject design and corresponding line graphs to represent the data. The results indicated a positive trend in the scores for verbal communication utterances and maladaptive behaviors among targeted students after end introduction of the EAD. …

The Transition Through Higher Education: An Exploration Of Challenges, Barriers, And Support Services For Student-Athletes, Lucas Noboa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

During the recent decades, the importance of intercollegiate athletics has proliferated amongst institutions of higher education. As such, the transition through higher education for student-athletes has increasingly included experiences with challenges and barriers, which influence their success. To address difficulties, institutions and athletics departments have implemented support services and resources to assist student-athletes throughout their transition. Additionally, the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) has conducted several studies, which examined the experiences and well-being of current student-athletes. Through the Growth, Opportunities, Aspirations and Learning of Students in college (GOALS) survey, detailed information has been provided to member institutions, which has influenced …

Prescription Drug Abuse Amongst The Elderly, Michael O'Blenis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This thesis attempts to document and illuminate the growing issue of prescription drug abuse among the elderly population. The average elder in the U.S. takes at least one prescription drug per day, depending upon their health status. Likewise, elders that suffer from multiple chronic conditions are more likely to take multiple prescription drugs. As the lifespan of humankind grows well into their 90's and older, even more elders will be placed on prescription drugs. As part of this study, a narrative literature review was conducted to summarize the topic of prescription drug abuse amongst the elderly. The findings suggest that …

Disability- And Mathematics-Related Outcomes Of Adolescents Born Late-Preterm: An Examination Of Eighth-Grade Ecls-K Participants, Annette Romualdo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

To capture a snapshot of the late-preterm academic phenotype in adolescence, and to address a research gap in empirical investigation, the researcher in the present study compared disability- and mathematics-related eighth-grade age outcomes of those born late-preterm (n = 330), to full-term (n = 5434) peers. Through an analysis of Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-99 (ECLS-K) the researcher in the present study examined the impact of late-preterm birth on disability-related school outcomes in adolescent-age, as measured by (1) presence of special education services; (2) presence of learning disability or other disability; (3) and presence of increased behavioral …

Structural Equation Modeling (Sem) Analyses Of Perceived Contextual Factors With Departmental Climate For Teaching Quality Improvement In Stem, Eman Saqr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This study explored the correlation between perceived contextual factors (leadership, collegiality, resources, professional development, autonomy, and respect) and departmental climate for teaching quality improvement in STEM settings across institutional types and faculty's institutional roles. Institutional types include associate's colleges, doctoral-granting universities, master's colleges and universities, and baccalaureate colleges. Faculty's institutional roles included full professor, associate professor, assistant professor, lecturer, and instructor. Gappa et al.'s (2007) framework regarding faculty work was used to explain the explored correlation. Two hundred and seventy-eight faculty members in STEM settings across institutional types participated in the web survey. A partial least squares structural equation modeling …

The Influence Of Ideas, Experiences, And Perceptions On Civics Teachers' Pedagogical Approaches: A Phenomenological Study, Allison Sheridan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In order for democracies to survive, citizens need to be knowledgeable, active members of society. Schools in the United States, more importantly teachers, are often tasked with the responsibility to pass on the knowledge and skills to future generations. The purpose of this research study was to examine and describe how civics teachers' personal experiences, perceptions and ideas influence their pedagogical approaches. While past research has examined the attitudes and dispositions of students, as well as self-report measures of what teachers indicate they are doing in their classroom, no studies have actually observed civics teachers' pedagogical approaches. Five participants were …