Digital Commons Network^™

Reducing The Rate Of Misdiagnosis Of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Isabelle C. Gill

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a common yet frequently misdiagnosed dysautonomia characterized by a significant increase in heart rate upon standing. POTS patients experience severe fatigue, dizziness, pre-syncope, and a diminished quality of life. The intent of this thesis is to investigate factors contributing to POTS misdiagnosis and develop a proposal for improving diagnostic procedures. The first part of this thesis presents an overview of other frequently misdiagnosed conditions, providing an understanding of the basis for the diagnostic problems in POTS and methods to combat such difficulties. The second part of this thesis details a meta-analysis performed on POTS …

Mutual Gaze Among Strangers, Allie Vaknin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reactions people experienced when engaged in extended eye contact with a stranger. Artist Marina Abramović and an organization entitled The Liberators International have demonstrated a spectrum of reactions, many emotionally-charged, that have occurred from the opportunity to sit across from and gaze into the eyes of a stranger. Current research on eye contact has been predominantly quantitative, with no available research that qualitatively investigates the scenario in focus. The design of this study involved interviewing 35 people who participated in "The World’s Biggest Eye Contact Experiment," where individuals paired with a …

Prevalence Of Helicobacter Pylori And Health Related Risk Factors At The University Of Central Florida, Evan Holsonback

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects and resides in the gastric mucosa of humans. Without treatment, H. pylori infection may cause chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa. This inflammation creates progressive damage to the lining of the stomach and can lead to multiple diseases located in the upper gastrointestinal region. Worldwide prevalence of H. pylori infection is estimated to be close to 50%. H. pylori has been identified as the primary cause of peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors …

The Effect Of Controlling Messages On Doctor-Patient Communication, Kayla A. Ladez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The doctor-patient relationship is a very important aspect of a patient's health and wellbeing. It is a complex relationship that requires trust and understanding by both parties. Doctor shopping and changes in technology that allow patients to independently learn about their health have further complicated this relationship. This study looks at how participants perceive controlling language depending on the gender of the doctor. Participants were 339 University of Central Florida undergraduate students (112 men and 227 women, age M= 19.29, SD = 3.60) recruited through SONA. Participants first listened to a recording of a male or female doctor speaking to …

Prone Positioning In Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients, Sarah Rose H. Thornton

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Introduction: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), seen in critically ill patients, is a disease process that affects the lungs and directly impacts a patient’s oxygenation. Despite treatment, patients often die of ARDS secondary to systemic complications. Prone positioning has been introduced as a treatment to improve the outcomes of ARDS patients. This thesis summarized and critiqued recent literature on the outcomes of prone positioning in ARDS patients.

Methodology: An initial literature search was conducted using CINAHL Plus with Text, Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Multiple search terms …

The Effects Of Sepsis Management Protocols On Time To Antibiotic Administration In The Emergency Department, Margaret K. Lorch

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in U.S. hospitals, resulting from organ dysfunction caused by an inappropriate inflammatory reaction to an infection. Timely treatment with empiric antibiotics in the emergency department is crucial to facilitate positive patient outcomes. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) recommends initiating empiric antibiotic therapy within one hour of presentation to the emergency department. Some emergency departments have implemented sepsis management protocols to guide care and ensure timely treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a formal sepsis protocol in the emergency department on the time to antibiotic administration. …

Variables Influencing Misogyny, Rachel E. Mcpherson

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Misogyny, a hatred against women, is an attitude that causes emotional distress and can negatively affect women's psychological and physical health. It has shown itself in extreme ways and can be crippling to women. Studies have shown that psychological distress is heightened when women are subjected to sexist events. Misogyny exists in the classroom, workplace, and politics, and is virtually inescapable from women. It is not uncommon for women in positions of power are often unjustly branded with cruel epithets. Despite the modernity of today's culture, misogyny is still a prevalent issue. This study seeks to assess the underlying predictors …

Why Do Women And Children Join Insurgencies? A Comparative Study Of The Pkk And The Farc, Stephanie Melendez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Why do women and children join insurgency groups? The subject has been a matter of extensive debate, with experts offering theories of motivation on well-known groups such as the National Liberation Front (FLN) or the Irish Republican Army (IRA). However, there has been a small amount of work comparing two insurgency groups and their participants to one another. This paper addresses the underlying reasons for why women and children join insurgencies, explicitly focusing on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Turkey from their origins to the present. The paper uses interviews from …

The Effect Of Mismatch Primers On The Efficiency Of Amplification In Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reactions, Molly C. Dawkins

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method used in many research protocols to amplify a small amount of a short segment of DNA to millions of copies. PCR is used for many taxonomic studies, as well as for some medical diagnostic procedures. Through PCR, short DNA primers bind to the template DNA to allow the thermostable DNA polymerase to copy the DNA. Often, researchers create universal primers to target a conserved region of DNA in multiple species, for example, the 16S rRNA gene in bacteria. The problem with these universal primers is that they do not always perfectly match the …

Complementary And Integrative Therapies For The Treatment Of Fibromyalgia, Jennifer Hushla

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a debilitating and chronic condition with an array of symptoms, the most distinguishable being widespread pain. FMS patients experience a marked decrease in quality of life related to intensity of symptoms. Current treatment options and pharmaceuticals do not provide adequate relief. This thesis examines integrative and complementary therapy options for symptom management and improvement of quality of life for FMS patients. A literature review was conducted of English current research using multiple databases. Findings indicate mindful movement therapies (MMT) such as yoga and tai chi, mindfulness, sensory-related relaxation techniques with guided imagery, and cognitive behavioral therapy …

The Identification And Segmentation Of Astrocytoma Prior To Critical Mass, By Means Of A Volumetric/Subregion Regression Analysis Of Normal And Neoplastic Brain Tissue, Lyn Higgins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the underlying cause of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is presently unclear, this research implements a new approach to identifying and segmenting plausible instances of GBM prior to critical mass. Grade-IV Astrocytoma, or GBM, is an aggressive and malignant cancer arising from star-shaped glial cells, or astrocytes, where the astrocytes, functionally, assist in the support and protection of neurons within the central nervous system and spinal cord. Subsequently, our motivation for researching the ability to recognize GBM is that the underlying cause of the mutation is presently unclear, leading to the operative that GBM is only detectable through a combination of …

Digital Citizenship Tools For Cause-Based Campaigns: A Broadened Spectrum Of Social Media Engagement And Participation-Scale Methodology, Jennifer Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Digital Citizenship Tools for Cause-Based Campaigns: A Broadened Spectrum of Social Media Engagement and Participation-Scale Methodology develops and applies two new tools for understanding, measuring, and recursively adjusting small to medium-size social media-based philanthropic campaigns to better foster participation and engagement—in other words, democratic digital citizenship. First, a theoretical model is offered broadening current binary conceptions of success and failure or impact of campaigns, situating specific participant actions in social media on a spectrum. Then, from that model, a new methodology is provided to measure participation and engagement generated by campaign posts. Recommendations are also offered for recursively adjusting campaign …

"Championing The Race": The Unusual Inter-Racial Collaboration Of Zora Neale Hurston And Stetson Kennedy, Florence Turcotte

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

Cross Creek Cookery: Examining Food, Women, And History In Florida, Kimberly Wilmot Voss

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

University Of Central Florida Libraries, Annual Report 2017-2018, University Libraries

Libraries' Documents

No abstract provided.

Visionary Ophthalmics: Confluence Of Computer Vision And Deep Learning For Ophthalmology, Dustin Morley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ophthalmology is a medical field ripe with opportunities for meaningful application of computer vision algorithms. The field utilizes data from multiple disparate imaging techniques, ranging from conventional cameras to tomography, comprising a diverse set of computer vision challenges. Computer vision has a rich history of techniques that can adequately meet many of these challenges. However, the field has undergone something of a revolution in recent times as deep learning techniques have sprung into the forefront following advances in GPU hardware. This development raises important questions regarding how to best leverage insights from both modern deep learning approaches and more classical …

Econometric Modeling Analysis Of Public Transit Ridership: Application For Orlando Region, Moshiur Rahman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Policy makers are considering several alternatives to counter the negative externalities of personal vehicle dependence. Towards this end, public transit investments are critical in growing urban regions such as Orlando, Florida. Transit system managers and planners mostly rely on statistical models to identify the factors that affect ridership as well as quantifying the magnitude of the impact on the society. These models provide vital feedback to agencies on the benefits of public transit investments which in turn act as lessons to improve the investment process. We contribute to public transit literature by addressing several methodological challenges for transit ridership modeling. …

Olfaction, Memory, And Presence In Warfighters: Do The Scents Of War Matter?, Benson Munyan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Exposure therapy (EXP) is a first-line intervention for combat-related PTSD. EXP works by repeatedly exposing the patient to the feared stimuli, situation, or physical sensations in the absence of actual danger until the stimuli no longer evoke maladaptive responses. Over the past decade, multiple technologies have been introduced to augment the EXP process by presenting multi-sensory cues (e.g., sights, smells, sounds) to increase patients' sense of presence. Exploratory research has only broadly examined the effect of odorants on the patient's sense of presence during simulated exposure tasks. This study hypothesized that those with autobiographical memories similar to the virtual …

Homophobia In Registered Nurses, Matthew Berry

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Homophobia plays a significant role in the treatment of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). The purpose of this study is to explore the presence of these types of negative attitudes as they present themselves in the nursing workforce. 520 registered nurses were contacted via email to partake in a survey assessing homophobic attitudes and perceptions regarding nursing care of LGBT persons. A total of 27 registered nurses responded and the resulting data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A majority of registered nurses were female (89.3%), greater than 40 years of age (75%), white (75%), heterosexual …

Evaluating Outcomes Of Education On Waste Management In The Hospital Setting, Taryn N. Schlather

Honors Undergraduate Theses

With advancements in healthcare, we continue to find new needs that must be addressed. Hospitals generate a substantial amount of medical waste, and proper disposal is important for patient and staff safety, environmental protection, and cost efficiency. A series of studies show there is a need for further education on hospital waste management policies. This thesis aims to evaluate education interventions to improve knowledge and healthcare waste disposal practices. This literature review was conducted using multiple databases, including MedLINE, CINAHL, GreenFILE, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and NCBI, to find qualifying research articles in the English language from 2005-2018. Key terms for …

The Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy (Hrt) On Surgically Postmenopausal Women: A Review Of The Literature, Leslie M. Hertweck

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The primary purpose of this research was to examine the effects of HRT in women with acute estrogen deficiency from surgically induced menopause. The secondary purpose was to evaluate how HRT improves symptoms of acute estrogen deficiency and quality of life (QOL) in women using hormone supplementation. Peer reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2017 that were written in the English language with a focus on the use of HRT in women with acute estrogen deficiency after surgical menopause were evaluated for relevance. Evidence suggests the primary reason for decreased use of HRT is the associated risks outweighing the benefits; …

The Efficacy Of Formal Sexual Education In Lgbtq Adolescents: A Review Of The Literature, Candice P. Dressel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this review of review was to determine if inclusive and comprehensive formal sexual education is effective in promoting safer sex behaviors compared to abstinence only until marriage sexual education, for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) adolescents. Peer reviewed articles were retrieved from Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), Elton B. Stephens Co. Host (Ebsco Host), Medical Literature On-line (Medline), Psychological Information Database (PsychINFO) and government released statistical information that was published from 2000-2017. Inclusion criteria of synthesized articles were based on formal sexual education aimed at adolescent …

Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) And Equine Assisted Therapy: An Integrative Review Of The Literature, Brittany R. Selzer

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this integrative review of the literature is to examine the effectiveness of equine assisted therapy with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An extensive review of the literature was conducted regarding children diagnosed with ASD who received equine therapy, equine psychotherapy, therapeutic horseback riding, or horse therapy. Inclusion criteria include articles written in the English language, articles that were peer-reviewed, and had a publication date from 2006 to present. Fourteen articles were analyzed regarding children with ASD who participated in different types of equine therapy. The majority of the studies found individuals with ASD who participated …

Mental Health Interventions For Adolescent Cancer Patients, Kelsey A. Faherty

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: According to the National Cancer Institute (2017) approximately 15,270 individuals’ ages 0 to 19 years would be diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Although pediatric cancer survival rates continue to rise, there are high rates of anxiety, fear, and depression amongst this population. The purpose of this literature review was to explore mental health interventions for adolescent cancer patients.

Methodology: A total of 165 articles were found in a literature search. Databases used include: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Clinical Answers, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. As results were further narrowed based on relevance and …

Appreciating The Golden Hour: A Comparative Interdisciplinary Study, Taylor Tachon

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Within the health care, many medical professionals know about the critical time restraints for provisions of care within their discipline, but do not know the term "The Golden Hour". The Golden Hour is a term indicating the universal time restraint found within every area of health care and more specifically, every area of nursing. The term and concept represented by it should be recognized to better the outcomes of our patients. Although the Golden Hour typically indicates a 60-minute period of time, various settings recognize shorter and longer periods during which specific actions must be taken to assure positive patient …

A Transcultural Perspective On Nonpharmacological Treatment Of Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review, Amanda W. Leyva

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Despite PPD’s global extent, scarce research that addresses culturally competent alternative interventions exists. The purposes of this thesis were to 1) analyze the existing literature on non-pharmacological treatment of PPD in the US and across selected cultures; 2) determine the effectiveness of cross-cultural non-pharmaceutical therapy; and 3) examine and suggest ways health care providers can integrate non-pharmacologic interventions into PPD treatment in the US. The systematic electronic search comprised the databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, PsycINFO and SAGE Research Methods. Searches were limited to English language, peer reviewed, and research articles between 2007 and 2017. …

Online Support Group For Chinese Women With Ovarian Or Cervical Cancer, Yuan Xing

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Women with gynecological (GYN) cancer experience a wide spectrum of physical, emotional and social effects after diagnosis and treatment of their cancer. The insufficient availability of local support groups, limited transportation for the rural Chinese population and a shortage of oncologists make it difficult to have face-to-face support groups for Chinese GYN cancer patients. However, the wide access of Internet has provided an opportunity for people to have online support groups. The purpose of this study was to observe and describe the types of support given to and by Chinese GYN cancer survivors in a QQ chat group. This was …

The Effects Of Emerging Technology On Healthcare And The Difficulties Of Integration, Skyler J. Pavlish-Carpenter

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Disruptive technology describes technology that is significantly more advanced than previous iterations, such as: 3D printing, genetic manipulation, stem cell research, innovative surgical procedures, and computer-based charting software. These technologies often require extensive overhauls to implement into older systems and must overcome many difficult financial and societal complications before they can be widely used. In a field like healthcare that makes frequent advancements, these difficulties can mean that the technology will not be utilized to its full potential or implemented at all.

Objective: To determine the inhibiting factors that prevent disruptive technology from being implemented in conventional healthcare.

Methods: …

Exploring What It Is Like To Be An Undocumented Alien In Seek Of Healthcare, Eliany C. Torrez Pon

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Currently, there are about 11.8 million undocumented aliens in the United States who are not eligible for public insurance or any type of private coverage obtained through the American Health Care Act of 2017. This creates barriers to healthcare for this large population and has negative implications for the healthcare system. Despite the availability of clinics and low-cost healthcare, this group tends to underuse resources or seek healthcare for emergencies only which leads to increased cost totaling approximately $1.1 billion a year. The goal of this qualitative study is to better understand what it is like to be an undocumented …

Factors That Influence The Formation Of Peanut Allergies In Children, Christie Gleason

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Allergies have the potential to be a life-long debilitating fight, especially the severe reactions from allergies such as anaphylaxis. Peanut allergies tend to be both common and severe, and they happen to be found hiding in many food products. People can have allergic reactions to food products that were made in the same facility as peanut products, that is why it is so important to be aware of the products that are being consumed. The incidence of peanut allergies has increased in the last decade, which is why it is crucial to study these allergies. This thesis looks at when …