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Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation: Application To Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation And Computational Modeling, Neil Mittal

Theses and Dissertations

Loss of motor function from spinal cord injuries (SCI) results in loss of independence. Rehabilitation efforts are targeted to enhance the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), but outcomes from physical therapy alone are often insufficient. Neuromodulation techniques that induce neuroplasticity may push the limits on recovery. Neuromodulation by intermittent theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTBS) induces neuroplasticity by increasing corticomotor excitability, though this has most frequently been studied with motor targets and on individuals not in need of rehabilitation. Increased corticomotor excitability is associated with motor learning. The response to iTBS, however, is highly variable and unpredictable, …

Stat5a Regulation By Serine Phosphorylation In Breast Cancer, Alicia E. Woock

Theses and Dissertations

The neuroendocrine hormone prolactin (PRL) and its cognate receptor (PRLr) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. PRL signaling relies on activating kinases such as the tyrosine kinase Jak2 and serine/threonine kinases ERK1/2, NEK3, PI3K, and AKT. In the canonical pathway of PRL signaling, JAK2 phosphorylates the transcription factor STAT5a at tyrosine residue 694 (pY694-STAT5a), preceding STAT5a nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. However, STAT5a exists with functional duality as a transcription factor, having both pro-differentiative and pro-proliferative target genes. Other STAT family members (STATs 1, 3, and 6) have been shown to have transcriptional activity in the un-tyrosine-phosphorylated …

The Student Experience Of Higher Education During The Covid-19 Pandemic: How Class And Race Shape Socially Distanced Learning At A Public University, Alice M. Quach

Theses and Dissertations

While prior research has examined trends toward growing uncertainty and precarity for young adults within the economy and higher education, the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be exacerbating these existing inequalities and risks. Drawing from 30 semi-structured in-depth interviews with college students at a large Southern and urban public university, this study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting students’ learning experiences, and how those experiences are differentially shaped, in turn, by their class and race. This exploratory research illuminates our understanding of the multiple mechanisms by which the COVID-19 pandemic is shaping existing inequalities in the higher education system, mostly …

Stigmatizing Labels, School Bonds, And Capital In The School Reentry Experiences And Educational Outcomes Of Justice-Involved Youth, Peter S. Willis

Theses and Dissertations

Research indicates that justice-involved youth who reenter public and alternative schools following contact with the juvenile justice system struggle to find a place in the school community and complete their educations. Because educational attainment affects recidivism rates, successful school reentry for justice-involved youth presents important research questions for policy and practice. This study examined school reentry through cases studies of adults who had been justice-involved youth and had experienced school reentry following contact with the juvenile justice system. Study participants’ school reentry experiences were examined through a theoretical framework comprised of labeling, social control, and field theories. Findings suggest that …

Survival, Growth, And Characterization Of Microbes In E-Liquids, Jessica Bunn

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes have become a concern in the last ten years, including the inhalation of volatile organic compounds, trace heavy metals, and cancer-causing agents. An additional, but poorly characterized health threat for e-liquids is the potential for bacterial contamination since the presence of pathogenic organisms can potentially cause disease from the inhalation of the microbes into the lungs. This work aims to investigate microbial growth and survival within the e-liquid matrix. Bacillus cereus T. strain and Escherichia coli were the chosen organisms for analysis of growth by absorbance, survival by viable plate counts, and …

Analysis Of Ethanol Aerosolized In An Electronic Cigarette By Headspace Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (Gc-Fid) And Particle Size Separation, Erica R. Sales

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) were designed as a healthier alternative nicotine delivery system, and involve the heating of e-liquids. These are composed of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavoring agents, and nicotine. Recently, ethanol has been identified as an unlabeled ingredient. The health consequences are currently unknown.

The purpose of this study is to quantify the amount of ethanol present in an aerosol cloud and to determine the size of the ethanol particles. A SubOx Mini-C e-cig was used. For ethanol quantification, the e-cig was attached to a Buchner Flask containing 150mL of deionized water, The system was attached to a vacuum …

Differentiation Between Peripheral Blood And Menstrual Blood Using Mirna Markers, Anaya Valentine

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Abstract

In forensic investigations, body fluids can provide crucial information and is helpful for corroborating the circumstance of the case. For cases of sexual assaults or homicides, being able to differentiate if the blood is peripheral blood or menstrual blood is important. Peripheral blood can be indicative of a traumatic event, while menstrual blood is of a natural cause. Currently, serology based methods are used for body fluid identification, however, their lack of sensitivity and specificity remains an issue. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-protein coding nucleic acids that are able to be co-extracted with DNA, and their small …

A Comprehensive Audit Of Professional Development For K-12 School Leaders In The Commonwealth Of Virginia, Melissa Davis Hill, Melisa J. Naumann, Timothy M. Tillman, Major R. Warner Jr.

Doctor of Education Capstones

The intent of this paper is to provide a mixed-methods audit of professional development provided to K-12 school leadership in Virginia's diverse landscape to include identification of providers, funding, effectiveness, and expectations.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, geographical, political, and socio-economical differences across 132 school divisions cause variability in leaders' experiences with professional development. A mixed-methods approach was used, including a review of current literature, an online survey, virtual interviews, and virtual focus group discussions. This data collection results in a comprehensive audit of professional development provided to school leaders in Virginia's diverse landscape. The study defines effective professional development …

Vcu Monroe Park Campus 'Iconic Green' Pre-Planning And Design Study, Nicholas A. Jancaitis

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

The 'Iconic Green' pre-planning study for the Monroe Park Campus of VCU provides the framework and data necessary to support the intended 'nexus' on the proposed site. A review of the existing literature on various subjects included will highlight models and successful measures that have ensured success for previous similar built works. Having an understanding of the underlying factors and implications for the site, a needs assessment using existing literature and design precedents and in comparison with VCU's own desired end state and needs. Focusing on these comparisons within a theoretical framework called the Just Beautiful City, established in this …

Disability Inclusive Transportation: Assessing First Mile Last Mile Conditions In The Richmond Region, Rebekah A. Cazares

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

Accessible public transportation services are vital to promoting a healthy, livable, and thriving region. For people with physical disabilities, the inability to access services and activities can have a harmful impact. A lack of personal mobility may lead to a decreased quality of life and the inability to advocate for one’s rights. Given the region's growing population, as well as increased disability rates, providing accessible public transportation services is crucial.

While public transportation services are required to be accessible under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, supporting infrastructure oftentimes creates additional barriers. For example, poorly maintained …

Green Alley Network Plan, Dan Motta

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

The Green Alley Network Plan seeks to realize the potential of Richmond’s public alleyways as opportunities for biodiverse shared streets acting as active transportation corridors, stormwater management systems, and public spaces that support high quality of life and community health. This project aims to be an expansion on Richmond’s Green Alley program, detailing tools, examples, recommendations, and steps to implementation. It is guided by the city’s visions of High-Quality Places, Equitable Transportation, a Diverse Economy, Inclusive Housing, and a Thriving Environment as expressed in the Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth Master Plan. Additionally, the region’s long-range transportation plan being …

Review Of Student Engagement, Assessment, And High-Impact Practice Implementation By Common Book Programs In U.S. Institutions Of Higher Education, Raymond (Wes) Hillyard, Carrie Newcomb, Richard M. Pantele, Andrea M. Perseghin, Leslie Winston

Doctor of Education Capstones

Common book programs are widely used by U.S. institutions of higher education to positively impact student engagement and student retention. This capstone project sought to determine the best practices in common book program assessment and high-impact practice implementation. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory research design was employed to answer the research questions. Data was collected utilizing an online survey and interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data was analyzed using chi-square, in vivo and thematic coding. This project aims to inform common book program administrators and other student engagement stakeholders in improving program assessment, high-impact practice implementation, and first- to second-year student retention …

The Buffering Effects Of Resilience On Alcohol Use: A Phenotypic And Genotypic Investigation, Shannon Cusack

Theses and Dissertations

The college years encompass a time of vulnerability for problematic alcohol use/alcohol use disorder (AUD) and exposure to traumatic events (TE), which is a transdiagnostic risk factor for AUD, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and comorbid AUD-PTSD. However, not all who experience a TE develop these disorders, highlighting the need to identify factors that impact post-trauma outcomes. Resilience has been shown to be associated with lower alcohol consumption and related problems following TE, though the buffering effects of resilience on alcohol use have not yet been examined. Further, twin studies demonstrate that resilience is moderately heritable, but further research is needed …

Stony Point Fashion Park Small Area Plan, Jane I. Howk

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

The purpose of the Stony Point Fashion Park Small Area Plan is to explore the value and future of the Stony Point Fashion Park through the creation of a small area plan. This topic needs to be addressed immediately because malls are facing a sharp decline in economic growth and use. Online shopping brings a competition that malls do not seem to be equipped to address. This drives the research question: how can Stony Point Fashion Park be reimagined to attract business, increase residential growth, and maximize the potential for new services? Malls that continue to flourish differ significantly from …

Wayfinding In Warrenton, Logan Ashby

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

This research helps to inform and establish a wayfinding signage system throughout the Town of Warrenton. A wayfinding system can help connect people to places using the built environment and serves as an easily understandable visual guide. Establishing a wayfinding system will help the Town create a cohesive branding, achieve cohesive gateways, while also helping to establish the five character districts that were introduced in the most recent comprehensive plan. This study included a wayfinding audit, which helped to establish the existing conditions and recommend the following the goals: Establish an advisory board to advise the Town on wayfinding decisions …

Appleton Area Ohv Park Master Plan, Chad M. Kingstrom

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

This master plan for the Appleton Area OHV Park, located in Swift County in west-central Minnesota, is intended to capture user feedback and to inform future park development. This master plan will be used to show that the park is of regional significance and will therefore gain access to Minnesota’s Legacy Funds administered by the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. Because most of the public OHV resources are in the northeastern part of the state, and access to private land is extremely limited, the park is a critical regional amenity for OHV users. The park serves all four …

Green Infrastructure Plan For Private Property In Richmond, Virginia., Rebecca C. Acland

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

This plan was developed for the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU), researching and identifying methods to increase implementation of green infrastructure throughout the City's private residential properties. Green infrastructure (GI) is a relatively new technique utilized for stormwater management, defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as infrastructure mimicking natural processes of absorbing and storing water during large storm events. The implementation of GI directly contributes to the creation of healthier urban environments and the reduction of water quality problems.

This plan provides potential funding sources for future GI programs, zones of opportunity for GI and green investments, …

Equitable Development On The Richmond Highway Corridor In Richmond, Virginia, Amelie M. Rives

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

This professional plan supports the work of Virginia Community Voice to organize with neighbors advocating for equitable development of Richmond’s Southside neighborhoods along the Richmond Highway (formerly known as the Jefferson Davis Highway Corridor). Virginia Community Voice is a community-based non-profit organization with a mission to equip neighbors in historically marginalized communities to realize their vision for their neighborhoods and prepare institutions to respond. As redevelopment rapidly increases, Virginia Community Voice seeks to create an “equitable development scorecard” that reflects the desires and needs of residents for housing and business development along the Richmond Highway in the City of Richmond. …

Taking Space: Contemporary Women Artists And The Politics Of Scale, Elizabeth S. Hawley

Art Inquiries

No abstract provided.

A Determination Of The Aerosolization Efficiency Of Drugs Of Abuse In A Eutectic Mixture With Nicotine In Electronic Cigarettes, Laerissa Reveil

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were originally advertised as an alternative nicotine delivery system to facilitate smoking cessation. However, their popularity for recreational use has increased due to focuses on their trendiness, convenience, and discreteness along with concerns for its use to consume drugs other than nicotine (DOTN). With the adulteration of e-liquids, usually containing nicotine, with other substances, a greater understanding on how DOTN interact with the e-liquid constituents and how they are delivered to the user is necessary. E-liquids were prepared with 50:50 propylene glycol:vegetable glycerin, pure nicotine, pure methadone hydrochloride, and 1:1 methadone hydrochloride:nicotine and aerosolized via an automated …

Development Of A Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Gc/Ms) Method For The Quantification Of Vitamin E And Vitamin E Acetate In Electronic Cigarettes, Matthew Adreance

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are a medium of facilitating drug use that is gaining notoriety in the public eyes. E-cigs were originally designed to be “safer” alternatives to traditional cigarettes, providing the same or similar nicotine dosage without the other side compounds found in tobacco and traditional cigarettes. Typical e-cigs use e-liquids composed of propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerin (VG) bases, various flavoring agents, and varying concentrations of nicotine depending on manufacturer or use. With the advent of the growing legalization of cannabis and CBD/THC products in many states and jurisdictions, e-cigs have become a popular medium to ingest these …

Identification And Optimization Of Mirna Biomarkers For Body Mass Index (Bmi) Estimation In Forensic Samples, Jennifer J. Shealy

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

DNA profiles do not provide as much evidentiary value when either all known samples can be excluded or when there is no known suspect. DNA phenotyping is a technique used for investigative purposes to predict externally visible characteristics (EVCs) based on specific markers found in the genome. Most phenotyping panels are currently restricted to markers stable over a lifetime within an individual and are not able to predict environmental or metabolic impacts on EVCs. It is known that miRNA expression levels change due to environmental and metabolic factors, such as BMI, and research has proven associations between circulating plasma miRNAs …

Detection Of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Using A Colorimetric Gold Nanoparticle Air Cassette Filter, Andrea I. Ferrer Vega

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is an explosive commonly used during military and terrorist activities. Current methods to identify this compound require sampling, transport and analysis at a forensic lab using analytical instrumentation. However, on-site detection is needed to assist efforts to prevent detonation. Gold nanoparticles have been used as sensors throughout the years due to their versatility and surface enhanced Raman scattering properties in the presence of an analyte and low limits of detection. By taking advantage of the Meisenheimer complex that TNT forms in the presence of amines, it is possible to determine its presence at picogram levels. Subsequently, adhering amine …

Determining Time Since Deposition For Human Saliva Stains Using Non-Genetic Signatures, Brian M. Stephenson

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Sexual assault cases are common within the forensic community and are constantly backlogged within laboratories for examination. One biological fluid, saliva, can often be present in context with the sexual assault due to the nature of the crime. The question used to be who’s DNA is present, but now since DNA analysis has become much more advanced, the new question of how long has the stain been there, arises. Four donors were used to create four different time point environments including 3 days, 7 days, 1.5 months (41 days), and 3 months (84 days) which were then collected with cotton …

Development Of An Analytical Method And Sample Preparation Technique For The Analysis Of Sulfur-Containing Fentanyl Analogs By Uplcmsms, And The Application To Forensic Science, Amber D. Budmark

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

In February 2018, the US DEA Agency released a statement of the emergency scheduling (Schedule 1) of all fentanyl analogs not already regulated by the CSA due to an alarming increase in overdose deaths linked to synthetic opioids. Fentanyl analogs are pharmacologically similar to fentanyl, but often more potent. This increased potency can create problems with proper dosing of fentanyl analogs leading to untoward effects including an increase in overdoses and deaths. Since 2018, there has been a 38.4% increase in illicitly manufactured fentanyl overdose deaths leading the CDC to make available the FAS Kit and Emergent Panels containing previously …

Comparison Of Semi-Automated And Manual Differential Separation Methods For Mock Sexual Assault Samples, Stephanie Rink

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

In the event of a sexual assault, separation of suspect from victim DNA is possible through differential extraction if the evidentiary mixture consists of female epithelial cells and male spermatozoa. The basis of differential extraction is the differing properties of epithelial and sperm cell membranes, specifically the comparative sturdiness of the proteins making up the sperm head containing the male DNA. Effective retrieval and separation of male and female DNA fractions is important in generating high-quality STR profiles that can be utilized in identifying suspects in a sexual assault case. Differential extraction has been conventionally performed using Proteinase K (PK) …

The Basic Rules Of Doing A Good Search And Search Tips - Revised, Roy E. Brown

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

This is a handout that is used as a reference for those who are learning to more effectively search databases for assignments and evidence-based practice projects. The revised handout contains information related to the databases that may be searched as well as about Google Scholar.

Please contact the author for a version that can be reused and rebranded.

The Evidence Based Practice Question Development & Search Tips Checklist (Revised), Roy E. Brown

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

The Evidence Based Practice Question Development and Search Tips Checklist is a tool that is used in instructional sessions with nurses in reference to evidence-based practice and literature searching. It is intended as a reference handout. The revised handout contains information related to the databases that may be searched as well as about Google Scholar.

It is under a creative commons license. If you would like a version that can be rebranded for your organization to use, please contact the author for an editable version.

The Harm In Seeking Care: Assessing The Relationship Between Healthcare Discrimination And Healthcare Avoidance Behaviors In The Past Year And Since The Start Of The Coronavirus Pandemic In A Transgender And Gender Independent Sample, Kyle L. Mason

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Gender minorities encounter a myriad of barriers to accessing general and gender affirming healthcare. Financial disparities impacting affordability of healthcare costs and insurance-based denials for gender-affirming care are among prominent barriers discussed. Considerations of the prevalence of stigma, discrimination, and erasure of gender minority identities must not be neglected when seeking to understand healthcare accessibility and utilization in this population. Previous researchers have examined gender minority patients’ experiences of discrimination in healthcare settings and delaying care due to fear of discrimination. There is a dearth of knowledge about the relationship between lifetime exposure to varied forms of healthcare discrimination …

Cognitive Debiasing Intervention For Assessment Of Prolonged Grief Disorder, Farah Aslanzadeh, M.S.

Theses and Dissertations

Cognitive debiasing is an approach to reducing diagnostic decision-making errors resulting from the misuse of cognitive heuristics and biases. This study built on prior research that has successfully used a multi-modal debiasing approach to reduce diagnostic errors. Clinicians were recruited and randomized into a general presentation on the changes in the stress and trauma section of ICD-11 (including the diagnostic criteria of prolonged grief disorder [PGD]) or the same general presentation plus and a cognitive debiasing intervention for PGD. All clinicians were then asked to diagnose three patient vignettes in which biases/potential decision-making errors were embedded in the text. Results …