Digital Commons Network^™

The Overview Effect, Todd Osborne

Dissertations

The following poems were completed by the author between September 2015 and February 2019.

“Polysoaps” Via Raft Copolymerization To Form Well-Defined Micelles For Water Remediation And Targeted Drug Delivery Applications, Phillip Pickett

Dissertations

Amphiphilic copolymers have become increasingly important for environmental and biological applications due to their behavioral characteristics in aqueous solution. For example, structurally-tailored statistical amphiphilic copolymers or “polysoaps” can self-assemble into micelles or other architectures in water at various concentrations. Polysoaps may be differentiated from small molecule surfactant micelles in their capability to self-assemble into unimolecular associates (unimolecular micelles) with no dependence on concentration. Such micelles offer enormous potential for dispersion of hydrophobic species in water at high dilution. Importantly, each polymer chain forms its own micelle and upon dilution, these micelles remain intact and capable of dispersing hydrocarbon material in …

Validation Of A Scale To Measure Phonological And Morphological Knowledge And Skill Of Speech-Language Pathologists And Elementary Teachers, Susan S. Perry

Dissertations

Phonological and morphological skills are crucial to the process of reading. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have received advanced trained in these basic foundations of language and could be an untapped resource in our school systems for teaching beginning reading skills. The purposes of this research were to examine SLPs’ and general education elementary (K-6) teachers’ attitudes toward SLPs taking part in reading instruction, to compare the differences in phonological and morphological knowledge and skill among SLPs and teachers, and to assess the performance of the Revised Basic Language Constructs Surveywhen administered to SLPs and teachers.

Results indicated that, although fewer …

The Rabbath Method: Philosophy And Technique In Current Double Bass Pedagogy, David G. Pellow

Dissertations

This study traced the lineage from François Rabbath through his first-generation apprentices to determine how the philosophies and techniques of the Rabbath Method are interpreted and applied by current double bass performers and pedagogues. Participants were identified for the study from a list of all current (N=46) diploma holders of the L’Institute International de Contrabasse François Rabbath (the Institute) made available to the researcher by the President of the Institute, François Rabbath. An e-mail request for study participation was sent to thirty-six performer/pedagogues trained by Rabbath and certified to teach and/or perform from the Method (Rabbathians), …

Resilience And Coping In Mothers Of Children With Sickle Cell Disease, Holly Carter

Dissertations

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prominent chronic illness in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016) estimated that one child out of every 365 African-American births will have SCD, affecting approximately 100,000 Americans. Supporting and promoting the integrity of the family and its’ members when a child has SCD is important for each family member’s well-being. Specific family characteristics, such as resilience and coping are important to understand because they can mitigate stress and create positive family outcomes (Brown et al., 1993; Cousino & Hazen, 2013; Hildenbrand, Barakat, Alderfer, & Marsac, 2015; O’Hanlon, Camic, & …

The Cultural Adaptation Experiences Of Chinese Higher Education Students In The American Deep South: A Comparison Across Disciplines, Xiaonan Song

Dissertations

In the past decade, Chinese international students have been found as one of the largest international student groups at American institutions across the country. However, the American Deep South was not less frequently studied in the past. Due to the distinctiveness of the Deep South, the researcher conducted this qualitative research on Chinese international students studying in this historically and culturally distinctive region. Mississippi was chosen as a representative state of the Deep South in the current study. The researcher collected data from in-depth interviews from three publicly funded institutions in Mississippi. Besides reporting many common issues regarding to cultural …

A Mixed Method Study: Assessing Critical Thinking, Metacognition, And Motivation In A Flipped Classroom Instructional Model, Phyllis Brown

Dissertations

Technology has changed pedagogical methods in higher education. Educators are using technology more and integrating more active learning techniques. One pedagogical method, the flipped classroom, is suitable for integrating technology and active learning techniques. The pedagogical efficacy of the flipped classroom has not been determined despite being a potential solution for technology savvy millennial students. This mixed method study assessed critical thinking, metacognition, and motivation in higher education flipped classrooms in the United States. Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) members teaching traditional and flipped format science courses were purposefully selected to participate in the study. A sample of 14 …

Attitudes Of New Graduate Rns Regarding Their Readiness For Practice Before And After Hospital Orientation, Diane Young

Dissertations

The acuity level of patients continues to increase making it more vital than ever that new graduate Registered Nurses (RNs) be prepared to give safe, quality care when leaving their hospital’s orientation program (Spector et al., 2015). Today, new graduate RNs need orientation programs that will ensure a smooth transition into nursing practice. This involves the ability to apply higher-level knowledge and skills in everyday practice situations, thereby, maintaining quality care (Henderson, Ossenberg, & Tyler, 2015).

The purpose of this study was to identify differences between new graduate RNs’ opinions on readiness for practice, as measured by the Casey-Fink Readiness …

Student Loan Default Prevention And Management Practices At Mississippi Community & Junior Colleges, Lashanda Chamberlain

Dissertations

Cohort default rates can impact an institution’s ability to participate in the Title IV aid programs. Title IV aid programs such as the federal Pell grant, federal work-study program, and the federal loan program is critical to student enrollment. If an institution loses its participation in the Title IV aid programs, this would be detrimental to both students and the institution. Cohort default rates at Mississippi community and junior colleges are currently above the national average. This qualitative study examines the default prevention and management practices at Mississippi community and junior colleges. Using an interview protocol, the researcher interviewed financial …

Effectiveness Of Technology In An English Grammar And Punctuation Course, Deborah Brandon

Dissertations

As enrollment in online courses continues to climb, technology also continues to advance to provide students with course designs that promote optimal learning environments. New communication tools continually evolve that help improve learning outcomes in online course designs. The lack of physical class meetings in online classes necessitates a comprehensive focus on course design to optimize learning, including a focus on communication and collaboration opportunities.

Much of the available current research regarding the outcomes of increased online learning investigates the effectiveness of this learning format primarily in the fields of healthcare, foreign language, and the study of English grammar as …

Mississippi Registered Nurse Perceptions When Communicating With Limited-English-Speaking And Non-English-Speaking Patients, Mary Pipper Widdig

Dissertations

Communication serves as the foundation for safe and effective healthcare practice. Effective nurse-patient communication is the cornerstone of the nurse-patient relationship and is vital for the delivery of safe and effective healthcare. Research has shown patients who are communication impaired are at a greater risk of medical error and poorer health outcomes. A review of the literature revealed various nurse perceptions of barriers when providing care for limited-English-speaking patients and non-English-speaking patients. LEP and NEP patients also identified similar perceived barriers when receiving care. Both nurses and patients revealed a distrust for interpreters and interpreter services. The literature review revealed …

Scalable Time-Stepping For Navier-Stokes Through High-Frequency Analysis Of Block Arnoldi Iteration, Brianna Bingham

Dissertations

Existing time-stepping methods for PDEs such as Navier-Stokes equations are not as efficient or scalable as they need to be for high-resolution simulation due to stiffness. The failure of existing time-stepping methods to adapt to changes in technology presents a dilemma that is becoming even more problematic over time. By rethinking approaches to time-stepping, dramatic gains in efficiency of simulation methods can be achieved. Krylov subspace spectral (KSS) methods have proven to be effective for solving time-dependent, variable-coefficient PDEs. The objective of this research is to continue the development of KSS methods to provide numerical solution methods that are far …

Effect Of Cure Protocol On Network Formation And Properties Of Epoxy-Diamine Thermosets, Andrew Janisse

Dissertations

The understanding of thermoset cure has, traditionally, been limited to the analysis of a single degree of cure value obtained via techniques such as dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC). These analyses limit the scope of understanding of network development during cure. The continued development of rapid cure matrix chemistries necessitates the advancement of analytical techniques capable of quantifying how thermal cure profiles influence crosslinked network architectures throughout cure. This dissertation investigates and elucidates the mechanisms of polymer network growth through glassy epoxy/diamine thermoset to improve the way network growth is tracked and inform the role of cure protocol on network formation. …

Enhancement Of Krylov Subspace Spectral Methods Through The Use Of The Residual, Haley Dozier

Dissertations

Depending on the type of equation, finding the solution of a time-dependent partial differential equation can be quite challenging. Although modern time-stepping methods for solving these equations have become more accurate for a small number of grid points, in a lot of cases the scalability of those methods leaves much to be desired. That is, unless the timestep is chosen to be sufficiently small, the computed solutions might exhibit unreasonable behavior with large input sizes. Therefore, to improve accuracy as the number of grid points increases, the time-steps must be chosen to be even smaller to reach a reasonable solution. …

Simulation As Replacement For Traditional Clinical In Pre-Licensure Nursing Education: Outcomes Of Different Ratios Of Replacement Time For Traditional Clinical With Simulation, Tiffany Zyniewicz

Dissertations

The use of simulation in nursing education has grown over the last 30 years. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing National Simulation Study indicated that up to 50% of traditional clinical hours can be replaced with simulation at a 1:1 replacement ratio and produce the same outcomes. A review of the literature indicated that there is no standard replacement ratio for simulation time to traditional clinical time being used in pre-licensure nursing education in the United States. The purpose of this study was to explore the outcomes of utilizing a 1:1 simulation-to-traditional clinical time replacement ratio and a …

Evaluating Corrosion Altering Properties Of Thiophene Based Copolymers, Robert Peterson

Dissertations

There is an important and ongoing debate on how or whether conductive polymers (CP) alter corrosion performance with some researchers reporting that CPs ultimately accelerate corrosion and others saying CPs, if understood could possibly replace the world’s best standard for corrosion prevention, i.e., chromium based inhibitors. The primary project goal was to improve our understanding of how CPs alter corrosion chemistry by 1) controlling the polymer structure and 2) in-turn the properties and then 3) targeting the best protocol for fast corrosion kinetic evaluation.

We detail the copolymer synthesis results and shift in corrosion protection properties for …

Student Conduct Officers’ Perceptions Of Restorative Practices Based On Educational And Professional Background, Gregroy William Robert Weaver

Dissertations

Student conduct officers have the ability to provide learning and growth opportunities for every student with whom they interact (Hyde, 2014; Jackson, 2014). It is important that student conduct officers be willing and able to utilize an array of tools, including alternative dispute resolution techniques to provide learning experiences (Bennett, Gregory, Loschiavo, & Waller, 2014; Clark, 2014; Hyde, 2014; Waryold & Lancaster, 2008). The educational and professional experiences of the student conduct officer vary, as many institutions employ conduct officers with an educational background and others employ conduct officers with a more formal legal background (Hyde, 2014; Jackson, 2014). In …

Strategies That Mothers Of Children Who Are Deafblind Employ To Foster Collaboration Within Individualized Education Program Teams, Lanya Lynn Mckittrick

Dissertations

Although active parent involvement is mandated as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents continue to report dissatisfaction with IEP meetings. Despite increases in parent participation policy since the adoption of IDEA, the parent-professional partnership originally envisioned by lawmakers is arguably not consistent with practice. This is evident for families of all children who represent the thirteen disability categories covered under the auspice of IDEA; however, because of its uniqueness, this study focuses on families of children who are deafblind. Deafblindness is a low-incidence disability with a heterogenous population. Parents of children who are deafblind have unique …

Examining The Effectiveness Of A Basic Functional Behavior Assessment Training Package On Special Education Teachers In Thailand: A Replication Study, Weeramol Locharoenrat

Dissertations

Challenging behaviors are one of the basic problems that all pre- and in-service teachers have to be prepared to deal with in schools. In Thailand, it was found that challenging behaviors of students with disabilities had an effect on teachers’ stress because many teachers perceived that they were lacking the knowledge and skills to deal with these problems. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified version of a basic functional assessment (FBA) training package developed by Loman and Horner (2014) on increasing the knowledge and skills of Thai special education teachers with respect …

Supervision Of Sex Counseling In Counselor Education: A Phenomenological Study From A Sex Positive And Multiculturally Sensitive Perspective, Reka K. Farago

Dissertations

While existing literature indicates the importance of supervision in counselor training (Bernard & Goodyear; 2003; Harris & Hayes, 2008; Lofrisco, 2013) and counseling efficacy with sexual topics (Bidell, 2005; Harris & Hayes, 2008), counselor educators’ role with supervising client sexual issues is unknown. Currently, 50% of American Counseling Association (ACA) members report uncertainty in how to address sexual concerns with clients (Blount, Booth, Webb, & Liles, 2017). As supervision is paramount in counselor training (Bernard & Goodyear, 2003) and Counselors in Training (CITs) increasingly inquire about working with sexual topics, a study in supervisor experiences with sexual topics is timely. …

Social Media As A Primary Means For Parent Involvement In Missouri Rural Schools: Secondary School Principals’ And Superintendents’ Perceptions, Justin Paul Copley

Dissertations

With a lack of research regarding the viability of social media use as a tool for learning in K-12 education, administrators are struggling to determine if this technology belongs in school settings (Piotrowski, 2015). Educators who have not reviewed current perceptions regarding technology may not use appropriate technology practices with students (Dietze & Kashin, 2013). Furthermore, since social media and technology use is an expected practice in classrooms, the responsibility of attending to this growing trend is assumed by school administration (Piotrowski, 2015). The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of school administrators in regard to social …

Integration Of Mindfulness-Based Approaches In The Treatment Of Eating Disorders: A Review Of The Literature, Kimberly Hubinger

Dissertations

In this literature review, mindfulness-based approaches and the effects mindfulness-based approaches have on the treatment of eating disorders was discussed. Professionals are continually seeking ways to enhance the treatment and improve outcomes when working with individuals suffering from eating disorders, and this literature review could help enhance the understanding of incorporating mindfulness techniques. The findings of this paper are meant to benefit clinicians working with patients diagnosed or struggling with an eating disorder.

The Use Of Clinical Decision Support To Improve Nursing Practice, Kathleen Klimpel

Dissertations

Healthcare information technology is solidly entrenched in most acute care hospitals but the need to demonstrate its positive impact on patient outcomes persists. Clinical decision support (CDS) is an informatics tool that is highly customizable to promote patient improvement activities. Despite its high potential, studies have had mixed results regarding the impact of CDS and it has not been widely studied in the realm of nursing practice. One aim of this dissertation was to analyze the concept of CDS in order to inform the examination of the relationships between CDS implementation and nursing interventions. The determining factors of nurses use …

Moderating Effect Of Homeschooling On Retention And Academic Achievement Of Stem Majors At A Private, Faith-Based, Liberal Arts College, Aresia Watson

Dissertations

Previous research has indicated that homeschooling is a growing trend within the U.S. Previous research has also indicated that less than one half of students who begin a STEM major at postsecondary institutions will complete their degree. This study sought to look at the possible moderating effect homeschooling has on the academic achievement and retention of STEM majors at a private, faith-based liberal arts college using a modified version of Tinto’s Model of Student Departure.

Independent sample t-tests were used to compare means and intercorrelations of homeschooled students and traditionally schooled students in unmatched and matched samples for several academic …

A Study Of Beluga (Delphinapterus Leucas) Vocal Ontogeny, Audra Elizabeth Ames

Dissertations

There is a shortage of literature regarding beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) vocal ontogeny, as presently, there has only been one published study on the vocal development of beluga calves, despite the value of ontogenetic studies for our understanding of sound-centered species. Here I offer the second longitudinal study of beluga vocal development. Using a calibrated digital hydrophone with a sampling rate of 256 kHz, I studied the vocal progression of a male beluga calf in early life. From his first day, the calf produced broadband pulse trains with upper frequency limits extending past the study’s Nyquist frequency (128 kHz); …

How Community College Conduct Administrators Make Meaning Of Their Experience, Meloni Sue Rudolph Crawford

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore how community college conduct administrators make meaning of their experience. This is a qualitative, constructivist, narrative study utilizing multiple methods of data collection (semi-structured interview, focus group, reading list elicitation, and researcher journal). The setting was multiple community college campuses in one western state that are part of a larger state system of community colleges. The data revealed that to these five administrators, the work is always more than the title reflects. Those who do the work are unique and altruistic, and the institutions at which the participants work had a lack …

Classroom Response Systems: Does Instantaneous Feedback Affect Students' Knowledge And Self-Efficacy In A Secondary Science Course, Shani Bourn

Dissertations

Technological advancements have enabled educators to bring excitement in student success with instantaneous feedback utilizing classroom response systems (CRS). A quantitative, quasi-experimental research design was used in this dissertation research to build a comprehensive understanding of the impact of instantaneous feedback with student knowledge and student self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to illuminate the benefits of instantaneous feedback and student self-efficacy with incorporation of CRS in a secondary science course. Statistical analyses were conducted with quantitative formative scores, summative test scores, and self-efficacy questionnaire results prior to the incorporation of CRS, and perceived self-efficacy questionnaire results after experience …

Improving Individual And Group-Wide Behaviors In Head Start Classrooms With Mystery Student Intervention: Assessment Of Effectiveness, Generalization, And Maintenance, Jamie Pasqua

Dissertations

The current study investigated the effects Mystery Student intervention on improving individual and group behaviors in Head Start classrooms. Mystery Student Intervention is a randomized independent group contingency and has only been investigated in one previous study (Pasqua, 2016). A multiple baseline design across three Head Start classrooms was employed to determine the effectiveness of Mystery Student Intervention on decreasing aggregate class and individual child disruptive behaviors. Of further interest was the extent to which the effects of Mystery Student Intervention generalized to other settings and results maintained following its removal. Results indicated that Mystery Student Intervention was effective at …

The Development Of Socio-Sexual Behavior In Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus Leucas), Malin K. Lilley

Dissertations

The reproductive success of the beluga whale is critical for a species facing extinction in its endangered Cook Inlet, Alaska population. To date, little is known about the mating behavior of these whales in wild populations. On the other hand, observations of beluga whales in human care allow researchers to better understand many aspects of their daily lives and life histories that are difficult to assess in wild populations. Thus far, a catalog of socio-sexual behavior has been established based on observations of belugas; however, the developmental trajectory of socio-sexual behavior is not well-understood. The present study explored how socio-sexual …

Environmental-Based Experiential Learning Activities And Its Influence On Students’ Knowledge, Critical Thinking, Attitude Towards The Environment, And Career Aspirations, Veshell Lewis

Dissertations

Modern advancements in industrialization and globalization are thought to be responsible for the present ecological issues facing the world (Sumen, 2016). Many countries, including the United States, emphasize the importance of increasing environmental literacy within the community and schools (Roth, 1992; Scholz, 2011; Sumen, 2016). It has been suggested that environmental education be taught at all educational levels to increase environmental literacy (Sumen, 2016). The implementation of environmental-based experiential education within the traditional curriculum has proven successful for various educational institutions. Therefore, the implementation of environmental-based experiential learning activities in Mississippi educational institutions may contribute to the increase of scientifically …