Digital Commons Network^™

Victims Of Child Sex Trafficking: Are U.S. Pediatricians Ready To Identify, Assess, Treat And Protect Them?, Bidisha Sinha

Dissertations

The trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation is a gross violation of human rights and a global, public health issue that is rapidly growing and prevalent. Due to the clandestine nature of this crime and the general lack of public knowledge about it, identifying and protecting victims of child sex trafficking (CST) is fraught with challenges. Therefore, it is imperative that healthcare professionals - often the only professionals with whom CST victims come in contact while in captivity - are properly educated and trained on this topic. A literature review reveals there is little knowledge about pediatricians' education and …

Modernism's Legacies: Forms, Feelings, And Figures, Shelby Sleevi

Dissertations

My dissertation, entitled "Modernism's Legacies: Forms, Feelings, and Figures," explores American modernism's legacies within contemporary fiction, not only as a set of aesthetic trends but also as a looming and influential mythos. Whether the practices and concerns of early twentieth-century literary modernism are evoked through obvious allusion, explicit reference, or strong resonance on the level of narrative, the contemporary texts in my discussion together attest to modernism's continued influence on and relevance for our current era. Tracing the legacies of William Faulkner, Gertrude Stein, Djuna Barnes, and Vladimir Nabokov in the contemporary fictions of Edward P. Jones, Julie Otsuka, George …

A Discrimination Aware Model To Predict Childhood Literacy Levels, Kate Byrne

Dissertations

It is illegal in Ireland to discriminate in the provision of education on the basis of multiple characteristics including gender, race and religion. While the increased use of machine learning models can open multiple avenues to identify early intervention strategies in education, caution must be exercised to ensure that any intervention does not discriminate with respect to a protected class. Poor literacy in childhood can have long term effects as the child ages, including on employment and mental health outcomes. Early intervention is key in mitigating this. In this dissertation, a model was created that predicted the outcome of a …

A Poetics Of Violence: Representations Of Violence As Storytelling And World-Building Tools Of The Theater, Richard Gilbert

Dissertations

This dissertation explores how representations of violence do dramaturgical work in theatrical production. Playwrights write scenes of violence, and directors and designers stage them, with specific dramaturgical goals in mind. The project of this work is to develop a theoretical framework for understanding how productions use representations of violence. Ideally, that framework will be of use both to critics seeking to analyze productions with violence and to practitioners who want to more consciously shape their own use of violence.

Representations of violence create a sudden change in the audience's affective experience of the fictional world. I call that sudden change …

Early Detection Of Fake News On Social Media, Yang Liu

Dissertations

The ever-increasing popularity and convenience of social media enable the rapid widespread of fake news, which can cause a series of negative impacts both on individuals and society. Early detection of fake news is essential to minimize its social harm. Existing machine learning approaches are incapable of detecting a fake news story soon after it starts to spread, because they require certain amounts of data to reach decent effectiveness which take time to accumulate. To solve this problem, this research first analyzes and finds that, on social media, the user characteristics of fake news spreaders distribute significantly differently from those …

Strategies Exemplary Female Superintendents Use To Work With The Political Styles Of School Board Members, Leisa Winston

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this explanatory mixed-methods study was to identify the political styles of female superintendents and their school board members as perceived by superintendents. In addition, it was the purpose of this study to identify and explain the political strategies female superintendents use to work with the different political styles of board members.

Methodology: This study employed a sequential, explanatory mixed-methods design. The quantitative data were collected through surveys to identify the political styles of superintendents and their board members. The qualitative interview data explored the political strategies used by each superintendent with the different political styles of …

Impact Of Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports In California High Schools Year Three And Beyond: A Semi-Replicated Mixed-Methods Study, Jolene Mcgarrah

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine what differences

existed between pre- and post-PBIS implementation on suspension rates in California high schools. A further purpose of the study was to determine how experienced high school administrators described the impact of PBIS on their school sites. Methodology: This mixed methods study identified 15 California public schools for data collection and five principals for interviews about their perceptions of the impact of PBIS on their campus. The schools and principals were chosen due to proximity to the researcher. The researcher collected quantitative data from the schools and qualitative data …

The Effects Of Health Beliefs, Acculturation, And A Culturally Appropriate Teaching Intervention On Parents' Knowledge Of And Compliance With Tuberculosis Treatment In A Mexican-American Population: A Preliminary Analysis, Renee P. Mcleod

Dissertations

The primary purpose of this research study, using a correlational and comparative descriptive design, was to examine the effects of health beliefs, acculturation, and a culturally appropriate Spanish-language audiotaped novena on knowledge of Tuberculosis (TB), and compliance with treatment and medications in Mexican-American parents' of a child with TB infection. Due to the limited number of subjects obtained (N = 31), the research data and analyses are presented as preliminary findings since meaningful hypothesis testing would be premature at this time.

Caregivers' Psychological Factors Underlying Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Non-Hispanic Black Preschoolers, Julia A. Franson Tipton

Dissertations

Non-Hispanic black children consume greater amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and are at disproportionately high risk for obesity and other SSB-related health problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between caregivers' beliefs, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, past behavior, and intention to serve SSBs to non- Hispanic black preschoolers. The researcher conducted a cross-sectional, correlational study using multiple regression with path analysis using the Expanded Theory of Planned Behavior as the theoretical framework.

A Qualitative Study Exploring The Influence Of Low-Income Parental Engagement On Academic Achievement, Deborah Cardin

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand and describe the strategies that low-income parents use to support their high school students’ high academic achievement.

Methodology: In this qualitative case study, interviews, artifacts, and researcher notes were used to understand and describe the parental engagement behaviors and strategies of low-income parents that contributed to the academic achievement of students from the participant’s perspective. Several themes were derived from the shared experiences of the participants through analysis of data.

Findings: Key findings included parental use of: verbal communication and their presence in the lives of their student, traditionally …

The Relationship Among Health Locus-Of-Control, Value Of Health, And Health Behavior In Adolescents, Phyllis K. More

Dissertations

This study explores selected personality factors which may explain part of the variance in health behavior in adolescents. Theoretical and empirical evidence suggested that internal health expectancy and high value of health should be related to adolescents' choices of health behavior. Health expectancy was measured by the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales (Wallston, Wallston & DeVellis, 1978), value of health by the Value Survey (Wallston, Maides & Wallston, 1976), and adolescent health behavior by the Student Lifestyle Survey (McKillip & Taylor, 1979). The Student Lifestyle Survey measures ten components of health behavior as follows: (1) alcohol use, (2) smoking, …

Happy Feet In A Rural Clinic: A Diabetic Foot Education Intervention, Carmencita S. Abood

Dissertations

Rural Healthy People 2010 report indicated that diabetes was more pervasive in non-metropolitan areas than in central cities and more commonplace in the Southeast and the Southwest regions of the United States due to complex set of factors such as low socioeconomic status among many rural residents, a high proportion of racial or ethnic minorities, and aging populations that were predominant in rural areas. The need for innovative, low literacy education material that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in a rural clinic is imperative. The purpose of the capstone project was to determine the effectiveness of a patient-centered diabetes …

A Mixed-Method Investigation Comparing Perceptions Of First-Generation And Non- First- Generation College Sophomores, Joshua Steven Hanke

Dissertations

The researcher focused on two groups of students, the First-Generation College Student (FGCS) and the sophomore student. First-Generation College Students completed degrees within six years at a rate of 34%, compared to 66% of non-FGCS (Engle & Tinto, 2008, p. 2). Researchers concluded that reducing support services after the first year led to a feeling of disconnection from institution and dropouts (Sanchez- Leguelinel, 2008). Researchers concluded the sophomore FGCS as the most susceptible group for attrition during a student’s second year (Ishitani, 2006). The purpose of the mixed methods study was to compare perceptions of the sophomore students from both …

Cardiovascular Knowledge, Beliefs And Healthcare Practices Of The Amish In Northern Indiana, Deborah R. Gillum

Dissertations

The Amish are a conservative ethno-religious Christian subculture who are doubling in number every 14 years. There are now more than 249,000 located in 28 states and Ontario, Canada. To our knowledge, no previous study has examined cardiovascular disease (CVD) knowledge and preventive healthcare practices among this socially and technologically isolated population.

Cardiovascular knowledge, beliefs, and healthcare practices among northern Indiana Amish were explored using Leininger's Culture Care Diversity and Universality as a guiding theoretical framework. Sample. Data was obtained from an Amish settlement located in northern Indiana.

Therapeutic Strategies, Health Status And Quality Of Life Among Persons With Asthma: A Meta-Analysis, Catherine B. Bailey

Dissertations

Asthma is a major health problem that affects approximately 17 million people in the United States. Unique circumstances associated with a patient's health status have made evaluations of the management of asthma difficult. The purposes of the study were to assemble information on therapeutic strategies, health status factors and Quality of Life among persons with asthma and make empirical generalizations about the selected variables from a universe of studies. This meta-analytical investigation consisted of fifteen subject studies that used experimental strategies and the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire on asthmatic subjects. Four research questions asked: (a) What are the substantive …

White (Non-Hispanic) Nurse Practitioner Student Perceptions Of Hispanic Patients, Rose Iris Gonzalez

Dissertations

As the United States continues to become increasingly more diverse, the health care industry must adjust and develop improved strategies for the effective provision of health care services to all. The Hispanic population is the fastest growing minority group in the United States. This population (ethnic group) faces many challenges to receiving adequate health care including: stereotyping by health professionals; language and cultural barriers; limited access to health care; and a lack of trust in the current health care system. Hispanic patients are frequently met by predominantly White (non-Hispanic) health care practitioners, who bring their own set of biases and …

Implementing Screening To Assess Readiness To Change In Overweight And Obese Patients At A Patient-Centered Medical Home, Jarrod Edward Gant

Dissertations

Obesity is at epidemic levels within the United States (U.S.), but the Southern U.S. has some of the most obese states. Mississippi (MS) is the most obese state in the country (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2018). Factors such as diet, sedentary lifestyle, cultural influences, and socioeconomic status contribute to the state's citizens being overweight and obese. Contributing to the state's obesity is the fact that MS has more people living in poverty than any other state (Center for American Progress [CAP], 2018). Lacking the ability to afford healthy foods and the ability to afford quality healthcare adds to the state's …

Exploring How Philippine American Nonprofit Leaders Build Trust With Their Staff And Volunteers, Dominic Fernando Laureano

Dissertations

Purpose: Although a considerable amount of literature exists regarding leadership and trust, little research focuses on Philippine American nonprofit organizations and their leadership. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how Philippine American nonprofit leaders build trust with staff and volunteers using the five domains of competency, consistency, concern, candor, and connection.

Methodology: This phenomenological qualitative study collected data via semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and review of artifacts. The study sample was comprised of 10 Philippine American nonprofit leaders from Southern California. Weisman’s Trust Model served at the theoretical framework of the study and guided data collection and …

Authenticity And Practicality: Evaluating And Performing Multicultural Choral Music, Jesse Noote

Dissertations

Many choral music educators believe that multicultural music is a vital part of any choral curriculum. However, the research shows that these same choral directors are reluctant to select multicultural octavos because they lack training in non-Western music, which prevents them from effectively teaching and performing this music authentically. The purpose of this dissertation is to equip choral directors with the necessary tools for bridging the gap between desiring to perform and actually performing multicultural octavos.

Six authors have provided authenticity checklists that are designed to help music educators evaluate and perform multicultural music. This research synthesizes those lists to …

An Analysis Of Western Art Music Arrangements For Steel Pan Chamber Ensemble, Ian Meiman

Dissertations

This dissertation is an analysis of western art music arrangements for steel pan chamber ensembles. Specifically, this dissertation will analyze how certain arrangers have adapted western art music for steel pan chamber ensemble while discussing the possible methods the arranger used to create this adaptation. The analysis will observe the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, and other significant alterations made in the steel pan chamber arrangement, and discuss any changes made, whether due to the adaptation of the instruments or otherwise, from the original works. The dissertation will also include a brief historical discussion on western art music’s influence of early steel …

Selected Performance Indicators Of University-Model Schools, David Herndon

Dissertations

University-Model® schools seek to blend attributes of homeschooling with traditional schooling by transferring a significant portion of classroom time to a satellite classroom, typically the student’s home. Proponents suggest the model lends itself to better prepared and well-balanced graduates due to the forced ownership required of students in terms of time management, the development of independent study habits, increased balance of family life, and subsequent parental guidance; however, very little research exists to validate these claims. These tenants of the model are in line with recent research and theories suggesting a more holistic approach, beyond academic metrics, to ensure college …

Female Student Perceptions Of Factors That Influence Persistence In Male-Dominated Community College Career And Technical Education Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math Programs, Valeria Williams

Dissertations

The number of males enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs outnumber female counterparts (Wang & Degol, 2017). The disparity is even greater in persistence rates for STEM related fields (Glass, Sassler, Levitte & Michelmore, 2013). The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of females enrolled in traditionally male-dominated programs of study, specifically in the areas of STEM in community and junior colleges, to determine factors that influence persistence.

Although previous research exists focusing on women in STEM, most studies explore the barriers women face (Ong, Wright, Espinosa, & Orfield, 2011). The findings from previous …

History And Development Of British Secular Song For Solo Voice And Clarinet, Nancy Williams

Dissertations

Even though the use of the solo clarinet in British song made large advances in the twentieth century, many clarinetists are unaware of its repertory. A study of these songs will make it easier for performers to find these scores and will encourage them to program a greater variety of these songs, many of which are significantly underserved. Furthermore, a study of this repertory will lead to greater understanding of the importance of the repertoire and the role of the clarinet in it, resulting in informative and engaging performances. Both the investigation of the history of the clarinet's use in …

Psychometric Evaluation Of The Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey, Kathryn C. Casey

Dissertations

Graduate nurses experience stress transitioning from the role of nursing student to practicing professional nurse. Understanding the graduate nurse’s role transition experience is important because excessive and unrelieved stress might influence job satisfaction and contribute to high turnover. Measuring and improving the role transition experience for graduate nurses has become important for healthcare organizations due to concerns regarding retention. A valid and reliable instrument was needed to assess the graduate nurse’s role transition experience. The Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey (Casey, Fink, Krugman, & Propst, 2004) is the most commonly used instrument to measure the stressors, fears, and challenges experienced …

Social Media Sentiment Analysis With A Deep Neural Network: An Enhanced Approach Using User Behavioral Information, Ahmed Sulaiman M. Alharbi

Dissertations

Sentiment analysis on social media such as Twitter has become a very important and challenging task. Due to the characteristics of such data (including tweet length, spelling errors, abbreviations, and special characters), the sentiment analysis task in such an environment requires a non-traditional approach. Moreover, social media sentiment analysis constitutes a fundamental problem with many interesting applications, such as for Business Intelligence, Medical Monitoring, and National Security. Most current social media sentiment classification methods judge the sentiment polarity primarily according to textual content and neglect other information on these platforms. In this research, we propose deep learning based frameworks that …

The Effectiveness Of Oral Retelling As A Reading Comprehension Strategy For Elementary Students With Reading Delays, Brandi Michelle Fontenot

Dissertations

Comprehension is an essential component of reading proficiency that produces long-term gains for learners. However, many upper elementary school-age children struggle with reading comprehension. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of a self-monitoring intervention on reading comprehension for three elementary school-age children with reading delays. Two studies were conducted. In Study 1, behavioral skills training was used to teach participants the elements of a story retell and how-to self-monitor their own story retells. In Study 2, a multiple baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the effects of self-monitoring on four dependent variables: a) …

Karczma/Taberna: Public Houses In Cracow During The Jagiellonian Dynasty, Peter Paul Dobek

Dissertations

Public houses—inns, taverns, and alehouses—during the Jagiellonian Dynasty (1385-1572) in the city of Cracow and its immediate surroundings functioned as important establishments in the everyday life of the city. While the city continued to grow and prosper as the preferred residence of the dynasty, inhabitants, travelers, and migrants increasingly relied on the public houses of the conurbation to meet their many needs and desires. Although scholars have studied these establishments throughout Europe during various epochs, they have neglected to analyze the public houses in Cracow during the Jagiellonian era.

This study provides a comprehensive examination of a multitude of sources, …

Negotiating American Racial Constructs: First- Generation African Caribbean Immigrants’ Experience With Race, Rommel Johnson

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to describe and understand what race means to first-generation African Caribbean immigrants. Specifically, the study seeks to understand these immigrants’ experience of being Black in America. African Caribbean immigrants migrate to America with a concept of race that is very different from that of the United States. However, upon arriving in America, they encounter the American construct of race that not only diverges significantly from that with which they are familiar, but find that they are being racialized in the American sense. In professional counseling, we have yet to understand the way these immigrants …

The Impact Of Social And Cultural Factors On Minority Students’ Participation In An International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Elizabeth Scott-Janda

Dissertations

Although concern about mathematical achievement inequities has become widespread, even in well-funded, high-performing high schools, unequal outcomes for minority and disadvantaged students can seem persistent and difficult to change despite strong efforts. This project reports on an ethnographic study that examined how social environments within schools can affect students’ choices of whether or not to attempt advanced coursework in mathematics, especially among marginalized groups like Hispanic minorities, low socio-economic status (SES) and rural populations. It considered how social and peer environments affect students’ approaches to schooling, and decisions they make that will have long-term implications for their futures. In particular, …

Dual Language Elementary Teacher Supports In Rocky Mountain Resort Communities, Miguel Donald Salinas

Dissertations

Dual language (DL) programs have been proven to increase student achievement (Thomas & Collier, 2002; Thomas, Collier, & Collier, 2010) but a gap remains in how to support teachers in their instruction of Spanish to both English home language and Spanish home language students. This mixed methods, explanatory, sequential design study was conducted in two Rocky Mountain resort communities in two school districts. Participants were chosen based on the research criterion of being DL elementary teachers in rural amenity-based destinations. The Guiding Principles for Dual-language Education (Howard et al., 2018) was used as the conceptual framework. Data were obtained from …