Digital Commons Network^™

Increasing Physical Activity In The 65 And Older Population, Misti M. Hollingsworth

Dissertations

The purpose of this DNP project is to increase the physical activity, flexibility, and pain levels of the 65 and over population to comply with the CDC's MVPA of 150 minutes per week through a practice quality improvement project. This change will involve an order for patients to attend a free exercise program, address the medical benefits of PA, address perceived barriers to PA, and provide printed PA written resources including exercises and stretching recommendations for the 65 years of age and older patient population in a Chiropractic office in Southwest Florida.

The Effects Of Resilience And Optimism In Maternal Role Attainment After Six To Twelve Months Postpartum In Women Hospitalized For Pregnancy Complications, Marianne Allen

Dissertations

Each year in the US, approximately 1,200,000 pregnant women are hospitalized on bed rest with the intent to improve pregnancy outcomes. However, antepartum bed rest is not benign and may contribute to physical debilitation, postpartum depression (PPD), impaired maternal role attainment (MRA), and altered maternal-infant attachment. There are gaps in the literature about the effects of resilience, optimism, and PPD on MRA and the effects of resilience and optimism on PPD at six to 12 months postpartum. Although the effects of resilience and optimism have been studied in general adult populations, few studies have considered resilience and optimism as protectors …

Quality Improvement Project To Increase Referrals To Palliative Care For Heart Failure Patients, Stephanie D. Crawford

Dissertations

Palliative care (PC) services include symptom management with advanced care planning (ACP) and establishment of goals of care (GOC) for patients with serious conditions, such as heart failure (HF). Literature demonstrates low hospitalist referrals to PC.

The purpose of this project was to explore if providing evidence-based information and procedural information to hospitalists on ACP and GOC would increase PC referrals for HF patients, providing these patients access to ACP and GOC by the PC team and possibly even reducing 30-day readmissions for these patients.

Counseling And Mental Health Awareness In Higher Education Institutions: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Mental Health And How It Affects Degree Completion Among Black Undergraduate College Women, Shaquina D. White, Desirae N. Williams

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Black undergraduate women’s lived experiences with mental health management and pursuance of degree completion. This study used a phenomenological approach, guided by the following research questions: 1) What barriers are Black undergraduate college women facing regarding their accessibility to counseling services on their campus? and 2) How do Black undergraduate college women with mental health issues effectively manage stressful situations while pursuing and completing a college degree? The current literature that examined Black women’s utilization of counseling is limited, especially among Black women enrolled in college. This study aimed to fill …

Health Literacy: The Knowledge And Experiences Of Senior Level Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Catherine M. Cormier

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess the health literacy knowledge and experiences of senior level baccalaureate nursing students enrolled at state universities in Louisiana. Three hundred and sixty-one students from eight baccalaureate nursing programs agreed to participate in the study.

Assessing The Impact Of A Pre-High-Fidelity Simulation Orientation On Associate Degree Nursing (Adn) Students' Simulation-Related Anxiousness, Diana C. Galvez

Dissertations

High-fidelity simulation has been utilized in healthcare education for many years. This modality allows students to comprehend complex concepts and be able to create meaningful links between nursing, medical diagnosis, and concepts learned in the classroom. Nursing students that are exposed to a simulation experience that produces stress, anxiousness, and fear can demonstrate a decrease in learning, level of retaining information, self-efficacy, competence, academic performance, learner proficiency, learner confidence, as well as anxiety and frustration when acclimating to new simulation environment. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a pre-high-fidelity simulation orientation session on Associate Degree …

Personal Power Tactics African American Female Superintendents Employ To Overcome Four Identified Self-Sabotaging Behaviors, Angela Brantley

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed-method study was to identify and describe personal power tactics that African American female superintendents employ to overcome the four identified self-sabotaging behaviors from the Self Sabotaging Framework adapted from Lerner (2012), Ryder and Briles (2003).

Methodology: This study identified and described the lived experiences of seven female African American superintendents across the United States. This research design encompassed a sequential data collection method using an electronic survey instrument, followed by one-on-one interviews. Based on the quantitative and qualitative data, the researcher was able to triangulate data using the trends, categories, and patterns …

The Contribution Of Mindfulness Practice To Supporting Children And Their Families’ Challenges Among School Social Workers: A Qualitative Multicase Study Of School Social Workers In California, Catalina Andrade

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative multicase study was to describe the challenges school social workers experience when supporting students and their families in their schools. Additionally, the purpose of this study was to understand how school social workers use mindfulness practices to help them respond to the challenges of working with the students and their families in their school based on Lesser’s mindfulness model (2019): love the work, do the work, don’t be an expert, connect to your pain, connect to the pain of others, depend on others, and keep making it simpler. Methodology: In this multicase study, the …

The Effect Of The Heart Failure Nurse Navigator On 30-Day Hospital Readmissions Of Older Adults, Mary Ann Leavitt

Dissertations

Across the US, 22% of Medicare patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF) will be readmitted within 30-days of discharge. There is no one cost-effective process identified to help patients transition home and maintain their own selfcare. The aim of this study is to compare readmission rates, HF knowledge, self-care, and quality of life for patients who transition home from the hospital under the care of a Heart Failure Nurse Navigator (HFNN) with patients who receive usual care.

The HFNN is a home health RN with specialized training in HF care. The HFNN visited intervention group (IG) participants …

Use Of Outcome-Present State Test Model Of Clinical Reasoning With Filipino Nursing Students, Susy A. Jael

Dissertations

Clinical reasoning is a nursing competency necessary to make the best decision to deliver safe and effective care. A review of the literature shows a link between hazardous errors in patient care and poor clinical reasoning among nurses, and suggests that more study be given to best way to teach clinical reasoning. It is crucial that nurses today and of the future possess the clinical reasoning skills to provide increasingly complex patient care. This study tested the effect of the Outcome-Present State Test (OPT) Model of Clinical Reasoning on Filipino junior nursing students' clinical reasoning scores on the Health Sciences …

Effective Risk-Based Decision Making In Quality Risk Management, Valerie Mulholland

Dissertations

Patients expect safe, effective, high-quality medicines that are available when needed. Meeting these expectations is increasingly challenging in a global pharmaceutical supply chain, as evidenced by persistent product quality and supply issues. A key contributory factor to these issues is disruptions in manufacturing operations, which in turn are often caused by a hesitancy to change and to continuously improve approved processes. Regulatory agencies repeatedly indicate that they will consider increased autonomy for post-approval changes, if pharmaceutical manufacturing operations can demonstrate the effectiveness of Quality Risk Management (QRM) within the Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS). Thus, the question was posed by Dr …

Evaluating The Susceptibility Of The Lew.1wr1 Rat To Glucose Intolerance, Insulin Resistance, And Masld : Is Fat10 The Key?, Quiana Claudette Wilkerson Vidal

Dissertations

Obesity is an epidemic that affects over 40% of adults in America. Obesity can be divided into metabolically healthy and metabolically unhealthy obesity, with the latter being characterized by symptoms closely associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). What causes the transition from metabolically healthy to metabolically unhealthy obesity is not fully known. Further, it is unclear how this transition correlates with the onset of co-morbid conditions. We propose that Ubiquitin D (FAT10) may play a role in transitioning into a metabolically unhealthy state in response to obesity. This dissertation evaluated two main …

Development Of Methods To Quantify The Affective Response To Food Product Consumption Based On Kansei Engineering And Their Application In New Product Development, Dietmar Weiss

Dissertations

Consumer research, crucial to the success of new products, relies traditionally on rational judgements and opinions, which may not reflect the real reasons for consumer choice. The goal of this research was to apply and further develop the concepts of Kansei engineering to quantify an emotional response to product use. In addition to the application of the traditional Kansei engineering methods, three innovations were introduced. Firstly, the use of images instead of words to define the emotional space and further limit the interference of cognitive processes in the outcome. Secondly, the application of orthogonal arrays in product designs. Thirdly, the …

Enabling Outer Planet Exploration : Performance And Feasibility Of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion For Rendezvous Missions, Saroj Kumar

Dissertations

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) provides the compelling alternative between the chemical and electric propulsion systems for outer planet robotic missions. High-thrust and high-specific impulse (over twice the best chemical propulsion engine) NTP systems can enable outer planet missions that have been limited due to the large ΔV requirements. This dissertation identifies an enabling mission architecture and NTP engine thrust class for rendezvous missions to the Gas giant and Ice giant systems. The work presented in the dissertation demonstrates the performance impact of the NTP system and its feasibility for robotic missions using a systems engineering model driven by the model …

Unveiling The Mechanisms Of Bromate Formation And Nom Treatment In Drinking Water Via Plasmon-Enhanced Catalytic Ozonation, Amir Ahmadi Zahrani

Dissertations

High energy consumption and the formation of harmful byproducts are significant challenges in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). While much research has focused on improving treatment efficiency, controlling byproduct formation requires more attention. The focus of this dissertation is divided into three main focuses: Firstly, the underlying mechanism of bromate formation inhibition during a plasmon-enhanced catalytic ozonation (PE catalytic ozonation) process using silver-doped spinel ferrite (0.5wt%Ag/MnFe2O4) as the catalyst was investigated by scrutinizing the effects of each factors involved in PE catalytic ozonation including irradiation, catalyst, and ozone, both individually and in combination, on major bromine species involved in bromate formation. …

Understanding Battery Degradation And Failure With Impedance And Imaging Techniques, Megan F. Gober

Dissertations

With the increasing desire for fast charging capabilities in lithium-ion batteries due to the popularity of electric vehicles, research has recently been focused on increasing energy and power density while simultaneously revealing the need for improved understanding of degradation mechanisms to achieve the desired safety and fast charge performance. The work presented seeks to further understanding of mechanical, temperature, and electrochemical degradation mechanisms within varying battery chemistries and geometries through evaluation of impedance response and multiscale imaging techniques. First, in order to understand the limitations of mechanical and electrical integrity of battery systems, a combined application of impedance characterization and …

Mitigation Of Inflammation In Early Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Through Low-Intensity Ultrasound, Shahid Khan

Dissertations

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), a subset of OA caused by direct injury or repetitive microtrauma, results in a robust release of inflammatory mediators. If inadequately controlled, this pro-inflammatory phase leads to early tissue damage. The biomedical burden of PTOA is significant and inadequately addressed due to difficulties in identifying the disease onset, slow progression, and incomplete understanding of its etiology and pathogenesis. However, PTOA's distinct initiating events allow for early intervention. This thesis investigates whether fibronectin fragments (FnFs) can induce an early inflammatory response in a triple cellular in vitro model of early PTOA and whether continuous low-intensity ultrasound (cLIUS) can …

Nuclear Fission Rovers For Martian Exploration, Alexander Constantine Bendoyro

Dissertations

A comprehensive analysis was performed on the impact of embedding a Kilopower-style fission reactor into a pressurized rover on architectural performance for a sample lunar, Mars opposition, and Mars conjunction mission. The high gamma ray flux necessitated the addition of substantial shielding for the crew. A single material shielding analysis using the Taylor formulation revealed that varying the distance between the crew and the reactor core from 3 m to 6 m reduced the required shielding thickness by 7%. Increasing the power output of the reactor from 3.4 kWe (comparable to radioisotope power capability) up to 10 kWe (Kilopower design …

A Case Study Of Technology Integration At A Community College During A Disruption Of Learning Due To A Global Pandemic, Cara Suzanne Barth-Fagan

Dissertations

This paper discusses the challenges and opportunities of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the financial stress, digital divide, and inequalities in educational opportunities that arose during this period. However, it also acknowledges the advantages of remote learning, such as flexible scheduling, individualized learning, and global collaboration. The study design used was qualitative, aiming to identify the perceived levels of student engagement and support between faculty and students, and the perceived levels of success of completing a blended learning course in an online, hybrid, or hyflex format during a global pandemic. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance …

Assembly And Analysis Of Space Biofilm-Forming Bacterial Model Organisms Towards The Treatment Of Water System Biofilms, Yo-Ann VéLez Justiniano

Dissertations

Space exploration imposes unique challenges on the human body and engineered systems alike. One such challenge is the control of microbial life, specifically biofilms, within the water processor assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). This investigation aimed to determine the feasibility of using an innovative bioremediation approach to mitigate biofilm growth in the water processor assembly. This approach entails the dissemination of a desired anti-biofilm gene across the microbial population of the water processor assembly through horizontal gene transfer via conjugation. To ascertain the viability of this method, the research was divided into two primary focuses. The first part …

The Structural Basis Of Inflammation : Computational Characterization Of Molecular Mechanisms, Sara W. Jackson

Dissertations

Computational tools are useful in the interpretation and analysis of experimental data. In the world of structural biophysics, computational tools go a bit further: they can simulate atomic motions and molecular interactions based on experimentally-determined biomolecule structures, therein describing natural phenomena, and inspiring the formulation of new hypotheses. In this work, computational structural biology tools are used to answer questions about molecules of inflammatory importance. Quantum chemistry computational tools are used to determine the electronic structure of sesamin, a component of many diets which may be a modulator of an enzyme involved in the metabolism of inflammation mediators. Virtual docking …

How The Extraction Of Free Ligands From Nanoparticle Dispersions Affects Their Langmuir Films, Jimmie Mitchell

Dissertations

When nanoparticles are used as coatings on displays, solar cells, or devices, a thin, closely packed, uniform film is desired to enhance performance. Organic ligands are commonly used during the synthesis of metal or semiconductor nanoparticles. The ligands bind to the surface of the nanoparticle to control size, stability, or functionality. Commercially available nanoparticles have excess (free), ligands in their dispersions. Removal of the free ligands can potentially improve the performance of the system, especially when the dispersion is subsequently coated on a surface. Current methods to remove free ligands from nanoparticle dispersions result in mass loss, reduced performance, or …

A Framework For Identifying Transit Deserts In Rural Areas With Demand-Response Transit Services, Agnes L. Barnwell

Dissertations

The primary objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive framework for identifying transit deserts in rural areas with Demand Response Transit (DRT) services. This framework will focus on marginalized rural areas in Alabama, providing a foundation for better understanding their transportation needs. The research gap regarding transit deserts in rural areas is significant. While the concept of transit deserts has been explored in urban settings, rural areas with DRT services remain largely under-researched. Addressing this gap is vital for establishing equitable access to transit services across rural areas. This research contributes to the existing body of literature in …

An Examination Of The Predictors Of Vocational Calling In First-Generation College Students, Rodney Palmer

Dissertations

Problem

Several studies have examined the prediction of calling in college students, but no known study has focused primarily on the development of vocational calling among the vulnerable population of first-generation college students who have a higher drop-out rate than their peers. Examining the composition of vocational calling in first-generation college students, will assist faculty and student development personnel in better understanding the factors that predict a sense of calling for these students, which will improve their overall performance. This study will examine to what extent a sense of vocational calling is predicted by student mentoring, social support, faith/spirituality, civic …

Navigating Global Landscapes: Exploring The Dynamics Of Cultural Intelligence In Business Organizations, Rong Min

Dissertations

This dissertation delves into the multifaceted factors influencing Cultural Intelligence (CQ) among U.S. managers, with a specific focus on openness to experience, emotional intelligence, international experience, and the role of age. Employing a quantitative research methodology, this study engages a diverse sample of managers across various industries in the United States to ascertain how these variables collectively contribute to or hinder the development of CQ within a global business context. Both openness to experience and emotional intelligence were significant predictors of higher CQ, underscoring their importance in facilitating effective leadership in multicultural settings. Although international experience also enhances CQ, its …

Transforming Church Culture: Exploring The Extent To Which Servant Leadership Behaviors Influence Organizational Culture In Small African American Baptist Churches In Central Arkansas, Derick Easter

Dissertations

This quantitative correlational study examined the extent to which servant leadership behaviors predict organizational culture in small African American Baptist churches in Central Arkansas. In light of the post-pandemic decline in church membership and participation, the study explored whether enhancing church culture through leadership practices could help stabilize or grow congregational engagement. The primary research question was: To what extent do servant leadership behaviors predict organizational culture in these churches? Five dimensions of servant leadership—altruistic calling, emotional healing, wisdom, persuasive mapping, and organizational stewardship—were evaluated. The study involved 150 participants from churches affiliated with the state’s two major African American …

The Impact Of Generational Intelligence And Its Relationship With Team Cohesion And Team Performance In A Jamaican Multi-Generational Workforce, Omar Z. D. Oliphant

Dissertations

Problem

The Jamaica Union Conference (JAMU) currently faces a phenomenon of having a multi-generational workforce that includes four generations working alongside each other across its five fields for the first time in its history. This intersection of generations brings challenges concerning the adequacy of leaders’ generational intelligence and its relationship to team outcomes and perceptions of performance. The potential concerns for leaders center around employee recruitment, retention and engagement, conflict resolution, workplace culture, and productivity, among others (Tapscott, 2009). Any potential misunderstanding resulting from inadequate cross-generational intelligence among members of the generations currently represented may result in these Jamaican generationally …

Perceptions Of High Stakes Testing And Burnout As Predictors Of Quality Of Life Among Primary School Teachers In Trinidad And Tobago, Victoria Patricia Elder

Dissertations

Problem

This study explored how high-stakes testing (HST) and burnout affected the quality of primary school teachers in Trinidad and Tobago. HST refers to school exams often required by government agencies that are used to make key decisions pertaining to students, teachers, and schools (Embse & Hanson, 2012). Burnout is defined operationally as a psychological syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and impaired personal accomplishment induced by repeated workplace stressors (Maslach & Schaufeli, 2017). Quality of life (QoL) is the measure of an individual’s ability to function physically, emotionally, and socially within his/her environment at a level consistent with his/her own …

Maternal Involvement, Parenting Styles And Socioeconomic Status As Predictors Of Academic Achievement Of Standard 5 Students In Trinidad And Tobago, Edison Greenaway

Dissertations

The Problem

Underachievement remains a long-standing issue for the Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago. This has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which deleteriously impacted the education system. School closures became mandatory, and online learning was implemented throughout the education system. The results of the 2022 sitting of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exams emphasized the issue of underachievement, with a significant decline in performance. Only 37.06% of students scored above the 50% mark. Familial factors such as parenting styles and parental involvement have been noted in the literature to positively impact students’ academic achievement (Borup et al., …

Pastoral Leadership Of Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors In Sub-Saharan Africa And Congregational Giving During 2020-2021: A Grounded Theory Study, Eric Jean-Bruno Aniel Barbe

Dissertations

Problem

The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical model that describes how the behavioral strategies of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastors in Sub-Saharan Africa may have positively influenced congregational giving during the years 2020-2021 of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

A qualitative grounded theory research design was used (Corbin & Strauss, 2015). In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from a purposive sample of SDA pastoral leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa. The collected data were analyzed using an iterative process consisting of open, axial, and selective coding, thereby facilitating the construction of subcategories and a core category. This analytical process …