Digital Commons Network^™

Watching Disability: A Discourse Analysis Of Representations Of Disabled Characters In Scripted Television Programs, Wilbur Martin

Dissertations

This dissertation is a discourse analysis of three television series, Speechless, Atypical, and Breaking Bad. A close reading of those series was performed to analyze the representations of disability in those television series and whether those representations enforced classic stereotypes or differed from those classic stereotypes for disabilities. The representations were also analyzed to see if those representations enforced the medical or social model of disability.

All three series had instances of stereotypical representations as well as representations that were not stereotypical. All three series representations identified with the medical and social model of disabilities. Series that …

The Principal And Teacher Evaluation: A Study Of Influencing Pressures, Andy Brock

Dissertations

This quantitative study focused on determining the amount of influencing pressure principals encountered during summative teacher evaluations, determining if there was a relationship between the pressures a principal experienced while completing a summative teacher evaluation and the summative evaluation score teachers received, and determining if there was a relationship between teacher evaluation scores and district accountability levels. A survey instrument was created containing 23 possible influencing pressures derived from a literature review along with 14 items for the purpose of collecting demographic data from each participant. The survey instrument used a horizontal numeric scale to measure the amount of influencing …

The Role Of Homologous Cyclin B’S In The Cell Cycle And, In Their Absence, The Effect On Zebrafish Early Development, Tetiana Petrachkova

Dissertations

Regulation of cell division is essential for normal embryo development. The Cyclins and their Cyclin-dependent kinases are key regulators controlling this process. In this thesis, I examine the role of cyclin B1 and cyclin B2 in zebrafish development. It is thought that both Cyclins are necessary for a cell to progress past the G2/M checkpoint into mitosis. First, I show that zygotic Cyclin B1 is essential for normal cell cycle progression, but not for cells to enter mitosis. Lack of zygotic Cyclin B1 in the early arrest mutant specter, which carries a nonsense mutation in the cyclin B1 gene, …

Accumulation Of Polar Vorticity On Giant Planets: Towards A Three-Dimensional Theory, Shawn R. Brueshaber

Dissertations

My research investigates the polar atmospheric dynamics of the giant planets: Jupiter and Saturn (gas giants), and Uranus and Neptune (ice giants). I conduct my research modifying and applying the Explicit Planetary Isentropic Coordinate global circulation code to model the polar regions of the four giant planets.

The motivation behind my research is to uncover the reason why giant planet polar atmospheric dynamics differ. Jupiter features multiple circumpolar cyclones arranged in geometrical configurations, whereas Saturn features a single pole-centered cyclone. Uranus and Neptune also appear to have single pole-centered cyclones, albeit, larger than those on Saturn. …

Reasons For Choosing A Study Abroad Destination: A United States Student Perspective, Kristy Sue Berg

Dissertations

Berg, Kristy Sue. Reasons for Choosing a Study Abroad Destination: A United States Student Perspective. Published Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. The number of U.S. students who study abroad has been rising for the past 60 years (Institute of International Education [IIE], 2010). Since the 2017/2018 academic year, U.S. college study abroad rose 2.7% over the 2016/17 academic year with approximately 341,751 students participating in a study abroad program (IIE, 2020e). One in 10 undergraduate students participates in a study abroad program before graduation (IIE, 2020e). Perceptions U.S. students have of other countries impact their choice …

Three Essays In The Dynamics Of Oil Prices, Ahmed Alaabodi

Dissertations

The main objective of my three essays is to study the dynamics and interaction of the price of oil with the downstream sector (refined products), upstream sector (oil production), and across regional markets. I shed light on how the new technological innovation of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracking that caused the shale oil revolution in the last decade impact the price of oil and impact the petroleum market in the United States.

In the first essay, the dynamic relationship between the monthly price of crude oil and its refined products is modeled. The long-run equilibrium carries valuable information for risk …

The Relationship Between Adult Attachment, Perceived Social Support, And Depression In Chinese College Students With Different Life Experiences, Yuge Guo

Dissertations

Guo, Yuge. The Relationship between Adult Attachment, Perceived Social Support and Depression in Chinese College Students with Different Life Experiences. Published Dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, August 2020. The population of left-behind children in China face great challenges in daily life and serious concern has been raised over their physical and psychological health. The current study examines whether childhood left-behind experiences have a long-term impact on the mental health of college students in comparison to their peers without such experiences. The current study explored if there were difference in the level of insecure attachment to a parent figure, perceived social …

Ally Or Enemy: The Impact Of Leadership On United States Army Combat Veterans’ Deployment Experiences Who Have Served In Iraq And Afghanistan, Derik Van Baale

Dissertations

Soldiers’ deployment experiences have been well-researched and studied, but the primary focus has been on enemy-induced trauma. Being a combat veteran who served in Iraq myself, and as someone who has counseled a plethora of combat veterans, I am keenly aware that there is more than exposure to enemy fire and the loss of comrades that can leave a lasting impression. Often, the actions by and interactions with leaders during deployments can also prove to be quite impactful to soldiers. However, very little research exists on the impact of leadership behavior as a factor during a soldier’s deployment experience and …

Drunkorexia And Gender Role Conformity, Sarah Zwetzig

Dissertations

Zwetzig, Sarah. Drunkorexia and Gender Role Conformity. Published Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. Drunkorexia, a behavior involving binge drinking and compensatory eating or dieting behaviors, has been found in approximately 15-39% of college-aged individuals (Burke, Cremeens, & Vail-Smith, 2010; Giles, Champion, Sutfin, McCoy, & Wagoner, 2009; Roosen & Mills, 2015). Its prevalence, along with increased risk of negative consequences, make drunkorexia a particularly risky behavior (Giles et al., 2009). The current study examined the relationship and predictive power of gender role conformity, both feminine (as measured by the Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory-45 [Parent & Moradi, …

Comparing Student Nurse Experiences With Developing Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Competencies In Hospital And Nursing Homes: A Mixed Methods Study, Maria M. Tice

Dissertations

Tice, Maria M. Comparing Student Nurse Experiences with Developing Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Competencies in Hospital and Nursing Homes: A Mixed Methods Study. Published Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. Nurse educators today face many barriers to attracting and retaining an adequate workforce of nurses to serve two significantly underserved and growing populations: elders and persons with mental illnesses. The primary purpose of this study was to compare and contrast how baccalaureate student nurses’ level of engagement and the perceived quality of the learning environments in inpatient mental health units and nursing homes were related to students’ …

Consequential Saints: A Preliminary Study Of Jazz And Religion In New Orleans, David Baker

Dissertations

The moral ecosystem of New Orleans at the beginning of the twentieth century offers a unique opportunity for jazz to function and be observed beyond positivist definitions of music. The common narrative often cites religion and morality as peripherally influencing factors in the development of jazz but frequently disregards the impact of New Orleans’ atypical religious milieu and its influence on local culture. While recent research exists that studies the nuanced role of identity, phenomenology, and culture in shaping early jazz, the influence of New Orleans’ unusual form of morality and religion is subsequently ignored. Understanding the birth of jazz …

Experiences Of Middle School Principals With Accountability-Related Stress And Coping Skills, Gus T. Calbert

Dissertations

This exploratory qualitative study was focused on the impact of state and federal mandates on the role of middle school principals, specifically what increased responsibilities and major areas of stress middle school principals are experiencing; how any enhanced stress impacts these middle school principals, both professionally and personally; and what coping mechanisms principals use to handle the stress of any increased responsibilities.

The experiences and perceptions of 12 principals from one Midwestern state were captured through semi-structured interviews, and by having them complete Allison’s Coping Preference Scale. Their answers provide a deeper understanding of what it is like leading a …

The Impact Of Social Media On The Self-Esteem Of Youth 10–17 Years Old: A Review Of The Literature, Jasmine M. Daniels

Dissertations

The world of technology has expanded quickly and vastly since its inception. The creation of social media sites and applications has changed the ways in which youth interact, connect, and share with one another. As the number of social media sites and applications increases, so does their use by adolescents. During adolescence, youth are undergoing the process of identity development and self-esteem is an important part of this development. During this developmental period, adolescents’ self-esteem is likely to be affected by the feedback they receive online through social media sites. There is limited research available that specifically evaluated the impact …

You Are Resilient: Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Treatment For Low-Ses, Urban Youth, Courtney Molina

Dissertations

The focus in this review was to explore the benefits and optimal use of trauma-informed, strengths-based care for the therapeutic treatment of low-socioeconomic status (SES), urban youth. Specific focus was given to evidence-based research on the treatment of emotional and behavioral dysregulation among low-SES, urban youth. The review was guided by the following research questions: How can emotional and behavioral dysregulation be symptoms of trauma among low-SES, urban youth; What makes trauma-informed and strengths-based care optimal for the treatment of low-SES, urban youth with dysregulation; and What are clear guidelines for providing trauma-informed, strengths-based care to low-SES, urban youth with …

The Role Of Masculinity In The Development Of Capability For Suicide, Claire Houtsma

Dissertations

Males account for over two-thirds of suicide deaths annually. Additionally, more than 50% of American suicide deaths annually are firearm-related. Suicide risk is elevated within firearm owning households and men are more likely to own firearms, which suggests that male firearm owners are at disproportionate risk for suicide. Prior research has argued that certain stereotypically male traits (e.g., lack of help-seeking) may explain sex differences in suicide death; however, this remains a poorly understood phenomenon. Male gender norms (e.g. physical toughness, self-reliance) may contribute to the development or expression of capability for suicide, primarily through their impact on behavior. The …

Comparison Of Retention Rates Between Traditional On-Ground And Online Biology Laboratory Courses In The Community College Setting, Megan Davis Winborne

Dissertations

Community colleges provide vital educational resources to students across the nation. Online learning has become an integral part of the course offerings for community colleges. With regards to online learning, there is a lack of empirical evidence and research focused on community college offered biology laboratories, particularly concerning retention rates of these students. Means, Toyama, Murphy, and Bakia. (2013) found that even though there are copious amounts of studies dedicated to evaluation of evidence-based practices in online learning formats, many of them neglected to review retention rates associated with online educational courses.

The purpose of this study was to determine …

A Qualitative Study Of The Preparedness Of Novice Teachers To Teach Effectively In A Blended Learning Environment, Rachelle R. Lafave

Dissertations

Proponents of the effective use of blended learning argue that without technologyenhanced instruction, students graduate from high school missing the digital skills they need to be successful competitors in the labor market (Dickinson, 2018). Yet, authors of supporting work have established technology-enhanced instruction can have a negative effect on student achievement (Newman & Dickinson, 2017). Examined in this qualitative study was the preparedness of novice teachers to provide effective instruction in a blended learning environment, as researchers have found teacher self-efficacy is the number one predictor of instructional quality (Belanger, 2018; Conant, 2016; Künsting, Neuber, & Lipowsky, 2016). Self-efficacy is, …

Midwestern “Grow Your Own” Programs: A Viable Means To Teacher Recruitment And Retention?, Sandra Jean Humbyrd

Dissertations

In this study, an analysis of the perceptions of Career and Technical Education Pathways for the Teaching Profession teachers (pseudonym) and Homegrown Educators sponsors (pseudonym) in a Midwestern state on the success of grow your own programs regarding recruitment and retention rates of alumni teachers was conducted. This research resulted from reports throughout the nation concerning the shortage of teachers. An open-ended survey was utilized to gather perceptual data surrounding recruitment and retention, with a specific interest in high-needs areas and geographical location. Survey results showed there were no significant perceived differences between rural and urban districts in regard to …

A Delphi Study Of Actions Needed For Active Shooter Preparedness To Lower The Number Of Casualties And Injuries During Active Shooter Incidents At K-12 Schools, Michael Maley

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this Delphi study was to identify specific actions that experts perceive are needed for active shooter preparedness for educational facilities, to lower the active shooter incident casualties and injuries in the U.S. K-12 schools. The study also examined the degree of importance for the identified specific actions needed for active shooter preparedness at educational facilities and those actions most likely to be implemented.

Methodology: The research design for this study is utilizing the Delphi technique that provides a systematic process in collecting data of opinions from a panel of experts. The Delphi study includes collecting …

Exclusionary Beliefs, Multicultural Ideology, Empathy, And Perceived Threat: A Comprehensive Model Of Anti-Immigrant Prejudice, Reigna El-Yashruti

Dissertations

Despite the increased movement of people across national borders, anti-immigrant sentiment continues to pose challenges to immigrant mental health and disrupt intergroup relations. In the USA, where over 14% of the population is comprised of foreign-born individuals, immigrants continue to face prejudice from both the public and political administration. Intergroup Threat Theory (ITT) explains this prejudice as stemming from the perception that the out-group poses a threat to the cultural purity, economic stability, or physical safety of the in-group. Traits that promote group exclusion, such as perceived group superiority (i.e. Right-Wing Authoritarianism; RWA, Social Dominance Orientation; SDO, cultural dominance; CD) …

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness, Efficiency, And Post-Training Outcomes Of Traditional Behavioral Skills Training And Asynchronous Remote Training, Dani Pizzella

Dissertations

While applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the most commonly recommended therapy for individuals with Autism spectrum disorders (New York State Department of Health, 1999; Surgeon General, 1999), there is a significant lack of board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs; Bethune & Kiser, 2017; Maglione, Kadiyala, Kress, Hastings, & OʹHanlon, 2016). Telehealth may help to increase the availability of training in behavior analytic procedures, however, BCBAs have been slow to adopt remote training measures (Tomlinson, Gore, & McGill, 2018). This may be due to the in-vivo training requirements of common behavior analytic training procedures. This research compares traditional, face-to-face behavioral skills training …

Diversity In Pre-Nursing Majors And Nursing Program Applicants, Christel Fehr

Dissertations

Problem: The population of the US has become increasingly ethnically diverse. This diversity has not been reflected in the nursing workforce with approximately 70% being Caucasian and 85% being female, resulting in a disparity in healthcare delivery by minorities. The purpose of this project was to perform an analysis of race, ethnicity, and gender diversity in undergraduate nursing applicants at a rural midwestern university.

Method: A retrospective review of nursing applications, enrollment reports, and graduation rates were examined for three academic years.

Results: 326 students (N=326) applied to the nursing program from Fall 2016 through Spring 2019. Of …

Comparison Of Nursing Student Academic Achievement And Satisfaction Based On Face-To-Face Interaction Versus Distance Education In Teaching Therapeutic Crisis Management Techniques, Jennifer S. Graber

Dissertations

Nursing education today is very different with advances in science and technology. Nurse educators are using distance education in an effort to offer students the ability to practice varying skills in a safe non-threatening environment. This quasi-experimental, post-hoc causal comparative study had a two group post-test only design. There were two conditions: face-to-face classroom delivery of course content and distance education with online course content. The study was designed to compare effectiveness of distance education and face-to-face interaction through reviewing test grades and class grades. Additionally students were asked to rate their satisfaction of the different modalities.

Multidisciplinary Team Approach Effect On Pediatric Severe Asthma, Lila Kertz

Dissertations

Problem. Children with severe asthma are more likely to be non-adherent with their prescribed medications, often related to barriers. A holistic assessment of these patients has been suggested, but is not typically performed in most pediatric asthma clinics. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effects of severe pediatric asthma clinic services designed to perform holistic assessments and provide comprehensive care.

Methods. An observational, descriptive design was used to evaluate the Severe Asthma Clinic for Kids (SACK) created in 2013 using a retrospective database review. A convenience sample of data collected on all children treated in the clinic …

Intimate Partner Violence Screening In Adolescent And Young Adult Females, Emily Myers

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem Adolescents and young adult females are at risk for experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Females aged 16- to 24-years of age experience IPV three times more likely than males. Universal screening for adolescent IPV is considered a gold standard for adolescent anticipatory guidance. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to evaluate the impact of an adolescent IPV screening instrument in an urban, Midwestern shelter for pregnant adolescent and young adult females.

Methods An observational, descriptive design. All adolescent and young adult females presenting for intake evaluation were screened for IPV using the Healthy Relationship Quiz over …

Optimizing The Effectiveness Of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters, Carrie Kollar

Dissertations

Problem Hospitalized adult patients require more than one short peripheral catheter (SPC) to complete the prescribed intravenous (IV) therapy due to catheter failure and the practice of resiting. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to increase the rate of SPCs remaining in situ for the entire duration of the IV therapy for hospitalized adult patients.

Methods Application of an engineered securement device (ESD), an educational program pertaining to modifiable risk factors, and changing the practice to removal upon clinical indication were methods utilized to reduce the number of SPC insertions and catheter failures. This study was conducted at …

Compassion Fatigue And The Emergency Department, Alexandra Myers

Dissertations

Problem The emergency department (ED) is a high-stress environment. Nurses exposed to this stress for prolonged periods are subject to compassion fatigue (CF). The purpose of this quality improvement project was to identify and reduce the level of CF in ED nurses by implementing Real Time Transformative Response^© (RTR). RTR^© is a technique that uses combinations of neurofeedback response awareness, biofield therapy intervention, and clearing of unwanted energy.

Method A purposeful sample of ED nurses working at a moderately-sized, suburban, Midwestern hospital ED who were scheduled to work 24-hours or more per week completed a Professional Quality of …

Social Patterns And Pathways Of Hiv Care Among Hiv-Positive Transgender Women, Dana D. Hines

Dissertations

Transgender women have the highest HIV prevalence rates of all gender and sexual minorities, yet are less likely to enter and be retained in HIV care. As a result, they are at high risk for HIV-related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to describe the illness career of transgender women living with HIV and to describe how interactions with health care providers and important others influenced their illness trajectory.

The Role Of Professional Nursing In The Origin Of The Newborns' And Mothers' Health Protection Act Of 1996 From A Feminist Perspective, 1981-1996, Jan-Louise Leonard

Dissertations

This social historiography tells the story of the origin of the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996. In the 1980s when the federal government reduced allocations to states' Medicaid programs as a cost saving measure, hospitals, initiated early discharge of patients to save costs. Given four million births annually, childbirth is the most frequent reason for hospitalization in the United States. Hospitals discharged Medicaid insured mothers and newborns very early at twenty-four hours for a normal birth and seventy-two hours for a cesarean. Other insurers adopted similar managed care strategies in the early 1990s. By 1995, unionized nurses …

Psychometric Properties Of The College Athlete Psychological Screening Tool: Validation Of The Depression And Anxiety Subscales, Joseph C. Case

Dissertations

The aim of the present study was to gain a better understanding of the descriptive psychometric properties of the College Athlete Psychological Screening (CAPS) measure. The CAPS is a newly developed assessment screening measure designed to assess 14 common problem areas for college athletes. For the present investigation, 395 participants completed the 108-item CAPS measure. To establish criterion validity, participants also completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The present study had three research questions. Question one discussed the descriptive psychodynamic properties (Cronbach’s alpha, means, and standard deviations) of the 14 CAPS subscales. Question two …