Digital Commons Network^™

Inpatient Staff Perspective On Verbal De-Escalation Within A High Acuity Population, Giovanna Dezutti

Dissertations

This study explored inpatient staff’s perspective of verbal de-escalation within a high acuity population as well as the factors that make either a positive or negative impact on the effectiveness of verbal de-escalation as used in high acuity impatient settings. This phenomenological study used semi-structured interviews of 5 participants working in this setting. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling, and interviews were conducted via zoom. This study found that participants unanimously agreed that the training they received regarding verbal de-escalation was not sufficient and that employment of certain personality traits and behaviors were more effective than using only the methods …

A Qualitative Study Exploring The Management & Implications Of Power Differentials Experienced By Pre-Licensed Supervisees In Clinical Supervision Settings, Joyti Jariwala

Dissertations

The focus in this qualitative study was to explore how power differentials in supervision create positive and negative experiences between licensed psychologists and pre-licensed doctoral students. The study results provide insight into how supervisees navigate these dynamics during supervision, which typically involves experiential learning environments in which trainees discuss progress, receive feedback, and enhance their skills. The theoretical framework grounding the study was social learning theory, which is based on the idea that individuals learn from modeling, observation, and imitation in a social context (Bandura, 1986). Reflexive thematic analysis was used to recognize similarities in findings gathered via two sets …

Poly(Thioether) Thermosets With Gated Photodegradation, Surabhi Jha

Dissertations

Photodegradable polymer networks are attractive due to the precise spatiotemporal control and large-area applicability of light. Chemical linkages that enable these polymer networks to be photo-responsive, also hinder their applicability in ambient light. Photostable and photodegradable networks have recently been reported to overcome this challenge by combining other stimuli with light for degradation. We report the design of a network that responds to a simultaneous, dual stimulus for photodegradation. We design poly(thioether acetal) networks with benzylidene acetal moieties that are known to undergo β-scission in the presence of free thiols. By blocking these free thiols with a thermally labile protecting …

Student Perceptions Of Integrated Stem Education In A High School Geometry Class, Alyssa Noland

Dissertations

Integrated Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education provides students with opportunities to solve integrated real-world problems. Integrated STEM instruction aims to develop 21^st-century skills in students and promote interest in STEM subjects through authentic real-world tasks. Student perceptions can help educators and administrators to understand the benefits and constraints of integrated STEM instruction. This qualitative case study was designed to understand student perceptions of integrated STEM instruction and student perceptions of the value or applications of mathematics. The situated STEM learning and social constructivism theoretical frameworks guided the design of the lessons and methods of the study. High …

Shattering The Mask: Unveiling The Destructive Force Of Misogynoir, Ledominique Hubbard

Dissertations

As a Black woman, my professional journey has been consistently marred by encounters with racism and gender bias. In this research, I employed autoethnography to shed light on my experiences and meticulously examine the challenges of misogynoir I faced while holding pivotal positions, including that of a detested team leader, an ingenious instructional teacher, and an anti-racist assistant principal across three distinct school campuses in two states. My narrative unfolds in various contexts, notably as the sole Black female teacher and team leader within nine elementary schools in a predominantly white, female-staffed rural district. Furthermore, I underscore my role as …

The Effect Of A Contextualized Dosage Calculation Learning Intervention On Pre-Nursing Students' Math Self-Efficacy And Ability To Pass High Stakes Dosage Calculation Examination On First Attempt, Eileen V. Weatherby

Dissertations

Many students in pre-licensure nursing programs struggle with calculating accurate medication dosages even though they meet the numeracy requirements for application to the nursing programs. Most pre-licensure programs require that nursing students pass dosage calculation exams at a specified level of accuracy before progressing to the next term. Students typically have three tries to pass at the specified level and should they not succeed, they must withdraw. If they wish to continue in the program, they must complete the requirements for reentry which may include space availability restrictions. Factors influencing dosage calculation performance include fear of mathematics, low math self-efficacy, …

Nursing Student Perceptions Of Presence In A Virtual Learning Environment: A Qualitative Description Study, Jason R. Thrift

Dissertations

Multifaceted approaches to learning are used for educating student nurses. One common teaching modality in nursing education, simulation, provides hands-on experiences in a safe environment to prepare student nurses for professional roles. High quality simulation standards recommend an engaging immersive experience, with physical, emotional, and conceptual fidelity to clinical practice. Presence is the perception of being there in a simulation as if it were real. Studies have reported improved learning outcomes with increased sense of presence. A simulation modality seldom used in nursing education is virtual reality simulation (VRSim) a three dimensional, immersive experience. VR-Sim with head mounted visual and …

National Identity Constructions In United States Foreign Policy Approaches To International Conflict, Frederick W. Tillman Ii

Dissertations

This study observes the role of national identity as a tool of the presidents of the United States in framing foreign policy approaches. Examining application for such phenomena reveals the puzzle of how strategic vs subjective decision-makers are when articulating policy addressing international conflicts. The interplay between the two aspects brings together the multiple traditions of national identity and the Wittkopf-Holsti-Rosenau approach model. Occurring over a longitudinal design, this study cuts across four administrations as they address events during the War in Afghanistan and the conflict regarding Taiwan. By coding and analyzing the statements from Presidents George W. Bush, Barack …

Factors Influencing Outcomes Of Undergraduate Nursing Student's Education, Patricia Jenkins Barnard

Dissertations

In 2021, approximately 509,000 undergraduate nursing students graduated from baccalaureate nursing educational programs. These new registered nurses (RNs) faced the same adversities as prior generations, including feeling unprepared to practice nursing, personal expectations did not match the reality of the situation, and working in an unwelcoming environment exacerbated by COVID-19 changes. During the time of COVID-19 changes in classroom delivery and settings brought these issues to the forefront (Dewart, 2020; IOM, 2010; NLN, 2015). There is a lack of information about nursing education modalities and their efficacy. Preliminary review documented that there was no clear evidence of which teaching modalities …

The Perception Of The Implementation Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy To Support Black Male Students In Mathematics – A Case Study, Chiquita Granville

Dissertations

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy is a method of education that promotes an inclusive and empowered learning environment by acknowledging and valuing students varied cultural origins. CRP is especially important for tackling the ongoing achievement discrepancies encountered by high school Black Male students in the context of mathematics instruction. This abstract emphasizes the value of culturally sensitive instruction in enhancing black male students' mathematics learning results and experiences.

This research will examine the difficulties faced by Black male students in Mathematics classes, including prejudice, a lack of cultural representation in the curriculum, and a lack of relevance between the subject matter and …

Evaluation Of A Clincally-Integrated Community Health Worker Program To Support Adults With Cardiovascular Conditions: Guided By The Prism Framework, Cynthia Orofo

Dissertations

Chronically ill individuals with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been extensively challenged by the complexities of disease management. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Although clinically integrated community health worker (cCHW) support interventions have been increasingly implemented to help manage CVDs, a comprehensive analysis of interventions implemented in real-world settings is lacking. The purpose of this study was to observe and evaluate a cCHW support intervention in a real clinical setting serving adults with CVD using an implementation science perspective, guided by the PRISM Framework.

Development And Preliminary Validation Of The Internalized Heterosexist Racism Measure For Sexual Minorities Of Color, Juan Pantoja-Patino

Dissertations

Research on intersectional internalized oppression among sexual minorities of color is scant. One of the reasons as to why such oppression is understudied amongst such population is the lack of psychological measures. At the same time, sexual minorities of color are faced with the negative impact of living in a racist and heterosexist society. Therefore, this study is one of first to develop and preliminarily validate the Internalized Heterosexist Racism Measure (IHRM) that evaluates internalized heterosexist racism in sexual minorities of color. By applying an intersectionality framework, the IHRM was generated from an extensive literature review and then reviewed by …

The Undocu-Competence Of College And University Websites: A Lonestar State Analysis, Karina Castro-Pavon

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the websites of Texas public four-year, private four-year, and two-year institutions of higher education (IHEs) to determine the extent to which website content corresponds with the recommendations of undocumented scholars and supporters. The study aimed to investigate whether the website content differs based on various institutional-level characteristics and to identify any relationships between contextual-level factors that may affect the information presented on websites. The study answered the following research questions: (1) To what extent does the information presented on Texas IHEs' institutional websites align with the Institutional Undocu-Competence (IUC) framework? (2) Does …

Exploring The Relationship Between Partner Boundary Flexibility Congruence And Well-Being Outcomes While Work From Home During Covid: The Mediation Of Dyadic Empathy, Huaying Li

Dissertations

This study integrates person-environment fit theory and boundary theory to examine the influence of congruence in work and family boundary management on the well-being of couples working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on the differences in work and family boundary management preferences between spouses, the study assesses the effects on dyadic empathy (empathic concern and perspective-taking), marital satisfaction, and job performance. Utilizing latent congruence modeling with survey data from 222 US employees, the study reveals that congruence (difference) in family flexibility between couples negatively impacts empathic concerns and perspective-taking. Conversely, actual transitions between work and family positively influence …

Perspectives Of College Students With Disabilities Regarding Their High School Transition Experience: Notes For High School Transition Planning, Lindsay Hartzler, Kitty Dong, Andrew Johnson Kliethermes, Kaitlyn Sandheinrich, Mark Wheatley

Dissertations

Students with disabilities face many challenges as they transition to postsecondary education. These students are often unprepared for the rigor of postsecondary academics; they often lack self-efficacy skills and have limited awareness of postsecondary supports or cannot successfully access them. This study aims to give voice to college students with disabilities to inform practices of high school personnel involved with transition and higher education professionals supporting them. Using Kohler’s Transition Taxonomy 2.0 (2016), researchers sought to study the perspectives of eleven college students on their high school transition experiences in the areas of academic preparedness, self-advocacy skills, and experiences with …

Diagnosing Silent Forgiveness At The Dialogical Limit In Endō Shūsaku’S Novel Silence, Catherine Buescher

Dissertations

I situate this dissertation within the context of the rightly noted deficiencies of dialogue and dialogical hermeneutics, deficiencies that prevent dialogue from effectively addressing the pathological nature of many of today's social issues, e.g., white supremacy, sexual and gender inequality, and climate change. Using the lens and limits of Western dialogical hermeneutics as noted by David Tracy, I conduct a case study of the dialogues of the main characters - Rodrigues, Ferreira, Kichijiro, God—in Endō Shūsaku’s novel Silence, noting the silence active in each of the dialogues at the end of the novel. I then argue that the nature and …

The Impact Of Risk And Trust On Confrontations Of Sexism: The Role Of Goals, Emily H. Budde

Dissertations

Sexism is still persistent in the United States (Swim et al., 2001), especially in the workplace (Fitzgerald, 1993; Loy & Stewart, 1984), leading to many negative outcomes for women. Unfortunately, there is an assumption in America that targets of bias will confront the perpetrator in the moment. However, this is often not the case leading to a disconnect in society at the cost of the target (Gutek & O’Connor, 1995). Looking at targets’ decision-making process and the factors that influence it can provide more context for why targets respond the way they do. I tested whether behaviors following bias (i.e., …

“If They Can Help, They Will”: A Community Cultural Wealth Approach On Parent Support And Its Influence On The College Success Of First-Generation Latinas, Fabiola Rosiles

Dissertations

This study explores the parental support first-generation Latinas have received, and recognizes the skills, knowledge, and various forms of support that Latinx parents can and have provided their daughters when they seek a college education. Through a community cultural wealth framework, this study adds to the current literature on Latina and first-generation college students and specifically challenges the deficit approach that is often used when studying these student and parent populations. Furthermore, this study aids in better understanding the experiences of first-generation Latinas who receive parental support in ways that are outside of the traditional in-school presence and support. Through …

Daring Dames And Dirty Deeds: Chicago Burlesque, Drag, And Censorship Politics, 1850-1980, Lucas Andrew Bensley

Dissertations

"Daring Dames and Dirty Deeds" is a history of burlesque, drag and censorship politics in Chicago from 1850 to 1980. In this period, burlesque and drag entertainers and shows adapted to changes in the tastes and sensibilities of the public. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, burlesque was primarily a form of parody of "higher culture" entertainment featuring circus performers, comedians, and female dancers in elaborate costume. In Chicago, burlesque gradually changed to become an art form that pushed the boundaries of how women could perform on stage while challenging laws and cultural norms of decency and chastity. …

Implementation Of Tai Chi Fall Prevention Program In A Community-Based Setting, Shabnampreet Kaur

Dissertations

The increasing rate of falls among older adults is a health concern that may lead to injuries and reduced quality of life. At the project site there was no systematic process to impact fall rates, so an evidence-based solution was sought. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine if the translation of Li et al.'s research regarding the Tai Chi fall prevention program would impact the rate of falls among adults 65 years and older. The project was piloted over 12 weeks in a community-based setting in urban New York. Imogene King's goal attainment theory and Kurt …

Gender Diversity In U.S. Adolescents: An Exploration Of Multidimensional Survey Measures Of Gender And Their Associations With Health And Social Outcomes Using A National Sample Of Adolescent-Parent Dyads, Christopher Hansen

Dissertations

The measurement of gender is an evolving area of survey research. Extant research has assessed different approaches for measuring gender identity and expression among adults; however, comparatively less research has evaluated their use among adolescents who are developing their gender identity and expression. This dissertation uses data from a nationally representative survey of U.S. teens and their parents to evaluate multidimensional measures of gender in adolescents. Three research questions represent separate empirical chapters of the dissertation. The first research question examines the measurement of femininity and masculinity in adolescents based on a comparison of different survey scales. The second research …

The Role Of Affect In Regulating The Influence Of Belief Superiority On Open-Minded Cognition And Information Selection Bias, Whinda Yustisia

Dissertations

Previous studies show that people high in belief superiority tend to hold higher attitude confidence and certainty, increasing information selection bias. However, it remained unclear why and when such an effect occurred. Two studies were conducted to address these questions. Study 1 aimed to examine the effect of belief superiority on information selection bias and its potential mediator: situation-specific open-minded cognition (SOMC). In line with the logic of earned dogmatism hypothesis, I posit that belief superiority induces a sense of entitlement to be close-minded, consequently leading to information selection bias. In study 2, I examined the role of affect (happy/sad) …

Synthetic Assembly Of Antibacterial Agents And Metal Chelating Ligands, Zachary Joseph Liveris

Dissertations

The exploitation of chemical synthesis exemplifies the notion of bridging both innovation and curiosity for the strategic assembly of sophisticated molecular infrastructures. By exerting this continuously evolving and versatile tool, synthesis has been applied in the development and influence of a myriad of ligands, biological probes, and persists to direct pharmaceutical innovation and modern medicine alike. Since pathogenic multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbial strains remain to be a persistent threat to both clinical healthcare and society, the need to develop selective and efficacious antibacterial agents that can impede microbe pathogenicity and regulate cellular mortality is paramount. In contrast to pharmaceutical development, organic …

Factors Influencing Purpose In Life In Middle-Aged And Older Adults, Kelly Bergstrom

Dissertations

Purpose in life is an important dimension of psychological well-being with associated health benefits. The current study used a path analysis model to examine how perceived cognitive control, health locus of control- self, engagement in physical activity, and engagement in challenging cognitive activities relate to purpose in life longitudinally. Multimorbidity status was also examined as a potential moderator of paths in the model. Participants were middle-aged and older adults who participated in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) longitudinal national study (n = 2,481). After controlling for relevant covariates, engagement in physical activity, engagement in challenging cognitive activities, …

High Risk Medication Regimens And Medication Related Predictors Of Hospital Readmission In Elderly Home Care Patients, Mary T. Dierich

Dissertations

Adverse drug events are a primary cause of hospitalization in the elderly. Nearly 70% of the $177.4 billion dollars spent on drug related morbidity and mortality in the U.S. is due to hospitalizations. Polypharmacy, inappropriate medications or medication regimen complexity have all been implicated as precursors to adverse drug events and as indicators of high risk medication regimens. Understanding the relationship between medication regimens and readmission is important when evaluating potential errors in administration, risk-benefit ratios, and readmission risk. However, due to definitional and measurement issues, the high risk medication regimen remains an elusive concept. This study characterizes medication regimens, …

Humanizing History: Empowering Educators To Navigate Difficult History Through Museum-Led Professional Development, Andrea Miskewicz

Dissertations

As museums increasingly serve as educational hubs, this research examines how teachers' participation in such programs contributes to their perceived efficacy for teaching topics of difficult history. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilizes a survey with quantitative and qualitative measures to evaluate changes in teacher self-efficacy before and after a museum-led intervention. With a pre and posttest design, this study provides deeper insights into participants' experiences and challenges. Preliminary findings suggest museum-led professional development has a significant positive impact on teachers’ perceived self-efficacy, highlighting the resources and opportunities museums have available and the importance of humanizing history in social …

Using Evidenced-Based Practice To Increase Knowledge And Awareness Of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Amanda M. Brickey

Dissertations

The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project is to increase the knowledge and intent to change practice through education on the importance in assessing sexual health history in patients at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Western Washington State by providing continuing education to primary care providers.

Settler Colonial Determinants Of Indigenous Health: Relationship Between Indigenous Women's Level Of Allostatic Load And High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy; A Secondary Analysis Of The Strong Heart Study, Nicole A. Thomas

Dissertations

There is a dearth of comprehensive literature relevant to the relationship between settler colonialism and health outcomes of Indigenous peoples residing in the United States (U.S.). Critical analysis of settler colonial determinants of Indigenous health will help to further shape discourse, research priorities, and policy relevant to Indigenous population health and disease distribution. This thesis will bring awareness to settler colonialism, propose relationships between settler colonialism and health outcomes, and identify specific settler colonial determinants of Indigenous health to help guide development and use of nursing theory. This dissertation argues that the structure of settler colonialism threatens and implicates the …

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses' Perceptions Of Nurse Leader Behaviors And Their Impact On The Workplace Environment, Meggan R. Mcculley

Dissertations

Nursing leadership is a crucial component in today's healthcare organizations as nurses make up the largest profession in healthcare overall. Nurse leaders have the ability to affect the environment of the nurses' workplace in both positive and negative ways, thus impacting their Quality of Nurse Work Life (QNWL). QNWL is an indicator of nurse satisfaction within their workplace, and the ability of the nurse to make meaningful contributions to their home units and the organization. The purpose of this qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study was to describe what it meant to experience nursing leadership from the perspective of Level …

Remote Vibration Based Monitoring Of Bridge Scour, Alan Kazemian

Dissertations

The gradual erosion of the sediment around a bridge foundation is called Scour. This erosion is caused by water flow and increases during times of high-water flow such as flooding. The scour leaves the bridges structurally unsound over time and jeopardizes the safety of the structure. Approximately 60 percent of bridge failures in the United States are caused by scour. A variety of types of devices have been used to detect scour. Most of these devices only observe the scour and not the structural integrity of the bridge. The typical approach has relied on visual inspections of the bridges after …