A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Experiences And Perceptions Of Counselor Education Students Who Have Completed An Intensive Social Justice Retreat, Aaron James Henderson

Dissertations

The intention of this phenomenology research study was to better understand the experiences and perceptions of counseling students who attend a weekend intensive social justice retreat. This examination may shed light on whether an intensive social justice experience is a valuable and worthy training modality to compliment the traditional classroom learning environment often found in counselor preparation programs. The data from two semi-structured interviews, a focus group, and research participant journals were utilized from 10 counseling students from CACREP accredited counseling programs in a mid-Western mountain state. Seven themes emerged from the data including: Increased Awareness, Desired for Prolonged Training, …

The Impacts Of Rock Climbing On The Selection Of Roosts By Bats And The Influence Of These Mammals On The Biodiversity And Nutrient Influx Of Cliff-Face Ecosystems, Ashley Kay Wilson

Dissertations

Humans have an un-matched ability to alter the environment, which often has detrimental effects on other species, from tiny microbes to enormous plants and animals. Bats are the second-largest order (Chiroptera) of mammals with ca. 1,300 described species, many of which have declining populations due to human disturbances of ecosystems. Being the only mammals capable of flight, bats exploit numerous ecosystems and are known to roost in various habitats including caves, trees, mines, bridges, barns, etc. Although the roosting ecology of bats in ecosystems such as caves and forests has been well documented, no study has yet examined the relationship …

An Assessment Of Conceptual Understanding Of Metabolic Pathways, Amani Atiyalla Abdugadar

Dissertations

Researchers have previously studied misconceptions of biochemistry topics such as photosynthesis, protein structure, and ATP-production. However, no studies have reported on students’ misconceptions regarding major metabolic pathways. Since learning metabolism builds on students’ prior knowledge, new material being learned will be affected by the presence of any misconceptions. Some of these misconceptions will be robust and thus hard to be replaced by the correct concepts. Thus, if students are to learn new material, these misconceptions must be diminished. This dissertation focused on the origins of these misconceptions, investigated what misconceptions students had on metabolism, and why students developed misconceptions instead …

The Effects Of Kefir And Exercise On Immune Function And Gut Health, Peter Royal Smoak

Dissertations

Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting society today, and the number of newly diagnosed cases increases every year. Unresolved inflammation is an important underlying cause of cancer and chronically elevated concentrations of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are positively related to cancer incidence and progression. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can impair beneficial gut microbes that help to protect against pathogens and modulate immunity. Physical activity and exercise regimens improve chronic inflammation and gut microbes in cancer survivors but relatively few studies have explored the potential …

Chroma: An Original Composition For Violin, Cello, Vibraphone And Interactive Electronics, Todd Swingle

Dissertations

Chroma is an original composition for violin, cello, vibraphone, and interactive electronics that uses sound to create and control visual images. Using Max/MSP/Jitter, Chroma tracks the pitch and amplitude of the live performers and uses the data to construct a visual representation of the music that is projected onto a screen behind the performers. The music utilizes the color associations of the composer to create a narrative that exists both in sound and in the generated visual images. It explores links between music and emotions and how those links can be portrayed through color and images.

A Reinforcement Learning Approach To Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization, Daniel S. Kolosa

Dissertations

This dissertation explores a novel method of solving low-thrust spacecraft targeting problems using reinforcement learning. A reinforcement learning algorithm based on Deep Deterministic Policy Gradients was developed to solve low-thrust trajectory optimization problems. The algorithm consists of two neural networks, an actor network and a critic network. The actor approximates a thrust magnitude given the current spacecraft state expressed as a set of orbital elements. The critic network evaluates the action taken by the actor based on the state and action taken. Three different types of trajectory problems were solved, a generalized orbit change maneuver, a semimajor axis change maneuver, …

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 …

Ultrafast Relaxation Dynamics In Graphene Oxide-Dye And Perovskites Nanocomposites, Abubkr A. Arzaq Abuhagr

Dissertations

Novel materials such as graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and Perovskites nanocomposites nanosheets have shown interesting electrical and optical properties. These materials have shown prominence in research regarding optical sensing applications. The interaction of different fluorescent molecules like dye molecules with GO, and RGO have been studied recently to develop novel optical sensors, photo-catalysts, and light-harvesting agents. In this study, we have monitored the excited state interactions of dyes covalently attached to GO and RGO nanosheets. Three amine derivatives of anthracene, pyrene, and coumarin were covalently bound to different systems via amide bonds and diazotization. Characterization of different …

Smart Sensors With Dual Modes Of Signal Transduction For Monitoring Molecules Pertinent To Health And The Environment, Jared T. Wabeke

Dissertations

The dissertation focuses on the design and synthesis of smart materials for the detection of molecules pertinent to environmental protection and healthcare. The use of computational simulations is pivotal toward advancing molecular design for targeted applications. Research was conducted to investigate the use of simulations to develop novel sensors with dual modes of signal transduction. The molecular properties were determined using computational modelling, and then used to elucidate the binding mechanism of the corresponding sensor complexes. Several molecules were produced that respond to important organic analytes, such as glucose and fenthion, an organophosphorus pesticide. Glucose is an exceedingly important biological …

Embedded Silver Nanoparticles For Metal Enhanced Photoluminescence, Shahid Iqbal

Dissertations

Imaging of biologically significant molecules using plasmons of Metal Nanoparticles (MNPs) is gaining attention in the research community. Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) is the coherent oscillation of conduction electrons of MNPs. The biologically significant molecule is labeled with the fluorophore molecule to get the image. This approach is widely used in clinical practices, however, low intensity light emission from the labeled molecule makes it difficult to image the biologically significant material. One way to improve the weak intensities of fluorophore is to enhance the brightness using a process called Metal Enhanced Photoluminescence (MEP). This phenomenon occurs in the close …

Physical Activity Prevalence Among Migrants In United Arab Emirate, Rowaa Elhidia Elobaid Abd-Allatif

Dissertations

Insufficient physical activity is a leading risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Few data were available on the physical activity levels of migrants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to determine leisure time physical activity levels and their associated socio-demographic determinants and NCD risk factors among migrants in Al Ain, UAE. A random sample of male South Asian migrants (n=1375) (76.4% response rate) and female South Asian, Arab, and Philippines migrants (n=555) (75% participation rate) was recruited from the government Visa Screening Center in Al Ain, UAE. An adapted version of the WHO STEPS Survey with a short …

The Meaning Of High-Quality Nursing Care Derived From King's Interacting Systems, Mary E. Gunther

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to conceptualize quality within a framework unique to nursing, King's Interacting Systems. Clarification of the concept within the metaparadigm and a nursing conceptual framework provides understanding of the domain and scope of nursing for the ultimate benefit of the patient. Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics involves a dialogical interaction between the whole and parts of the text and between the horizons of the text and the interpreter. King's (1981) A theory for nursing: Systems, concepts, process was approached with the question: What are the characteristics of high-quality nursing care?

Vines In The Neotropics: Phylogenomics, Biogeography And Systematics In Passion Flowers (Passiflora Subgenus Decaloba Section Decaloba), Serena Acha

Dissertations

With 600 species, Passiflora is a large, morphologically complex and broadly distributed genus in Passifloraceae that represents a major challenge to scientists interested in understanding the evolutionary history of tropical vines. Passiflora has been divided into subgenera, super sections and sections. One of the most enigmatic and species-rich (~120 spp.) groups in Passiflora is section Decaloba, which occurs in the Neotropics and is particularly diverse in Andean montane forests. In this study, we used phylogenomic and population genomic approaches to investigate the evolutionary history, biologeography, species boundaries, and taxonomy of Passiflora section Decaloba. We sampled herbarium specimens, extracted …

Towards Completely Automated Glycan Synthesis, Matteo Panza

Dissertations

Carbohydrates are ubiquitous both in nature as biologically active compounds and in medicine as pharmaceuticals. Although there has been continued interest in the synthesis of carbohydrates, chemical methods require specialized knowledge and hence remain cumbersome. The need for development of rapid, efficient and operationally simple procedures has come to the fore. This dissertation focuses on the development of a fully automated platform that will enable both experts and non-specialists to perform the synthesis of glycans. Existing automated methods for the synthesis of oligosaccharides are highly sophisticated, operationally complex, and require significant user know-how. By contrast, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) …

The Role Of Multidrug Resistance Regulators Mara, Soxs, Rob And Rama In Regulating Virulence Traits In Salmonella Enterica, Srinivas Thota

Dissertations

Enteric pathogens sense numerous signals specific to the anatomical location in the intestine and integrate them with the complex regulatory networks to temporally and spatially regulate their virulence genes. MarA, SoxS, Rob and RamA are homologous transcription factors that belong to AraC family of proteins in Salmonella enterica that primarily were thought to be involved in rendering antibiotic resistance to bacteria by up regulating efflux pumps and down regulating outer membrane porins. The fact that these transcription factors respond to the same intestinal compounds that regulate virulence genes in Salmonella motivated us to look for other roles of these transcription …

Regional And Historical Influences On The Spatial Distribution Of Neotropical Trees, Maria Isabel Loza

Dissertations

At small spatial scales, the composition of species assemblages depends on local conditions and the dispersal of propagules from surrounding regions. In turn, processes taking place at broad temporal and spatial scales, including changes in regional physiography and climate, shape the species pools in these source regions. This dissertation seeks to understand the effects of regional and historical processes on the spatial distribution of Neotropical tree species. In chapter 1, I investigate regional enrichment of local species assemblages testing two hypothesis: i) local species assemblages are enriched by unfiltered species pools, which are composed of all species that can …

Perceived Social Support, Coping, And Psychological Distress In Advanced Cancer Patients, Adelaida Zabalegui

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which perceived social support and coping mechanisms contribute to explaining psychological distress in advanced cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The Lazarus and Folkman stress and coping model (1984a) provided the framework.

Testing An Intervention To Decrease Catastrophizing In Persons With Fibromyalgia, Pamela Jean Nelson

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a brief psychoeducational nursing intervention to alter catastrophizing and improve coping with fibromyalgia, a syndrome of chronic, widespread pain. Catastrophizing is defined as a negative way of thinking about pain that interferes with the development of pain coping self-efficacy, the confidence a person has in their ability to manage pain. In fibromyalgia, catastrophizing has demonstrated a strong relationship to pain severity and daily functioning, but brief interventions targeting catastrophizing have not been tested. Theoretical framework. Bandura's social cognitive model emphasizing self-efficacy as a determinant of behavior was used as …

Social Support, Psychological And Physical States Among Japanese Women With Breast Cancer, Reiko Makabe

Dissertations

In Western cultures, it has been reported that social support has effects on health outcomes among women with breast cancer. However, little is known about social support and the effects on health outcomes among Japanese women with breast cancer. In addition, there are no instruments with established reliability and validity to measure social support specific to Japanese populations giving consideration to cultural differences. A cross-sectional study was designed incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches for the purposes of: (1) testing the reliability and validity of instruments developed to measure social support with Western populations when used with Japanese women with breast …

Maternal Attitudes, Feeding Practices And Child Weight-For-Length Percentiles: Maternal Participation Vs. Non-Participation In A Prenatal Infant Nutrition Education Session, Connie S. Lewis

Dissertations

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions nationally and internationally. All ages are affected resulting in physiological and psychological health consequences. Obesity-related habits that begin in childhood may continue into adulthood suggesting the need for developmentally targeted approaches. Efforts to reduce obesity should begin early in life with interventions targeting infants and young children. Is there a difference in infant feeding attitudes, the initiation of breastfeeding practice, the introduction of solid foods practice, and child weight-for-length percentiles at 12, 18, and 24 months between mothers who participated in a prenatal infant nutrition education session and mothers who did not participate? The purpose …

The Role Of Bro Culture In Exploration Of Why Women Leave It, Ana Krasteva

Dissertations

The goal of this exploratory study is to investigate ways in which whether the phenomena called the ‘bro culture’ may influence on women in the information technology (IT) workforce. It specifically seeks to determine whether bro culture has an impact on why women in IT move from one IT company to another; leave IT for a non-technical field; or leave the workforce entirely.

Although there is a plethora of studies on why women leave positions in IT, less understood is the impact and influence of bro culture on the decision.

My findings suggest that bro culture in the workplace is …

Impact Of A Web-Based Instructional Module Of Alzheimer’S Disease Within Seven Content Knowledge Domains, Joyce Haynie

Dissertations

Abstract

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) has been classified as the most common form of dementia. Primary health care providers are usually the first clinicians to whom individuals present with symptoms of dementia. By 2050, it is expected that as many as 13.8 million Americans will be living with AD, and millions more will be placed in the challenging role of providing care for these individuals. However, studies continue to show that dementia is often underdiagnosed and under detected. The purpose of the study was to systematically inquire about the impact of AD education on level of knowledge about AD among primary …

Fathers' Experiences With Their Premature Infants Or Unhealthy Neonates, Lisa Cummings

Dissertations

Author: Lisa Cummings PhD RN

Fathers’ Experiences with Their Premature Infants or Unhealthy Neonates

Purpose and Background/Significance: Fifteen million babies worldwide are born prematurely each year, impacting a multitude of fathers. The importance of an early close father-infant relationship has been identified as central for the development of the child. Fathers influence on a child’s emotional and cognitive development and their physical well-being and health. Many times, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is the initial contact environment between a father and his premature infant. Studies have shown that the NICU can be a stressful environment for parents, producing emotional …

Developing Moral Education To Combat Human Trafficking, Shima Rostami

Dissertations

Leaders are challenged daily to improve their organization's products and outcomes. “When the character of leaders is low, so are their standards” (Maxwell, 2010, p. 41), and accordingly the products and programs. No field or profession was exempt from this challenge at the leadership level. On this note, human trafficking as a humanitarian crisis was of particular interest for activists, but one that may still suffer from this same weakness at the leadership level. Consequently, having a concern for how to improve the character and standards of the leaders in the anti-human trafficking movement, the Investigator of this study questioned …

African Centered Education, The Maji Shujaa Online Academy: A Descriptive Case Study, Beverly Jackson

Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive case study framed by African centered theory, is to advance the knowledge about the online African centered educational programming, Maji Shujaa Academy. The researcher is the Chief Executive Officer( CEO) and lead teacher/lead developer of online educational media for the Academy. Considerable private African-centered educators with enterprenueural spirit have advanced and created online African centered global educational programming for the students of Africa and African Diaspora population groups today. Yet the available literature is shallow with regard to the workings of online African centered educational programming. This study explores in which the online Academy makes …

Chemical Synthesis Of Oligosaccharides From Human Milk, Mithila Dulanjalee Bandara Weerasooriya Mudiyanselage

Dissertations

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) are a family of structurally related glycans that are highly abundant in breast milk. Oligosaccharide fraction is the third largest solid component in human milk after lactose and lipids. There is an accumulating evidence that HMO can provide significant benefits to the breast-fed infants. However, understanding of the exact HMO functions is still incomplete due to the lack of individual compounds in sufficient quantities. Therefore, development of expeditious strategies for the chemical synthesis of HMO has been increasingly important. Among all the methods available for oligosaccharide synthesis, armed-disarmed strategy introduced by Fraser-Reid is based on chemoselective …

Factors Related To 30-Day Readmission Among Hispanics With Type 2 Diabetes, Athena Mohebbi

Dissertations

Background: Medicare spends $17 billion yearly on 30-day readmissions. Hispanic adults have a higher prevalence of diabetes (12.6%) compared to non-Hispanic whites (9.4%). Those with a diagnosis of diabetes have the 17% higher rate (14-23%) for 30-day readmission. Little research has been conducted on Hispanics with diabetes relative to 30-day readmissions. Aims: Among Hispanics with type 2 diabetes: 1) measure the incidence of 30-day readmission by sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical factors;2) identify independent factors associated with 30-day readmission among Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes accounting for potential covariates; 3) compare the ability of the Hispanic Diabetic Study Model plus …

A Computational Study Of Sleep And The Hemispheres Of The Brain, Tera Ashley Glaze

Dissertations

Sleep and sleep cycles have been studied for over a century, and scientists have worked on modeling sleep for nearly as long as computers have existed. Despite this extensive study, sleep still holds many mysteries. Larger and more extensive sleep-wake models have been developed, and the circadian drive has been depicted in numerous fashions, as well as incorporated into scores of studies. With the ever-growing knowledge of sleep comes the need to find more ways to examine, quantify, and define it in the context of the most complex part of the human anatomy – the brain. Presented here is the …

Evaluation Of Reasons That May Affect Whether Academically Capable Females Choose To Major In Stem, Kerri Alexander Adkins

Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to study the reasons why academically capable females choose to pursue majors in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. A mixed-methods approach using focus groups and a survey were used. Data were gathered from the focus group sessions and used to develop the survey that was then validated and checked for reliability. After some edits, the survey was administered to female freshmen attending Western Kentucky University. Unfortunately, all female students who completed the survey except one indicated they were pursuing STEM majors.

The results from this study suggest that the reasons surrounding the …

Factors Influencing Hispanic Soldiers Seeking Treatment For Alcohol Abuse : Secondary Analysis Of The Army Study To Assess Risk And Resilience Of Servicemembers (Starrs), Karina L. Bocanegra

Dissertations

This study examined factors that influenced whether Hispanic soldiers will elect to seek treatment for alcohol abuse. The data for this study were collected using archival data from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (STARRS) survey conducted between the years 2011 and 2013. The STARRS dataset consisted over 21,000 surveys but for this study the sample size was specific to Hispanic soldiers wi th alcohol abuse (n= 917). The impact of seven independent variables on the dependent variable of treatment seeking was examined in the final statistical model. The seven independent variables examined were pri mary …