Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Impacts Of Medical Invalidation On Postpartum Parents With Pcos, Shalini Venkat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face an increased risk of poor perinatal health, yet little is known about whether negative healthcare experiences contribute toward these outcomes. Patients with PCOS have reported experiencing invalidation by healthcare providers; however, the effects of these encounters in postpartum populations remain unclear. Using data from an online survey, the current study investigated whether PCOS status moderated the relationships between invalidating communication by healthcare providers, pregnancy and birth complications, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety. While experiences of invalidating communication by healthcare providers predicted worse perinatal health, those with PCOS solely experienced an increased risk of …

Breaking The Silence With Routine Genitourinary Syndrome Of Menopause Screening: A Quality Improvement Project, Ashley R. Noel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Affecting upwards of 87% of women in post menopause, genitourinary syndrome of menopause is greatly under-diagnosed, and consequently, under-treated. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause refers to health conditions impacted by hypoestrogenic state experienced in menopause. Common symptoms of GSM include vaginal dryness, irritation, clitoral or labial atrophy, dyspareunia, decreased libido, anorgasmia, dysuria, recurrent UTI, urinary incontinence (Kaufman et al., 2025). Despite the burdensome consequences of GSM, women are unlikely to vocalize their symptoms and seek treatment. Additionally, societal beliefs of shame surrounding sexual health impede patients and clinicians from addressing GSM specifically (Mili et al., 2021). As a result, the North …

Improving Intimate Partner Violence Screening In Telehealth Mental Health Settings, Marina Oliynyk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive yet frequently underrecognized public health concern, particularly within telehealth psychiatric care, where nonverbal cues may be absent. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve the identification and response to IPV by implementing a standardized, evidence-based screening protocol in a private telepsychiatry practice. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the validated E-HITS screening tool was introduced, along with structured trauma-informed care training, to six psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Six PMHNPs completed pre/post-confidence surveys (5-point Likert) and tracked screening activity across 100 telehealth encounters (98 of 100 visit were eligible). Over a three-month …

Heartmath: A Stress Reduction Program For Healthcare Providers In An Addiction Treatment Setting, Dihana C. Ruiz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Work-related stress significantly impacts the well-being of healthcare providers, specifically nurses and nurse practitioners, in addiction treatment facilities. This Quality Improvement (QI) project implemented the HeartMath Quick Coherence Technique to reduce stress and enhance resilience among staff, thereby improving the well-being of healthcare providers and the quality of care. The project utilized a pre- and post-intervention design with five participants, two registered nurses, and three nurse practitioners. Participants received training on HeartMath techniques, the EmWave Pro sensor, and the InnerBalance smartphone application. Over a six-week period, participants practiced Quick Coherence meditation for five minutes, twice daily, to achieve heart rate …

Safety In Stability: A Cdc-Guided Evaluation Of Hospital Fall Prevention Practices, Matthew C. Dougherty

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hospital falls remain a persistent and preventable cause of patient harm, emphasizing the need for continuous evaluation of fall prevention practices. This project assessed the effectiveness of AdventHealth Orlando’s fall prevention policy using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Program Evaluation Framework. A mixed-methods design incorporated quantitative analysis of 12 months of fall data and qualitative feedback from frontline staff surveys and discussions. Results demonstrated a decrease in total falls from 549 in the previous year to 528 in the current year, indicating early progress despite the incomplete reporting period. Unit-level analysis showed a mean improvement of 16.9% …

Enhancing Provider Knowledge And Implementation Of Medication For Opioid Use Disorder (Moud) To Improve Treatment Outcomes: A Quality Improvement Project., Motunrayo Abigael Ibraheem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quality improvement project sought to enhance healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes toward Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) at Galt Ocean Rehab Center to improve treatment outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder. Despite evidence supporting the efficacy of MOUD, significant knowledge gaps and stigmatizing attitudes among providers create barriers to optimal care. Sixteen healthcare providers participated in a comprehensive educational intervention grounded in Jean Watson's Theory of Transpersonal Caring and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Model for Improvement. The intervention consisted of a 4-hour workshop, six weekly reinforcement sessions, and the implementation of standardized buprenorphine management protocols. Pre- …

Enhancing Td Screening With The Aims Scale: A Quality Improvement Project, Dionne Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent, often irreversible movement disorder associated with long-term use of dopamine receptor–blocking agents. Early identification is critical to prevent progression and minimize functional impairment; however, routine TD screening remains inconsistent in many clinical settings despite the availability of the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), the evidence-based gold-standard tool. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance TD screening in an outpatient psychiatric setting through an educational intervention designed to improve provider knowledge of risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and screening guidelines. Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively from patient encounters, with 33 pre-intervention and 35 post-interventions. AIMS …

World On Fire: The Hunger Games And The Rhetoric Of Revolution, Rachel Olivares

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the decade between 2010 and 2020, more people participated in mass protests than at any other point in human history. From the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street and Hong Kong’s “umbrella movement,” street demonstrations exploded on a global scale. This period of global unrest coincided with another explosion: the dystopian young adult series The Hunger Games surged in popularity, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Following the release of the book series and its subsequent film adaptations, The Hunger Games became a global symbol of grassroots resistance as social and political movements adopted the language and symbols of its …

The Impact Of Career Development Education In Rural Communities: A Program Evaluation, Hayden S. Austin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impact of a regional career development education program using a post-test-only, exploratory descriptive design with middle and high school students from rural and urban school districts in West Central Texas. Students who participated in the Career and Education Outreach (CEO) program received four classroom sessions focused on labor market information, high-demand industries, employability skills, and career pathways. The purpose of this research was to explore whether students’ perceptions of the value of career development education differed based on geographic region, economic level, educational level, ethnic composition of the district, and the students’ own demographic characteristics. A …

Implementing Primary Care Fall Prevention With The Steadi Algorithm Toolkit, Roslyn Pechet

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Falls among older adults remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in underserved populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) toolkit to help providers systematically identify and address fall risks. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to implement and evaluate integration of the CDC STEADI toolkit within primary care at Palm Beach Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Greenacres. The aim was to train the interprofessional leadership team to use the STEADI program to enhance knowledge, confidence, screening, and implementation …

Persons With Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias And Caregiver Burnout: A Quality Improvement Project, Reede A. Walke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) represented an escalating public health challenge, profoundly affecting individuals, families, and healthcare systems. As the number of individuals diagnosed with ADRD rises, the prevalence of caregiver burden and burnout among those providing care also increases. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the existing assessment processes for caregiver burnout and determine the effectiveness of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), a measurement which identifies caregivers’ levels of stress, at a memory disorder center in south Florida. Sixteen caregivers reported overall mild-to-moderate caregiver burden, with a mean ZBI score of 22.19 (SD = …

Predictive Factors Of Academic Success During Transition To Undergraduate Studies In Stem Programs In Kansas, Elizabeth L. Butler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In tThis dissertation the researcher exploreds the correlations between high school GPA, ACT Math, ACT cComposite scores, and first -semester GPA for first-time freshmen at a mid-sized university in the Midwest. This quantitative correlational study uses multiple regression analysis to discover correlations that may exist between these interval variables. Data for this study was collected through a request to the study site’s oOffice of pPlanning and aAnalysiss at the university and was all archival data at a record level for the students. Data had been collected through the admissions process and was stored in Banner and SLATE, both data management …

Secondary Special Education Teachers: Perceptions On Burnout Since The Start Of Covid-19, Regina Perez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined burnout among secondary special education (SPED) teachers following the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted education and intensified teacher stress. Burnout, defined by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, has been linked to teacher attrition and decreased student achievement. The problem addressed was the increased levels of burnout and stress among SPED teachers and the lack of sufficient administrative support to mitigate these effects. The purpose was to explore SPED teachers’ perceptions of burnout since the pandemic and identify the supports needed to reduce it. Using a qualitative case study design grounded in Maslach’s burnout theory, the …

Consequences Of Secondary Traumatic Stress On Individuals Without Formal Psychological Training Working With Trauma-Exposed Children, Juan F. Valdez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Literature has suggested that secondary traumatic stress could cause various adverse effects for individuals working with trauma-exposed populations. However, direct care workers performing in shelters designed to serve unaccompanied immigrant children are faced with the task of caring for these minors who may have been exposed to trauma in their home countries, while traveling to the United States, or after arriving in the country. This qualitative case study was conducted to understand and describe the experiences of 15 current employees and five ex-employees who have worked with unaccompanied children for at least a year. These individuals participated in in-depth personal …

Principals’ Perceptions Of Their Preparedness To Facilitate And Support Technology Integration In Schools: A Case Study Of Four Rural Texas Principals, Christina J. Campbell Ed.D.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

School administrators face the challenge of leading technology integration that provides meaningful learning opportunities to prepare students for 21st-century skills and careers. Research has shown that administrative leadership support, behaviors, assumptions, and policies impact technology integration in the classroom. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards include guidelines for education leaders and their role in supporting educators using technology. However, leaders underestimate the impact of their leadership on effective use in the classroom. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the perceptions of South Texas rural public school principals working in Chapman Independent School District …

Digital Beginnings: Exploring The Impact Of Screen Exposure On Internalizing Behaviors During Toddlerhood, Nicole Sotolongo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study examines the relationship between screen exposure behaviors and toddler internalizing behaviors, with sleep behaviors being observed as a moderator. The study emphasizes the need for continued research to adapt to the ever-changing nature of the daily use of screens during toddlerhood and early childhood. Fifty-seven mothers of two-year-old children participated in one-on-one parent-report only, interviewer-based quantitative interviews discussing their child’s internalizing and sleep behaviors. Participants were also asked to fill out a questionnaire about their child’s screen exposure behaviors. It was hypothesized that (1) higher levels of screen exposure behaviors will result in increased internalizing behaviors, (2) …

Comparative Analysis Of 2d And 3d Gait Metrics From Video Using Deep Learning Techniques, Akhilesh Singh Kushwaha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a comparative evaluation of two deep learning-based methods for extracting 2D and 3D gait metrics from monocular video: a 2D-to-3D lifting approach combining AlphaPose for keypoint detection with MotionBERT for temporal 3D reconstruction, and a direct 3D estimation method using MeTRAbs. Videos of two healthy adults walking across a ProtoKinetics Zeno™ Walkway were captured laterally at 4K/60 fps using an iPhone 16. Ground-truth spatiotemporal gait parameters were obtained from the pressure-sensitive mat, enabling quantitative validation via Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Pearson correlation. MeTRAbs consistently outperformed the lifting pipeline, achieving MAE below 2% for temporal metrics (e.g., …

Advanced Deep Neural Network Architectures For 3d Gait Assessment From Video In The Early Detection Of Alzheimers Disease, Abhishek Singh Kushwaha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents an advanced deep learning framework for markerless 3D gait assessment using monocular video, aimed at the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recognizing gait abnormalities as potential preclinical biomarkers, the study leverages video-based human pose estimation to derive detailed spatiotemporal gait parameters without the need for specialized laboratory equipment. The proposed system adapts the MeTRAbs (Metric-Scale Truncation-Robust Heatmaps for Absolute 3D Human Pose Estimation) architecture to reconstruct metric-scale 3D human joint coordinates from RGB video recordings. A complete processing pipeline is developed to extract stride length, cadence, stance and swing phases, and gait variability, validated against the …

Node-Attributed Spatial Graph Partitioning: A Kullback-Leibler Divergence Based Approach, Valentin Nechita

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a novel approach to node-attributed spatial graph partitioning (NSGP) that addresses limitations in existing homogeneity measures. We introduce a Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence-based formulation we name KLD that measures attribute similarity by comparing each node’s distribution to its subgraph centroid, providing a computationally efficient method of measuring homogeneity. Integrated within a multilevel graph partitioning framework and Fiduccia-Mattheyses refinement, our approach achieves approximately 90% runtime reduction compared to the baseline Clustering and Local Refinement (CLR) algorithm while maintaining comparable partition quality. Applied to COVID-19 infection data combined with American Community Survey demographics across U.S. FIPS codes, KLD successfully identifies …

Analysis Of The Submergence, Landing, And Navigation Of An Autonomous Underwater Landing Vehicle, Theresa Wainwright

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Autonomous Underwater Landing Vehicles allow for seafloor data to be taken in multiple locations with little to no human intervention. The movement of these vehicles needs to be analyzed through simulated to ensure the correct programming of vehicle missions. This analysis includes the surface navigation, the drift experienced by the vehicle during descent, and the seafloor stability of the vehicle. The results then inform the limitations of this vehicle and the necessary adjustments to subsequent versions. Surface navigation allows understanding of vehicle movement between ascent locations, waypoints, and descent locations. Drift during descent allows for visual of the vehicle’s movements …

War Abstracted, Jay Hatfield

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

War Abstracted is an exhibition in response to the devastation of war. The body of work encapsulates three years of artistic exploration at Florida Atlantic University. The exhibit is a reaction to contemporary conflicts, both global and domestic. It is neither a glorification nor a condemnation of war. The exhibition reflects my experience as a Marine Corps Scout during the Gulf War, the challenges of reintegrating into society with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and uncertainty. It also engages broader themes of global warming and gun violence. Through a diverse range of materials, methods, and presentations, the work navigates personal and …

Sustained Cellular Survival Amid Amyloid Beta (Aβ) Burden, Giselle Shim

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), persisting in the brain for years. Despite its neurotoxic potential, widespread neuronal death is not consistently observed. Histopathological analysis indicates that most neurons remain viable, suggesting an altered survival state under chronic Aβ burden. This study integrates clinical, imaging, and in vitro evidence to characterize this non-lethal state. FDG-PET imaging reveals reduced glucose metabolism. In vitro, Aβ exposure leads to decreased uptake of glucose and amino acids. Reductions in ATP levels and AMPK activity indicate impaired metabolic regulation. Despite these metabolic disruptions, cell death is not observed, implying a …

Mechanisms Of Correlated Neuronal Activity In The Globus Pallidus, Hamza Albawaliz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the mechanisms of correlated neuronal activity in the globus pallidus externus (GPe), a key structure in the basal ganglia. Neuronal activity in the GPe is reportedly decorrelated in healthy subjects but can become highly correlated in Parkinson’s disease. However, high-density neuronal recordings in the GPe of healthy rats reveal a surprising degree of correlated activity. This raises the question of whether intrinsic properties or network connectivity alone can account for such patterns. To explore this, a computational model was developed in which GPe neurons are represented as coupled phase oscillators influenced by experimentally derived phase-response curves and …

Development Of A Non-Faradaic Impedimetric Biosensor Based On Reduced Graphene Oxide For The Detection Of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf), Mariana N. Martins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the rising number of cases significantly increases global healthcare costs. Therefore, early detection of biomarkers at the onset of the disease is essential for early diagnosis. This study presents an electrochemical biosensor designed for the detection of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in human plasma, incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to enhance signal sensitivity. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) was employed to deposit rGO flakes on the electrode surface, improving conductivity and sensor performance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to monitor changes in impedance associated with BDNF binding events, …

Exploring The Impact Of Statistics Course Modality On Student Learning: A Mixed Methods Approach, Becky Kelleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The importance of statistical literacy has become increasingly evident, as individuals grapple with interpreting statistics to inform critical decisions. Despite the recognized significance of statistical literacy, challenges persist in both educators’ and students’ efforts to navigate the complexities of statistics education. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of different course modalities on undergraduate students’ academic performance in introductory statistics courses. Using Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as a theoretical framework, this research aims to shed light on the complex dynamics influencing statistical literacy attainment. By addressing gaps and inconsistencies in the current literature, this study seeks to …

Museums In Public Libraries: An Ethnographic Case Study Of The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, Yadira Y. Quintero

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Access to information is a human right, and this thesis explores the benefits and challenges of integrating museums into public libraries by conducting an ethnographic case study of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. The study's findings highlight the complexities of integration. The biggest benefit is the increased access to museum collections, information, and resources. However, challenges arise from the lack of cohesion within the museum and library disciplines, as well as strained community relations. Engaging the community is crucial for successful collaboration, emphasizing the importance of a bottom-up approach that allows for active participation. Integrating museums into public libraries …

Doughnut Economics And Strong Sustainability: Rethinking The Role Of Financial Investment, Isabelle Pierotti

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates how private investment could align doughnut economic framework. Doughnut economics is a strong sustainability economic framework where the economy operates within planetary boundaries while ensuring social equity. Theories of sustainable development, weak sustainability, and strong sustainability are discussed to provide theoretical context for doughnut economics and mainstream economics. The analysis concludes that conventional, profit maximizing private investment does not support a doughnut economics system by supporting the depletion of natural resources and exacerbating social issues. Sustainable mainstream investment also fails to support a doughnut framework. Lastly, while impact investment is theoretically committed to social and financial returns, …

An Auto-Criticism: Exploration Of Professional Development For Secondary Science Educators, Mellissa Ann Pfaff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This auto-criticism investigates the benefits of experiential professional development for science educators by examining the reflective journey of one teacher-researcher—me—through multiple immersive learning experiences. Using narrative journaling and qualitative analysis, this study captures the influence of these experiences on my identity, instructional design, and ability to create experiential learning opportunities for students.

Rather than approaching professional development as a checklist of strategies, this research seeks to illuminate how deeply engaged, hands-on learning can transform teaching from routine delivery to embodied practice. Thematic coding revealed shifts in curriculum planning, increased responsiveness to student inquiry, and renewed clarity around the purpose of …

Capacity, Allocation And Update Dynamics Of Human Memory Systems, Shaoying Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Information is encoded and stored in three types of memory: sensory memory (SM), short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). SM has a large capacity but retains information for only a brief period. When information transfers to STM, only a limited amount can be stored. Information in STM can then be transferred to LTM, which has a much larger capacity and longer retention time. STM is often conceptualized as working memory (WM) to highlight its role in active information processing. Due to the limited capacity of STM, it is commonly believed that STM serves as the bottleneck for information processing. …

Reproducibility In Modeling Of Knee Joint Mechanics, Maryam Nazem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Computational modeling of knee joint biomechanics can provide valuable insights into joint function, injury mechanisms, and patient outcomes, and can support surgical planning and informed clinical decision-making. However, achieving consistent and repeatable results, or reproducibility, is a significant challenge that affects the credibility of these models. This thesis addresses reproducibility through two studies related to the KneeHub Project, which is a multi-institutional collaboration designed to investigate reproducibility in finite-element modeling of the knee.

The first study involved model benchmarking, where predicted results of the calibrated models were compared with the experimental data to evaluate model reproducibility. While all models replicated …