Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Timely Administration Of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Within A Medical Surgical Unit, Valerie Escamilla

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolisms are a highly preventable condition. Despite the availability of multiple evidence-based guidelines, there continues to be suboptimal use of timely venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. The purpose of this doctoral nursing quality improvement project was to determine if the implementation of an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Hospital-Associated Venous Thromboembolism Prevention Guideline would impact the rate of timely administration of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis as compared to current practice in hospitalized adult patients admitted to a medical-surgical unit over 4 weeks. The organization measures the rate of timely administration of prophylaxis by monitoring the VTE-1 metric. All medical-surgical units …

Barriers To Female Advancement In Health Sciences Education: A Qualitative Study Examining The Effect Of Culture And Values On Leader Selection, Christie Moreno

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Leadership in the 21st century has been broadly defined as a process of influence toward achieving shared goals. However, despite research affirming the leadership capabilities of both men and women, persistent gender disparities in executive leadership remain across sectors, particularly within academic health professions education. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of women in executive leadership roles at graduate health sciences centers in Texas. The purpose was to understand the barriers to advancement, the role of organizational culture and values, and the environmental and individual factors influencing leadership trajectories. Prior studies have identified that women often ascend to …

A Narrative Inquiry Regarding The Influence Of University Leadership On The Success Of First-Generation College Students With Financial Need, Jordan W. Jones Sr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

First-generation college students experience unique challenges related to their journey in higher education. These challenges include a lack of knowledge of college resources, adapting to college expectations, and integration into college social systems. Additionally, when factoring in the financial challenges that present at a higher rate with first-generation college students, this population is faced with significant barriers that limit their ability to be successful in college without the support of leadership to help them be successful. Leadership influences the success of students in college through the development of strategic initiatives, programs, and services that address the needs of their students. …

Opening Doors: Employer Perspectives On Hiring Individuals With Disabilities, Jacqunettia Willis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This qualitative instrumental case study explored the perceptions of rural Florida employers regarding hiring individuals with disabilities (IWDs). Through in-depth interviews with nine microbusiness owners, this study identified key themes related to employers' experiences, perceived barriers, and potential solutions to increase employment opportunities for IWDs. Findings revealed that while employers expressed openness to hiring IWDs, most had limited or no direct experience due to a lack of relevant applicants limited knowledge of existing policies and incentives. A recurring theme was the perception that IWDs could be valuable employees if given appropriate support and accommodations. However, barriers included concerns over …

Internal Communication And Organizational Culture: A K–12 District Office Phenomenological Study, Jessica Coleman Scogin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study utilized motivating language theory to explore the experiences that K–12 district office staff had with internal communication. The purpose of the study was to find how these experiences impacted an employee’s feelings of safety, value, and positive emotions in the workplace. The lens of motivating language allowed for a view of how empathetic language, meaning-making language, and direction-giving language shaped experiences for employees. Communication is an integral part of the culture of an organization; yet it is often overlooked as an influencing factor in job satisfaction and well-being. In fact, poor internal communication can lead to negativity …

Experiences And Perceptions Of Latina Leaders In Higher Education: A Regional Study, Marlee R. Stephenson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focused on and discussed the experiences and perceptions of Latina women in senior level leadership positions within higher education. The problem of this study was the continued underrepresentation of Latina women in senior roles, and this was seen within the overall low percentage of women in senior roles like president, the absence of women mentorship at senior levels, and the continued barriers women face in senior-level positions. The purpose of this study was to understand how the mentoring relationships, backgrounds, and leadership experiences impact or influence the careers of Latina women leaders in higher education within the Southwest …

Women Overcoming Barriers In Stem: How Mentors, Allies, And Sponsors Assist Career Trajectories In Higher Education, Leila Romeo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the personal narratives of women in STEM in both public and private higher education institutions within various roles. Specifically, the researcher aimed to determine the following: (a) if mentors/allies influence the career trajectories of women in STEM in higher education institutions and (b) if mentors/allies aid in the support of women in STEM in higher education institutions. The researcher used semistructured interviews with a narrative analysis to determine areas of struggle for the sample within their careers and how mentors, allies, and sponsors were present throughout their careers to help the women overcome these challenges. Data …

Preeclampsia: Implementation Of The American College Of Obstetricians And Gynecologists Standardized Protocol, Sheila Harwell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Preeclampsia is a significant medical condition that affects the perinatal population, posing risks to both the mother and fetus. Complications associated with preeclampsia include stroke, seizure, placental abruption (premature separation of the placenta from the uterus), fetal growth restriction (impaired growth due to reduced blood flow through the placenta), premature birth, and low-birth-weight infants with associated developmental issues. Because there is no cure for preeclampsia, the current management involves the timely administration of intravenous antihypertensives to reduce the risk of stroke and seizure. The gap in practice identified was the obstetrical department’s lacking a standardized protocol, compared to adopting the …

Impact Of A Transplant Nurse Navigator In The Dialysis Setting, Judith D. Pozzerle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Patients with kidney disease have better patient outcomes and quality of life with a kidney transplant. However, the transplant process is complicated with inherent inequalities and biases and patients frequently fail to initiate a referral for transplant evaluation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have now placed financial incentives to improve the number of patients transplanted. The only way to increase the number of patients transplanted is to start with a referral for evaluation. Studies have been done highlighting the barriers, but there is a lack of studies implementing strategies to improve these numbers. Utilizing Kotter’s change theory and describing …

Student Veterans And Uniformed Military Students In Online Undergraduate Degree Programs: A Phenomenological Study On The Transition From Military To University Student Life, Misty Leigh Tom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The transition from military to university student life for student veterans and uniformed military students is complicated and burdensome due to the vast differences between military and university student lifestyles. This unique population typically comprises nontraditional-aged students pursuing online degree programs, which come with challenges complicated by military experiences. Higher education institutions have historically provided support for in-person learning environments with traditional-aged college students. The gap in the literature has an evident and critical missing perspective: the experiences of student veterans and uniformed military students enrolled in online undergraduate degree programs. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological qualitative research study …

Encouraging Job Satisfaction And Teacher Well-Being Through Leadership, Julie K. Ricks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

While U.S. schools are constantly hiring teachers, more are choosing to leave the profession. The increase in the exodus of teachers is particularly linked to the lack of teachers’ job satisfaction and well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine how leaders create favorable working conditions to encourage teacher well-being and job satisfaction, as perceived by teachers in rural Texas schools. The exploratory qualitative case study was framed in transformational leadership theory and explored a focus on the connection between leadership practices and teacher job satisfaction and well-being. The study utilized data from semistructured interviews with school administrators …

Inside A Youth Participatory Action Research (Ypar) Process: A Practitioner’S Communicative Experience Navigating Processual And Relational Power Dynamics Within Ypar, Lacey Nicole Stein

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the communicative dimensions of Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), with particular attention to the power dynamics embedded in the processual and relational aspects of the research process. Through a meta-level examination of a nearly two-year YPAR project, this study illuminates how communication can function for YPAR practitioners as they navigate YPAR's complex power structures, thereby addressing a significant gap in existing literature. The study employs Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis to reveal nuanced findings in two key areas. First, it identifies the communicative complexities of enacting multiple adult roles within YPAR, including those of "superior" adult, facilitator, …

Bridging The Gap Between Muslim Students And School Leadership In The United States, Sahar Khawaja

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Entering the third decade of the 21st century, the political landscape in the United States presents a challenging environment for Muslims, mirroring the global trend of oppression and discrimination faced by this community (Neptune, 2021). Despite being the fastest-growing demographic in the nation (Lipka, 2017), Muslim Americans increasingly encounter discrimination. By actively addressing and dismantling these stereotypes, educators can cultivate an inclusive environment where the needs of Muslim students are understood and respected. Understanding the stories and experiences of these students is vital for school leaders, as it enables the creation of an environment where every student feels a genuine …

Value-Based Healthcare Reimagined: A Mixed-Methods Study On Behavioral Health Clinicians' Perspectives, Amanda L. Strickland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explores how behavioral health clinicians perceive Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC), a model designed by Porter and Teisberg (2006) to improve outcomes relative to costs. While widely promoted in healthcare reform, VBHC poses unique challenges when applied to behavioral health settings. Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, this study first assessed clinicians’ awareness of VBHC through a survey of 23 licensed clinicians at a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) in Colorado. Quantitative findings revealed that one-third of participants were aware of VBHC with awareness differing by role prompting further exploration in a qualitative phase. Semi-structured interviews with eight clinicians provided deeper …

Empowering Educators, Transforming Futures: An Explanatory Multiple Case Study Of The Smou Schools In Saudi Arabia, Hana Ali Alzandi Alghamdi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes educational reform as a critical pathway for national development, highlighting the role of educators in fostering student success. The Smou program, a professional development initiative, seeks to enhance the instructional and leadership capacities of school leaders and teachers in elementary public schools. This study explores how school leaders navigate their role in supporting teachers’ application of Smou program strategies and how teachers perceive their preparation for implementing these strategies in their instructional practices. Using an explanatory multiple case study approach, the research explores two elementary schools in the Mecca region—one high-performing and one low-performing—selected based …

Development, Optimization, And Validation Of A High-Sensitivity Capillary Zone Electrophoresis System For Bioanalytical Applications, Aaron I. Mena

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is a powerful analytical technique widely used for biomolecular separation due to its high resolution, efficiency, and sensitivity. This report presents the development and validation of a novel CZE system designed to improve modularity, reproducibility, and operational efficiency. The system integrates a laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection method with a 488 nm laser, enhanced fluid control through a negative pressure system, and a user-friendly GUI for automated operation and data acquisition. Performance verification included pressure stability tests, fluorescence accuracy assessments, and electrophoretic reproducibility studies. Comparative analysis with a previous CZE iteration confirmed improved baseline stability, peak resolution, …

The Mediation Effect Of White Racial Affect On Color-Blind Racial Attitudes And Multicultural Counseling Competence, Noah Schieffer Scanlon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Racial bias is something that can impact many fields, including the field of psychology. There is growing research in examining the relationship between multicultural counseling competence and color-blind racial attitudes as well as other factors like White racial affect Few studies have examined the potential mediating relationship White racial affect may have on color-blind racial attitudes and multicultural counseling competence. To address this gap, this study provides insight into how White racial affect mediates the relationship between color-blind racial attitudes and multicultural counseling competence among white psychology trainees. This study also further examined the extent to which color-blind racial attitudes …

Understanding Parental Beliefs And Home Environment In Early Childhood Mathematics: A Perspective From The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Zhengqing Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the dynamics of parental beliefs and their influence on intentions to engage in the home math environment (HME) for early childhood mathematics learning, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework. Specifically, it explores how behavioral, normative, and control beliefs, along with background factors, shape parents' intentions to support children in formal and informal math practices at home. Employing a quantitative approach, the research utilizes a self-designed questionnaire to evaluate the TPB model's applicability and identify key predictors of parental intentions.

The findings reveal that parents' attitudes, perceived social norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly …

Vorticies In The Nonlinear Optical Fluid, Patrick C. Ford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, we review the dynamics of the propagation of a laser through a nonlinear medium, and the dynamics of a self-interacting superfluid phase, and show a mathematical analogy between them. We identify an equivalence that allows direct comparison of the properties and dynamics of the optical fluid with those of the Bose-Einstein condensate. Next, we describe some experimental techniques and methods for data capture and analysis on the way to presenting a novel experimental apparatus that has allowed us to study non-equilibrium nonlinear vortex dynamics in the optical fluid, and that will allow more general future studies of …

Synthetic Protein Mimetic Based Therapies For Neurodegeneration, Nicholas H. Stillman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are crucial for the regulation of a majority of, if not every fundamental cellular process. Despite their role in regular biological processes, dysregulated and/or aberrant protein-protein interactions (aPPIs) are often related to the onset of disease including cancer, viral infection, and amyloid diseases. aPPIs have historically been deemed ‘undruggable’ due to their large surface area and lack of a binding cavity; however, today, more than 40 disease-related aPPIs have been targeted with small molecules and several of those have reached clinical trials.

A class of synthetic protein mimetics called oligopyridylamides (OPs) has been shown to inhibit disease-related …

Advancing Tka Biomechanics: From Joint Simulator To Boundary Condition Development, Yashar Ali Behnam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses four specific aims that collectively attempted to advance the experimental and computational analysis of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components. The first study focused on the development of a novel whole knee joint simulator capable of simultaneous tibiofemoral and patellofemoral knee loading. This simulator employs custom fixturing to facilitate dynamic, unconstrained, muscle-driven PF articulation alongside controlled TF contact mechanics. Validation against experimental measurements showed strong agreement, demonstrating the simulator's potential as a valuable tool for future TKA design and surgical technique investigations.

The second study verified implant-specific physiological boundary conditions which accurately simulate activities of daily living using …

Determinants Of Knee Motion In Health, Disease, And Repair, Sean Edward Higinbotham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The human knee joint is a complex and intricate structure, enabling a wide range of motions and facilitating various dynamic activities throughout a person's lifetime. The combination of the knee's complexity and its role as a primary load-bearing joint has made it susceptible to regular wear and tear, leading to pain and the development of Osteoarthritis (OA), to which, the only treatment currently is total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite TKA being a mature procedure, 20% of patients receiving a TKA are dissatisfied with their “new” knee. To reduce that 20% dissatisfaction and improve surgical outcomes, orthopedic companies are developing advanced …

The Pragmatic Engagement Arc, Nathaniel Ahrens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We don’t just buy tangible items anymore; we buy services that foster deeper and deeper relationships between ourselves and the companies that provide them. Even classic manufacturing companies have begun to consider the interaction with their customers as ongoing relationships beyond a goods exchange. Researchers in the field of consumer engagement view this relationship through consideration of intangible operant resources that generate value. The goal of this methodological study was to apply the methodology of educational criticism and connoisseurship to the field of consumer engagement. This approach allowed for consideration of the consumer-brand relationship without relying on discordant value-laden categories …

A Qualitative Study: The 4 I’S Of Transformational Leadership And The Impact It Has On Building Employee Resiliency, Jewel Hale, Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a turbulent environment for governments and citizens worldwide. In this context, one concept stands out as particularly valuable: resilience. Resilience, the capacity to bounce back from adversity, is a key component in post-pandemic recovery and evolution. This phenomenological study explores the crisis through the experiences of small business owners and leaders in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas during the pandemic's peak. The participants were selected for successfully navigating the pandemic and remaining in business. The study aims to examine the leadership styles used to build employee resilience, focusing on their commonalities through phenomenological research. …

Teachers’ Perspectives On Incorporating Moodle In A Ninth-Grade Reading Classroom, Cathy Miamba

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Effective technology use in the classroom can help stimulate a variety of learning styles and engage students through fun and exciting activities that help the students comprehend the content. Although research reported the benefits of technology in the classroom, there is a lack of knowledge of the effects of technology like Moodle on students’ academic scores, engagement, motivation, and overall achievement. As such, the problem addressed in this study was the lack of effective use of technology that affects students’ motivation, engagement, and achievements in the classroom. Using Vygotsky’s constructivism theory as the theoretical foundation and qualitative case study as …

Management If Aggressive And Disruptive Behavior In The Emergency Department Using De-Escalation Techniques And Simulation: A Quality Improvement Project To Improve The Knowledge And Confidence Of Emergency Department Nurses And Clinical Staff, Ernestine Darby-Littlejohn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Approximately 40% of all healthcare workers have reported episodes of violence by patients over the last 2 years. This Veteran’s Health Agency reported 824 disruptive events reported in the last 5 years, of which 56 occurred in the emergency department. Research shows that interventions are not always timely, resulting in the clinical staff requesting the Veteran’s Health Agency Police to intervene when a veteran’s level of stress is escalating. The gap in practice is shown to be related to a lack of knowledge in the clinical staff in managing high stress levels exhibited by some veterans, limited knowledge of …

School Principal Professional Development: A Case Study Of A Texas Rural School District, Deborah Wills Covault

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe professional development experiences in one rural school district in Texas as perceived by the campus administrators. Existing research has implied a disconnect between preparation programs and campus administration practices. Rural school administrators experience a lack of access to professional development opportunities throughout the school year due to the distance of their community to urban cities hosting training opportunities, funding, and school leadership infrastructure. Due to the increase in federal, state, and local demands, the role of the educational leader has become more complex as the demand for administrators to recruit and retain …

Recently Terminated Ncaa Collegiate Football Coaches’ Perspectives On Organizational Support Received From Former Athletic Director And Athletic Department, Jeffery John Hancock

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Every year, many head football coaches at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision are fired

without cause. The leading factor of these dismissals occurs when the team fails to meet

stakeholders’ expectations of winning enough games. Termination is not only problematic for

the coach, but the team, athletic department, its student-athletes, and the institution, as often a

change in coach does not solve the problem. Many factors lead to a losing season in both

athletics and corporations, including the level of organizational support. In the research on

collegiate coaching, this is an overlooked topic. The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive case …

Academic Advising Staff Turnover At A 2-Year College, Torrey Kenuwunn West

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative exploratory case study allowed the researcher to examine the critical factors between staff retention and leadership at a large 2-year community college. The problem central to this study was the high staff turnover rate at a large 2-year community college. The purpose of this study was to identify leadership and organizational aspects that positively or negatively impact employee retention. A case study methodology was utilized to collect data for this research by conducting 10 semistructured interviews with advisors at a large 2-year community college. The interviews were conducted virtually in Microsoft Teams and then transcribed for data analysis. …

Sense Of Belonging Among Nontraditional Undergraduate Students, Julie Ann Sánchez Golden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study, viewed through a constructivist lens, was conducted with 16 nontraditional undergraduate students, comprising equal numbers from a two-year and a four-year higher education institution. The study delved into their perceptions of belonging, while exploring the commonalities and disparities of their experiences between the two types of institutions. Through semi-structured interviews, these participants shared their lived experiences to answer three research questions: 1) How do nontraditional undergraduate students at two-year and four-year higher education institutions describe their sense of belonging? 2) What influences their sense of belonging at these institutions, and 3) How does sense of belonging among …