Digital Commons Network^™

Interpersonal Needs And Suicide Risk: Examining Indirect Effects Of Internal Hostility And Feeling Forgiven, Kelley C. Berto

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Suicide is a national public health concern, and unmet interpersonal needs (i.e., perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness) may contribute to enhanced risk. However, mechanisms of action and certain protective variables are not well understood. The present study examined simple mediation models, with internal hostility as a mechanism of action between interpersonal needs and suicide risk. Additionally, our study examined the moderating role of various aspects of receiving forgiveness on the association between interpersonal needs and internal hostility in these simple mediation models. A community-based convenience sample was surveyed (N=712). Our findings indicated that internal hostility partially mediated the association …

Response To Intervention 2 Easycbm And Aimsweb Intervention Programs How They Relate To Student Growth, George T. Hopson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This researcher aimed to determine how data collected from computer-based assessment programs, specifically EasyCBM and AIMSweb, was used in data-driven instruction and used to identify risk levels in math and reading areas proficiency. Data from intervention programs were collected from six participating high schools. The data collection included math and reading universal screening scores and levels of risk indicators from Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels of their response to intervention (RTI) programs. Section A included math data within a baseline score and a risk indicator level. Section B had reading scores with a baseline score and a risk indicator …

Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Disorders In Third- And Fourth-Year Dental Students At The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center College Of Dentistry, Felisa Jackson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The effects of pain suffered from musculoskeletal disorders by dental professionals may lead to reduced work hours, loss of production, and early retirement. Although third- and fourth-year dental students are provided lectures about musculoskeletal disorders, proper positioning and ergonomics, they are at an increased risk of developing MSD. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence on musculoskeletal disorders in third- and fourth-year dental students and to determine if third-year dental students experience more MSD pain than fourth-year dental students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. A total of 50 third- and fourth- year dental …

Blitzkrieg: The Evolution Of Modern Warfare And The Wehrmacht’S Impact On American Military Doctrine During The Cold War Era, Briggs Evans

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The evolution of United States military doctrine was heavily influenced by the Wehrmacht and their early Blitzkrieg campaigns during World War II. This thesis traces the origins of this development and shows how the context of the Cold War led to a heavy influence by the Wehrmacht on American military doctrine. By analyzing studies conducted by the United States Army Historical Division from 1946-1961, I will show how these studies left a profound impact on American Military doctrine, particularly in the context of the Cold War. I will show the development of the Active Defense Doctrine and AirLand Battle during …

Self-Reported Health Among Sexual Minorities In The United States, Christopher Burton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Previous literature on LGBTQ+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other sexual minorities) reports that this community experiences greater health problems than heterosexuals. LGBTQ+ people experience higher rates of chronic conditions, STIs, addiction, poor mental health, and cancer, which highlights the importance of capturing data regarding health. A growing concern is that social surveys fail to find meaningful ways to gather gender and sexuality data to understand possible health disparities for LGBTQ+ people. This study uses data from the General Social Survey to examine the physical and mental health outcomes of LGB people compared to straight people in a …

Isotopic Analysis And Mobility Mapping Of Mammuthus Columbi From The Mammoth Site In South Dakota, Matthew Harrington

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota preserves a unique death assemblage of sub-adult and adult male Columbian mammoths (Mammuthus columbi). Extensive work on the site has led to a detailed understanding of the taphonomy of the assemblage; yet the life histories and ecology of these mammoths remain relatively unknown. Tooth enamel from four Mammoth Site mammoth individuals were bulk sampled with one of the individuals (MSL 742) also serially micro-sampled for 𝛿¹³C, 𝛿¹⁸O, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr. Isotopic results indicate that MSL 742 remained within the southern and western Black Hills …

Evidence-Based Program Selection And Duration Of Implementation Of Social-Emotional Learning As Related To Student Growth And Non-Academic Outcomes, Colleen K. Weems

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative, nonexperimental study addressed the gap between research-established benefits and outcomes of social-emotional learning implementation as compared to actual instances of implementation. It has been suggested that social-emotional learning as a systemic initiative is necessary for school health (Elias et al., 2013). Additionally, most educators relay some confidence in the importance of social-emotional learning; however, around half report actual implementation within their school (Atwell & Bridgeland, 2019).

Focusing on social-emotional learning as a whole as well as the specificity of use of CASEL SELect programs, the research questions of this study explored differences between implementation and usage, length of …

Educator Perceptions Of Generational Poverty, Adverse Childhood Experiences And Student Learning, Rachel Cook

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine educators perceptions of the effects of generational poverty and adverse childhood experiences on student learning and to understand the factors that might facilitate breaking the cycle of generational poverty and adverse childhood experiences with respect to student learning.

Data collection strategies included individual interviews and document review. Analysis of data occurred in three phases: categorization of data, building the explanation in narrative form and reexamination of the data. The analysis of the data was based on Payne’s idea of generational poverty and the CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences(ACE) study.

The credibility …

Teacher Perceptions Of Shifts Within The School Culture After Implementation Of A Trauma-Informed Program, Jennifer Green

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the educators’ perceptions of shifts within the culture of Jefferson Elementary School after the implementation of a trauma-informed approach. This study focuses on examining changes to the school culture after implementing trauma-informed practices. As educators continue to feel the pressure of increased academic expectations alongside the social and emotional demands that arise from childhood trauma, increased support through trauma-informed practices becomes necessary for the wellbeing of everyone. However, there are challenges in the implementation of these practices which can impact the culture of the school.

The researcher used the qualitative method of …

Performance Comparison Of Imputation Methods For Mixed Data Missing At Random With Small And Large Sample Data Set With Different Variability, Kyei Afari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One of the concerns in the field of statistics is the presence of missing data, which leads to bias in parameter estimation and inaccurate results. However, the multiple imputation procedure is a remedy for handling missing data. This study looked at the best multiple imputation methods used to handle mixed variable datasets with different sample sizes and variability along with different levels of missingness. The study employed the predictive mean matching, classification and regression trees, and the random forest imputation methods. For each dataset, the multiple regression parameter estimates for the complete datasets were compared to the multiple regression parameter …

Partially Oriented 6-Star Decomposition Of Some Complete Mixed Graphs, Kazeem A. Kosebinu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Let $M_v$ denotes a complete mixed graph on $v$ vertices, and let $S_6^i$ denotes the partial orientation of the 6-star with twice as many arcs as edges. In this work, we state and prove the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of $\lambda$-fold decomposition of a complete mixed graph into $S_6^i$ for $i\in\{1,2,3,4\}$. We used the difference method for our proof in some cases. We also give some general sufficient conditions for the existence of $S_6^i$-decomposition of the complete bipartite mixed graph for $i\in\{1,2,3,4\}$. Finally, this work introduces the decomposition of a complete mixed graph with a hole into …

Educator Perceptions Of The Organizational Change Experienced In The Shift From Traditional Grading To A Standards-Based System, Melinda Ford Rainey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine elementary education teacher perceptions of the change process that occurred in a public-school district during the four-year transition from a traditional grade reporting process to a standards-based system. The director of elementary education and a district leadership team provided oversight as the initial teacher cohort participated in a full school year of planning and designing the new standards-based report card for kindergarten and was executed the following school year. First-grade cohort teachers began their initial year of planning and design the same year kindergarten began implementation. The second-grade teacher cohort followed …

Analysis And Risk Estimation Of High Priority Unstable Rock Slopes In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee And North Carolina, Samantha Farmer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) received 12.5 million visitors in 2020. With a high traffic volume, it is imperative roadways remain open and free from obstruction. Annual unanticipated rockfall events in GRSM often obstruct traffic flow. Using the Unstable Slope Management Program for Federal Land Management Agencies (USMP for FLMA) protocols, this study analyzes high priority unstable rock slopes through 1) creation of an unstable slope geodatabase and 2) generation of a final rockfall risk model using Co-Kriging from a preliminary risk model and susceptibility model. A secondary goal of this study is to provide risk estimation for the …

Shared Decision-Making For Contraceptive Counseling Among Women Seeking Services At Safety Net Clinics In South Carolina And Alabama, Dumisa M. Nyarambi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Shared decision-making (SDM) for contraceptive counseling and method initiation is a hallmark of patient-centered care; SDM is associated with patient satisfaction, method continuation, and the prevention of pregnancy and short inter-pregnancy intervals. To achieve a high-quality experience for women Person-centered approach to counseling is the preferred approach to achieve SDM. Demographic factors and women’s perceptions of their providers have been linked to decision-making. Literature is lacking on SDM practices in safety net clinics, particularly in local health departments. Exploring these constructs is important to inform practices and policies for family planning. This research aimed to examine: 1) the influence of …

Perceptions Of Resilience-Informed Education In Postsecondary Instructors, Chelsea L. Robertson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many studies have noted the detrimental impact adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have on individuals’ developmental trajectories and, as a result, the utilization of trauma-informed practices has been of increasing interest within the field of education. Most research on trauma-informed pedagogy is derived from samples of children in grades K-12, whereas research on trauma-informed teaching practices within higher education is comparatively scarce. The specific aims of the current investigation are two-fold. The first aim is to explore the effect of postsecondary instructors’ disciplinary specialization (i.e., person-thing orientation) on their receptivity to compassionate teaching practices. The second aim is to implement …

Forgiveness, Gratitude, Humility, And Spiritual Struggle: Associations With Religious Belief Status And Suicide Risk, Benjamin B. Hall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Religion is a known contributor to suicide risk, with both positive and negative effects. Negative religious experiences, such as spiritual struggle, can exacerbate suicide risk. Alternatively, religion may promote positive psychological characteristics associated with reduced suicide risk, such as forgiveness, gratitude, and humility. However, research has yet to assess how religious changes, including conversion and deconversion, affect the linkage between religious risk and protective factors and suicidal behavior. We conducted three studies assessing these associations across four belief status groups: life-long religious believers, former religious non-believers who now believe, life-long religious non-believers, and former religious believers who no longer believe. …

Neuroinflammation, Peripheral Inflammation And Gut Microbiome Profiles In Male Mice From Two Proposed Mouse Models Of Social Behavior Deficits, Sarah Parkinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social deficits and repetitive actions. A communication pathway exists between the brain and gut called the gut-brain axis. It is thought that gut bacteria can secrete signaling molecules, triggering inflammation across the body. These studies attempt to determine if markers are expressed in two mouse models of ASD behaviors, BTBR and a valproic acid model. Immunohistochemistry of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 from male mouse brain tissue showed no microglial activation in any group. Cytokine analysis did exhibit an increase in interleukin 1 (IL-1) in male adult mice only. …

Retention Rates And Pre-Matriculation Variables Of First-Time, Full-Time Students At Three, Small, Private, Liberal Arts Universities In Georgia, Bonnie Taylor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this non-experimental, correlational, quantitative study was to provide an

in-depth understanding of the relationship between pre-matriculation variables on retention of first-year, full-time students from fall-to-fall semesters at three small, private, liberal arts institutions in the Southeast United States. The findings will help to determine the significance of the relationships between retention and pre-matriculation variables on first-year, full-time students who entered each institutions the fall 2017 and fall 2018 semesters.

Archival data at the participating institutions were used to test the significance of the relationships between retention rates and pre-matriculation variables (standardized test scores, high school GPAs, gender, …

A Gap Analysis Of Reentry Services For Corrections-Involved Populations In Rural East Tennessee, Alyssa P. Gretak Leal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Returning citizens face a host of barriers when attempting to reintegrate into society; thus, services for these concerns are imperative for successful reintegration. Unfortunately, services are often lacking, particularly in rural communities which tend to be overlooked in reentry research. In order to better determine service need for justice-involved populations in rural communities, the current study completed a gap analysis, both inspired and supplemented, by qualitative information collected from mental health providers (MHPs) in a rural Appalachian region of Tennessee. To complete the gap analysis, an estimation of need was collected via local crime statistics. Using this data, a two-sample …

Gabaergic-Related Pathology In The Anterior Cingulate Cortex Of Postmortem Human Brain Tissue In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Gethien Andrew

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is part of the cognitive and emotional brain circuitry that mediates social interaction. Imbalances between inhibitory, GABAergic neurons, and excitatory, glutamatergic neurons, in this region are essential to brain circuity during social responses and are thought to be involved with behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Enriched cell populations of glutamatergic neurons, obtained through laser capture microdissection, were used for gene expression studies of GABAergic receptors (GABRA1, GABRA4, and GABBR1). Additionally, proteins that impact GABAergic synapses (Spinophilin, CPLX1, mTOR, IGF1R, PSD95, PARP1) were investigated using Western Blotting with punchdissected homogenate brain tissue from ACC …

Synthesis Of The Diazonium Zwitterionic Polymer/Monomer For Use As The Electrolyte In Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (Pem) Fuel Cells, Josiah Marshall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My research goals are to synthesize new zwitterionic perfluorosulfonimide (PFSI) monomer/polymers. They are expected to replace traditionally used perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers as the electrolyte in PEM fuel cells. For the PFSI monomer preparation, we designed a nine-step synthesis route. Thus far, I have successfully completed the synthesis of 4- (2-bromotetrafluoroethoxy)-benzenesulfonyl amide, 4-acetoxybenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, and 4-chlorosulfonyl phenyl acetate. The coupling reaction of 4-(2-bromotetrafluoroethoxy)- benzenesulfonyl amide with 4-chlorosulfonyl phenyl acetate, was troublesome due to slow reaction kinetics and byproducts. Additionally, I did a methodology study for the homopolymerziation of the perfluoro 3(oxapent-4-ene) sulfonyl fluoride monomer. We compared the weight …

Active Travel For Children And Youth: Lessons From Active Routes To Schools North Carolina, Leah Ferguson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) investigates literature regarding the impact of national Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs and takes a deeper dive into the lessons that can be learned from North Carolina’s Active Routes to School (NC ARTS) programs through an analysis of data collected from 2007 to 2019. This report is focused on understanding the relationship between and among variables included in the Six Es of SRTS framework: Education, Engineering, Encouragement, Enforcement, Equity, and Evaluation. This investigation provides insight that extends understanding of parental comfort and engagement with these programs. A unique theoretical model was developed as were …

Endothelial Heat Shock Protein A12b And Yes-Associated Protein Cooperatively Promote Angiogenesis Following Myocardial Infarction, Min Fan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI) remains the leading cause of mortality among all cardiovascular diseases globally. Angiogenesis plays a critical role in cardiac functional recovery after MI. Heat shock protein A12B (HSPA12B) is predominately expressed in endothelial cells and required for angiogenesis. Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been reported to promote tumor angiogenesis.

In the present study, we investigated the cooperative role of HSPA12B and YAP in angiogenesis following myocardial ischemic injury. Endothelial specific deficiency of HSPA12B (eHspa12b^-/-) or YAP (eYap^-/-) impairs angiogenesis and exacerbates cardiac dysfunction after MI, when compared with wild type …

Applying Deep Learning To The Ice Cream Vendor Problem: An Extension Of The Newsvendor Problem, Gaffar Solihu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Newsvendor problem is a classical supply chain problem used to develop strategies for inventory optimization. The goal of the newsvendor problem is to predict the optimal order quantity of a product to meet an uncertain demand in the future, given that the demand distribution itself is known. The Ice Cream Vendor Problem extends the classical newsvendor problem to an uncertain demand with unknown distribution, albeit a distribution that is known to depend on exogenous features. The goal is thus to estimate the order quantity that minimizes the total cost when demand does not follow any known statistical distribution. The …

Data Science And The Ice-Cream Vendor Problem, Makafui Azasoo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Newsvendor problems in Operations Research predict the optimal inventory levels necessary to meet uncertain demands. This thesis examines an extended version of a single period multi-product newsvendor problem known as the ice cream vendor problem. In the ice cream vendor problem, there are two products – ice cream and hot chocolate – which may be substituted for one another if the outside temperature is no too hot or not too cold. In particular, the ice cream vendor problem is a data-driven extension of the conventional newsvendor problem which does not require the assumption of a specific demand distribution, thus allowing …

Characterization Of Sabp2-Interacting Proteins (Sip) 428: An Nad+-Dependent Deacetylase Enzyme In Plant Abiotic Stress Signaling, Oviavo Nohoesu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abiotic stress leads to a change in the water content of plants. Salinity and osmotic stress affect both the morphology and physiology of plants. Plants have therefore responded to these environmental changes by adapting and tolerating them. The SABP2-interacting proteins (SIP) 428-silenced RNAi transgenic tobacco lines were subjected to various abiotic stresses (salinity, osmotic, and drought). The effect of SIP428-silencing on the tobacco plants subjected to these abiotic stresses was monitored. The results from the root growth data show that the sip428-silenced lines exhibit enhanced tolerance to the stressors compared to the wild-type plants. Interestingly, results of the relative chlorophyll …

An Electrochemical Immunoassay System For Measuring Circulating Protein Biomarkers Of Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Ivy Antwi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Measurement of circulating protein biomarkers associated with disease can facilitate early detection, help guide treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes beyond current standards of care. The combination of inexpensive 3D-printed flow cells and electrochemical biosensors has recently emerged as a viable platform for low-cost, reliable biomarker measurements. Here, we report an electrochemical immunoassay system based on simple graphite electrode arrays, 3D-printed flow cells, and signal-generating magnetic bead bioconjugates for simultaneous detection of three biomarker proteins (cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), midkine (MK) and osteopontin (OPN)) associated with pediatric soft tissue sarcomas (PSTS). Magnetic bead bioconjugates are functionalized with large amounts of …

The Effect Of Training Status On Adaptations To 11 Weeks Of Block Periodization Resistance Training, Alexander Wetmore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the effect of training status on adaptations to resistance training. A secondary purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the relationship between subjective and objective forms of monitoring resistance training (RT). The benefits of RT are well understood but training status may be a major influence on training outcomes. Fifteen males of various training status were recruited for this study. Subjects completed 11 weeks of block periodization (BP) training. Subjects were tested for absolute strength (ABS) and relative strength (REL) in the barbell back squat, 0kg and 20kg static jumps (SJ) …

Athlete Monitoring Program In Division I Collegiate Female Soccer, Ai Ishida

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this dissertation include 1) to review athlete monitoring strategies and the physical performance demands of female soccer match-play and to provide practical application of athlete monitoring programs, 2) to examine individual and group relationship between training load (TL) and subjective recovery and stress state and neuromuscular performance, and 3) to investigate acute effects of match-play on neuromuscular and subjective recovery and stress state in National Collegiate Association Athlete (NCAA) division I collegiate female soccer. TL was assessed using 10Hz Global Navigation Satellite System units. Subjective recovery and stress state was measured using the Short Recovery and Stress …

Accelerometry And Global Navigation Satellite Systems Derived Training Loads, Abdulmalek Bursais

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this dissertation include 1) to review accelerometry and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) derived measures used to monitor training load, 2) to investigate the validity and reliability of accelerometers (ACCs) to identify stepping events and quantify training load, 3) to assess the relationship between accelerometry and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) derived measures in quantifying training load. In Study I, acceleration data was collected via two tri-axial ACC (Device A and Device B) sampling at 100Hz mounted closely together at the xiphoid process level. Each participant (n=30) performed two trials of straight-line walking, running, and …