Digital Commons Network^™

Tummy Time In Infancy: Real-World Assessments And Associations With Developmental Outcomes In Early Childhood, Ketaki Inamdar

Theses and Dissertations

Tummy time or awake, supervised, prone play is an important developmental play position in infancy. Engaging in more than 15 minutes of tummy time per day is associated with a lower risk of plagiocephaly, lower body mass index, and achievement of higher motor scores in full-term and at-risk preterm infants. However, there are significant gaps in the measurement of tummy time in current literature. Conventionally used subjective parent reports have not been validated against gold standard direct observation, and the feasibility and real-world validity of objective solutions such as wearable sensors has not been examined in full-term and at-risk preterm …

Representativeness Of Data From An Online Sample Of Individuals With Severe Alcohol Use Disorder, Michelle Eglovitch

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the characteristics of research participants who provide DNA is crucial to ensuring sample representativeness and generalizability of findings of genetics studies of substance use disorders. Using anonymous survey data, the present study had a unique opportunity to compare participants who provided DNA (n=2,414) with those that did not provide DNA (n=1,515). The present study found numerous differences between groups across demographic, substance use, and personality domains. Using multivariate regression, the most parsimonious model found that being male, a non-smoker, and endorsing perseverance was associated with providing DNA. The present study provides benchmark data on sample representativeness in a genome …

Examining Relationships Between Wellness And Student Success: Recommendations For Integration Of Wellness At A Community College, Heather Dewaard-Flickinger

Theses and Dissertations

Wellness, persistence, and retention in higher education have a common goal of student success. Colleges and universities explore various methods to help students succeed and continue towards degree completion. Most of the research has focused on traditional predictors (e.g., high school GPA, ACT/SAT scores) of persistence and success. There is limited research regarding the relationship among student persistence, retention, academic achievement, and a holistic approach to wellness. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between student wellness and student success outcomes at a community college. Wellness is a multidimensional and active behavioral process that includes personal choices …

Relationships Between Handgrip Strength Asymmetry And Multimorbidity In Canadian Adults Aged 40 Years And Older: Results From The Canadian Health Measures Survey, Morgan Ann Flann

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Hand-grip strength (HGS) is a convenient, valid, and reliable measure of overall muscle strength that is significantly related to current and future health. HGS asymmetry is an additional aspect of muscle function that can also be measured using handheld dynamometry. The aim of this study was to examine associations between HGS asymmetry and multimorbidity in a nationally representative sample of Canadian adults aged 40 years or older. Methods: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data was performed on adults aged 40-79 years from six cycles (2007- 2017) of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). HGS was assessed using handheld dynamometry, …

Greek Life Membership As A Predictor Of Exercise Dependency, Taylor Novak Nygaard

Theses and Dissertations

Exercise is often regarded as a staple of a healthy lifestyle. Working out in excess, though, can easily become detrimental to an individual’s mental and physical wellbeing. Physical activity that is carried out in a compulsive and regimented manner, even when it may interfere with daily life or physical health, is referred to as exercise dependency. While not it’s own mental disorder, it has often been described as a secondary disorder in tandem with an eating disorder, and can be identified using the same criteria as one would use to diagnose Substance Use Disorder. The paradoxical nature of an addiction …

Associations Between Handgrip Strength Asymmetry And Health Related Quality Of Life Among Canadian Adults: An Analysis Of The Canadian Health Measures Survey, Jessica Lembke

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Health related quality of life (HRQOL), a measure of perceived quality of health is significantly related to current and future health. Handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry is an aspect of muscle function that can be measured using handheld dynamometry. While several studies have examined relationships between HGS asymmetry and HRQOL, few have used nationally-representative data, and none have used Canadian data. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the association between HGS asymmetry and HRQOL in a nationally-representative sample of Canadian adults.

Methods: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from cycles 5 and 6 (2016–17 and 2018–19) of …

Thermal Stability And Decomposition Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) Using Granular Activated Carbon And Other Porous Materials, Pavankumar Challa Sasi

Theses and Dissertations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals that have been produced for decades as either processing aids or individual ingredients in many industrial and commercial products, including aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), non-stick cookware, and fast-food packaging. PFOA and PFOS have been reported in >95% of blood samples collected during multiple U.S. national surveys at concentrations that are a risk to human health. Thermal treatment is routinely used to reactivate the spent granular activated carbon (GAC) from water purification facilities. The aims of this study were: (1) to improve our understanding of the thermal stability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; …

Non-Binary Gender Identity Development: A Qualitative Study, Trevor Waagen

Theses and Dissertations

Gender identity development models in psychology for transgender individuals have typically combined the experiences of binary transgender and non-binary transgender people into the same group. However, differences may exist between the two communities. Therefore, the present study sought to explore the lived experiences of non-binary adults and their gender identity development process. Through the lens of grounded theory (Charmaz, 2014), semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 non-binary participants to collect rich data on their gender identity development process. Transcriptions were coded and reviewed to develop themes and categories. The themes included: Connection and relationships, intersectionality and culture, gender in …

Health Disparities And Psychosocial And Behavioral Interventions For Type 2 Diabetes Within Latinx Communities: A Systematic Review, Elisa Hernandez-Guerrero Smith

Theses and Dissertations

As Hispanic adults are 70% more likely than non-Hispanic White adults to be diagnosed with diabetes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022), there is an urgent need to provide culturally appropriate care to the people with diabetes of Latinx heritage. The purpose of this systematic review is to better understand the availability and effectiveness of psychosocial and behavioral interventions for T2DM within the Latinx population. Additional focus was given to the impact of health disparities and complexities within the Latinx population that have been diagnosed with, or are at risk of, T2DM. With a greater understanding of health disparities …

Icu-Related Medical Trauma: A Socioecological Exploration Of Contributing Factors And Experiences Of Traumatic Stress In Adult Icu Survivors, Jacqueline Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

Advances in biomedical technologies and critical care are leading to increased survivorship rates of ICU patients. During critical care, patients confront a variety of stressors that may contribute to adverse psychological outcomes, including posttraumatic stress. The nature of posttraumatic stress in this population differs from that associated with traditional trauma. The phenomenon of medical trauma in ICU survivors is complex: it is highly subjective, exists on a continuum, is cumulative in nature and carries cumulative effects, involves a combination of endogenous and exogenous, physical and emotional stressors that vary in intensity and duration, occurs in an interpersonal context that involves …

Systematic Review Regarding The Use Of Mindfulness-Based Mobile Applications To Reduce Psychological Symptoms And Enhance Well-Being Among General And Clinical Population Adults: Benefits, Limitations And Future Directions, Brian Clawson

Theses and Dissertations

Mindfulness is now utilized throughout Western Society and is part of the growing behavioral health, self-help, and wellness movements. Mobile applications have become increasingly popular for a wide variety of uses related to physical health, mental health, and self-improvement. Therefore, mindfulness-based mobile applications have promise both as stand-alone tools for end-users seeking self-help resources and as clinician-recommended adjunctive tools to enhance the process and outcomes of professional therapy. This systematic review identified, reviewed, and synthesized the findings from studies (n = 29) concerning the impact of mindfulness-based mobile applications on specific aspects of psychological functioning in both the general population …

Udl: Practicing What We Preach, Peter E.L. Temple

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of UDL in a special education program’s coursework and analyze how it affects college students outcomes beyond their classrooms. Past research has suggested that UDL has been increasingly used in college-level coursework design, and courses designed with UDL have higher reports of college student achievement. Based on the principles of UDL and andragogy, this study identified four central research questions. Specifically, a small qual/large quant mixed-method research design was used to investigate instructor utilization of the UDL principles, teacher candidate corroboration of UDL elements in their coursework, and an exploration …

The Role Of Human Dopamine Transporter Threonine 261 And Serine 262 In Amphetamine Regulation Of Transporter Function And Surface Expression, Sina Abdollahi

Theses and Dissertations

Amphetamine (AMPH) has been used clinically and recreationally around the world for years. A 2021 study reports a 67.5% rise in AMPH use from 2010-2017 across all fifty states. Study also shows that 30% of patients with AMPH-induced psychosis end up with primary psychosis over time. AMPH works by inhibiting monoamine (Norepinephrine (NE), Serotonin (5-HT), and Dopamine (DA) reuptake followed by triggering transporter mediated monoamine release and consequently increases monoamine concentrations in extracellular synaptic space. AMPH also works as a substrate for monoamine transporters, enters the neuron, and once its inside the neuron, it will prevent the storage of monoamines …

Outcome Of Vital Pulp Therapy On Immature Permanent Teeth With Calcium Silicate-Based Materials: Retrospective Cohort Study, Brian I. Hone

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The purpose of vital pulp therapy is to maintain pulp viability by eliminating bacteria from the dentin-pulp complex and to establish an environment in which apexogenesis can occur. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of vital pulp therapy on immature permanent teeth using different calcium silicate-based materials. Methods: This study was carried out in the Virginia Commonwealth University Graduate Endodontics department in Richmond, Virginia. Vital pulp therapy cases performed by graduate endodontic residents were retrospectively searched and charts were reviewed to determine inclusion into this study. All cases …

Health Risk Perceptions Regarding Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Ends) Among Individuals With Respiratory Illnes, Sarah Ann Sebban

Theses and Dissertations

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also known as electronic cigarettes, are portable battery-powered devices used to smoke or “vape” a flavored solution which usually contains nicotine. Many national organizations (CDC, AMA, AAFP, ALA, AHA) have recognized the alarmingly increased rates of ENDS use in the United States, especially among certain populations. Those most likely to engage in ENDS use are youth and young adults, and adults who already smoke combustible cigarettes. Many people perceive ENDS use as a healthier alternative to smoking regular cigarettes and thus, are more willing to initiate ENDS use. However, research has indicated that ENDS use …

A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Motivational Interviewing Training Effectiveness Among Students-In-Training, Amy K. Maslowski

Theses and Dissertations

Effectively using motivational interviewing (MI) in practice can be difficult. However, there are a number of studies that examine training students across helping professions with the goal of facilitating students use MI more effectively. Although there is no standardized training manual, students often learn specific MI skills (e.g., open-ended questions, reflections) and knowledge (e.g., MI spirit) in hopes that they will apply those techniques to encounters with clients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the effectiveness of teaching students motivational interviewing. In total, 15 randomized and non-randomized studies met inclusion criteria and were examined in …

Meta-Analysis For Comparing Effect Between Game-Based Learning Versus Gamification Utilized In Nutrition Education, Chia-Lin Chang

Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of obesity tripled from 1975 to 2016 and was declared as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997 (Haththotuwa et al., 2020; "Controlling the global obesity epidemic," 2022). Nutrition education that involves knowledge and behavioral change is one major component addressing the problem ("Controlling the global obesity epidemic," 2022). Therefore, the effectiveness of each learning session is essential (Sharifirad et al., 2013). Thus, many nutrition educators have used gamified nutrition education to improve teaching effectiveness to increase healthy behavior or knowledge (Chow et al., 2020.; Munguba et al., 2008; Azevedo et al., 2019). Two …

Rural States’ Use Of Federal Government Terminology Related To Federal Student Aid And Postsecondary Accreditation: A Toolkit To Support Information Access And Use For Rural Students, Valerie Lefor

Theses and Dissertations

The nature of understanding both federal financial aid and accreditation processes may be complex. Both approaches involve complicated terminology that is not easily understood. In the United States, state governments have responsibility for education oversight, but their work is informed by the federal government. It is essential for students to understand federal aid and accreditation, especially for those who wish to consider options following high school that may lead to a college pathway. Research has shown that students who reside in rural areas may not have the same access to information as their peers in other locations. This Dissertation in …

Treating Gut Feelings: A Systematic Review Of Psychological Treatments For Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Venus Mirbod

Theses and Dissertations

Psychological comorbidities and psychosocial challenges are prevalent among children and adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). However, a comprehensive review of the availability and effectiveness of psychological treatments for pediatric IBD patients is lacking. This systematic review aimed to determine the availability and efficacy of psychological interventions for children and adolescents with IBD. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and performed using two electronic databases, PsycINFO and PubMed, from inception until March 2022. Databases were searched for English-language, controlled trials of psychological interventions for children and adolescents with IBD. Outcomes of interest included: depression, anxiety, health-related …

The Experiences Of Religiously And Spiritually Diverse Counselors And Psychotherapists Who Work With Survivors Of Sexual Violence, John M. Waters

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the lived experiences of religiously and spiritually diverse counselors and psychotherapists who work with survivors of sexual violence. The researcher used a transcendental phenomenological approach to understand how the participants engaged their religious and/or spiritual identity to cope with the traumatic stress that accompanies continuous exposure to their clients’ trauma narratives over time. As the only study that has examined these phenomena qualitatively, the present study aimed to enhance counselors and counselor educators’ understanding of the ways that religiously and spiritually diverse counselors make meaning of their experiences. The researcher collected …

A Novel Approach To Reducing Adiposity Among Young Men, Jean M. Reading

Theses and Dissertations

Background

Lifestyle intervention is the first line treatment for obesity. Yet, young men are underrepresented in lifestyle interventions, which is posited to be the result of unmet needs and overall low concern for weight management. The aims of this dissertation are to:

Papers 1 and 2: Test the preliminary efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a self-guided lifestyle intervention for young men.

Paper 3: Explore the behavioral and physiological factors associated with changes in adiposity among young men and women enrolled in a more intensive lifestyle intervention.

Results

Papers 1 and 2: The self-guided intervention produced modest weight …

Processes Underlying Black American College Students’ Mental Health: Examining The Roles Of Mental Health Literacy, Ethnic-Racial Identity, And Mental Health-Related Behaviors, Chloe Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Addressing the mental health of college students is a persistent and increasing priority (Auerbach et al., 2018), especially among Black American individuals. Given prevalent mental health disparities, it is critical to understand the association between Black American emerging adults’ mental health literacy (MHL) and mental health outcomes including promotive mental health-related behaviors (MHRBs) and symptoms (i.e., anxiety and depressive symptoms), and the modifiable underlying factors that inform them. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) and the Identity-based Motivation theory (Oyserman & Yoder, 2007), the present study aimed to examine the relation between mental health literacy and mental …

Removal Of Prefabricated Zirconia Crowns From Primary Anterior Teeth With Er,Cr:Ysgg Laser Compared To A High-Speed Handpiece: An In- Vitro Study, Andrew Crowell

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the time and pulpal temperature changes associated with the removal of prefabricated zirconia crowns from primary anterior teeth using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser compared to a rotary hand-piece.

Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted using extracted primary incisors. Teeth were prepared and restored with prefabricated zirconia crowns (NuSmile^®, Houston, TX, USA) sizes 4 and 5 cemented with resin-modified glass-ionomer cement. Restored teeth were stored in a humidor for at least 48 hours prior to removing crowns from the teeth using either an air-rotary hand-piece (HG, N=17) or erbium, chromium: …

Empowerment In Adolescents And Young Adults With Cystic Fibrosis, Rachel Holder

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescence and young adulthood is a pivotal time for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) that is characterized by increased self-management, transition to adult-oriented healthcare, and often a decline in treatment adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (Abbott et al., 2015; Modi et al., 2008). The literature regarding which factors are important for readiness to transition, treatment adherence, and HRQoL is limited in this population. However, empowerment has emerged as a salient construct in other disease groups (Acuña Mora et al., 2019; Burström et al., 2019; Kaal et al., 2017). As such, this thesis determined the convergent validity of the …

Flourish: Exploring Healing Environments In A Residential Treatment Setting, Emily D. Kalafian

Theses and Dissertations

The following project explores the ways in which our environments promote healing and support recovery through the design of a residential center for eating disorder recovery. The center will serve 8-10 young women as they seek recovery from restrictive forms of eating disorders. The center will accommodate the necessary staff personnel as well as spaces for supporting activities and wraparound services. The project intends to create a place for healing that feels safe, warm, and considers patients’ needs for autonomy, dignity, and a sense of control amidst disorder. This is a place to create meaningful relationships and to participate in …

It Takes A Muscle: Wholes, Holes, And Other Voids, Saar Shemesh

Theses and Dissertations

IT TAKES A MUSCLE¹

In the BELLY of the BEAST, the HUMAN

in the deep end of a SWIMMING POOL

in a GRAVE, looking up/out from within

at the base of a CRATER, ABYSS, PIT

the room as a CRADLE, INCUBATOR

architecture as MOTHER MOULD.²

____________________________

¹ Title is borrowed and abbreviated: Spectral Display, “It Takes A Muscle To Fall In Love,” 1982.

² For what American-English delineates as ‘mold,’ British-English uses ‘mould’ and is more specific in its technicality. The former doesn’t distinguish in spelling between mold (fungus) and mold (mould). I’m not particularly a fan of …

Supported Employment Services And Employment Outcomes For Low-Income Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: A Case Control Study, Hannah Seward Phd

Theses and Dissertations

Transition-age youth, ages 14-24 years old, with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face unique barriers to entering the labor force when exiting high school. These barriers can be even more severe if the youth is from a low-income background. Supported employment (SE) services may help this population overcome these barriers and be employed in competitive integrated employment (CIE) settings. SE provides an employment specialist to guide them through obtaining and retaining a job (McDonough & Whittenburg, 2020; Wehman et al., 2007). However, limited research has been done on the SE experiences and outcomes of transition-age youth with IDD (Wehman et …

Alcohol And Other Addictive Behaviors Among Bariatric Surgery Patients, Rachel M. Arnold

Theses and Dissertations

Research has repeatedly highlighted a high rate of comorbidity of addictive behaviors in both clinical and non-clinical samples. While polydrug use has received significant attention in recent years, less is known about rates of comorbidity with behavioral addictions such as eating, work, exercise, or sex. Individuals with a history of bariatric surgery may provide a unique opportunity to examine the potential co-occurrence of addictive behaviors. High rates of food addiction symptoms and changes in alcohol use patterns post-surgically have highlighted a potential gap in our understanding of bariatric patients and their needs post-surgically. Using a composite measure of addictive behaviors, …

Modification Of Culture Medium And Identification Of Microbial Contaminants For Improved In Vitro Propagation Of Freshwater Mussels, Raquel M. Wetzell

Theses and Dissertations

In vitro propagation efforts play an essential role in conserving and restoring threatened freshwater mussel populations by circumventing the need for a fish host. Across a broad range of taxa, transformation is induced with an artificial M199 medium and rabbit serum. However, such formulation may not be sufficient in culturing critical species with more specific physiological requirements. In this study, multiple serum mixtures were tested to improve in vitro transformation of two freshwater mussel species: yellow lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) and tidewater mucket (Atlantaconcha ochracea). These species were selected because they parasitize similar fish host species but …

Black Hearts Matter: A Comparative Study Of Sociodemographic, Clinical, And Psychosocial Characteristics In Black And White Persons With Heart Failure, Hannah M Anderson Hughes

Theses and Dissertations

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, progressive, debilitating illness that disproportionately affects Black individuals, often leading to poor quality of life (QOL). Various sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics are related to QOL in patients with HF. Because most studies do not include representative Black samples or report findings from racial subgroup analyses, these relationships and any existing racial differences are not well understood. The purpose of this descriptive, comparative study was to explore the relationships among sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics and QOL in patients with HF and to determine if there were racial differences between Black and White individuals. …