Digital Commons Network^™

Same-Sex Marriage And Due Process Traditionalism, Ronald Turner

University of Richmond Law Review

No abstract provided.

Inefficiency In The Post Anesthesia Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Ashley St. Martin

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: The post anesthesia care unit (PACU) is a busy environment in which nurses communicate with patients, family members, and a large team of perioperative professionals. PACU nurses were experiencing an unmanageable number of work interruptions due to a higher patient census which increased the daily surgical caseload.

Aim: The purpose of this project was to improve efficiency and nurses’ job satisfaction by making work interruptions manageable in the PACU.

Methods: Based on Kotter’s Change Theory, a quality improvement initiative was implemented using a change in the communication process. Qualitative and quantitative data was gathered in the PACU and on …

Using Servqualto Identify Gaps In Quality Care For Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Hospital-Based Quality Improvement Project, Alisha M. Nadeau

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Care Centers were established to centralize and integrate the knowledge and skills of pulmonary medicine, nutrition, gastroenterology, nursing, respiratory therapy, social work, and genetics to efficiently provide care for people living with CF. The high quality, specialized care that is given at CF Care Centers has led to the improved length and quality of life for people living with CF.

Aim: The aim of this quality improvement project was to identify any gaps in providing effective, high quality care to patients with CF to reduce the variability in nursing practices and improve their quality …

Aldrete Discharge Scoring: Appropriate For Post Anesthesia Phase I Discharge?, Laura P. Dowling

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Advances in anesthesia and surgical techniques, along with an increase in managed care, have led to an increase in ambulatory surgeries. The post-anesthesia discharge criteria used for inpatient care may not be appropriate for ambulatory care patients

Aim: This quality improvement project was aimed at examining whether or not the patient length of stay (LOS) in Phase I of post anesthesia care was appropriate. The global aim was to right-size post anesthesia care Phase I length of stay for adult upper extremity surgical patients.The first step was to assess the effectiveness of the PACU discharge criteria. The specific aim …

Engaging Patients To Improve Documentation Of Oral Intake On A Cardiac Telemetry Unit: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Timiny A. Mosher

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background Information
It is important for patients with heart failure to have awareness of their intake & output to effectively manage their disease. There is evidence that tracking intake & output is a component of missed nursing care resulting in discrepancies between the actual patient intake and what is documented in the patient’s electronic health record (EHR).

Aim

The aim of this quality improvement project was to engage patients in monitoring their intake by using teach-back and patient engagement techniques to track their own oral fluid intake throughout the day.

Methods
The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was used as the framework …

Improving Emergency Response In The Outpatient Clinic Setting, Matte Horton

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Effective triage, assessment, and activation of necessary systems in emergent situations of clinical instability is vital in reducing morbidity and mortality of patients in any clinical setting. When medical emergencies occur outside of the hospital, organized and expedited transfer to a higher level of care reduces the potential for adverse events, lasting deficits, and patient death. Aim: The aim of this project was to identify weaknesses in the emergency response system in the community-based outpatient clinic setting and to propose solutions. Methods: The “Swiss Cheese” theoretical framework was used to do a root cause analysis of two clinical scenarios. …

Thank Goodness They Got All The Dragons: Wildlife Damage Management Through The Ages, Maureen G. Frank, Michael R. Conover

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Whenever the needs both of humans and wildlife overlap, there is a potential for wildlife damage to occur. Wildlife damage has been an issue throughout human history. Typical history essays about wildlife damage management (WDM) examine a chronology of events on the topic. This paper takes a different approach. Looking through the history of WDM, we considered the driving factors behind changes in the management of wildlife damage. Based on the events of WDM history, we defined 4 factors that underlie major shifts in the management of wildlife damage: human population needs, economic stability, social paradigms, and tools and techniques. …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A Truancy Reduction Program For Middle And High School Students, Jan R. Parrish

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized a mixed methods design. The study was carried out in two phases. In the first phase of the study, a secondary data analysis of data were collected from a sample (n = 390) of middle and high school students who participated in a truancy pilot program launched during the 2012-2013 school year with follow-up services provided through June 2014. The sample was divided into two groups (treatment and control). The treatment group was diverted from court referral and participated in an intervention consisting of in-home counseling and case management services. The control group was referred to …

Introduction To The Modeling And Analysis Of Complex Systems, Hiroki Sayama

Milne Open Textbooks

Keep up to date on Introduction to Modeling and Analysis of Complex Systems at http://bingweb.binghamton.edu/~sayama/textbook/!

Introduction to the Modeling and Analysis of Complex Systems introduces students to mathematical/computational modeling and analysis developed in the emerging interdisciplinary field of Complex Systems Science. Complex systems are systems made of a large number of microscopic components interacting with each other in nontrivial ways. Many real-world systems can be understood as complex systems, where critically important information resides in the relationships between the parts and not necessarily within the parts themselves. This textbook offers an accessible yet technically-oriented introduction to the modeling and …

Federal Civil Litigation At The Crossroads: Reshaping The Role Of The Federal Courts In Twenty-First Century Dispute Resolution, Edward D. Cavanagh

Faculty Publications

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure were promulgated in 1938 to provide the “just, speedy, and inexpensive determination” of all civil actions. The underlying theme of the Federal Rules is that meritorious litigants should have their day in court. To that end, the Federal Rules eliminated procedural pitfalls, including highly technical forms of action inherited from common law, that rewarded mastery of pleading techniques over the substantive merits of claims. The Federal Rules also introduced a simplified pleading system, commonly denominated as “notice pleading,” thereby easing the heavy burden imposed on the parties. The factual details of the case could …

Taking Back The Streets? How Street Art Ordinances Constitute Government Takings, Sheldon Evans

Faculty Publications

As street art continues to fuel a generation of counterculture and gains popularity in pop culture, laws enacted by local governments to curb this art form raise interesting constitutional issues surrounding the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause. More and more cities across America are classifying street art and graffiti as public nuisances. Such municipalities impose their agenda on private property owners with street art ordinances. These laws allow the government to come onto private property to remove the street art; some laws go even further by requiring the property owner to remove the street art at his own cost. This Article …

It's Alive!: How Early Common Law Changes In The Right Against Self-Incrimination Inform The Right's Continuing Relevance, Sheldon Evans

Faculty Publications

The intersection of the Self-Incrimination Clause and Miranda warnings has stemmed disagreement among courts on the scope and application of the right against self-incrimination. To aid in their dilemma, court's often embark on a historical inquiry to give insight into proper interpretations of the Clause. In light of a recent circuit split on one of the Clause's key terms—namely what constitutes a “criminal case”— this Article embarks on a historical inquiry that adds clarity to the topic. By highlighting the several ways the right against self-incrimination changed in its 200 year common law history before the Constitutional Convention, this Article …

Editors' Notes, Debra Miretzky, Sharon Stevens, Katrina Daytner, Sarah Schoper, Alisha White, Lora Wolff, Jessica Snowden

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Editors' Notes

From The Editors, Debra Miretzky, Sharon Stevens, Katrina Daytner, Sarah Schoper, Alisha White, Lora Wolff, Jessica Snowden

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Editors' Notes

Creating A Climate For Linguistically Responsive Instruction: The Case For Additive Models, Arthi B. Rao, P. Zitlali Morales

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

As a state with a longstanding tradition of offering bilingual education, Illinois has a legislative requirement for native language instruction in earlier grades through a model called Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE). This model does not truly develop bilingualism, however, but rather offers native language instruction to English learners (ELs) for a few years only to later mainstream them to English-only instruction. Contrasting this approach, culturally and linguistically responsive teaching not only supports EL students’ first language maintenance and second language development, but can also affirm critical aspects of their cultural, ethnic and linguistic identities. Through this framework, we present qualitative …

"But I'M A Language Teacher!" Dual Immersion Teacher Identities In A Complex Policy Context, Colleen Chesnut

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

This qualitative study examined dual immersion teachers’ identities as they engaged in policy implementation within their school, collaborating in professional learning communities (PLC) with one-way immersion teachers. Data derived from participant observation, interviews, and interpersonal process recall were analyzed through a theoretical lens blending communities of practice theories with theories on identity formation. Findings suggested that the requirement to collaborate across instructional contexts helped the dual immersion teachers to form strong and unique identities that sometimes conflicted with the requirements of their PLC work. The dual immersion teachers’ identities were shaped by their roles in the dual immersion program working …

Identification And Pathogenicity Of Bacteria In The Mediterranean Corn Borer Sesamia Nonagrioides Lefebvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Ardahan Eski̇, Fi̇li̇z Özkan Çakici, Mustafa Güllü, Hacer Muratoğlu, Zi̇hni̇ Demi̇rbağ, İsmai̇l Demi̇r

Turkish Journal of Biology

Sesamia nonagrioides (Lep.: Noctuidae) is one of the most serious pests of corn in Turkey and other Mediterranean countries. Although various cultural, chemical, and biological methods are used to control this pest, its damage still continues in all Mediterranean countries. In this study, to find an effective bacterium that can be used as a biocontrol agent against S. nonagrioides, we isolated 15 bacteria from S. nonagrioides larvae and evaluated the larvicidal potency of all isolates on the pest. According to their morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular properties, the isolates were identified as Achromobacter insolitus (Sn1), Morganella morganii (Sn2), Klebsiella pneumoniae …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Biology

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Gradual Soil Drought Stress On The Growth, Biomass Partitioning, And Chlorophyll Fluorescence Of Prunus Mongolica Seedlings, Youyan Guo, Hongyuan Yu, Dongsheng Kong, Fang Yan, Donghua Liu, Yajuan Zhang

Turkish Journal of Biology

The present studyaimed to determine the effects of gradual drought stress on Prunus mongolica seedlings. The growth and chlorophyll fluorescence of the seedlings were investigated under drought and control conditions. The short-term (21 day) decline in soil water content from 30.46% to 15.55% did not significantly influence the growth of P. mongolica seedlings but increased the height, basal diameter, crown, leaf number, stem mass, leaf mass, and root mass of the seedlings. The growth of the drought group reached the maximum, but remained lower than that of the control group, within 21 days. Compared with the control group, the drought …

Use Of In Vitro Propagation Of `Obla?Inska? Sour Cherry In Rootstock Breeding, Dusica Doric, Vladislav Ognjanov, Goran Barac, Mirjana Ljubojevic, Ankica Pranjic, Krunoslav Dugalic, Sezai̇ Erci̇şli̇

Turkish Journal of Biology

Prunus cerasus L. `Obla?inska? sour cherry germplasm was established in vitrodirectly from in situ plants on different explant collection dates, enabling quick clonal multiplication and introduction to a rootstock breeding program. Rosette initiation of four investigated genotypes was possible from November to April on the medium containing Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) macroelements, Murashige and Skoog (MS) microelements, and vitamins supplemented with (in mg L?1) 6-benzyladenine (BA), 0.5; indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 0.01; gibberellic acid (GA3), 0.1; citric acid, 10; and L-ascorbic acid, 10. The lowest percent of contamination was noted in November and December, when dormant buds were used as an …

Effect Of Sodium Nitroprusside On Micropropagation And Biochemical Parameters Of Cab-6p And Gisela 6 Cherry Rootstocks, Virginia Sarropoulou, Kortessa Dimassi-Theriou, Ioannis Therios

Turkish Journal of Biology

The effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on micropropagation of CAB-6P and Gisela 6 cherry rootstocks were investigated. Shoot multiplication of CAB-6P was reduced by adding 4.4 $\mu$M 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and SNP. Gisela 6 microcuttings treated with BA + 30 $\mu$M SNP gave the highest average shoot number (4.15) and multiplication percentage (100%). In CAB-6P, $\alpha$-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) + 30 $\mu$M SNP led to the maximum root number (13.79) and fresh weight (0.336 g); average root length (82 mm) and rooting percentage (95.45%) were greatest after adding 40 and 10 $\mu$M SNP + NAA, respectively. In Gisela 6, NAA + 40 …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Biology

No abstract provided.

Role Of Melatonin On Calcium Signaling And Mitochondrial Oxidativestress In Epilepsy: Focus On Trp Channels, Mustafa Naziroğlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Calcium ion (Ca2+) accumulation and excessive oxidative stress in the hippocampus and brain cortex have long been known as major contributors to the etiology of epilepsy. I have reviewed the role of Ca2+ signaling through cation channels and mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress on epilepsy in human and animals. A review of the relevant papers and results from recent studies were obtained from PubMed and the Science Citation Index. Current literature findings indicate that melatonin and agomelatine reduce activation of hippocampal transient receptor potential (TRP), glutamate receptors, and voltage-gated calcium channels that are critical for the development of abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis and …

Expression Profiles Of Genes Related To Melatonin And Oxidative Stress In Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells Treated With Antibiotic Amphotericin B And Its Modified Forms, Joanna Gola, Aleksandra Skubis, Bartosz Sikora, Celina Kruszniewska-Rajs, Jolanta Adamska, Urszula Mazurek, Barbara Strzalka-Mrozik, Grzegorz Czernel, Mariusz Gagos

Turkish Journal of Biology

Melatonin protects cells from oxidative stress caused by antibiotics. Through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), amphotericin B (AmB) causes oxidative injuries of the kidneys and liver. Generation of oxidized forms of AmB (AmB-ox) in a patient's circulation may also generate ROS, causing side effects. Studies aimed at elimination of toxic properties of AmB are focused on forming complexes of AmB with copper(II) ions (AmB-Cu2+). However, the influence of such modified forms on renal cells and their transcriptome has not been studied so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to answer the question of whether AmB-Cu2+ complexes …

Melatonin Is A Potent Modulator Of Antioxidative Defense And Cellular Proliferation Against Aluminum Toxicity In Rats, Ni̇hal Ömür Bulan, Guner Sarikaya-Unal, Sevim Tunali, Pelin Arda Pi̇ri̇nççi̇, Refiye Yanardag

Turkish Journal of Biology

Aluminum is the most abundant metal on earth, known for its toxicity to humans and laboratory animals. Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, has been shown to be an effective antioxidant. In this study, we investigated the possible protective role of melatonin in modulating toxicity and oxidative stress induced by chronic exposure to aluminum in the small intestine of rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I served as the control and received only physiological saline, Group II served as the control for the melatonin group and received ethanol and physiological saline, Group III received melatonin, Group …

Effects Of Photoperiod Variations And Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment On Melatonin,Cortisol, And Oxidative Stress Levels In The Blood Of Rats, Cahi̇de Çevi̇k, Recep Aslan

Turkish Journal of Biology

This study aimed to investigate the effects of frequently changing photoperiods and alpha-lipoic acid treatment on melatonin, cortisol, oxidative markers, and some blood parameters. Eighty-four rats were randomly and equally divided into 7 groups: a control group, 3 prolonged light groups, and 3 prolonged dark groups. The study was completed in 2 stages, with 1- and 4-week periods, respectively. Blood samples were obtained at the end of the first and fourth weeks, and at the end of the dark period for the first and second stages. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine levels were significantly elevated in the prolonged dark olive …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Biology

No abstract provided.

Filming The Gay Normal: An Exploration Of The Gay Closet And Its Portrayal In Film, Joseph Albert Marquette

Master's Theses and Capstones

The purpose of this thesis is to flesh out an understanding of the lived experience of the homosexual closet and ultimately how it is portrayed in film. It uses film, however, as a snapshot of potential realities that reflect the gay individual in society.

It relies heavily on the social theories and work of Edward T. Hall, Erving Goffman, Albert E. Scheflen, Judith Butler, and Gerschen Kaufman, among others, to build a framework for understanding the closet on both a macro and micro scale. It does not attempt to isolate the homosexual but rather to situate him or her within …

Inferring Types To Eliminate Ownership Checks In An Intentional Javascript Compiler, Chris Hebert

Master's Theses and Capstones

Concurrent programs are notoriously difficult to develop due to the non-deterministic nature of thread scheduling. It is desirable to have a programming language to make such development easier. Tscript comprises such a system. Tscript is an extension of JavaScript that provides multithreading support along with intent specification. These intents allow a programmer to specify how parts of the program interact in a multithreaded context. However, enforcing intents requires run-time memory checks which can be inefficient. This thesis implements an optimization in the Tscript compiler that seeks to improve this inefficiency through static analysis. Our approach utilizes both type inference and …

Development Of A Biaxial Loading Frame For Thin Sheet Cruciform Specimens, Joseph Frederick Wilson

Master's Theses and Capstones

Characterization of the evolving yield loci and forming limit diagrams for sheet materials under biaxial loading is necessary for the development of accurate sheet metal forming process simulations. Biaxial tension testing has been shown to have significant advantages over the current computational and experimental methods for such material characterization; however, the few commercially available loading frames are far too large and expensive to be practical for most metal forming research laboratories. To address this problem, the University of New Hampshire’s Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing Lab is working to design a practical servohydraulic biaxial loading frame for such metal forming laboratories. …