Digital Commons Network^™

Redesign Of A Volume Adjustable Transtibial Prosthetic Socket, Samuel Terrazas Quezada

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Recent research and development in prosthetics have aimed at improving socket designs and components to mimic more efficiently the human body. One such innovation is the Aperture Socket, a low-cost volume adjustable prosthetic socket. During the validation stage of its development, the Aperture Socket successfully demonstrated that it could compensate for volume changes, but various improvements on use and comfort were identified. This project develops and tests a redesign of the Aperture Socket previously developed for amputees in developing countries and subsequently patented and licensed to LIMBS International, Inc.

The first phase of this study was the creation of various …

Corporate Sponsorship And The Consumer Socialization Of African American Women Athletes: A Qualitative Study, Tahla Monique Wade

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

African-American consumption is a unique feature of the American consumer market. A characteristic of African American consumers is their participation in conspicuous consumption. A look into the sociological concept of consumer socialization can drive insight to what initiates purchases of this group. However, this is not studied as an evolving process. Over time, individuals may encounter several new influences that affect their consumer socialization and purchase behavior, including the possibility of corporate sponsorship. To explore this evolution, I examine if corporate sponsorships affect the consumer socialization of African-American women collegiate athletes. Fifteen NCAA Division I African-American women athletes from a …

¡Grito!: Cultural Nationalism And The Chicana/O Insurgency In New Mexico, 1968-1978, Dennis Aguirre Aguirre

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

"¡Grito!: Cultural Nationalism and the Chicana/o Insurgency in New Mexico, 1968-1978,” is one of the first to examine the development of Chicana/o movement practices in the “Land of Enchantment.” While others have cast the Chicana/o movement’s criticisms and actions against federal, state, and local governments as a struggle to gain greater rights for Mexican Americans, I argue that the insurgency was not exclusively a strategy of resistance to subjugation. Instead, I believe the Chicana/o movement was a conversation that activists attempted to have with their own communities to convince ethnic Mexicans to think about themselves in profoundly new ways. Focusing …

Image Data Mining For Quality Control Of Nanofiber Reinforced Piezoelectric Nanocomposites Based On Sem Images, Zhonghua Hu

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Recently, portable and wireless nano-scaled devices have been widely used in environmental monitoring, medical implants, defense technology, industrial safety, and personal electronics, such as the nanowire-based gas and chemical sensors and programmable nanowire circuit for nano-processors. There has been an increasing demand for high energy density capacitors that can be engineered for various applications in advanced devices. In it, piezoelectric nanofiber materials play critical role in producing new products. A piezo-ceramic polymer composite contains a polymer of high dielectric strength and high permittivity ceramic inclusions, making it well suited as a high energy density capacitor. Furthermore, the research shows that …

Do Coaches Practice What They Preach? An Evaluation Of The Usage Of Evidence-Based Practices Among Probation Officer Coaches, Tamara Kang

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Probation supervision has the potential to serve a rehabilitative function through the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs; practices supported by empirical research). Often, when administrators adopt EBPs in their agency, these programs may not be implemented with fidelity by probation officers who interact with offenders. Thus, there is a critical need to examine methods of increasing the effectiveness of implementing EBPs among officers. One method, peer mentoring (i.e., coaches), is gaining popularity; however, little is known about the highly-motivated officers who volunteer to be coaches. Consequently, this Dissertation investigates compliance with EBPs among officers who have volunteered to become coaches …

An Environmental Scan Of Diagnostic Practices For Children With Disabilities In El Paso, Alezandra Martinez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

With the prevalence of developmental disabilities in the rise in the United States, it is important that these children are identified and diagnosed as soon as possible so that they may receive appropriate medical treatment and intervention. However, research suggests that there are several factors that influence screening, referral, and diagnostic practices. This study aimed to analyze key themes that arose when parents of children with disabilities and pediatric healthcare providers discussed screening, referral, and diagnostic practices for children in El Paso, a medically underserved community. Researchers conducted a 2- phase study that employed both quantitative and qualitative methodology. Results …

Renewable Energy Systems Optimization Using Monte Carlo Simulation And Evolutionary Algorithms, Nicolas Lopez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This Dissertation explores the Renewable Energy Integration Problem, and proposes a Genetic Algorithm embedded with a Monte Carlo simulation to solve large instances of the problem that are impractical to solve via full enumeration. The Renewable Energy Integration Problem is defined as finding the optimum set of components to supply the electric demand to a hybrid

microgrid. The components considered are solar panels, wind turbines, diesel generators, electric batteries, connections to the power grid and converters, which can be inverters and/or rectifiers. The methodology developed is explained as well as the combinatorial formulation. In addition, 2 case studies of a …

Development And Verification Of A Lab-Scale Green Propellant Hybrid Motor System, Shyamal Patel

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Hybrid rocket propulsion offers the potential to combine advantages of both solid and liquid propellant systems, but low regression rates hinder their practicality. The suggested use of hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) based propellants in hybrids offers the potential for developing high impulse motors with low development and production costs. In this paper, I present the development of a small-scale system used to measure the regression rate of a hybrid motor. The system can accommodate fuel grains 5 cm long with an outer diameter of 6 cm and can implement the various decomposition gases needed for HAN. The motor firings of hydroxyl …

Evaluating Outer Segment Length As A Surrogate Measure Of Peak Foveal Cone Density, Melissa A. Wilk, Brandon M. Wilk, Christopher S. Langlo, Robert F. Cooper, Joseph Carroll

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Adaptive optics (AO) imaging tools enable direct visualization of the cone photoreceptor mosaic, which facilitates quantitative measurements such as cone density. However, in many individuals, low image quality or excessive eye movements precludes making such measures. As foveal cone specialization is associated with both increased density and outer segment (OS) elongation, we sought to examine whether OS length could be used as a surrogate measure of foveal cone density. The retinas of 43 subjects (23 normal and 20 albinism; aged 6–67 years) were examined. Peak foveal cone density was measured using confocal adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO), and OS …

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Correlates With Short-Term Myelopathy Outcome In Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy, Aditya Vedantam, Avinash Rao, Shekar N. Kurpad, Michael B. Jirjis, Gerald Eckardt, Brian D. Schmit, Marjorie C. Wang

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

To determine if spinal cord diffusion tensor imaging indexes correlate with short-term clinical outcome in patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Methods

A prospective consecutive cohort study was performed in patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery for CSM. After obtaining informed consent, patients with CSM underwent preoperative T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging of the cervical spine. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values at the level of maximum cord compression and at the noncompressed C1-2 level were calculated on axial images. We recorded the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale, Neck Disability Index, and …

Psychometric Properties Of The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire In An Argentine Sample, Maria Noel Anchorena, Fiona Ghiglione, Martin Nader

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Mindfulness-based interventions have proliferated in both clinical and non-clinical contexts in recent years, as has scientific research investigating their effectiveness. To date, numerous questionnaires have been developed for measuring state and trait mindfulness. Very few, however, have been validated within non-English speaking populations, in which mindfulness is now increasingly of interest. In this regard, this study examined the psychometric properties of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire for a Spanish-speaking sample from Argentina. Reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity scores were acceptable and in line with previous studies. Using CFA techniques, the results show a reduction in the scale to 22-items and …

Job Descriptive Index (Jdi): Reliability And Validity Study In Greece, Theodosis Tasios, Vaitsa Giannouli

Archives of Assessment Psychology

The purpose of the present study was the translation of the Job Descriptive Index (JDI) and testing it for reliability and validity, as in Greece there is not a valid and reliable measurement tool for job satisfaction (Aziri, 2011; Greenberk & Baron, 2013; Smith et al., 1987; Smith, Kendall, & Hulin 1969; Spector, 2008; Drakou, Kampitsi, & Helen, 1997). The sample was random, with the requirements being employees with Greek citizenship and not selfemployed. The sample consisted of 323 people, with ages ranging from 18 to 60 years old (M= 35.56, SD = 9.18). 47.3% were male and 52.7% were …

Developing Dual Diagnosis Care Curriculum For Nurses In Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Settings, Kofi Ahumkah Bonnie

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

Patients with co-existing substance use and mental disorder (dual diagnosis) have complex and challenging care needs especially in acute psychiatric inpatient settings. Acute psychiatric care plays a vital role in mental health service delivery and there is evidence that nurses working in these settings often have unmet learning needs regarding dual diagnosis care, posing a challenge to nursing practice. The purpose of this project was to develop an educational module which will equip nurses with the skills and knowledge required to deliver evidence-based dual diagnosis care in acute psychiatric settings. A survey of 74 acute psychiatric nurses was initially completed …

The Ebola Experience: Media Lessons For Nurse Leaders, Elizabeth Leary

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

Background: In October, 2014 the nursing profession gained unprecedented media attention when two nurses became infected with the Ebola virus, and another nurse who cared for Ebola patients defied two gubernatorial quarantine orders. Nurses have traditionally received little media attention, and the nursing profession was largely unprepared for the intense media scrutiny which occurred during the Ebola crisis.

Purpose: For decades nursing scholars have called for a new media image for the nursing profession, yet most of the nursing literature has focused on the profession’s poor media image rather than effective media communication techniques. The purpose of this paper is …

Adapting An Evidence-Based Pediatric Acute Asthma Exacerbation Severity Assessment Tool For Pediatric Primary Care, Anne Tipay Magpuri

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this project was to examine criteria derived from evidence-based pediatric acute asthma exacerbation assessment tools, asthma scores, and the acute asthma prediction rule validated and utilized in the emergency department and to adapt these criteria for pediatric primary care.

Method: Three stages of the project included: (1) identification of criteria in a literature review, (2) validation of the criteria by an expert panel, and (3) adaptation of the criteria in the design of an assessment tool.

Results: The criteria were validated and adapted in the design of “The Pediatric Acute Asthma Exacerbation Severity Assessment and …

Mental Health In The Primary Care Of Trans Patients, Ronica Mukerjee

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

Primary care clinicians working with trans patients may not realize the impact of systemic inequality on the mental health of their patients. Although clinical guidelines for care exist, most do not explicitly address this context of inequality. Placing guidelines in a framework of cultural safety will increase the likelihood that patient narrative, needs and culture are respected and taken into consideration when providing care and developing treatment plans for trans patients, thereby decreasing the impact of systemic inequality and improving the quality of the healthcare provided. Considering the positive impact that primary care clinicians can have on the health of …

The Development And Validation Of An Acuity Tool In A Pediatric Outpatient Burn Clinic, Arlene Swan-Mahony

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

In outpatient settings, the role of nurses has shifted from episodic, reactive care to management of patients with higher acuity. In a pediatric outpatient clinic specializing in burn injuries, it became apparent that the lack of an acuity tool to measure patient complexity challenged efficient nurse staffing and patient satisfaction. In this improvement project we developed a patient acuity tool that would help to determine nurse staffing, improve workload efficiencies, and improve the delivery of care.

Outcomes Of A Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Driven Front-Line Care Delivery Model In An Academic Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Tara Trimarchi

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

Background: Determining the conditions that promote high performing advanced nursing practice is important because hospitals are increasingly dependent on the use of nurse practitioners (NPs) to deliver front-line care to acute and critically ill patients.

Objective: To describe the outcomes of a front-line care model that uses certified pediatric acute care NPs, limits work hours and night time and weekend patient-to-provider ratio, on the outcomes of patients cared for in an academic Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Methods: A retrospective quasi-experimental design was used to describe the outcomes of an NP Team model compared to a physician-only, Traditional Medical Team …

Sectoral Update On The National Professional Development Framework For Teachers In He: The Initial Implementation Strategy, Roisin Donnelly, Theresa Maguire

Journal Articles

The National Forum (NF) for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning is currently in the early stage of implementation of the National Professional Development Framework (PDF) for all who teach in higher education. Prior to the publication of the PD Framework in 2016, there was no mechanism or route in place nationally to give structure, focus and support to individual staff to avail of relevant professional development and utilise it to realise their full potential in their teaching role. This important work is deepening sectoral understanding of the PDF itself and leading towards national recognition of an individual’s commitment to …

Our Secret Infection, Russell Helms

Wraparound South (Archived)

No abstract provided.

An Iterative Bézier Method For Fitting Beta-Sheet Component Of A Cryo-Em Density Map, Michael Poteat, Jing He

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) is a powerful technique to produce 3-dimensional density maps for large molecular complexes. Although many atomic structures have been solved from cryo-EM density maps, it is challenging to derive atomic structures when the resolution of density maps is not sufficiently high. Geometrical shape representation of secondary structural components in a medium-resolution density map enhances modeling of atomic structures. We compare two methods in producing surface representation of the β-sheet component of a density map. Given a 3-dimensional volume of β-sheet that is segmented from a density map, the performance of a polynomial fitting was compared with that …

Happiness Index Methodology, Laura Musikanski, Scott Cloutier, Erica Bejarano, Davi Briggs, Julia Colbert, Gracie Strasser, Steven Russell

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

The Happiness Index is a comprehensive survey instrument that assesses happiness, well-being, and aspects of sustainability and resilience. The Happiness Alliance developed the Happiness Index to provide a survey instrument to community organizers, researchers, and others seeking to use a subjective well-being index and data. It is the only instrument of its kind freely available worldwide and translated into over ten languages. This instrument can be used to measure satisfaction with life and the conditions of life. It can also be used to define income inequality, trust in government, sense of community and other aspects of well-being within specific demographics …

The Ethical Implications Of Plagiarism And Ghostwriting In An Open Society, Patricia I. Fusch, Lawrence R. Ness, Janet M. Booker, Gene E. Fusch

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

Plagiarism is the theft of intellectual property. Plagiarism has been a problem in academic settings and appears to be on the increase, now moving into areas including the medical and scientific fields as well as industry, manufacturing, military, and legal briefs. The ethical implications can have serious consequences for organizations, individuals, and society, resulting in harm being done to others in favor of expediency. In this scholarly essay, the authors explore and discuss the ethical implications of plagiarism and the increase of ghostwriting in a free society through the writings of Kant, Popper, Kostenbaum, Plato, Whedbee, and others. The conclusion …

Book Review: Social Policy And Social Change: Toward The Creation Of Social And Economic Justice, Jan Vinita White

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

Although the book title, Social Policy and Social Change: Toward the Creation of Social and Economic Justice, suggests social change, the focus of the book is social justice, particularly in social work policy and practice. In this second edition of Jimenez, Mayers Pasztor, Chambers, and Pearlman Fujii's seminal exploration, issues of inequality and the widening gap between the wealthy and poor, health care disparities, discrimination, and developing issues are investigated and analyzed in a reader-friendly format.

Informal Partnerships Between Nonprofits And Local Governments And The Role Of Trust, Scott Pozil, Anne Hacker

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

Informal partnerships between nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and local governments represent a winning combination for affective positive social change in communities. These partnerships thrive on the development and sustainment of trust as a guiding force between NPO executives and their local government counterparts. Qualitative case study research reveals such an assertion to be true, based on interviews and document reviews of informal partnerships in a metropolitan area in the Northwest United States. The implications for social change include establishing successful models of informal partnerships between NPOs and local governments that impact the social and economic well-being of communities.

A Chronicle Of Economic Botany, James P. Smith Jr

Botanical Studies

No abstract provided.

Why Some Religious Accommodations For Mandatory Vaccinations Violate The Establishment Clause, Hillel Y. Levin

Scholarly Works

All states require parents to inoculate their children against deadly diseases prior to enrolling them in public schools, but the vast majority of states also allow parents to opt out on religious grounds. This religious accommodation imposes potentially grave costs on the children of non-vaccinating parents and on those who cannot be immunized. The Establishment Clause prohibits religious accommodations that impose such costs on third parties in some cases, but not in all. This presents a difficult line-drawing problem. The Supreme Court has offered little guidance, and scholars are divided.

This Article addresses the problem of religious accommodations that impose …

Smart Fog: Fog Computing Framework For Unsupervised Clustering Analytics In Wearable Internet Of Things, Debanjan Borthakur, Harishchandra Dubey, Nicholas Constant, Leslie Mahler, Kunal Mankodiya

Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

The increasing use of wearables in smart telehealth system led to the generation of large medical big data. Cloud and fog services leverage these data for assisting clinical procedures. IoT Healthcare has been benefited from this large pool of generated data. This paper suggests the use of low-resource machine learning on Fog devices kept close to wearables for smart telehealth. For traditional telecare systems, the signal processing and machine learning modules are deployed in the cloud that processes physiological data. This paper presents a Fog architecture that relied on unsupervised machine learning big data analysis for discovering patterns in physiological …

Towards Fog-Driven Iot Ehealth: Promises And Challenges Of Iot In Medicine And Healthcare, Bahar Farahani, Farshad Firouzi, Victor Chang, Mustafa Badaroglu, Nicholas Constant, Kunal Mankodiya

Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Internet of Things (IoT) offers a seamless platform to connect people and objects to one another for enriching and making our lives easier. This vision carries us from compute-based centralized schemes to a more distributed environment offering a vast amount of applications such as smart wearables, smart home, smart mobility, and smart cities. In this paper we discuss applicability of IoT in healthcare and medicine by presenting a holistic architecture of IoT eHealth ecosystem. Healthcare is becoming increasingly difficult to manage due to insufficient and less effective healthcare services to meet the increasing demands of rising aging population with chronic …

Magicsox: An E-Textile Iot System To Quantify Gait Abnormalities, Mohammadreza Abtahi, Joshua V. Gyllinsky, Brandon Paesang, Scott Barlow, Matthew Constant, Nicholas Gomes, Oliver Tully, Susan E. D'Andrea, Kunal Mankodiya

Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

The global society is increasingly facing the challenges that reduce mobility, quality of life, and independence. Gait disorders are often both a result of, and predictor of further issues, tied to the 15 million stroke patients annually worldwide. These individuals face a number of gait abnormalities including drop foot that is a pathological condition, limiting patients' ability to lift the foot from the ground during the swing phase of walking. In this research work, we introduce a novel smart textile system, MagicSox that is woven with multiple sensors distributed over the surface of the foot. The overarching goal of MagicSox …