Digital Commons Network^™

Big Data Visualization Platform For Mixed Reality, Aliakbar Panahi

Theses and Dissertations

The visualization of data helps to provide faster and deeper insight into the data. In this work, a system for visualizing and analyzing big data in an interactive mixed reality environment is proposed. Such a system can be used for representing different types of data such as temporal, geospatial, network graph, and high dimensional. Also, an implementation of this system for four different data types are created. The data types include network data, volumetric data, high dimensional, and spectral data for different mixed reality devices such as Microsoft HoloLens, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, and Android ARCore were created. It …

Synergy: Game Design + Qur'an Memorization, Sultana Jesmine Moulana

Theses and Dissertations

The rise of digital technology has transformed nearly every part of our daily lives, including the way we learn and memorize. Such transformations raise interesting questions for one of the most long-standing and demanding memorization tasks in the world: the memorization of the Islamic holy book, The Qur’an. For Muslims, The Qur’an is a timeless, sacred text, cradling within its covers many profound images, stories, and parables. Despite rigorous research in the fields of game design and memorization techniques, very little work has been done in combining these two areas of research to create a game-based memorization experience of The …

Non-Medical Use Of Prescription Drugs, Stress, Cultural Orientation, Utilization Of Healthcare, And Protective Factors Among College Students In China, Cheuk Chi Tam

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) refers to the use of prescription drugs which are traditionally utilized to manage pain or treat psychiatric problems but without a doctor’s prescription. In 2010, an investigation by the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that 5.3% of young adults (18 to 25-year-olds) in the United States reported past-month NMUPD. NMUPD has become a growing concern owing to associations with consequences such as college dropout, poor academic achievement, and health jeopardizing behaviors. College students' NMUPD has been well documented in the United States. Limited studies, however, have been conducted among …

Examining Health Behaviors In College Students With And Without Chronic Conditions, Duc-Thi J. Barsell

Theses and Dissertations

Many college students are in a developmental period in which they are transitioning from pediatric to adult health care. This time period can be challenging for all college students and especially for students with a chronic condition. The current study investigated the association between various health-related factors (health locus of control [HLOC], health literacy, health self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life [HRQOL]) and health behaviors in college students, as well as the moderating effect of having a chronic condition on those associations. These health behaviors were further operationalized as healthy lifestyle behaviors (preventative and wellness behaviors, dietary behaviors, physical activity) …

Recovery From Design, Cassandra J. Ellison

Theses and Dissertations

Through research, inquiry, and an evaluation of Recovery By Design, a ‘design therapy’ program that serves people with mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities, it is my assertion that the practice of design has therapeutic potential and can aid in the process of recovery. To the novice, the practices of conception, shaping form, and praxis have empowering benefit especially when guided by Conditional and Transformation Design methods together with an emphasis on materiality and vernacular form.

The Experiences And Perceptions Of Behavioral Factors That Contribute To Successful Weight Loss In Male Bariatric Patients, Stephen P. Sowulewski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences and perceptions of behavioral factors that contribute to successful weight loss in male bariatric patients. By analyzing participant experiences and perceptions, this study contributes to a better understanding of which factors are most important in the postoperative phase of gastric bypass in males owing to successful weight loss. Although there is a tremendous amount of quantitative research within the bariatric population, there is a significant gap within the qualitative literature as it relates to male outcomes. As such, by conducting interviews with 10 postoperative male gastric bypass patients, this study …

Three Measures Of Coping In Video Games (Civ-Iii): The Development, Construct Validation, And Profile Analysis Of The Civ-Iii, Chelsea M. Hughes

Theses and Dissertations

Video games provide a competitive, goal-oriented environment. They involve individuals who often seek intentionally to frustrate their opponents’ goals. The gaming community is made up of players who vary in their interpersonal style, learning histories, and skill levels. In this rich and dynamic environment, stress is a common experience. Given the prevalence of gameplay in the population and the frequency of gameplay among gamers, it is important to examine coping responses to stressors, particularly maladaptive ones. The present research entails three studies. In Study 1, I use exploratory factor analyses to develop three scales purported to measure maladaptive coping strategies …

Discovery And Characterization Of Bile Acid And Steroid Metabolism Pathways In Gut-Associated Microbes, Spencer Harris

Theses and Dissertations

The human gut microbiome is a complex microbial ecosystem residing in the lumen of our gastrointestinal tract. The type and amounts of microbes present in this ecosystem varies based on numerous factors, including host genetics, diet, and environmental factors. The human gut microbiome plays an important role in normal host physiological functions, including providing energy to colonocytes in the form of short-chain fatty acids. However, gut microbial metabolites have also been associated with numerous disease states. Current tools for analyzing the gut microbiome, such as high-throughput sequencing techniques, are limited in their predictive ability. Additionally, “-omic” approaches of studying the …

Educational Predictors For Postsecondary Living Status, Irina Cain

Theses and Dissertations

This study was performed as the result of gaps in the literature in the area of transition to independent living (IL) using secondary data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS-2). Its findings identify individual, skills, family, and school factors that predict postsecondary living status and moderators of the relationships between predictors and the outcome. Specifically, results indicated the following factors as predicting postsecondary living status: individual factors (ethnicity and disability label), skills (self-care, functional mental, personal autonomy, self-realization, and social), family factors (parental expectations and parental involvement in school), and school factors (student’s role in transition planning and …

Upper Elementary Reading Instruction In The Age Of Accountability: Balancing Best Practices With Pressures To Achieve On High-Stakes Tests, Christina H. Saunders

Theses and Dissertations

The present study identifies reading instructional practices used in upper elementary classrooms during the age of high-stakes test accountability and compares reading practices among schools of varying accreditation status and socio-economic status (SES). The current study partially replicates and extends a study conducted by Baumann, Hoffman, Duffy-Hester, and Ro in 2000. The Baumann et al. (2000) study provides a frame of reference to compare instructional practices prior to high stakes testing with those used in the current high stakes testing environment. Third- through fifth-grade teachers in seven school districts in central Virginia were asked to complete an electronic survey. Descriptive …

Predictors Of Barriers To Psychosocial Treatment For African American Families Of Children With Adhd, Stephanie A. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

African American families of youth with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traditionally have lower rates of ADHD treatment compared to nonminority groups. These treatment disparities underscore the importance of better understanding the barriers to treatment for these families. Therefore, in a sample of 67 African American caregivers of children with ADHD, the current study examined (1) factors that predict barriers to treatment for African American families of children with ADHD and (2) whether caregiver impairment mediates comorbid behavior problems and barriers to treatment for African American youth with ADHD. Analyses revealed that caregiver impairment predicted barriers to treatment and mediated the relationship …

Sticking To The Recipe: How Do Adherence And Differentiation To A Cbt Protocol Affect Client Outcomes In Youths With Anxiety?, Ruben G. Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Understanding the pathways through which treatments work to change symptom and diagnostic outcomes is important to the development and delivery of evidence-based treatments. This study assessed the extent to which adherence (therapist’s delivery of prescribed therapeutic interventions) and differentiation (therapist’s delivery of non-prescribed therapeutic interventions) to Coping Cat, a CBT program, affected client symptom and diagnostic outcomes. Method: The Therapy Process Observational Coding System for Child Psychotherapy – Revised Strategies Scale (McLeod et al., 2015) was used to characterize therapeutic interventions delivered within and outside of the Coping Cat program with youths aged 7-15 receiving treatment in one efficacy …

Provider Appearance: A Survey Of Guardian And Patient Preference, Joshua Westphal

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To understand guardian and child preferences for the appearance of their pediatric dentist. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using survey methodology with patients and parents that attended the VCU Pediatric Dental clinic.

Methods: A total sample of 100 guardians and 97 pediatric patient participants completed the computer-based questionnaire. Four subjects were asked to pose for photographs wearing various combinations of attire (professional, casual, white coat, scrubs).

Results: Among guardians, 56% reported preferring a provider in scrubs, with white coat the second most preferred attire (39%) for their children. For pediatric patients, scrubs were still most often selected, …

Role Of The Pediatric Dental Provider In Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Education, Meredith L. Dugoni

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study investigates knowledge about HPV and examines if pediatric dental providers should include HPV education for guardians of patients 10-18 years.

Methods: Legal guardians of 10-18 year-old patients of the Virginia Commonwealth University Pediatric Dental Clinic were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Participants completed a baseline survey, were provided HPV education, completed an initial follow-up survey, and then completed a 6-month follow-up survey.

Results: A total of 54 participants completed the baseline and initial follow-up surveys and 17 completed the 6-month follow-up survey. The average number of correct responses was 3.4 of 6 knowledge questions, which significantly …

A Sensitivity Analysis For Relative Importance Weights In The Meta-Analytic Context: A Step Towards Narrowing The Theory-Empiricism Gap In Turnover, James G. Field

Theses and Dissertations

Turnover is one of the most important phenomena for management scholars and practitioners. Yet, researchers and practitioners are often frustrated by their inability to accurately predict why individuals leave their jobs. This should be worrisome given that total replacement costs can exceed 100% of an employee’s salary (Cascio, 2006) and can represent up to 40% of a firm’s pre-tax income (Allen, 2008). Motivated by these concerns, the purpose of this study was to assess the predictive validity of commonly-investigated correlates and, by extension, conceptualizations of employee turnover using a large-scale database of scientific findings. Results indicate that job satisfaction, organizational …

“Confederate Soldiers In The Siege Of Petersburg And Postwar: An Intensified War And Coping Mechanisms Utilized, 1864- Ca. 1895”, Matthew R. Lempke

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis crafts a narrative about how Confederate soldiers during the siege of Petersburg experienced an intensified war that caused them to refine soldierly coping mechanisms in order to endure. They faced increasing deprivations, new forms of death, fewer restrictions on killing, dwindling fortunes, and increased racial acrimony by facing African American soldiers. In order to adjust, they relied on soldierly camaraderie, Southern notions of honor, letter writing, and an increasingly firm reliance on Protestant Christianity to cope with their situation. Postwar, these veterans repurposed soldierly coping mechanisms and eventually used institutional support from their states. Camaraderie, honor, literary endeavors, …

Person-Centered Treatment To Optimize Psychiatric Medication Adherence, Natalie Bareis

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Adherence to psychotropic medication is poor among individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). To understand treatment experiences and associated adherence among these individuals, we developed a novel construct of Clinical Net Benefit (CNB) using psychiatric symptoms, adverse effects and overall functioning assessments. We tested whether adherence differed across classes of CNB, whether individuals transitioned between classes over time, and whether these transitions were differentially associated with adherence.

Methods: Data come from individuals aged 18+ during five years of the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD). Latent class analysis identified groups of CNB. Latent transition analysis determined probabilities of …

Building A Bond: Longitudinal Relations Between Interpersonal School Climate, Student Awareness And Reporting Of Violence, And Peer Victimization And Aggression In Adolescents, Kathryn Behrhorst

Theses and Dissertations

High prevalence rates and negative outcomes of peer-based aggression and victimization during early adolescence underscore the need to identify causes and consequences of these outcomes. Limited research has examined the impact of environmental and contextual factors, such as school climate, on peer aggression and victimization. Few studies have addressed relations between school climate and specific subtypes of physical and relational aggression and victimization. Although school climate has been assessed via interpersonal subsystems (i.e., student-student and student-teacher relationships), little research has incorporated the role of student awareness and reporting of violence and safety concerns. Further, studies are needed that consider the …

A Comparative Study Of Intraradicular Enterococcus Faecalis Biofilm Removal With Three Root Canal Treatment Systems: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Evaluation, Cyrous Ardalan

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biofilm removal efficacy of three root canal treatment systems: ProUltra® PiezoFlow™, traditional needle irrigation, and the GentleWave® system in an ex-vivo benchtop study. Twenty-four extracted maxillary and mandibular molars were selected. Teeth were all instrumented to a master apical file size #25 with 4% taper. Teeth were then randomly divided into four experimental groups and two control groups. The root canals were inoculated with a culture of Enterococcus faecalis and incubated for five weeks to form a biofilm. Each group was then treated with one of the different root canal treatment …

A Comparison Of Treatment Planning Modalities For The Pediatric Dental Patient, Martha M. Holland

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To assess the treatment modalities of pediatric dentists for restoring Class II lesions in primary molars.

Methods: A survey of eight cases was emailed to AAPD members, who were asked to choose a stainless steel crown (SSC) or composite resin. Treatment choice was associated with provider type, years in practice, behavior management, lesion detection, and patient age.

Results: Clinically detectable caries restored under general anesthesia were treated more often with a SSC. Faculty and residents chose a SSC at a greater rate. Providers with 10 or more years experience chose a SSC more often.

Conclusions: The scope of treatment …

Inhibition Of Oxidative And Conjugative Metabolism Of Buprenorphine Using Generally Recognized As Safe (Gras) Compounds Or Components Of Dietary Supplements, Neha V. Maharao

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation aimed at developing an inhibitor strategy to improve the oral bioavailability (F_oral) and systemic exposure (AUC_∞) of buprenorphine (BUP) as well as reduce the variability associated with them. Twenty-seven generally recognized as safe (GRAS) compounds or dietary substances were evaluated for their potential to inhibit the oxidative and conjugative metabolism of BUP, using pooled human intestinal and liver microsomes. In both the organs, oxidation appeared to be the major metabolic pathway with a 6 fold (intestine) and 4 fold (liver) higher intrinsic clearance than glucuronidation. Buprenorphine was predicted to show low and variable F …

The Prevalence, Predictive Factors, And Classification Of Intrapulpal Cracks In Maxillary Molars Requiring Endodontic Treatment, Husain Karashi

Theses and Dissertations

Diagnosis and treatment of teeth with longitudinal fractures is challenging. Cracks are usually not visible radiographically; they require a thorough evaluation to aid in diagnosis. Patients may be asymptomatic, demanding the dentist rely on clinical findings to make a diagnosis. Early diagnosis of the presence and extent of a crack is essential for the successful management of a cracked tooth. There is limited information in the literature regarding the prevalence or predictive factors of cracks extending into the pulp chamber of teeth. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intrapulpal cracks in maxillary molars and to …

The Impact Of Perceived Mental Illness Stigma On Caregivers’ Desire To Relinquish Care, Tyler R. Corson

Theses and Dissertations

Caregiving can be stressful, and older adults’ health and well-being may be impacted by the roles and responsibilities they assume as caregivers for persons with serious mental illness (SMI). This study is the first to apply the Stress Process Model of Caregiving (SPM) in an attempt to understand how mental illness stigma influences caregiver outcomes, specifically their desire to relinquish care. The intent of this study was to call attention to care relinquishment as an under-studied stress process outcome and to explore stress factors, with a focus on mental illness stigma, that contribute to SMI caregivers’ desire to relinquish care. …

Testing The Ability Of Two Series Of Models To Predict High School Graduation Status, David T. Marshall

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to create and test two series of predictive models aimed at projecting high school graduation status. Secondary data were obtained in partnership with an urban school district. All of the predictor variables included in the models tested in this study were academic and nonacademic variables that were found to be significant predictors of high school graduation in previous empirical work. In the first series of models tested, individual academic and nonacademic variables were tested together along with school-level variables. Eighth and ninth grade variables were tested separately to avoid multicollinearity issues. The second series …

The Influence Of Genetic And Environmental Factors On Quit Attempt In Adolescent And Young Adult Twins, Gladys Langi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the genetic and environmental influences on lifetime quit attempt in three US adolescent and young adult twin samples (N total = 6,322). The study utilized a common-contingent-causal (CCC) model to estimate these factors for lifetime quit attempts, after accounting for the factors for lifetime cigarette use and cigarettes per day. The study also examined age and sex differences, as well as the degree of relationship between these smoking phenotypes. The results demonstrated significant genetic influences for lifetime quit attempts in adolescents and young adults. No sex differences were observed for the contributions …

Profiling Precursor Lipids For Specialized Pro-Resolution Molecules In Platelet-Rich Fibrin Following Fish Oil And Aspirin Intake, Danielle M. Mccormack

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Current research has demonstrated that aspirin and fish oil (EFA) increase plasma levels of specialized pro-resolution molecules (SPMs). This study investigates their effects on SPM precursor pools in platelet rich fibrin (PRF). Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to take aspirin; EFA or aspirin and EFA. Four hours later, SPM precursor levels were quantified using combined Liquid Chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The differences between the groups: Aspirin (yes or no), EFA (yes or no), were analyzed by ANCOVA, testing for group differences after covarying out the baseline value. Results: There were 4 significant interactions, 1 with an aspirin …

Profiling Precursor Lipids For Specialized Pro-Resolution Molecules In Platelet-Rich Plasma Following Fish Oil And Aspirin Intake, Lisa A. Turner

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Unfavorable outcomes following periodontal surgeries can be attributed to impaired resolution mechanisms likely due to decreased levels of specialized pro-resolution molecules (SPM). The current study investigates if SPM substrate pools in platelet-rich plasma preparations (PRP) can be increased by essential fatty acid (EFA) and / or aspirin supplementation. Methods: Nineteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to take i) aspirin; ii) EFA; iii) aspirin and EFA. Four hours after intake, the lipid precursor pools in PRP were quantified using combined Liquid Chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and the data statistically analyzed using ANCOVA. Results: Of the 77 metabolites screened, only …

Weighted Quantile Sum Regression For Analyzing Correlated Predictors Acting Through A Mediation Pathway On A Biological Outcome, Bhanu M. Evani

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Weighted Quantile Sum Regression for Analyzing Correlated Predictors Acting Through a Mediation Pathway on a Biological Outcome

By

Bhanu M. Evani, Ph.D.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2017.

Major Director: Robert A. Perera, Asst. Professor, Department of Biostatistics

This work examines mediated effects of a set of correlated predictors using the recently developed Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression method. Traditionally, mediation analysis has been conducted using the multiple regression method, first proposed by Baron and Kenny (1986), which has since …

An Investigation Of Surface Characteristics Of Enamel Treated With Infiltrative Resin: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study, Danielle E. Easterly

Theses and Dissertations

AN INVESTIGATION OF SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS OF ENAMEL TREATED WITH INFILTRATIVE RESIN: A SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY STUDY

Danielle E. Easterly, Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia Commonwealth University. 2017.

Director: Dr. Eser Tüfekçi

D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., M.S.H.A.

Objective: To evaluate the microstructural changes of a resin infiltrant (ICON®, DMG America LLC, Englewood, NJ) after six months of simulated toothbrushing.

Materials and Methods: Ten extracted third molars (n=10) were collected. Artificial white spot lesions were created and resin applied. Environmental SEM …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dentists And Orthodontists, Natalie R. La Rochelle

Theses and Dissertations

WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTISTS AND ORTHODONTISTS

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University.

by

Natalie R. La Rochelle

Thesis Director: Dr. Eser Tüfekçi, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., M.S.H.A.

Professor, Department of Orthodontics

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia

May 2017

The practice of dentistry is physically demanding due to static and dynamic postures sustained daily throughout careers. Previous literature suggests that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are not solely the result of work habits, but also due to the individual, his or her physical makeup, genetics, and …