Digital Commons Network^™

Barriers To Oral Care Among African American Adolescents In Prince George's County, Maryland, Nkiruka Soribe Mcginnis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

When adolescents forgo oral health treatment, factors that hinder them from obtaining these services put them at risk of detrimental consequences in their oral and overall health. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to identify the various barriers that adolescents encounter causing them to defer oral treatment. Through this study, public health officials, school health care providers, the state, and parents could be made aware of these factors and work together to implement programs and supplemental aid to help adolescents become more knowledgeable of the importance of oral care and encourage them to desire and seek treatment. The …

How Social Workers' Perceptions As Mandated Reporters May Impact Reporting Suspected Child Abuse, Dorothy Goulart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Child maltreatment is a worldwide concern. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, social workers are mandated reporters. When there is reasonable suspicion, they are required by law to report suspected child maltreatment to the appropriate Child Protective Services office. In this study, the research problem was the underreporting of child maltreatment, even when reasonable suspicion existed. The purpose of this study, as reflected in the research questions, was to understand social workers' perceptions of their role as mandated reporters, to explore how their perceptions impacted reporting, and to develop recommendations that could be implemented to help ensure appropriate reporting. An action …

Benefits Of Prayer On Depression In Elderly Adults, Jared Errol Leet

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression in the elderly population is a growing concern in the United States. A decrease in depression in the elderly could lead to greater quality of life and reduced cost of healthcare services. The Sense of Coherence Theory was utilized as the theoretical foundation for this study. The purpose of this study was to use archival data to analyze differences in depression scores by groups based on prayer (yes/no) and over time (wave 1/wave 2 of data collection) when controlling for amount of time spent in prayer by category, gender, and ethnicity. The data were retrieved from the National Archive …

Managerial Strategies Small Businesses Use To Prevent Cybercrime, Doreen Lynn Maahs

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Estimated worldwide losses due to cybercrime are approximately $375-575 billion annually, affecting governments, business organizations, economies, and society. With globalization on the rise, even small businesses conduct transactions worldwide through the use of information technology (IT), leaving these small businesses vulnerable to the intrusion of their networks. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the managerial strategies of small manufacturing business owners to protect their financial assets, data, and intellectual property from cybercrime. The conceptual framework was systems thinking and action theory. Participants included 4 small manufacturing business owners in the midwestern region of the United States. …

Affordable Care Act And Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Among Adolescent Females, Eunice Odaku Nnakwe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most frequent cause of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and cancers for U.S. adults. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, eliminated copay expenses for childhood immunizations and expanded access to health care. The purpose of this secondary data analysis study was to determine if there was an association between ACA and the usage of HPV vaccine among adolescent females in Georgia. Data concerning HPV vaccinations from 2011 to 2015 were obtained from the National Immunization Survey-Teen dataset. Andersen's BM of health care use was applied to ascertain the factors that enhanced the …

Substance Abuse And Mental Illness Among Youth In The United States, Emmanuel Xavier Okoro

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite the trends showing a reduction in the use and abuse of drugs among American adolescents, the prevalence rates remain high. There is also comorbidity of mental illnesses among the adolescents using drugs. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and nature of the association between the use and abuse of marijuana and alcohol and mental illnesses among the American adolescent population. The noted comorbidities and the hypothesized association between the substance abuse and mental illnesses were explained using the expectancy theory. Using a quantitative research methodology, secondary data from the National Survey on Drug Use and …

Dispositional Optimism Effects On Stress And Police Task Performance, Roland Art Perez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The study of stress on police task performance is important as this relationship can positively or negatively impact encounters with the public. This study focused on protective factors of positive psychology within the measured construct of dispositional optimism as a possible mediator of stress effects on physical task performance. The cognitive processing models used were the performance efficiency theory and attentional control theory as they apply in perceptual motor skill. Using a mediation model, the research question asked whether dispositional optimism mediated the relationship between stress and a pistol performance accuracy task. This study used a limited data set collected …

Middle School Teachers' Use And Perceptions Of Digital Game-Based Learning, Spencer Vogt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Studies have shown that digital media and digital games can enhance students' learning experience. However, few teachers appear to use digital game-based learning (DGBL) regularly. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how middle school teachers use DGBL in the classroom and the factors that positively and negatively influenced their choices to use DGBL. Rogers's diffusion of innovations theory framed the study. Research questions examined how middle school teachers use DGBL in the classroom, what they view as positively and negatively influencing decisions to integrate DGBL, and differences based upon the point in their teaching career when they …

Student Perceptions Of Environmental Quality While Attending Accelerated Medical Technology College Courses, Ralph L. Westbrook

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Regional weather patterns in the southwestern United States frequently test the engineering involved in indoor air handling equipment in college facilities. Although an adequate indoor thermal environment has been found to affect student learning, little is known about students' perceptions of classroom heating and ventilation and impacts on learning. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how students in accelerated medical technology courses perceived the environmental quality in their classrooms and discern whether these conditions affected overall gains in knowledge, persistence, and retention in their learning. Fourteen participants from 2 local community colleges were interviewed using purposeful sampling. …

The Role Of Parents In Literacy Development During Kindergarten, Jason Eugene Harris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Parental involvement contributes to the improvement of student achievement. Although children entered kindergarten with varying levels of literacy development, parents might perceive kindergarten literacy instruction as a panacea for any lacking skills, therefore lessening their involvement in their children's literacy development. Thus, there was a need to understand parents' perceptions of the importance of (a) their involvement in the education of their children, (b) their role in their children's literacy development during kindergarten, and (c) their role in their children's early literacy development as influencing their children's overall literacy development. Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model of human development served as a guide …

An Autoethnographic Examination Of Personal And Organizational Transformation In The U.S. Military, Marjon K. John

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Large-scale transformational change, such as the integration and acceptance of gays in the U.S. military, necessitates a long-term effort by management to mitigate unanticipated consequences. Suboptimal implementation may not account for damaging consequences among individuals expected to live the change. The purpose of this autoethnographic study was to examine the individual experiences of a closeted gay personnel member living through a transformational change in identity, which paralleled an organizational change in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The conceptual framework included elements of general systems theory, Kotter's theory of change management, Ostroff's change management for government, and Maslow's self-actualization theory. …

A Nurse Driven Protocol To Improve The Management Of Complicated Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome In Hospitalized Patients, Robyn Barriffe

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A nurse driven alcohol withdrawal protocol implemented at a community hospital aimed to improve early recognition and treatment of patients at risk for complicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Patients affected with alcohol used disorder (AUD) have an abrupt cessation in alcohol consumption when hospitalized and are at risk for the life-threatening symptoms of complicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome. A quality improvement project incorporating the evidenced based tool, the Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Severity (PAWSS), into a nurse driven alcohol withdrawal protocol demonstrated improvement in early identification (p = 0.015) and treatment (p = 0.011) of patients at risk for complicated alcohol …

The Innocence Movement And Misdemeanors, Jenny M. Roberts

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

In recent years, the Innocent Movement has begun to focus its attention on wrongful misdemeanor convictions as a systemic problem. This Article analyzes eighty-five documented misdemeanor exonerations and concludes that innocence has been demonstrated primarily in two ways: laboratory tests of alleged unlawful drugs that reveal “no controlled substance” despite the individual having pled guilty to misdemeanor drug possession; and police body camera or citizen videos that surface after a misdemeanor conviction to contradict the factual basis for that conviction. Strategic use of these relatively definitive methods of revealing wrongful misdemeanor convictions can call attention to the flaws in misdemeanor …

Quitting Together: Formative Research To Develop A Social Marketing Plan For Smoking Cessation Among Women In A Residential Treatment Facility For Substance Abuse Recovery, August D. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Both smoking addiction and illicit substance abuse are prevalent issues in the United States today. Furthermore, these are issues that have significant impact on women’s health and mental state. Despite research that shows that smoking cessation coupled with substance abuse recovery can decrease likelihood of relapse post-recovery, few substance abuse recovery facilities today offer smoking cessation programming options. To address the issue of smoking addiction on top of substance abuse recovery, formative research was conducted through this study to determine the underlying causes of smoking habits coupled with recovery efforts and the attitudes. Through focus group sessions with women in …

Keeping It All Together: The Challenge Of Complexity, Reputation, And Supply Chain Crises, Kathleen L. Ambrose

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Supply chains are developed to reduce business expenses and increase efficiency. However, a disruption in the supply chain, or a failure in one of the links, can expose organizations to crises that can severely impact short-term bottom line and long-term corporate reputation. This study examines the communication challenges inherent in supply chain crises using Samsung’s 2016 Galaxy Note 7 phone crisis as a case study. Results of this study show, in a supply chain crisis, stakeholders hold the organization responsible, regardless of where in the supply chain the break occurred. This study also examines the impact of complexity inherent to …

Acculturative Stress And Identity Negotiation: A Dyadic Experience, Ana X. De La Serna

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Institutions of higher education in the United States have long been attractors for international students from all over the world. The number of international students had been constantly growing until the past couple of years. This is a concerning issue because international students play several important roles in higher education institutions. International students bring different points of view that enhance other students’ learning and institutions gain financial benefits from the presence of international students. Thus, it is important to understand how to improve the experience of international students. For the present study I used a phenomenological approach to explore the …

Instructor Caring: Using Self-Determination Theory To Understand Perceptions, Measurement, And Impact Of Instructor Caring On Motivation And Learning In Online Contexts, Amanda J. Lawrence

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

At least one third of college students enrolled in a given year take at least one course that is 80%+ online delivery (Allen & Seaman, 2015). This number has increased from 10% of students just within the last decade. Given this increase, the need for instructional communication research in this context has also grown.

One construct that has had little attention in online settings is that of perceived instructor caring. Caring instructors are perceived as concerned, sensitive, not self-centered, and having students’ best interests at heart (McCroskey & Teven, 1999). Caring has the potential to impact various aspects of student …

Novel Anti-Obesity Effects Of Beer Hops Compound Xanthohumol: Role Of Ampk Signaling Pathway, Janaiya S Samuels, Rangaiah Shashidharamurthy, Srujana Rayalam

PCOM Scholarly Works

Background: Obesity alters adipose tissue metabolic and endocrine functioning, leading to an increased adiposity and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Various phytochemicals have been reported to contribute to the beiging of white adipose tissue in order to ameliorate obesity by increasing thermogenesis. Here, we show that the prenylated chalcone, xanthohumol (XN), induces beiging of white adipocytes, stimulates lipolysis, and inhibits adipogenesis of murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes and primary human subcutaneous preadipocytes and these effects are partly mediated by the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway.

Methods: 3T3-L1 adipocytes and primary human subcutaneous preadipocytes were differentiated using a standard protocol …

Chlamydia Pneumoniae: An Etiologic Agent For Late-Onset Dementia, Brian J. Balin Phd, Christine Hammond, Christopher S. Little, Susan Hingley, Zein Al-Atrache, Denah Appelt, Judith A Whittum-Hudson, Alan P Hudson

PCOM Scholarly Works

The disease known as late-onset Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition recognized as the single most common form of senile dementia. The condition is sporadic and has been attributed to neuronal damage and loss, both of which have been linked to the accumulation of protein deposits in the brain. Significant progress has been made over the past two decades regarding our overall understanding of the apparently pathogenic entities that arise in the affected brain, both for early-onset disease, which constitutes approximately 5% of all cases, as well as late-onset disease, which constitutes the remainder of cases. Observable neuropathology includes: neurofibrillary …

Who Gets What, When, How? Power, Organization, Markets, Money And The Allocation Of Resources, Martin Shubik

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Money is a mystery and financial institutions are often regarded as guardians and promoters of the mystery. These sketches are designed to help an individual interested in, but not technically trained in economics, understand markets, money, credit and the evolution of a mass market system embedded in the rich context of its political environment and society. The efficient functioning of a dynamic economy requires the presence of money and financial institutions. The great variety of financial institutions in any advanced economy requires that a synthetic approach is used to understand what the whole looks like. Verbal description provides an overarching …

Predictors Of Pm 2.5 And Radon Concentrations In Residences Of Central Kentucky: A Cross Sectional Study, Kyle T. Hancock

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Aim: To measure levels of respirable particles (PM 2.5) and radon in homes in Central Kentucky and assess modifiable risk factors that could reduce the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

Methods: PM 2.5 and radon samples were taken in homes (n=21) in Central Kentucky. An in- home checklist was completed for each home that assessed a variety of potential environmental respiratory exposures.

Results: The geometric mean of PM 2.5 for all 21 homes was 8.4 μg/m³ which was well below the EPA air quality standard of 35 μg/m³. Smoking status, burning candles, and general …

The "Family" - And "Families" In Law: A Review Of Archana Parashar And Francesca Dominello, The Family In Law, Mary Jane Mossman

Articles & Book Chapters

"Once upon a time, things were easy for family lawyers. Their object of study was clearly marked out (marriage, divorce, and their consequences), while theoretical debate about the subject was rare or non-existent Although it is difficult to locate this Garden of Eden in real time, most family lawyers would share the perception that things have become more complex of late [And] allied to this, there has been an explosion of theoretical interest in law and the family."

Two decades after this assessment by John Dewar, The Family in Law offers a significant and sophisticated appraisal of the law's engagement …

Blowing It: Why Is Wyoming Failing To Develop Wind Projects?, Ben N. Reiter

Wyoming Law Review

No abstract provided.

Genetic Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease: Three Wishes Now That The Genie Is Out Of The Bottle, Lori Frank, Ashford J. Wesson, Peter J. Bayley, Soo Borson, Herman Buschke, Donna Cohen

Child and Family Studies Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Representation Of Industry In Introductory Biology Textbooks: A Missed Opportunity To Advance Stem Learning, Sharotka M. Simon, Helen Meldrum, Eric Ndung'u, Fred D. Ledley

Natural & Applied Sciences Faculty Publications

The majority of students who enroll in undergraduate biology courses will eventually be employed in non-STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) business occupations. This work explores how representations of industry in undergraduate biology textbooks could impact STEM learning for these students and their ability to apply this learning in their chosen work. We used text analysis to identify passages with references to industry in 29 textbooks. Each passage was categorized for relevance to health or environment, for implied positive or negative connotations, and for descriptions of synergy or conflict between science and industry. We found few passages describing applications of …

Presidential Campaign Talk: Question-Answering In ‘Neutral Informational Interviews’, Angela Cora Garcia

Natural & Applied Sciences Faculty Publications

This article is a dual-case analysis of presidential campaign interviews conducted with former President George HW Bush when he was campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination in 1980, and former President William J. Clinton when he was campaigning for the presidency in 1991. Both interviews were conducted at high schools in New Hampshire and are publicly available on the C-SPAN website. The purpose of this analysis is to investigate how the success or failure of political campaigns may be tied to candidates’ interactional competence and pragmatic skills. This will be done through an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of …

Educate-Connect-Elevate, 2018-2023: Illinois State--The Strategic Plan For Illinois' First Public University, 2018-2023, Illinois State University

Educating Illinois (2000-2018)

Strategic plan of Illinois State University

Personalizing Radiation Treatment Delivery In The Management Of Breast Cancer, Kamran A. Ahmed, G. Daniel Grass, Amber G. Orman, Casey Liveringhouse, Michael E. Montejo, Hatem H. Soliman, Heather S. Han, Brian J. Czerniecki, Javier F. Torres-Roca, Roberto Diaz

Oncologic Sciences Faculty Publications

Long-term data establishes the efficacy of radiotherapy in the adjuvant management of breast cancer. New dose and fractionation schemas have evolved and are available, each with unique risks and rewards. Current efforts are ongoing to tailor radiotherapy to the unique biology of breast cancer. In this review, we discuss our efforts to personalize radiotherapy dosing using genomic data and the implications for future clinical trials. We also explore immune mechanisms that may contribute to a tumor’s unique radiation sensitivity or resistance.

Hearing Treatment For Reducing Cognitive Decline: Design And Methods Of The Aging And Cognitive Health Evaluation In Elders Randomized Controlled Trial, Jennifer A. Deal, Adele M. Goman, Marilyn S. Albert, Michelle L. Arnold, Sheila Burgard, Theresa Chisolm, David Couper, Nancy W. Glynn, Theresa Gmelin, Kathleen M. Hayden, Thomas Mosley, James S. Pankow, Nicholas Reed, Victoria Sanchez, A. Richey Sharrett, Sonia D. Thomas, Josef Coresh, Frank R. Lin

Communication Sciences and Disorders Sarasota Manatee Campus Faculty Publications

Introduction: Hearing impairment is highly prevalent and independently associated with cognitive decline. The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders study is a multicenter randomized controlled trial to determine efficacy of hearing treatment in reducing cognitive decline in older adults. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03243422.

Methods: Eight hundred fifty participants without dementia aged 70 to 84 years with mild-to-moderate hearing impairment recruited from four United States field sites and randomized 1:1 to a best-practices hearing intervention or health education control. Primary study outcome is 3-year change in global cognitive function. Secondary outcomes include domain-specific cognitive decline, incident dementia, brain structural changes …

Machine Learning Based Classification Of Deep Brain Stimulation Outcomes In A Rat Model Of Binge Eating Using Ventral Striatal Oscillations, Wilder Doucette, Lucas Dwiel, Jared E. Boyce, Amanda A. Simon, Jibran Y. Khokhar, Alan I. Green

Dartmouth Scholarship

Neuromodulation-based interventions continue to be evaluated across an array of appetitive disorders but broader implementation of these approaches remains limited due to variable treatment outcomes. We hypothesize that individual variation in treatment outcomes may be linked to differences in the networks underlying these disorders. Here, Sprague-Dawley rats received deep brain stimulation separately within each nucleus accumbens (NAc) sub-region (core and shell) using a within-animal crossover design in a rat model of binge eating. Significant reductions in binge size were observed with stimulation of either target but with significant variation in effectiveness across individuals. When features of local field potentials (LFPs) …