Digital Commons Network^™

Best Management Practices For The Conservation Of Western Pond Turtle Populations In California, Cristina Yarnal

Master's Projects and Capstones

This project provides insight into western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) population health at sites in three states on the western part of the United States. Washington, Oregon and California have identified the western pond turtle as endangered, a critical and a species of special concern in that respective order. Washington has implemented a recovery plan for western pond turtles and Oregon has established best management practices for the conservation of native turtles. California has yet to establish any guidelines for the conservation of western pond turtles. This species is endemic to the western United States and has been …

The Grey-Box Based Modeling Approach Research Integrating Fusion Mechanism And Data, Bin Chen, Xiaodong Wang, Rongxiao Wang, Xiaogang Qiu, Zhengqiu Zhu, Ma Liang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: With the deep understanding of world, modeling and simulation have been used to solve the problems of complex systems. The simulation models are used to model the engineering systems which follow newton laws. The modeling approach is called white-box modeling, while the black-box modeling is used to model the systems of which the internal structure and characteristics are not clear. The black-box modeling is based on statistics and data modeling. This paper discusses the deficiencies of the white-box and black-box modeling approaches first. The Grey-box based modeling approach integrating both fusion mechanism and data model is proposed. In …

Research On Extraction Method Of Time-Frequency Feature Of Fall Detection, Tianrun Wang, Su Zhong, Liu Ning, Li Chao, Guodong Fu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Aiming at the problem of features extract method for fall detection, the method using time-frequency analyze and features extraction by Fractional Fourier Transform (FRFT) has been proposed. The inertial data is measured by 15 IMU wearing on body, the features extracted after FRFT with multiple order are analyzed and compared. The difference of feature distribution of eight fall actions has been compared, and the difference of feature distribution between fall action and 4 normal actions has been compared. The feasibility of using FRFT in fall detection is proved.

The Rockaway Project - Townes, Diara Jepris D. Townes

Capstones

The Rockaway Project is a story-driven website that provides information on the government response to Superstorm Sandy recovery on the Rockaway peninsula in Queens, New York. Dozens of climate resiliency projects have been delayed or remain unfinished, despite millions of dollars in funding and six years of promises. The website hosts audio, visual and digital content, gathered through interviews and data collection.

Link to capstone project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAq2BeR4bS0&t=1s

Using Engagement Journalism To Serve The Needs Of Caregivers Of People With Autism, Ariam Alula

Capstones

I’m Ariam. I worked with a diverse group of families who are intimately impacted by the autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities through caring for a loved one with the diagnosis. During the program, I used my journalism education, advocacy work, and interpersonal skills to support the emotional and informational needs of the community. The majority of the caretakers I engaged over the duration of the program reside in the Bronx, my home borough. I chose to focus on the lived experiences of people in this community because they represent my own. I have an older brother on the spectrum …

Disability Artistry Is Not Outsider Art, Hiram A. Durán

Capstones

"Disability Artistry is Not Outsider Art" explores the obstacles artists with disabilities face in trying to go mainstream.

https://hiram-alejandro-duran.format.com/capstone

Heart Failure Readmission And The Physical Activity Vital Sign (Pavs): Is There A Relationship?, Jacob Aaron Barlow

Theses and Dissertations

Background - Heart failure costs Americans billions of dollars a year and takes a toll on the patients afflicted by the disease. Recent changes in how healthcare systems and providers are reimbursed have motivated them to find new ways to prevent heart failure readmission. There is no cure for heart failure so healthcare providers try to help patients manage their symptoms. Physical activity is one of the interventions healthcare providers recommend for their patients in the management of heart failure. The Physical Activity Vital Sign is a tool that can be quickly administer and has significant validity. Objective - The …

Multiple Mitochondrial Thioesterases Have Distinct Tissue And Substrate Specificity And Coa Regulation, Suggesting Unique Functional Roles., Carmen Bekeova, Lauren Anderson-Pullinger, Kevin Boye, Felix Boos, Yana Sharpadskaya, Johannes M Herrmann, Erin L. Seifert

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Acyl-CoA thioesterases (Acots) hydrolyze fatty acyl-CoA esters. Acots in the mitochondrial matrix are poised to mitigate β-oxidation overload and maintain CoA availability. Several Acots associate with mitochondria, but whether they all localize to the matrix, are redundant, or have different roles is unresolved. Here, we compared the suborganellar localization, activity, expression, and regulation among mitochondrial Acots (Acot2, -7, -9, and -13) in mitochondria from multiple mouse tissues and from a model of Acot2 depletion. Acot7, -9, and -13 localized to the matrix, joining Acot2 that was previously shown to localize there. Mitochondria from heart, skeletal muscle, brown adipose tissue, and …

Perspectives Of Students Of National Open University Of Nigeria (Noun) Towards Cbt And Pen On Paper Examination In Three Selected Centres In Nigeria., Isau Adewole Adegun Mr, John Olugbenga Akinola Mr, Samuel Olusegun Adepoju Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This research paper investigates the perspectives of students’ of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) towards computer and pen-on-paper examination. Questionnaires were used to generate data. The data collected targeted students of three selected Study Centre .300 questionnaires which consist of 200-400 level of students of the three selected study Centre were administered .Response rate of 240 out of 300 representing 80% of the total questionnaires obtained for data analysis. The result showed that a significant percentage of the respondents were either doing good or fairly good academically. The students’ performances measured in each question type. When comparing students’ familiarity …

Optimizing The Implementation And Dissemination Of The Recovery Model Approach, Lani Schofield

Master's Projects and Capstones

For a period of nine months spanning 2018 and 2019, monthly patient satisfaction survey scores in a 22-bed sub-acute inpatient psychiatry unit at a safety-net hospital in California decreased significantly, which revealed that patients felt they were not receiving satisfactory care and which warranted calls for innovative approaches to improve care delivery. The patient experience of care affects recovery and length of stay. Because prolonged hospital stays result in increased costs and increased use of healthcare resources in hospital units, including sub-acute psychiatric microsystems, it benefits hospitals to improve the quality of patient care. In an effort to improve quality …

A Formal Hcahps Teaching Program Targeting Communication Improves Hcahps Scores, Bobbie Davis

Master's Projects and Capstones

The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey given to patients after discharge from an inpatient unit is a validate tool used to determine the level of patient experience. Organizations across the country, including the Northern California Academic Medical Center, have implemented many initiatives aimed at improving these scores. HCAHPS scores for the hematology/oncology unit at this medical center remain low even after previous education efforts. The aim of this quality improvement project was to improve the patient experience, as evidenced by HCAHPS scores, with the implementation of an HCAHPS teaching program for nursing staff, focusing on …

Offering Medical Providers Capacity And Competence In Caring For Transgender And Non-Binary Patients: Evaluation Of A Pilot Digital Training Program, Lexis Manzara

Master's Projects and Capstones

Purpose: Stigma and discrimination in health care settings contribute to health disparities for transgender and non-binary (TGNB) people. Evidence suggests that a lack of training on the care for transgender and non-binary TGNB patients in medical school curricula has contributed to providers feeling unprepared to provide quality care for this population. Health care providers have the opportunity to play a key role in the reduction of health disparities for TGNB patients.

Methods: Twenty-five health care providers completed the eight-module digital training program. Pre- and post-tests assessed provider knowledge, self-efficacy, preparedness, and behavior. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to compare pre-and …

Preparing Healthcare Staff For Cardiac Arrest Codes In The Outpatient Clinical Setting: Code Drill Training Improves Patient Outcomes, Rowan Edwards, Rn

Master's Projects and Capstones

Preparing Healthcare Staff for Cardiac Arrest Codes in the Outpatient Clinical Setting: Code Drill Training Improves Patient Outcomes

The acuity of care provided in outpatient clinical settings across the United States continues to rise. It is estimated that more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital each year (AHA, 2019). For the purpose of this clinical nurse leader (CNL)-lead quality improvement project, the relevant focus is directed towards improving the knowledge, physical skills and perceptions of healthcare staff within an urgent care center (UCC) regarding the application of advanced rescue skills. It is important to note that the …

Assessment Of Trauma-Informed Care In Sonoma County Through Aces Connection, Rosco Gordon

Master's Projects and Capstones

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events that include abuse and neglect. These events also include household dysfunctions such as domestic violence and substance abuse disorders within a household. Other events that fall under ACEs include sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, parental separation, intimate partner violence, etc. (SAMSHA, n.d.). Multiple studies have shown that adverse experiences that result in trauma are linked to poor long-term health outcomes. Trauma-informed care practices are essential to aiding victims in building resilience to trauma. The Road to Resilience (n.d.) defines resilience as the ability to adapt or cope with trauma, adversity, …

Art-Based Health Education For Homeless And Marginally Housed Women In San Francisco, Trineca R-N Godfrey

Master's Projects and Capstones

San Francisco currently has the highest rate of unsheltered homeless persons in the United States. Between limited resources and stigma many women included in this most vulnerable population are left with little to no support. Cis women as well as trans and non- binary people are at high risk for negative mental health outcomes due to violence (physical and psychological), stigma, lack of social support, societal marginalization, and the lack of healthcare. Lyon-Martin Health Services and the Women’s Community Clinic, in San Francisco’s Mission Neighborhood, caters to this community through its Outreach Department. Following a staff and outreach client needs …

Transitions Of Care: Raising Awareness And Improving Identification Of The Social Determinants Of Health, Stephanie Le

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Hospital readmission rates have steadily climbed in the United States and the cost of unplanned readmissions can be detrimental. It has been identified that greater discharge preparation and quality care coordination greatly impacts the patient’s plan of care and reduces the risk of unplanned 30-day readmissions. Transition programs help reduce the psychosocial barriers that prevent patients from being able to self-manage their conditions outside the acute setting and help patients effectively navigate the through the continuum of care.

Context: Research has shown that when the social determinants of health (SDOH) barriers are identified appropriately and early-on, this can decrease …

Improving Discharge Medication Education On A Sepsis Unit: A Quality Improvement Project, Maria Noguez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Ineffective discharge education plays a role in increased readmission rates, adverse drug events, and worsened patient outcomes post-hospitalization. When combined, the resulting financial burden on America’s healthcare system is exorbitant, as is the physical and mental toll on unsuspecting patients. To close the current gaps in discharge teaching, this project is incorporating the teach-back method and utilizing updated medication handouts.

Starting on the sepsis unit of a large, local medical center – the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) interns employed assessment tools to identify areas for improvement. The data revealed rushed, incomprehensive discharge medication education and reflected in low HCAHPS scores …

"Rise And Shine" Early Ambulation In Surgical Patients, Bhapinder Thiara

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

An assessment done in a hospital unit established low rates of early ambulation for patients in postoperative care. At the same time, early ambulation after surgery has been shown to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Some of the factors for the low rates of early ambulation include inadequate nurse staffing, poor teamwork, and the inability to utilize technology effectively. Consequently, a project was designed to empower nursing staff, promote interprofessional collaboration, and obtain technologies for ambulation. It is expected that the project will improve rates of early ambulation and lower hospital length of stay.

Use Of A Prevention Bundle To Reduce Colon Surgical Site Infections, Stephanie Kimberly Leong

Master's Projects and Capstones

Site Infections (SSIs) are the second highest amongst healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). SSI rates are disproportionally higher among colon surgeries, resulting in significant complications with adverse clinical and economic impacts (Keenan et al., 2014). The overall upward trend in SSI rates, including the increase colon SSI rates in 2018 called for immediate action in a 120-bed community medical center. A multidisciplinary team was assembled to implement an improvement initiative using evidence-based guidelines. An evidence-based care bundle was designed and implemented to prevent and reduce colon SSI rates. There are seven process measures: the use of chlorhexidine wipes preoperatively, hair clipping outside …

Characterization Of Fatty Acid Composition Of Bull Sperm With Varied Cryotolerance, Holly Evans

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this study were to determine fatty acid composition and acrosome status from bull sperm with different freezabilities (n = 12). We hypothesized that lipid fractions had differentiated fatty acid compositions and such differences influence sperm freezability and the sperm acrosome. Fatty acids were extracted from fresh frozen sperm and fractionated by solid-phase extraction. Thirtyour fatty acids were quantified. Saturated fatty acids were predominant, accounting for 71 to 80% of fatty acids in both fractions. Differences in composition between fractions existed (P < 0.001). Branched chain fatty acid concentrations (15 to 18 µg) were almost twice that of polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations found in the polar fractions (8 to 9 µg; P < 0.001). Sperm with differentiated freezabilities had few differences in 22:0, 18:1 cis 9, and 14:0 13-methyl fatty acids (P ≤ 0.011). Analyses of acrosome status of sperm revealed that acrosomes were affected differently among bulls.

Effects Of The In Ovo Injection Of Vitamin D3 Sources On The Hatchability, Performance, Breast Meat Yield, Small Intestine Morphology, And Immunity Of Ross 708 Broilers Subjected To Dietary Insufficiency And Pathogenic Agents, Seyed Abolghasem Fatemi

Theses and Dissertations

Effects of varying dosages (0.6 to 4.8 μg/egg) of vitamin D3 (D3) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3), administrated by in ovo (amniotic) injection, on various embryonic and post-hatch physiological variables in Ross 708 broilers were investigated. The in ovo injection of 1.2 to 4.8 μg of both D3 and 25OHD3 increased serum 25OHD3 concentrations in broiler embryos in comparison to non-injected and diluent-injected control groups. Furthermore, the effects of 2.4 μg of D3 and 25OHD3 alone and in combination on the performance, meat yield and quality, small intestine morphology, and immunity of the broilers fed a diet restricted in calcium and phosphorous …

Development And Evaluation Of An Automated System To Deliver A Live-Attenuated Edwardsiella Ictaluri Vaccine In Commercial Catfish Production Systems, John Wesley Lowe

Theses and Dissertations

Catfish aquaculture is the largest cultured food fish industry in the United States, accounting for approximately $375 million in sales annually, with Mississippi leading the industry with 36,200 surface acres of production. However, infectious diseases such as enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) are decreasing production efficiencies, creating losses of $40-60 million annually. Live-attenuated oral ESC vaccines are effective in preventing ESC infections, but have not been widely adopted by the catfish industry due to the lack of a system to administer the oral vaccine at the scale seen in commercial catfish production systems. An automated system was developed to administer …

Development Of Quality Crappie Fishing Opportunities In Mississippi State Lakes, Bryant Haley

Theses and Dissertations

Mississippi is home to many small impoundments, providing anglers with local fishing opportunities. Crappie (Pomoxis spp.) fisheries are highly prized in the state, and managers struggle to meet angler expectations in these smaller systems. From 2015 to 2017, white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) and magnolia crappie (male black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus x female white crappie Pomoxis annularis), marked with oxytetracycline and alizarin red s, were stocked into five small Mississippi impoundments to evaluate stocking efficacy and long-term mark retention. Overall stocking contribution to established populations was 0.59% with only one marked fish recovered. An additional 12 lakes ranging in size from …

Don't Fear The Nobodies: A Critical Youth Study Of The Columbiner Instagram Community, Brianna L. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

This research sheds light on how one particular group of young people, Columbiners, use social media to build and maintain a sense of community. Through a content analysis of 200 Instagram posts containing a school shooting fandom hashtag, or #Columbiner, and drawing on both Critical Youth Studies and Sense of Community Theory, this research demonstrates how Columbiners use their hashtag to create a sense of community on Instagram, to explore what it means to be young and cool, and to make sense of the problems that shape their social world, including school shootings. Exploring how this particular group of young …

Effect Of Frontal Passage On 24-Hour Thermal Variability Of Urban Heat Islands, Mary-Stewart Wachter

Theses and Dissertations

Building materials, lack of vegetation and absence of open spaces in urban areas cause surfaces such as asphalt to become warmer than nearby vegetated surfaces that surround the city, creating the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Little investigation has been done regarding temperature changes across these surfaces before and after frontal passages. This study analyzes the 24-hour temperature difference as a result of a cold front passage by examining the transitional seasons (Spring and Fall) for Dallas, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and Kansas City, Missouri. This research focused on investigating the pattern of moist and dry tropical air masses preceding a …

Effect Of Pro- And Prebiotics On The Apparent Digestibility Of Nutrients And Identification Of Fecal Bacterial Isolatew In The Sedentary And Exercising Horse, Courtney Heaton

Theses and Dissertations

The primary objectives of the following experiments were to: 1) determine the impact of a directed microbial (DFM) blend on digestibility and microbial populations on horses fed low (LQ) and high (HQ) quality hay, 2) evaluate the differences in diet digestibility, microbial populations, and blood metabolites due to DFM supplementation to the exercising horse, 3) assess the impact of short-chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS) supplementation on digestibility and the fecal microbial ecosystem in senior (SR) vs. mature (MA) horses, and 4) determine the relationship between insulin dysregulation (ID) and morphometric neck measurements (MNM) in the non-obese stock-type horse. Results indicated that: 1) …

Knowledge And Attitudes About Sudden Death In Epilepsy Among People Living With Epilepsy And Their Healthcare Providers In Mulago Hospital, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study, Carol Bixen, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess level of knowledge and attitudes of SUDEP among people living with epilepsy (PLWE) and healthcare workers providing epilepsy care in Uganda. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 48 PLWE and 19 epilepsy care providers used a tailored questionnaire to evaluate epilepsy and SUDEP knowledge, frequency of SUDEP discussion, reasons for not discussing SUDEP, timing of SUDEP discussions, and perceived patient reactions to being provided information on SUDEP. Results: Median PLWE sample age was 25 (IQR; 19-34) years, 10 (20.8%) were male, median age of onset of epilepsy 12 (IQR; 6-18) years. Half …

An Outdoor Professional Development Model In The Era Of The Next Generation Science Standards, Shana Lee

Theses and Dissertations

Experiential, outdoor education supports improvement in students’ problem-solving skills; collaboration and communication skills; and enjoyment in learning in the outdoors. Outdoor instruction is becoming increasingly underutilized. A residential environmental education center, located in Tennessee has conducted professional development programs in effort to increase teacher implementation of instruction in outdoor spaces. This institute revealed concern for low implementation rates to past professional development opportunities. Their newly designed, long-term professional development explored teacher’s perceived challenges and needs, then combined effective experiential pedagogy in outdoor spaces with pre-established communities of support from the participating schools in effort to contribute to experiential, outdoor instruction …

Evaluation Of Health, Production Parameters, Time To First Detected Estrus, And Behavior In Dairy Cows Treated With Pegbovigrastim, Mauricio Xavier Da Silva Oliveira

Theses and Dissertations

Pegbovigrastim injection (IMR) represents a new approach in overcoming mastitis. The objective of this study was to evaluate production parameters, overall health, time to first detected heat, and behavior of cows treated with IMR or a saline control. Study cows (n = 270) were blocked by parity group (multiparous or primiparous) and randomly assigned to control (CON, n = 144) or treatment (IMR, n = 126). Milk yield, fat, protein, lactose, solids nonfat percent, somatic cell count, and body condition, hygiene, and lameness were evaluated weekly. Animals were evaluated for metritis twice weekly via evaluation of rectal temperature, per rectum …

Intersecting Identities And Social Support Impacting Suicidal Ideation And Attempts Among Gender Minority Adults, Ashley R. Pate

Theses and Dissertations

Suicidality rates are far higher among gender minority individuals than in the general population. This study sought to determine if intersecting identities and social support play a role in these rates. There were no differences in suicidality among gender minorities with an intersecting sexual minority identity. For intersecting racial/ethnic identities, it was found that White individuals were more likely to report past suicidal ideation than racial/ethnic minority individuals. Family support was independently associated with less suicidal ideation, whereas gender minority friend support was independently associated with an increase in suicidal ideation.