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Near-Infrared High Efficiency Organic Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (Dscs) And Biological Fluorescent Imaging Dyes, Yanbing Zhang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the energy consumption increase every year, the non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels, natural gas, and coal will not sustain forever. In this case, searching for a way to develop a renewable energy source is an emergency. For decades, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) have received intensive attention due to their high power conversion efficiency and low material cost. This dissertation describes efforts to design and synthesize near-infrared organic dyes to apply to two systems: first, for use in the improvement of DSCs by the optimization of electron rich components such as ullazine and cross-conjugated -bridges to increase photon-to-electricity …

Weight Teasing Among Obese Youth: Social Functioning Outcomes Following A Pediatric Weight Management Intervention, Joseph Mitchell Magness

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of excess weight and obesity among children and adolescents in the United States continues to increase. Aside from the different effects weight has on a person’s physical and psychological well-being, obese youth often experience poorer social functioning than normal weight peers. Weight teasing is among those highlighted social difficulties. Pediatric weight management program interventions have been shown to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across domains for obese youth. However, few studies have examined the impact of weight management interventions on social quality of life for those with a history of weight teasing. The present study aimed to …

Pegylated Nanostructured Lipid Carries For Amphotericin B Ocular Delivery, Prit Manish Lakhani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Chapter II focuses on formulation of an optimized and robust amphotericin B ocular formulation with prolonged precorneal residence and ocular tissue concentration at par or superior to the marketed preparations. Additionally, demonstrating stability of amphotericin B formulations in presence of preservative in comparison to marketed preparation, making it an ideal choice of formulation for multi-dosing. As mentioned earlier, we optimized PEGylated nanostructured lipid carriers (PEG-NLC-AmB) for ocular delivery of amphotericin B. The formulations could be autoclaved with at least one-month stability and in vivo ocular biodistribution was statistically insignificantly different compared to AmBisome®. To accomplish the aim, strategies such …

Effect Of Solvent Interaction & Soluble Microneedles On Skin Permeability To Drug Molecules, Abhijeet Maurya

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Skin forms a formidable barrier protecting the human body from external environmental rigors and excessive loss of water; maintaining equilibrium. The barrier properties of the skin can be attributed to its unique macromolecular organization and morphology. As a route for drug administration, skin presents a large surface area and can be used for both systemic and localized targeted drug delivery applications offering several advantages over conventional drug therapy; avoidance of first pass metabolism, patient compliance, sustained or controlled delivery for an extended period, to name a few. However, the organized structure of the skin, since intended to prevent entry of …

Two Way Street: An Applied Research Study On The Effects Of Increased Parent And Community Involvement Activities On Student Academic Growth In Mathematics At South Lee Middle School, Jason Clifton Arledge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was two-fold. The first overarching goal was to increase student academic growth on the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program mathematics assessment to at least 75%. This was attempted through implementation of grade-level Remind services and the Red Raider Family program. The second overarching goal was to create a cycle of continuous improvement through feedback from key stakeholders in the form of surveys, interviews, focus groups, document analysis, and descriptive statistics. South Lee Middle School evaluated each of these initiatives and utilized resources to adjust these programs for use in the 2018-2019 school year.

Explication Of Moral Disgust: Assessing Physiological And Behavioral Responses To Disgust Eliciting Videos, Sarah Michelle Scott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Results indicate a significant self-reported disgust response among core animal reminder and contamination domains whereas the moral domains elicited both anger and disgust. Physiologically no change was measured in skin conductance; heart rate decrease in response to animal reminder contamination community and autonomy video clips. Significant behavioral avoidance was demonstrated when presented with the core and animal reminder video clips. Further when measuring facial muscle activation the levator labii was significantly activated in response to the core video clip but no others. The current study highlights the difficulty in establishing characteristic responses to disgust stimuli especially within the moral domain. …

Effects Of Impoundments On The Community Assemblage And Gene Flow Of Stream Crayfishes, Zanethia Choice Barnett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dams and their impoundments block movement of stream organism and change stream physiochemical properties, which subsequently changes biological assemblages and creates barriers to gene flow. While changes in species assemblages and gene flow have been assessed for numerous impoundments and stream organisms, no study has assessed the effects of large impoundments on crayfish assemblages and population genetic diversity and connectivity. I examined the physiochemical, biological, and genetic effects of impoundments on crayfishes. Between May 2015 and August 2017, I sampled multiple sites up- and downstream of three impounded streams, and along the lengths of two unimpounded streams, in the Bear …

A 3d Bioprinter Platform For Mechanistic Analysis Of Tumoroids And Chimeric Mammary Organoids, John A. Reid, Xavier-Lewis Palmer, Peter A. Mollica, Nicole Northam, Patrick C. Sachs, Robert D. Bruno

School of Medical Diagnostics & Translational Sciences Publications

The normal mammary microenvironment can suppress tumorigenesis and redirect cancer cells to adopt a normal mammary epithelial cell fate in vivo. Understanding of this phenomenon offers great promise for novel treatment and detection strategies in cancer, but current model systems make mechanistic insights into the process difficult. We have recently described a low-cost bioprinting platform designed to be accessible for basic cell biology laboratories. Here we report the use of this system for the study of tumorigenesis and microenvironmental redirection of breast cancer cells. We show our bioprinter significantly increases tumoroid formation in 3D collagen gels and allows for precise …

The Faith And Morals Of Justice Antonin Scalia, David Forte

Law Faculty Articles and Essays

It is because of Justice Scalia's suspicion of philosophy and of history that he becomes an outspoken textualist. But why should text carry greater authority? Why should the written word, rather than evolving tradition, be of higher authority, particularly to a Roman Catholic? To understand Antonin Scalia's affirmation of the centrality of text, we must, as many already have, seek to find out how the man viewed his religion and how he practiced it.

Ruminations On Twenty-Five Years Of Animal Law, Joan E. Schaffner

Animal Law Review

In this Article, the author tracks the ‘progress’ of the animal law movement over the past twenty-five years, focusing on the perennial ambiguity in the property status of animals and the kinds of harm to animals the law is, and is not, willing to condone, and the power of the media to shed light on these harms. The author also explains how her own work, concentrating on the question of the ‘value’ of animals, has contributed to the field of animal law. In particular, she highlights her work on the problem of legal valuation of companion animals for damages claims, …

The Surprising Reach Of Fda Regulation Of Cannabis Even After Descheduling, Sean M. O'Connor, Erika Lietzan

American University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Senate Democracy: Our Lockean Paradox, Eric W. Orts

American University Law Review

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of The Rey Complex Figure And The Wechsler Scales, Amanda M. Brantley

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine the correlation among the Wechsler Intelligence Scales and the Rey Complex Figure Test, a measure of visual memory, in a clinical sample. The purpose was to determine the point at which a difference between cognitive ability scores (at the overall ability level or at the index level) and visual memory scores would be statistically meaningful. Participants in this study were selected from clinical client folders with completed variables of interest. The mean age of the 64 participants was 21 years (SD = 12.6). Statistically significant correlations were found among three of the four …

Selecting Success: Admitting Adn Students With The Highest Probability Of Success, Elizabeth Ann Beverly

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Declining numbers in healthcare workers are nearing critical levels. In the next few years, more than a million nursing positions are predicted to be needed, increasing the demand on institutions to produce quality and competent graduates in health-related fields. Hundreds of potential students apply for nursing programs each semester, and numerous qualified applicants are denied admission due to limited space, thus placing emphasis on the selective admissions process.

This study serves to validate current admissions criteria utilized by the nursing program at Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) to ensure students with the highest probability for success are admitted. Participants include …

Numerical Simulations For Optimal Control Of A Cancer Cell Model With Delay, Jessica S. Lugo

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Mathematical models are often created to analyze the complicated behavior of many physical systems. One such system is that of the interaction between cancer cells, the immune system, and various treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Using models that depict these relationships gives researchers insight on the dynamics of this complicated system and possibly ideas for improved treatment schedules.

The model presented here gives the relationship of cancer cells in development phases with immune cells and cycle-specific chemotherapy treatment. This model includes a constant delay term in the mitotic phase. Optimal control theory is used to minimize the cost …

Flexibility In The Brain And Muscles: Examining Psychological Flexibility, Athletic Identity, And Stigma Within Sport Culture, Brighton Claire Hollingsworth

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Interventions designed to increase psychological flexibility have been shown to reduce mental health stigma, and such interventions have shown to be effective in athletic populations. The current study assessed the relationship between athletic identity and mental health stigma while also observing the moderating effects of psychological flexibility within that relationship. An exploratory analysis was also conducted to observe the moderating effect of psychological flexibility on the relationship between athletic identity and barriers to care. Participants (N = 176) from online sport-themed communities completed measures to assess mental health stigma, barriers to care, athletic identity, current symptoms of distress, …

Linking Microbial Community Structure And Ecosystem Functions In Acidic Soil From Pennsylvania, Usa, Madison T. James, Sophia T. Farrisi, Shreya Shah, Vishal Shah

Sustainability Research & Creative Activities Grants Reports

Microorganisms play a critical role in the structure and functioning of soil ecosystems. Within acidic soil across the northeastern United States and Canada, we have little understanding of the microbial diversity present and its relationship to the biochemical cycles. The current study is aimed at understanding the taxonomical and functional diversities in the acidic soil obtained from near various types of trees, how the diversities change as a function of depth, and the linkage between taxonomical and functional diversities. From eight sampling locations, soil samples were collected from three horizons (depths). The three depths were 0-10 cm (A), 11-25 cm …

Best Teaching Practices For Engaging Adult Students' Foreign Language Learning, Aksana P. Mather

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Government initiatives for strengthening the safety of the United States led to increased requirements for military linguists' knowledge of foreign languages. This study explored the development of professional training for instructors at a military language school to address the gap in teaching services. The purpose of this single case study was to explore best teaching practices for engaging adult students' foreign language learning following andragogical principles. Knowles's theory of andragogy provided the conceptual framework. Data were collected using anonymous responses to an online survey from 26 instructors who answered 3 open-ended questions. Data were analyzed by coding answers to the …

Upward Bound Graduates Transition From High School To College, Lavasa Tiny'a Parks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Some first-generation and low-income students enrolled in an Upward Bound (UB) program in a university in the southeastern United States are not prepared to transition from high school to college; therefore, they may need additional guidance, support, resources, and tools to help them with the process. For this reason, precollege programs such as the UB program were designed to prepare first-generation, low-income students for transitioning from high school to college. The purpose of this bounded qualitative case study was to describe first-generation, low-income students' perspectives of the UB program. The conceptual framework for this case study was Tinto's student integration …

Perceptions Of Caregivers Following Diagnosis Of Primary Benign Brain Tumor, Lisa Ann Richards Homa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A brain tumor diagnosis is traumatic and has a devastating impact upon the caregiver and the family unit. The effects of the tumor growth and treatment often cause significant neurologic injury and dramatically affect the quality of life (QOL) for the patient and their entire family unit. Caregivers are constantly challenged to provide care, yet they feel untrained and underprepared as they struggle to adjust to new roles and responsibilities. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the lived experiences of caregivers of individuals with primary benign brain tumor (PBBT). An interpretive phenomenological analysis approach was …

Lived Experiences Of African American Females With Breast Cancer Treatment Access, Tamika Chantey Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Breast cancer (BC) is a significant condition that can result in devastating outcomes without treatment. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore barriers to health care disparities among young African American females. The findings of this study may help to address gaps in knowledge, obtain insights in treatments, and comprehend lived experiences with BC. The theoretical framework for this study was Bronfenbrenner's social ecological theory. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with 10 African American women ages 20 to 40. Data were then transcribed and coded. The findings of the study indicated that women required treatment plans, informative …

Social-Emotional Support As A Mediator Of Household Structure And Mental Distress In Women, Trisha Jeanine Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mental illness affects more women than men in the United States. Poor mental health in reproductive-age women has negative implications on population health. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine the relationship between household structure and frequency of mental distress, with consideration of the mediation social-emotional support provides for reproductive-age women. The social ecological model was the theoretical framework for this research, in which frequency of mental distress related to the individual-level of the human-environment interaction construct. Household structure and social-emotional support were examined at the relationship-level. Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression were used to conduct …

Exploring Strategies To Integrate Disparate Bioinformatics Datasets, Charbel Bader Fakhry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Distinct bioinformatics datasets make it challenging for bioinformatics specialists to locate the required datasets and unify their format for result extraction. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies to integrate distinct bioinformatics datasets. The technology acceptance model was used as the conceptual framework to understand the perceived usefulness and ease of use of integrating bioinformatics datasets. The population of this study included bioinformatics specialists of a research institution in Lebanon that has strategies to integrate distinct bioinformatics datasets. The data collection process included interviews with 6 bioinformatics specialists and reviewing 27 organizational documents relating to integrating …

Using A Pediatric Early Warning Score Algorithm For Activating A Rapid Response Team, Ruthann Kosick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The nursing culture of an inpatient pediatric unit was resistant to activating pediatric rapid response team (PRRT) alerts despite guidelines for activation. Nurses routinely assessed patients and assigned a pediatric early warning score (PEWS); however, the level of illness severity was not interpreted consistently among nurses and a PEWS action algorithm did not exist to guide nurses' minimal actions based on the PEWS score. Guided by 3 adult learning theories (Knowles, Kolb, and Bandura) and 1 evaluation model (Kirkpatrick), this staff education project sought to educate pediatric nurses on a PEWS action algorithm and determine whether this project improved nurses' …

Natural Environment Associations With Mental Health And Obesity Status, Adam Edwin London

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mental health and obesity were ranked among the health priorities of the 2014 and 2017 Community Health Needs Assessments in Kent County, Michigan. Exposure to nature is correlated to improved health outcomes across a variety of morbidities including poor mental health and obesity. This cross-sectional study set within the frameworks of attention restoration theory, environmental health, and pathways to health benefits from nature assessed county survey data including self-reported nature exposures/interactions separated into 3 domain areas: access to nature, attitudes about nature, and physical activity in nature or in nature-based activities. Binary logistic regression analyses of the 653 respondents found …

Experiences Of High School Dropouts In A Work Force Development Program, Reginald J. Hester, Sr.

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The issue of high school dropouts has been an ongoing concern for educators, community stakeholders, and politicians on local, national, and global levels. Little was known about students' experiences before they enrolled in a workforce development program and how their earlier experiences may have caused them to drop out of high school. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study was to understand the school-related experiences of high school dropouts enrolled in a workforce development program, and how the innovation and integration of social media technologies during academic instruction helped reengage these learners. The research questions focused on how the …

Gender Identity Development Of Women In The U.S. Army, Marshelle Lee Machtan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In spite of a newly developed military policy to facilitate gender integration since 2012, women service members in the U.S. Army today still face a discriminatory social climate. Male-dominated units foster the masculine ideal that subsequently leads to hypermasculine attitudes enabled through gender harassment behavior. Here, women employ coping strategies that facilitate either gender management or a balanced military identity, addressed in Culver's (2013) Gender Identity Development of Women in the Military (GIDWM) 4-phase matrix. A woman service member's position in the matrix is proportional to her level of gender management or military identity development. Similarly, her matrix position is …

Physical Activity And Dietary Interventions For Adolescent African Americans In Mississippi, Tanga Deson Hart Robinson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American (AA) adolescents have higher rates of obesity than many other ethnic groups, which increases their risk for obesity-related diseases. Culturally sensitive obesity preventive interventions have been unsuccessful, resulting in a steady increase of obesity among AA adolescents. AA adolescents in the southern region of the United States are at a higher risk for obesity and physical inactivity; knowledge and understanding of causative factors remains limited. To identify the impact of programs, a systematic review of the literature focused on structured physical activity and/or dietary education interventions in Mississippi. The ecological framework was used to guide this study. The …

Homelessness Status Among Female Veterans: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, And Hopelessness, Shorrelle Sheri Kennedy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homelessness among female veterans is a problem that is likely to increase as growing numbers of women in the United States military reestablish themselves into their communities as veterans. The purpose of this quantitavie quasi-experimental study was to determine whether there are differences in posttraumatic stress (PTSD), depression, and hopelessness in homeless versus nonhomeless female veterans who have experienced at least 1 U.S. military deployment. Four theories served as the basis for this research: the cognitive theory of depression, conditioning theory, ecological theory, and the hopelessness of depression theory. The data were collected from 88 female veterans who were deployed …

A Staff Education Module For Depression Screening In Acute Care, Olufumilayo Sayo Onuoha

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Although it can be treated, it may go unidentified for a long period of time. The World Health Organization (WHO) anticipates that, by 2020, depression will become responsible for more disabilities than a combination of other conditions, excluding heart conditions. The prevalence of depression among the general population is higher in patients who seek emergency healthcare services. The purpose of this project is to develop an evidence-based educational module for nurses to screen for depression in an acute care setting using the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 depression …