Digital Commons Network^™

A Critical Examination Of Employers Offering A Second Chance For Employment To Black Males With A Criminal Record, Jennifer Jones

Education Doctoral

Obtaining employment after serving time in prison is essential for successful reentry after incarceration. However, Black men experience the highest rate of unemployment in the United States, a trend that only intensifies after release from custody. While there is extensive research correlating the high rate of Black male recidivism with the negative influences of criminal acquaintances, community barriers, obstacles to education, and racial inequalities that prevent successful reentries, there is little literature surrounding the positive outcomes, for all parties, that arise from the decisions of hiring managers or directors who offer second chances of employment to Black men with a …

Implementing A Result Notification And Referral System In A Nurse-Led Wellness Center, Christine Bollom

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Cervical and breast cancer screenings reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality for American women. In 2017, about 70% of U.S. women over the age of 21 obtained a Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which screens for cervical cancer. African American women have a cervical cancer screening rate of 74.6% and Hispanic women have a rate of 68.6%. The cervical cancer screening rates decrease to 51% for women who are uninsured (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). In the United States, 50% of women older than 40 are current on their screening mammogram. African American women have a screening mammogram rate …

Surviving Sepsis: A Treatment Process Improvement In High Volume Emergency Departments, Brittney Burns

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Sepsis is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 270,000 deaths annually (CDC, 2017). It is the number one cause of death in hospitals, the number one cause of hospital readmissions, and the costliest diagnosis in the hospital setting (Fingar & Washington, 2015; Torio & Andrews, 2015). This quality improvement project aimed to increase the percentage of antibiotics administered within 1 hour for sepsis patients. Mortality rates significantly decrease when this goal is met (Howell & Davis, 2017). There is an 8% increase in mortality risks with every hour that passes with elevated lactic …

Using The Adam Questionnaire In Primary Care To Identify Hypoandrogenism In Males Aged 40 Years Or Older, Jeremy Burns

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been shown to improve the symptoms of metabolic syndrome by reducing Hemoglobin A1C, belly fat, cholesterol, and blood pressure (Cunningham, 2015). The ultimate goal for testosterone-deficient patients is to have an improved quality of life by starting TRT. This quality improvement project was conducted at a small primary care clinic in South Texas. The project was started by screening 84 male patients ≥ 40 years of age using the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) questionnaire. The ADAM questionnaire was considered positive for anyone who answered “yes” to 3 or more questions or “yes” to …

Improving Provider Adherence To Guidelines And Screening For Adult Depression In Primary Care, Amber Crenshaw

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The purpose of this QI project was to improve provider adherence to the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) Guidelines for Adult Depression in Primary Care to enhance the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and management of adult major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD is a widespread, disabling, and treatable psychiatric disorder that is primarily treated and managed by primary care providers (PCPs). Untreated depression is prone to become chronic and can lead to pain, suffering, disability, increased morbidity and mortality, and premature death, with serious repercussions for the individual and society. Universal and routine screening in primary care for depression in adults, …

A Quality Improvement Initiative To Improve Depression Screening In Prenatal And Postpartum Mothers, Britanni Greene

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Screening for depression during the prenatal and postpartum period is essential. The United States has the highest mortality rate in the developed world, with mental health complications being 1 of the top 5 reasons women expire within the 1st year of childbirth. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase depression screening during the gestational and postpartum periods in an obstetric and gynecological clinic. An administration schedule was created to administer the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The EPDS was administered during the initial prenatal, 32-weeks prenatal, and 6-week postpartum appointments. Women scoring 10 or higher on the …

Increasing The Incidence Of Referrals And Execution Of Diabetic Eye Examinations In A South Texas Primary Care Clinic, Marisa Macias

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Diabetes is a significant public health problem, decreasing quality of life, causing disability and death (CDC, 2017; Foos et al., 2015; Grover & Joshi, 2015). Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to several eye complications including retinopathy and blindness (ADA, 2013; Liu & Swearingen, 2017). As the number of people afflicted with diabetes rises, the need for diabetic eye examination screenings also increases to prevent disability, improve quality of life and prevent blindness (ADA, 2018; Fisher et al., 2016; Garber et al., 2015; Raman et al., 2016).

The purpose of this project was to increase the rate of diabetic eye examination referrals, …

Program Evaluation Of An Aprn-Led Home-Based Psychiatric Care (Hbpc) Program For Vulnerable Geriatric Patients, Stacey A. Poole

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Mental illness remains under-treated in older adults, especially those that are home-bound. In response to access to care gaps, an innovative advanced practice registered nurse led Home-Based Psychiatric Care program was developed as an adjunct to an established home-based counseling agency. The program involves the research supported provision of home-based psychiatric evaluations and medication management by the agency’s PMHNP. Purpose/Objectives: To evaluate the HBPC Program’s effectiveness at increasing access to timely and effective psychopharmacological treatment and management as evidenced by: (a) an increased percentage of referred patients who are being managed by the agency’s PMHNP, (b) a decrease in …

Business Leaders’ Strategies For Addressing Employee Turnover And Promoting Stability, Ke Huang

Leadership Education Capstones

One of the major issues that business leaders face are high rates of employee turnover. From 2013 to 2017, the annual total separation rate increased by 38.1 to 43.0 across all industries (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018). This demonstrates that employee turnover is increasing over time in the United States. Turnover is problematic because it forces business leaders and managers to replace reliable and trained employees with new employees, which is a timeconsuming process that is often quite costly. Out of all industries that deal with employee turnover, the hospitality industry is known for having one of the highest employee …

Self-Determination Through Circus Arts: Exploring Youth Development In A Novel Activity Context, Jennifer Agans, Jacqueline Davis, Spyridoula Vazou, Tal Jarus

Journal of Youth Development

Youth development takes place in many contexts, with different resulting participant outcomes. Broadening the scope of research to include non-traditional contexts such as youth circus arts programs, which are both similar to and different from other out-of-school-time contexts, may promote better understanding of the ways in which these programs impact youth development. The present study examined the prevalence of support for basic psychological needs and positive developmental outcomes among youth circus program participants. Single time-point quantitative surveys were completed by 111 youth members of the American Youth Circus Organization (62% female), ranging in age from 10 to 21. Results indicated …

A Content Analysis Of The Contributions In The Narratives Of Daca Youth, Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez, Sanjuana Rodriguez, Banti Zehyoue

Journal of Youth Development

This study utilized cultural community wealth (Yosso, 2005) to explore the ways in which Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) youth make use of social media. Through the use of content analysis (Hay, 2005), the authors analyzed social media interviews publicly posted by DACA youth. Findings reveal that DACA youth engage in social media as a form of activism and to mobilize their communities. The findings support and extend our understanding of the ways that DACA youth are an asset to the wider community. Implications for those working with DACA youth are provided.

Examining Resiliency In Adolescent Refugees Through The Tree Of Life Activity, Marcella Stark, Brandy Quinn, Katharine Hennessey, Amanda Rutledge

Journal of Youth Development

Grounded in both resiliency science and positive youth development, the research team set out to understand the strengths and resources of adolescent refugees living in northeast Texas. In coordination with a local refugee services agency, members of the research team conducted the Tree of Life activity with 16 participants ranging in age from 13 to 20 years. Identifying 16 codes in the qualitative analyses of participants’ drawings, they organized these codes into 3 themes: self-efficacy, values, and relationships. The authors recommend the use of Tree of Life and other creative arts activities to facilitate the discovery of strengths and resources …

Christian Faith In The Immigration And Acculturation Experiences Of Filipino American Youth, Gayle Gabriel

Journal of Youth Development

The Filipino immigration experience began in the Philippines via American-modeled schools and Spanish-enforced Christian Catholicism, and this historical experience may have translated to smoother acculturation experiences for Filipinos immigrating to the United States. However, a smooth acculturation experience may not be the case for all Filipino youth. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of Christian faith in the immigration and acculturation of Filipino American youth. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 5 Filipino American emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. Interview data went through 3 levels of coding and categorization; …

Life Skill Development And Financial Impact Associated With A Youth Livestock Sales Program, Holly Evans, Dean Jousan, Erdogan Memili, Leigh Beckman

Journal of Youth Development

he Sale of Junior Champions is a premier livestock auction and youth scholarship program held at Dixie Nationals as a part of Mississippi’s junior livestock program. The sale is open to 4-H and FFA members who qualified their livestock at the annual Dixie National Junior Round-Up. While youth livestock sales programs are commonly found at state and county fairs throughout the United States, demographic information and information concerning financial and life skill impacts of the program on participants is limited. Therefore, a survey instrument for the 2018 sale was designed to determine how the event has impacted the financial burden …

Big Town, Bigger Borders, Brittany Mendez

Journal of Youth Development

This essay demonstrates how the perceptions of others can have a great impact on a young person’s life. The author writes about overcoming the negative perceptions of her border community and her important journey through a STEM summer program. Her essay highlights the transformative impact summer programs can play in changing the trajectory of a young person’s life by teaching valuable skills and providing opportunities to overcome personal and community obstacles.

Partner Build Grow: Resources To Sustain Partnerships And Advance Prevention Initiatives, Evelyn Frankford, Rachel Sadlon, Olga Acosta Price, Linda Sheriff

Journal of Youth Development

Alignment of programs, practices, and policies by practitioners at the state and local levels can create health-promoting environments for all children. Such alignment, guided by principles of prevention science and public health, can enhance school–community partnerships involved with the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being and positive development of children and youth. The key to success of such prevention approaches is sustaining the work over time. Partner Build Grow, an online Action Guide, supports sustainability through cross-sector collaborations and systems change to create school–community environments that promote equity. Informed by local and national experts along with field experience and application of …

Partner Build Grow: Resources To Sustain Partnerships And Advance Prevention Initiatives, Evelyn Frankford, Rachel Sadlon, Olga Acosta Price, Linda Sheriff

Journal of Youth Development

Alignment of programs, practices, and policies by practitioners at the state and local levels can create health-promoting environments for all children. Such alignment, guided by principles of prevention science and public health, can enhance school–community partnerships involved with the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being and positive development of children and youth. The key to success of such prevention approaches is sustaining the work over time. Partner Build Grow, an online Action Guide, supports sustainability through cross-sector collaborations and systems change to create school–community environments that promote equity. Informed by local and national experts along with field experience and application of …

Using The Delphi Technique To Determine Challenges Facing Oklahoma’S 4-H Program, Kristin Young, Jeff Sallee, Jon Ramsey, Dwayne Cartmell

Journal of Youth Development

As youth development organizations continue to evolve and grow, professionals are faced with the challenges to address the ever-changing needs of their clientele. In order to maintain the longevity of the Oklahoma 4-H program, Extension professionals must address challenges prohibiting, discouraging, or discontinuing participation of youth, families, and volunteers in the program. Additionally, state administrators should examine the challenges their staff face in efforts to execute the mission of 4-H Youth Development. A modified Delphi technique was employed in this study to determine the challenges facing Oklahoma 4-H. Two expert panels were used in this study: Extension educators and 4-H …

Book Review— Social And Emotional Learning In Out-Of-School Time: Foundations And Futures, T. Nigel Gannon

Journal of Youth Development

Social and Emotional Learning in Out-of-School Time: Foundations and Futures (Delaney & Moroney, 2018) offers a rich volume of experiences and voices of leadership in social and emotional learning (SEL) in out-of-school time (OST) settings. From various vantage points and with unique voices, the chapters address all stages of intentional SEL programming, including progress made in the field in clarifying and measuring the strength of SEL outcomes and identifying needed professional development. This is an important resource for students and practitioners of positive youth development, SEL, and OST learning environments.

Evaluation Of A Novel Dna Collection Matrix Designed To Improve Recovery Of Touch Dna From Non-Porous Surfaces, Eric Ramirez

Student Theses

The collection of touch DNA from evidence has been a challenge in the field of Forensic Biology for decades. There are numerous collection protocols, substrates, and solutions that have been used to varying levels of success. Currently, no single method or substrate stands out as the single most effective collection protocol. The Gene Link Omni Matrix™ K105 solution is a novel collection method that can be sprayed onto the surface of non-porous evidence. The matrix dries into a film, capturing cells and cell-free DNA which can be scraped off and collected into a tube. During extraction, the matrix dissolves into …

Dna Mixture Statistics Using A Likelihood Ratio Software Tool: Effect Of Variations In Drop-Out Rates And Number Of Contributors, Felicia M. Lucero

Student Theses

Complex DNA mixtures can be very probative evidence, but comparisons to a person of interest can be affected by allelic drop-out and uncertainty regarding the number of individuals having contributed DNA to a sample. Scientific organizations such as the International Society of Forensic Genetics (Gill et al., 2006) recommend that likelihood ratios should be used to provide a statistical weight when a positive association is made between the DNA profile of a person of interest and an evidentiary DNA sample. To this effect the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) developed a software program, Forensic Statistical Tool …

Art As A Pathway To God : A Historical-Theological Study Of The Jesuit Mission To China In The Late Ming And Early Qing Dynasties (1552-1773), Susangeline Y. Patrick

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Reaching First- Generation And Underrepresented Students Through Transparent Assignment Design, Ryne Leuzinger, Jacqui Grallo

Library Faculty Publications and Presentations

This chapter discusses the findings of a national survey conducted to gain insight into academic librarians’ assignment design practices for one- shot and semester courses, with a focus on the degree to which librarians are utilizing elements of transparent assignment design.

New Who-Led Study Says Majority Of Adolescents Worldwide Are Not Sufficiently Physically Active, Putting Their Current And Future Health At Risk

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Late Preterm Infants: A Guide For Nurses, Midwives, Clinicians, And Allied Health Professionals, Samya M. Hegazy

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Correlations Between Non-Cognitive Factors And The First Semester Gpa Of Nontraditional Students At A Community College., Alexis Parent Ferrouillet

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ninety percent of the students enrolled at community colleges in the United States are nontraditional (NCES, 2001). According to Horn and Carroll (1996), characteristics of nontraditional student include: delayed college enrollment, financially independent of parents, worked at least thirty-five hours per week, had dependents other than a spouse, were single parents, and had not received a standard high school diploma. Because of these characteristics, nontraditional students can face a plethora of challenges in higher education and feel underprepared for college coursework. Upon enrollment into the community college with an open admissions policy, these underprepared students must take high stakes standardized …

Waste Reduction At La Isla, Alexandria Rangel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Community Solutions is a non-profit organization that serves the community of South Santa Clara and San Benito Counties. At La Isla, Community Solutions’ safe house, a new program was implemented, which focused on reducing waste. Food waste is an issue at La Isla, because a lot of food expires before it is used. The program focused on three key factors to reduce waste, including: creating and implementing a new inventory system, educational cooking classes and the creation of a recipe book in English and Spanish. The classes provided life skills such as cooking, nutritional information and awareness of the amount …

Diabetes And Effectiveness Of Gym Usage, Roberto Moore

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Central Coast YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) exists to support community members who are diagnosed as pre-diabetic. DPP participants are provided a free membership to the YMCA’s gym, but are under utilizing this resource. Some reasons that participants may not be utilizing the gym are lack of time, work schedules, the language barrier in utilizing the equipment and childcare concerns. If participants are not utilizing the gym they may not complete the program and may be at risk of contracting diabetes and possibly losing a limb. In order to understand the specific barriers for this group in utilizing this …

A High Percentage Of College Students Are Low Income In California, Paulo Magana

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey is an non-profit that aims to fight social justice by providing services to low-income and undocumented individuals in need. An important problem happening throughout the state of California is that there is a high percentage of college students that are low-income which often lack knowledge on the available resources within their schools and their communities. The main contributing factors found for this issue are belonging to a minority group or being part of a single parent household. The consequences can lead to food insecurity and. This capstone project was already developed and implemented. The …

Trauma On The Border: Immigrant Children In Detention Centers, Yosseline Pacheco

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Between the year 2018 through 2019, there has been a sixty-percent increase in unaccompanied children at the Southwest border where they are later transferred to the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The dramatic increase in undocumented children are immigrants from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador (the Northern Triangle countries of Central America). (Cardosa, Brabeek, Stinchcomb, Heidbrink, Price, Fil.Garcia, Crea & Zayas pg 1,2). During those two years the Trump administration passed many harsh policies designed to decrease the flow of migration, yet it has only done the opposite with the new formations of caravans that are headed …