Putting Policy In Its Place: Policy Enactment And Engagement Through A Multiscalar Policy-Shed Framework, Barbara L. Maclennan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this research is to examine the spatial components integral to policy formation, implementation, and evaluation. The research uses solid waste as a case study to explore a multiscalar GIS policy-shed framework. To this end, the goal of this dissertation is to examine the spatial nature of public policy. The research applies spatial concepts and multiscalar methodological applications embedded within GIS and geovisualization to explore the complex spaces surrounding public policy implementation and evaluation.

Integration Of Deep Hashing And Channel Coding For Biometric Security And Biometric Retrieval, Veeru Talreja

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the last few years, the research growth in many research and commercial fields are due to the adoption of state of the art deep learning techniques. The same applies to even biometrics and biometric security. Additionally, there has been a rise in the development of deep learning techniques used for approximate nearest neighbor (ANN) search for retrieval on multi-modal datasets. These deep learning techniques knows as deep hashing (DH) integrate feature learning and hash coding into an end-to-end trainable framework. Motivated by these factors, this dissertation considers the integration of deep hashing and channel coding for biometric security and …

Examining The Effects Of Background Noise On Contextualized Word Learning, Caitlin Alyssa Ross

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Despite redundancy in the acoustic speech signal, both children and adults demonstrate difficulty listening and learning in noise. Research has shown that the acoustic parameters of classrooms and common study places, such as libraries and coffee shops, are often exposing students daily to unhealthy levels of background noise and distraction as they attempt to access and retain new information. While younger children may encounter new words via deliberate instruction in a classroom setting, older students are more likely to access new vocabulary indirectly via reading or self-study in noisy environments often of their own choosing. In both scenarios, accurate perception …

Sustainability Assessment Of Direct Energy Deposition (Ded) Based Hybrid Manufacturing Using Life Cycle Assessment (Lca) Method, Faujia Islam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As sustainability has emerged as a highlight for almost every field over the last few decades, the manufacturing field is no exception. Generally, additive manufacturing performs better than traditional manufacturing in terms of sustainability because of its lean energy- and material usage. Previous studies have compared the sustainability performance between traditional and additive manufacturing, but hybrid manufacturing was not focused upon much. In this paper, the life cycle assessment method is used to analyze and compare the energy consumption and environmental impact of direct energy deposition (DED) based hybrid manufacturing and traditional manufacturing “CNC milling” process for a turbine blade. …

Traditional And Modern Breeding Strategies Towards Developing Resilient Crops: Two Case Studies In Tomato, Estefania Tavares Flores

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Crop designing for resilience traits to produce satisfactorily under adverse conditions and scenarios is a priority for the future of global food security. In this thesis, two different approaches addressing major stress factors for tomato cropping are presented. We first aimed to domesticate tomato de novo as a high-salinity resistant crop using the wild relative, S. cheesmaniae via gene editing. We conducted single-gene and multiplex knock-out strategies using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to create loss-of-function alleles for the domestication-related genes BIF, CycB, J2, EJ2, MULTI, SP, SP5G, and FW11.3 in order to create a novel, halophyte tomato harboring an inherent high-salinity …

“Sir, We Have The Honour Most Respectfully To Submit Our Humble Petition”: Voices In Ink And The Politics Of Petitions In Colonial Igboland, Nigeria, 1892-1960, Bright Chiazam Alozie

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

With limited access to the traditional sources that historians typically use to document their work, it has become necessary to find new ways to explore the voices of local peoples who have been historically “denied a voice.” One way is through the study of petitions. Indeed, scholars of history have sparingly used petitions in some way while few have made systematic use of them. Even so, historians of colonial Africa have largely overlooked petitions in their studies, despite the important role that these sources played in negotiating African-European relations. This dissertation revolves around the hundreds of selected petitions, dubbed “voices …

Harnessing Acoustic Streaming For Bioanalysis In Microfluidics, Xiaojun Li

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the past few decades, microfluidic technology has been developed rapidly in both fabrication methods and multifunctionality integrations, making it a powerful tool for a wider variety of biological applications. The device fabrication method has expanded from conventional polymer-based micro devices to 3D-printed micro devices, and allows multiple functions such as electric, optic, magnetic and acoustic to be integrated on a single platform. This dissertation focuses on method development of acoustic streaming-based microfluidics in bioanalysis such as immunoassay, enzyme kinetics and DNA fragmentation analysis. In this dissertation, a micromixer was developed based on acoustic streaming generated from sharp-edge structure vibration …

Learning And Workers In Transition (Wit), Jeffrey Burgazzoli Jr

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study utilized autoethnography to generate new understandings about learning and workplace transitions. I journaled the first 90 days in a new job, writing about the notable learning events that occurred and collecting work artifacts to create a rich storyboard of the transition scene. Qualitative analysis of the storyboard revealed four broader dimensions of learning that must be considered: 1) knowledge growth and development, 2) cognition, 3) situational context, and 4) emotion. The results of the study illuminated key inflection points that happened during the transition process, conceptualized how my learning changed over time, and showed how I processed and …

Optimizing A Pediatric Dka Protocol In A Tertiary Care Hospital System In Northern West Virginia, Jennifer L. Burky

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body compensates for insufficient insulin, producing dangerously high levels of ketones. Without proper treatment, DKA can be fatal. For that reason, staff in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at a tertiary care hospital in northern West Virginia expressed concerns about the complexity of and lack of adherence to a poorly referenced and dated DKA treatment protocol.

Objective: The purpose of this project was to assess the feasibility and sustainability of optimizing the DKA protocol in the PICU. The primary objective was to implement an updated, …

Bypassing The Blood-Brain Barrier: A Physical And Pharmacological Approach For The Treatment Of Metastatic Brain Tumors, Samuel A. Sprowls

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation (a) provided an in depth literature review of methods to disrupt the BBB/BTB and improve therapeutic distribution to brain tumors, (b) evaluated the use of azacitidine as a single agent therapy for the treatment of brain metastasis of breast cancer and a potential molecular mechanism by which brain tropic cells are sensitized to hypomethylating agents, (c) determined the impact cannabidiol has on P-glycoprotein mediated efflux at the blood-brain barrier and its potential for use as a single agent treatment for metastatic brain tumors, (d) developed a preclinical radiation therapy protocol for use in small animals and in vitro …

Determination Of Effectiveness Of Energy Management System In Buildings, Vivash Karki

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) are computer-based systems that aid in managing, controlling, and monitoring the building technical services and energy consumption by equipment used in the building. The effectiveness of BEMS is dependent upon numerous factors, among which the operational characteristics of the building and the BEMS control parameters also play an essential role. This research develops a user-driven simulation tool where users can input the building parameters and BEMS controls to determine the effectiveness of their BEMS. The simulation tool gives the user the flexibility to understand the potential energy savings by employing specific BEMS control and help …

Nitrite Supplementation Restores Aortic Health In Chronically Stressed Mice, Tyler Coblentz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Chronic stress increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease potentially via increases in elastic artery stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Decreased bioavailability of the potent vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) describes a hallmark of endothelial dysfunction. Nitrite reduces into active NO, providing an alternative pathway of NO restoration. The effect of nitrite supplementation on aortic endothelial function has yet to be determined in chronically stressed mice. We hypothesized that nitrite supplementation would rescue chronic stress-attributed impairments in aortic endothelial function.

Mice at 18 weeks of age underwent an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS; 5 days/week for 7 hrs/day) paradigm to elicit a …

“Geeks And She-Eks”: The Relationship Between Younger Women’S Experiences In Popular Geek Culture And Their Interest In Stem Fields, Madeleine D. Butcher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is conflicting evidence about whether women’s participation in recreational, popular geek culture (e.g., gaming, fandom, science fiction consumption) can help close the gender gap in STEM fields. On one hand, these leisure activities can give women skills and experience that they can employ in STEM activities and culture. However, research also suggests that experiencing sexism while participating in geek culture activities can lower women’s motivation to participate in STEM. This thesis proposed that womens’ engagement in geek culture correlated with STEM efficacy and an interest in the STEM field. However, the type of experiences women have in geek culture …

Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout: Examining Covid-19 Vaccination Perceptions And Intention Among Nurses, Emilee T. Austin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nurses’ COVID-19 vaccination rates have been reportedly low for being among the first prioritized for vaccination. To understand and potentially explain uptake barriers, this thesis utilized the 5c Model, the Integrative Model, the Extended Parallel Process Model, Uncertainty Management Theory, and the Theory of Motivated Information Management. This project used an online survey with a convenience sample recruited through the WV Nurses Association. Specifically, there were 328 nurses recruited, then screened for fully vaccinated participants leaving an analytic sample of 174 West Virginia nurses who had not yet been vaccinated. Participants were asked about their nursing role, threat perceptions, susceptibility …

Change Fatigue, Job Satisfaction, And Organizational Commitment Among Nurses, Melissa Kapping

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The healthcare environment is complex and ever-changing, which has a direct impact on the nurse. The effects of the constant change to the nurse may result in the development of change fatigue, which causes the loss of trust in the organization, a feeling of resentment, and a sense of apprehension while depleting the individual’s reserves. The purpose of this correlational study guided by Lazarus and Folkman’s stress and coping theory was to determine if there is a relationship between (a) job satisfaction and change fatigue and (b) organizational commitment and change fatigue in nurses who work in an outpatient clinical …

Spiritual Dimensions Of Care: Need For Spiritual Care Interventions In Nursing Clinical Practice, Jillian Jack

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Empirical research has identified emerging evidence concerning the value and importance of spirituality in the provision of nursing care. Spiritual well-being has important implications for a patient’s well-being and there is evidence that points to the association between spirituality, individual healthcare outcomes, and quality of life (QOL). Assisting patients in meeting their spiritual needs is also recognized internationally. Despite the fact that spiritual care is an essential part of nursing care, there remains a gap concerning spiritual care practices in the nursing clinical environment. The magnitude of the problem has to do with the lack of spiritual care education training. …

Improving Delirium Assessment In Critical Care, Michelle Reed

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The objective of this project was to identify barriers that impact nurses completing delirium assessments and to improve compliance rates with delirium assessments. The design was an observational, single group pretest-post-test. The preliminary results demonstrated an educational intervention, using the Knowledge-to-Action theory, improved nurses’ compliance with delirium assessments.

Enhanced Breastfeeding Support Using Video Education To Improve Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates In A Baby-Friendly Acute Care Facility, Carol Mayernik

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) provides health benefits and is recommended by professional health organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, The World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthcare facilities support families to achieve EBF by educating clinicians and patients about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, providing prenatal education and hospital support to patients, and by achieving Baby-Friendly Designation through the Baby-Friendly USA, as endorsed by the World Health Organization/UNICEF. Most pregnant patients desire to exclusively breastfeed yet multiple barriers exist to achieve this goal. Evidence supports the use of video learning as an effective way to …

Washington University Magazine, April 2021

Washington University Magazine

No abstract provided.

Washington University Magazine, August 2021

Washington University Magazine

No abstract provided.

Satisfaction Of Telehealth For The 55+ Population, Cynthia Schweizer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

There is a primary care need for the 55+-year-old population related to the increasing aging population, physician shortages, and, more recently, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to implement Telehealth care. The Telehealth project will include the 55+ population to provide more participants for the project at an internal medicine clinic. Telehealth's contribution and interventions will affect causal factors such as moderating or mediating factors of health problems. Some of those factors include insufficient primary care coverage due to decreasing numbers of primary care providers (PCP), the increasing older population, complex health issues that come with aging, the need for frequent follow-up …

A Multi-Client Simulation To Improve Communication, Prioritization, And Clinical Judgment Among Nursing Students, Adam K. Combs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Hospital administrators have noted a lack of clinical judgment in novice nurses, which can result in negative client outcomes. This paper describes the implementation of a multi-client simulation experience with the purpose of determining if the experience improved communication, prioritization, and clinical judgment.

Method: A descriptive, pretest postest study, using the National League for Nursing (NLN) Jeffries Simulation Theory, examined the perceived competence of 37 senior level Associate Degree Nursing students.

Intervention: The participants rated their perceived competence on the Perceived Competence Scale and were scored on the ISBAR Interprofessional Communication Rubric (IICR) and the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric …

Human Trafficking: Empowering Healthcare Providers And Community Partners As Advocates For Victims, Marielle A. Combs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Human trafficking (HT) is a public health crisis and the need for education is dire. Healthcare providers lack confidence in victim recognition and aid provision all while encountering victims in their practice. The project leader aimed to empower healthcare providers in recognizing signs of HT and making appropriate referrals. Ten community volunteers, including registered nurses, who assist with a mobile medical unit and spiritual 12-step program, participated in a Human Trafficking 101 training. The application of holistic nursing core principles and Human Caring Science was integrated as vital in victim identification. A pretest posttest design was utilized to administer the …

Evaluating The Impact Of Resilience Training In The Group Home Care Provider Population, Gwangia O. Hudson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Stress, compassion fatigue (CF), and burnout are all potential problems faced by those who have adopted a career in caring for others. Poorly managed stresses are associated with strained work interactions, dysfunctional personal connections, poor health, and poor quality of work (Edwards & Burnard, 2003; Richardson et al., 2015; Zajac et al., 2017). Organizations do well to focus on preventing stress, CF, and burnout; and or at a minimum providing, employees with tools to build resilience (Edwards & Burnard, 2003; Gentry, 2018; Zajac et al., 2017).

Prescription Labels: Get To Know Them, Karen Adams

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Low health literacy is a problem for millions of Americans resulting in increased use of healthcare resources resulting in poor health outcomes. The older adult population is continuing to grow and is the largest user of healthcare. Use of pharmaceutical regimens to manage chronic illnesses is the most commonly used treatment modality. Unfortunately, people with low health literacy may have trouble understanding and following their providers instructions. It can be difficult to read directions on over the counter and prescription medication bottles. Community-based health educational programs benefit the maintenance of older adult health. The purpose of this project was to …

Inspiring Nurse Leader Connectedness To Improve Patient Experience, Shauna Maxson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Objectives:

1. Interventions targeted at improved communication, retention, empowerment, and encouragement will be utilized to enhance the practice environment of incumbent and future nurses in the emergency department. Nurse connectedness will be improved 25% over baseline following implementation of interventions to positively augment practice environment.

2. Patient experience scores in the emergency department will be sustained at benchmark, or greater, following efforts to improve nurse connectedness.

Design: Prospective, single-center, non-randomized, pre- vs. post-

Data Sources: Scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles and texts, results from pre- and post-intervention completion of Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Press Ganey patient experience scores

Review Methods: Review …

Managerial Cost Accounting, Christopher M. Fairchild

Syllabus Repository

No abstract provided.

Financial Literacy, Experience, And Age Differences In Monetary Sequence Preferences, Jenna M. Wilson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The emerging research on age differences in monetary sequence preferences suggests that older adults make decisions that are normatively correct from the standpoint of economic theory when choosing to receive larger versus smaller amounts of money sooner than later, but make non-optimal decisions about paying money. In an adult life-span sample (N = 594, aged 20-88, M_age = 46.48, SD= 15.16) recruited through MTurk, the present study examined age differences in monetary sequence preferences. Participants received eight hypothetical scenarios that described monetary events, and completed measures of financial literacy and financial experience. Older age was associated with …

Teaching The Bible, Steelman Library, Camilla Belfon

Syllabus Repository

No abstract provided.

The Struggle Of Differential Diagnosis For Childhood Apraxia Of Speech: A Qualitative Case Study, Laken Cummins, Stephanie M. Schaaf, Megan Smetana, Jennifer Gaylord

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses the controversial diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and the struggle many clinicians face with differential diagnosis through a retrospective qualitative case study following a participant who received the diagnosis of CAS. Research questions targeted the characteristics the participant presented with, whether they were consistent or not, as well as if they were unique to CAS or evidence of a phonological disorder, and the treatment approaches that were implemented throughout the participant’s history of receiving speech-language services and the effectiveness of those approaches. These research questions were answered through the records and documents obtained from the …