Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Coalition Building To Promote Maternal Infant Health Equity In The District Of Columbia, Maryland, And Virginia, Sydney J. Turner

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The health of women and babies is critical to creating a healthy world. Stratified data shows the overwhelming rates at which Blacks are affected more than Whites. Literature has shown that leveraging partnerships and community engagement are critical components of decision-making and can positively impact the health of communities. Through a direct observational study, the Community Coalition Action Theory was used to analyze the current structure of the March of Dimes Maternal Infant Healthy Equity Coalition. The study aimed to identify strengths and gaps and subsequently provide recommendations to advance the coalition work and promote maternal and infant health equity …

The Importance Of Intentional Outdoor Play Spaces For Young Children, Reagan G. Bernskoetter

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to observe outdoor play in infants and toddlers and examine their traffic patterns throughout the play space as well as their interests in the areas. It was hypothesized that the more intention and careful consideration that goes into planning the play space, the more the children would want to interact with that space rather than other areas. There were 58 participants recruited from a childcare center in a large mid-south community to play and interact with play spaces as well as the educators and peers to learn more about specific interests and patterns associated …

Implementing Screening For Depression And Anxiety For Patients With Thyroid Disease, Sarah Maria Drake

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Thyroid dysfunctions are the most common endocrine-specific disorders found in the clinic setting. Symptoms of hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism overlap with anxiety/depression symptoms. Research shows a relationship between individuals with thyroid disorders and people with anxiety/depression. Mental health disorders are typically managed in the primary care setting. However, screening for depression and anxiety are low in primary care settings and often go unidentified. Purpose: To implement validated, evidence-based depression and anxiety screening tools in a Texas endocrine clinic to improve the management of patients with concomitant thyroid and mental health disorders. Objectives: The project objectives include initiating screening for anxiety/depression and referral …

Comparison Of Water-Soluble Cbd And Cbd Oil As An Anti-Inflammatory In Canines With Osteoarthritis, Sadie Sims, Tara Joiner, Dr. Laura Ken Hoffman, Barbie Papajeski

Honors College Theses

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis in canines. Osteoarthritis affects the entire joint, and typically results in pain, inflammation, decreased range of motion and development of bone spurs. The purpose of this study was to provide clinical research comparing Water-Soluble Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabidiol (CBD) oil as an anti-inflammatory in arthritic dogs by using gait analysis on the Tekscan Strideway System, Canine Brief Pain Inventory owner surveys, and analysis of blood test results. One clinical trial was conducted with thirteen privately owned dogs. Participants were split into three treatment groups by listing them by last names …

It Project Manager Cultural Intelligence And Project Success With Domestically Diverse Project Teams In The United States: A Correlation Study, Wendy A. Ross

Education Doctoral

Research on project management success has shifted from initially seeing project management as a primarily technical skill, to recognizing the importance of leadership by the project manager (PM). Studies on culturally diverse teams agree that diversity intensifies the challenges to the leader or PM. Cultural intelligence (CQ) predicts how successful people are working within a diverse workforce. The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between the CQ scores of information technology project managers (IT PMs) in the United States and project success with domestically diverse teams. The study used the Cultural Intelligence Scale questionnaire and surveyed PMs on …

An Exploration Into The Lived Experiences Of African American Women Healthcare Executives: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study, Twiggy M. Eure

Education Doctoral

This qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study aimed to explore the lived experiences of six African American women in healthcare leadership. It reveals how they identify with race and gender as intersecting identities with their perceptions of their impact on patient experiences and outcomes. The six African American women healthcare executives all worked in Central New York State. The primary sources used to collect data were interviews and journal entries. This gave validity to the research that was done. The data analysis process was conducted based on the interpretation of the researcher. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (a) being the only …

Impression Management Behaviors Of Executive Leaders In Higher Education: A Descriptive Phenomenology, David T. Lind

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to gain insights into the impression management behaviors of executive leaders in higher education, within the context of opposing views among their different audiences. It is incumbent upon college leaders to communicate messages to stakeholders that meet expectations during a time of eroding public support. There is a lack of scholarship focusing specifically on how higher education executives experience the challenge of navigating shifting priorities among diverse audiences. This study explores the phenomenon of impression management from the lens of Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, which provides intuitive metaphors for illuminating the subjective …

Community College Success: Reexamining Metrics Of Success Through A Cohort Cluster Analysis Of Student Stakeholders, Abigail D. Baird

Education Doctoral

Community college success is measured by graduation rates. This metric of success does not account for the diverse types of students attending community colleges and all the outcomes that result. The purpose of this quantitative cohort cluster analysis is to analyze course taking behavior, and outcomes of various student stakeholders, to better understand the students and how successful community colleges are. Using archival student enrollment data, the study focused on a relatively recent cohort of students enrolled at community colleges in New York State for the first time in fall 2014. The five clusters were identified as: minimally committed, high …

Adolescents In Crisis: A Phenomenological Study Of How School Principals Lead Through Emergencies, With A Focus On Adolescent Emotional Recovery, Breana Mullen

Education Doctoral

Studies show that the immediate effects and the impact of emergencies on adolescent mental health can result in posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Thus, schools create emergency management or safety plans to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from these emergencies. Although recovery is a key phase of emergency management, New York State does not require including recovery in school emergency plans. This study discovered how secondary school leaders support their students’ emotional recovery after an emergency. This descriptive phenomenology included nine participants who engaged in semi-structured interviews about their experiences leading their schools through an emergency. The …

Through The Disciplinary Looking Glass: Examining The Impact Of The Adultification Of Black Adolescent Girls Through The Perspectives Of New York State School Administrators, Caron F. Cox

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the perceptions of school administrators regarding the impact adultification bias toward Black adolescent girls has on their overrepresentation in disciplinary data. Data were analyzed through 10 semi-structured interviews of principals and assistant principals. Social reproduction theory, intersectional theory, and Black feminist thought framed this study’s findings, which suggest that Black adolescent girls experience adultification bias regularly, contributing to their negative schooling experiences. These adverse experiences are often the result of a subjective interpretation of district policies through a biased lens.

The findings suggest that building leaders are often willing to facilitate …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On The Digital Divide For Elementary Schools: The Lived Experiences Of K-5 Teachers Using Technology For Emergency Remote And Hybrid Instruction During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Francisca Alyssa White

Education Doctoral

In the spring of 2020, schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, teachers had to pivot from in-person instruction to emergency remote instruction. The 2020/2021 school year found schools transitioning to hybrid instruction. Teachers worked with a group of students in the classroom while simultaneously working with students online. This descriptive phenomenological qualitative study aimed to describe Lower Hudson Valley, New York, K-5 public school teachers' perceptions of readiness and their experiences using technology for remote and hybrid instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twelve teachers participated in semi-structured interviews to share their perceptions and experiences using technology …

Utilization Of Positive Youth Development Framework By Youth-Facing Organizations In Baltimore City, Selvi Rajagopal, Kaitlyn Harper, Katherine Holzhauer, Tina Kumra

Journal of Youth Development

Positive youth development (PYD) is a strengths-based approach to youth programming which has been tested with success in largely higher income settings with mostly White youth. This study aims to identify the extent to which organizations who work in an urban context serving predominately African American youth incorporate PYD principles into their work. Organizations located in Baltimore, Maryland working with youth ages 14–24 were recruited for participation. In-depth interviews were conducted with organization leaders in this qualitative study. Thematic analysis using a deductive approach identified common themes and activities across organizations that aligned with PYD elements. All 17 youth-facing organizations …

Lgd-4033 And Mk-677 Use Impacts Body Composition, Circulating Biomarkers, And Skeletal Muscle Androgenic Hormone And Receptor Content: A Case Report, Thomas D. Cardaci, Steven B. Machek, Dylan T. Wilburn, Jeffery L. Heileson, Dillon R. Harris, Harry P. Cintineo, Darryn S. Willoughby

Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

LGD-4033, a selective androgen receptor modulator, and MK-677, a growth hormone secretagogue, are being used increasingly amongst recreationally active demographics. However, limited data exist describing their effects on health- and androgen-related biomarkers. The purpose of this case study was to determine changes in body composition and biomarkers during and after continued co-administration of LGD-4033 and MK-677. We also aimed to examine muscular strength and intramuscular androgen-associated biomarkers relative to non-users. A 25-year-old male ingested LGD-4033 (10 mg) and MK-677 (15 mg) daily for 5 weeks. Blood and body composition metrics were obtained pre-, on- and post-cycle. One-repetition maximum leg and …

Rethinking Committee Work In The Research Enterprise: The Case Of Regenerative Gatekeeping, Jonathan C. Lewis, Aixa Alemán-Díaz, Mona Behl, Sarah Kolesar, Lisa White, Brandon Jones, Corey Garza, Sharon Cooper

Marine Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Committees touch nearly every facet in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research enterprise. However, the role of gatekeeping through committee work has received little attention in Earth and space sciences. We propose a novel concept called, “regenerative gatekeeping” to challenge institutional inertia, cultivate belonging, accessibility, justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in committee work. Three examples, a hiring committee process, a seminar series innovation, and an awards committee, highlight the need to self-assess policies and practices, ask critical questions and engage in generative conflict. Rethinking committee work can activate distributed mechanisms needed to promote change.

Return Migration Intentions Driven By Parental Concerns And The Value Of Children, Tolga Tezcan

SSGS Faculty Publications and Presentations

Using an integrated qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews with 32 second-generation Turkish parents in Germany, this study examines the parental concerns formed by assessing the value of children, which, in turn, influence return migration intentions. This study proposes that parents develop three main concerns in an attempt to maximize the value of their children: (1) socioeconomic, (2) assimilation, and (3) marriage concerns. Return migration intention itself turns into a parental investment by designating the home country as the final destination where these concerns can be resolved, and thus their children may reach their full potential for themselves and their families. …

Intervention Program To Increase Preparedness For Life After High School, Jennifer Carrillo Vazquez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Based on the research conducted on “at-risk” youths, many high school students struggle with transitioning into adulthood. This capstone project was implemented at Learning for Life Charter School (LFLCS), an alternative charter school serving middle and high school at-risk youths. The seniors at LFLCS lack preparedness for life after high school. This capstone project, Adopt a Senior, was an intervention program to increase preparedness and ease the transition to life among graduating seniors. Participating seniors developed a post-graduation plan focusing on their future goals. Eight of the 31 LFLCS seniors participated in the program, and four students developed a post-graduation …

Impact Of Online Learning On Academic Success Of College Students, Natalie Carbonel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Online learning has become more prominent in higher education institutions due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and has ultimately impacted the academic success of college students. The purpose of this capstone is to examine the impact of online learning on the academic success of college students. Through the use of literature review and a survey with 20 students at the community college and four-year colleges, the findings reveal that online learning has negatively impacted their attitude, motivation, self-efficacy and accessibility toward learning. This capstone concludes with suggestions on ways to improve their attitudes and acceptance of the adaptation of the …

Inspiring Students In Careers In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math (Stem) Using Science Fairs, Sydney Ann Guire

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Science fairs have many benefits when it comes to students’ academic success. They are an opportunity for them to explore, experiment, and find their own interests. Science fairs help provide students with experiences and pursue future careers in STEM. Given the importance in STEM, not all school districts host science fairs for their students. The purpose of this capstone project is to examine the benefits of science fairs on students through the use of literature review, teacher and school administrator interviews, and student surveys. The findings indicate that science fairs inspire students to create a love for science and continue …

Balancing Stress, Education And Health As A College Student, Alexandra Cayot

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone paper touches base on stress relieving coping mechanisms for college students in order to help support college students in balancing their education, health and stress. This paper is based off of research and a workshop that I conducted at CSUMB.

Kindergarten Social And Emotional Learning Development, Liliana Garduno

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Social and Emotional Learning Skills for students who attend Community Partnership for Youth after-school program.

Teaching Immigrant Parents About Mental Health, Ana Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Teaching immigrant parents about mental health awareness is vital for the Latino community because of the lack and high barriers for them to obtain resources on mental health. The immigrant parents have a background in English studies at the Watsonville adult school and Cabrillo College in Watsonville, California. The immigrant parents are from Mexico, and they are from different states in Mexico. Many immigrant parents have language barriers that prevent them from communicating and accessing mental health resources in the community to support them. Cultural competency can affect the misdiagnosis of mental health illnesses and education. Additionally, immigrant parents' status …

Teaching Latino Parents About Positive Discipline & Emotion Coaching, Jessica Pineda

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Teaching Latino parents positive discipline and emotion coaching will help both parents and children to understand each other in emotions and to discipline children effectively.

Language Brokering In Immigrant Families, Jessica Manuel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on children's language brokering in immigrant families. A practice engaged in by many immigrant youth who interpret and translate oral and written language for their own family. Typically, these language events occur as part of everyday life and involve the need for communication. In this case the brokers that we will be focusing on are children and adolescents with parents whose primary language is Spanish. Many of these children are a reliable source for their parents to communicate and understand a primary language in a country where they migrated to.

Conscious Discipline For Parents Of Preschool Aged Children, Claire Seabock

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on the benefits of conscious discipline for both the parent and the child. Conscious parenting is a type of parenting style that asks the parent to consciously look into the way they interact and respond to their child’s behavior. The relationship between the parent and child from two to five years old sets the foundation for a secure attachment between a parent and child during the middle childhood, teenage and early adulthood years. Conscious parenting is a parenting style that helps the parent understand the needs of their children to better help them regulate their emotions. …

Investigating The Role Of Palmitoyl Acyltransferase 14 In Preventing Early Death In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Robert Elliott

Master's Theses and Capstones

Palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational modification that affects the location, activity, and stability of proteins. Arabidopsis thaliana contains 23 genes for palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs), the enzymes that catalyze palmitoylation. Loss of PAT14 activity results in early senescence and diminished plant size when plants are grown on standard peat/perlite mixtures in pots and watered with a commercial fertilizer, but this phenotype is not observed when plants grown on agar plates containing a different nutrient solution. Here we show that neither the peat/perlite growth medium nor the commensal microbes present in the growth are the causative agents for phenotype development. However, the …

The Cowl - V. 87 N. 8 - December 1, 2022

The Cowl

The Cowl - student newspaper of Providence College. Vol. 87 No. 8 - December 1, 2022. 16 pages.

St. Norbert College Announces J-Term Courses, St. Norbert College

Press Releases 2022

No abstract provided.

Arab American Muslims’ Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services: The Roles Of Acculturation, Religion, And Cultural Beliefs, Tharwah Alzoubi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between acculturation, religion, cultural beliefs, and attitudes toward seeking mental health services among Arab American Muslims. A total of 280 participants were surveyed for this study. Regression analysis was conducted to explore relationships among the variables; the alpha level was set at .05. The first research hypothesis was accepted as it showed statistical significance in the relationship between attitudes toward seeking mental health services and demographic variables. The standardized regression coefficients, or beta coefficients ranged from -.008 for gender to .24 for marital status, R=.31 (P<.05). Two variables were significant at the .05 level (marital status, and health insurance). The second hypothesis was also accepted as it showed relationship between attitudes toward mental health services and acculturation, religion and cultural beliefs; the standardized regression coefficients, or beta coefficients ranged from .05 for cultural beliefs to a -.25 for religion, R=.44 (P<.05). The variables of acculturation and religion were significant at the .01 level. Cultural beliefs were not significant at .05 level.

Conjunctive Management For Groundwater-Surface Water Resources: Numerical Modeling And Potential Assessment Of Managed Aquifer Recharge (Mar) At Lower Rio Grande Valley In South Texas, Dwight Zedric Q. Capus

Theses and Dissertations

Texas is well known to frequent floods and droughts, and yet has mounting concerns in very imbalanced water availability and water demands from growth in population and economical activities. Capturing and storing water is essential to long-term and climate-smart management of the “already-scarce” water resources. This study aimed to apply numerical modeling to evaluate potentials and impacts of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) to regional groundwater systems in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Using Visual MODFLOW Flex 3D package, different scenarios were simulated for groundwater flow patterns and storage capacities. Water injections tested ranged between 7.30x105 ft3 to 3.65x109 ft3 , …

Winds & Waves: A Collection Of Short Stories & Poems [Vientos Y Olas: Una Colección De Cuentos Y Poemas], Joann Balderrama

Theses and Dissertations

Winds & Waves: A Collection of Short Stories & Poems, presents works of fiction telling a cohesive story with themes of survival, joy in simplicity, and resilience. My work will show the gradual exposing of moods as well as experimentation with writing techniques in several genres. My writing has developed to include a voice of introspection.

My thesis title includes winds and waves to signify change and transformation. They also refer to the movement in nature. Nature is included in a lot of my pieces. Water is an important symbolic component in several of the pieces as well.

Being …