Digital Commons Network^™

Exploration Of Intercollegiate Student-Athletes’ Athletic Identity, Leah C. Oldham

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Student-athletes encounter experiences that can cause their identity process and self-concept to be disturbed. Even though athletic identities are strong among intercollegiate athletes, some encounter identity-threatening events that interrupt their identity process, negatively affecting their athletic identity. The present study adds to current research on the athletic identity of student-athletes by examining the athletic identity and self-esteem of student-athletes to determine if a redshirt season is a positive (identity-enhancing) or negative (identity-threatening) event. The intersectionality of age, race, gender, and ethnicity are examined to understand if multiple identities influence the experience of a redshirt season. Results reveal that a redshirt …

Wetland Mitigation Performance Standards: The Intersection Of Science, Practice, And Policy, Jessica Anne Bryzek

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Wetland ecosystem spatial extent and integrity have declined due to conversion to anthropogenic land uses. Wetland mitigation offsets the impact on wetlands encountered during development by restoring a previously degraded wetland or creating new wetlands. This activity creates an ecosystem service market where wetland impacts (debits) are offset by wetland restoration/creation (credits). Mitigation aims to replace functions provided by aquatic resources lost during development. Post-restoration monitoring criteria known as performance standards are used to evaluate and verify restored wetland functionality and regulate mitigation credit release. Therefore, performance standards are vital in ascertaining wetland restoration techniques and mitigation processes. In Chapter …

A Novel Tool To Promote Surgical Team Awareness Of Nurse Anesthesia Students’ Level Of Training, Joseph Lewis Britz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Communication errors in operating room (OR) settings are a common and avoidable source of patient harm. Communication in OR settings is enhanced when all members of the surgical team have knowledge of the skills and proficiency of their fellow team members. Student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) provide anesthesia under the supervision of a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or physician anesthesiologist. SRNAs’ proficiency in delivering anesthesia can vary significantly depending on their level of training, which varies based on the progression of the student in their multi-year nurse anesthesia program. Methods: This quality improvement project implemented a standardized non-verbal …

Characterizing The Effects Of Solvent And Analyte Properties On Ionization Efficiency By Novel Field-Free And Field-Enabled Ionization Techniques, Kinkini Udara Jayasundara

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In recent years the mass spectrometry (MS) area of field and/or direct analysis has grown dramatically. As a result, field-portable and miniaturized mass spectrometers, introduced only a few years ago, are proliferating. A highly desired feature for field-portable MS, or in-field analysis, is the ability to use ionization techniques requiring very little sample preparation as well as an ability to generate the ions under ambient conditions. Recently, a new ambient ionization technique termed vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization (VSSI) has been introduced which overcomes the field-portable limitations of other spray-based methods including the requirements for auxiliary components (e.g., nebulizing gas and …

Evaluating The Performance Of Emergency Medical System In The Us, Zhila Dehdari Ebrahimi

Transportation Logistics and Finance

New and exciting opportunities are emerging for operational researchers to create and use models that provide managers with solutions to enhance the quality of their services as the importance of the service sector grows in industrialized countries. The key to this process is the creation of time-dependent models that analyze complicated service systems and produce efficient staff schedules, allowing organizations to strike a balance between delivering high-quality services and avoiding unnecessary personnel costs. There is a need, particularly in the healthcare sector, to encourage effective management of an EMS, where the likelihood of survival is strongly correlated with the response …

Three Essays On Railroad Safety Analysis Using Non-Parametric Statistical Methods, Neeraj Dhingra

Transportation Logistics and Finance

he FRA mandated railroad companies to install a new monitoring system known as Positive Train Control (PTC). This system overlays sensors, signals, and transponders over existing track and other wayside infrastructure. Technologists designed the system to prevent accidents mainly caused by human negligence and communications. However, PTC will not address track-related defects, which is the second dominant cause of accidents. A new track monitoring system called Railway Autonomous Inspection Localization System (RAILS) was proposed to address track-related accidents. RAILS is based on low-cost sensor technology that identifies defect symptoms, ranks their severity, classifies defect types, and localizes their positions. So, …

Studying Vulnerable Populations Through An Epigenetics Lens: Proceed With Caution, Katie Saulnier, Alison Berner, Stamatina Liosi, Brian Earp, Courtney D. Berrios, Stephanie O.M. Dyke, Charles Dupras, Yann Joly

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Epigenetics – the study of mechanisms that influence and modify gene expression – is providing unique insights into how an individual’s social and physical environment impact the body at a molecular level, particularly in populations that experience stigmatization and trauma. Researchers are employing epigenetic studies to illuminate how epigenetic modifications lead to imbalances in health outcomes for vulnerable populations. However, the investigation of factors that render a population epigenetically vulnerable present particular ethical and methodological challenges. Here we are concerned with demonstrating how, in targeting certain populations for epigenetic research, this research may be pathologizing socio-cultural and medical practices in …

Predictions Of Produced Water Quality And Recycled Water Optimization For Spatially-Distributed Wells In Point Pleasant Formation, Armel Quentin Mbakop

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The treatment of produced water as a fracturing fluid is becoming an increasingly important aspect of water management surrounding the booming of the unconventional oil and gas industry. Two main problems facing the oil and gas industry are the availability of water for well drilling and completion and disposal of the produced water. Unconventional well drilling and completion in the Utica shale requires large amounts of water. The wastewater that results after production—containing high levels of organic and inorganic matter— is usually disposed of through deep well injection. A new approach reuses this produced water as part of subsequent fracturing …

Knowledge And Training In Language Sample Analysis Of Us Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students, Allegra Cornaglia

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Purpose: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play an integral role in identification and treatment of developmental language disorders (DLD). Best practices include the use of language sample analysis (LSA) as part of a comprehensive evaluation. However, LSA requires a specific set of foundational morphological and syntactic knowledge. Previous studies have shown a knowledge gap for both SLPs and SLP graduate students for other areas of morphosyntax and phonology. This study examined the language analysis skills of current SLP graduate students on a test of Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) analysis and Clausal Density (CD) and whether there were possible factors associated with …

The Effects Of Script Therapy In A Patient With Old Chronic Aphasia, Busra Ensar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There are some gaps in the literature regarding the efficacy of script therapy in patients with chronic aphasia, particularly chronic aphasia that lasts for several years post-onset, in terms of treatments to improve functional communication during daily activities. This study investigates the relationship between script therapy and communication effectiveness and communicative efficiency. In this context, communication effectiveness was measured by the percent script correct, and communicative efficiency was measured by the total duration to produce the script and the mean duration of pauses at the beginning of sentences.

The efficacy of intensive script training on discourse effectiveness and efficiency was …

Efficacy Of Reported Issue Times As A Means For Effort Estimation, Paul Phillip Maclean

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Software effort is a measure of manpower dedicated to developing and maintaining and software. Effort estimation can help project managers monitor their software, teams, and timelines. Conversely, improper effort estimation can result in budget overruns, delays, lost contracts, and accumulated Technical Debt (TD). Issue Tracking Systems (ITS) have become mainstream project management tools, with over 65,000 companies using Jira alone. ITS are an untapped resource for issue resolution effort research. Related work investigates issue effort for specific issue types, usually Bugs or similar. They model their developer-documented issue resolution times using features from the issues themselves. This thesis explores a …

Framing Fashion Sustainability In Fashion Magazines, Kristen Ann Mohammadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study explores the framing, dominant frame, story focus, and tone of sustainable fashion coverage in prominent fashion magazines, Vogue and Refinery29, seeking to understand if the publications frame their coverage differently and if the framing changes after the emergence of COVID-19. To do so, this study uses a sample consisting of articles from summer months (May-August) spanning three years (2019, 2020, and 2021), as COVID-19 was first discovered in the United States in 2020. This study uses content analysis methodology to analyze a total of 206 articles. This kind of research is important, as environmental and social issues stemming …

Growing Green Finland: A Short-Term Study Abroad Program With A Sociological Focus, Natasha Ann Cary-Waselk

Sociology and Anthropology

This paper is an example of theory-based practice in the field of international education through program and course design. Environmental sociology will be the focus of the class readings, discussions, and course work as well as on-ground programming. This topic ties specifically to the on-ground programming in Finland. Students will take the knowledge learned in the course surrounding sustainability, wellbeing practices, and sociology and learn more about these topics through immersion and community interaction. Through specific course design, students will not only learn about environmental sociology, but will have continuous learning experiences through course work, excursions, reflection, peer-to-peer learning, and …

Appalachian Broadcast News Coverage Of The Coronavirus: A Content Analysis Of Media Framing In The Midst Of A Health Crisis, Jensen M. Mills

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Media framing of broadcast news is more than identifying an issue, but rather interpreting and explaining the issue for others to better understand. Previous framing scholarship in broadcast news, as well as COVID-19 specifically, has focused mostly on national or international news, so this research explores broadcast coverage from a local perspective in a rural location. During the health crisis of COVID-19, the specific use of media frames can impact how people made sense of the pandemic. Through a content analysis of 165 newscast scripts from five different local news stations in Appalachia, this study contributes to the understanding of …

The Bigger Picture: Wrongful Conviction Documentary Thematic Vs Episodic Framing, Alecsandra N. Vac

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

True crime documentaries have gained popularity in the past decade, but those focusing on wrongful conviction cases have been on the rise (Doughty, 2018). Advocates against wrongful conviction, such as the Innocence Project, have been utilizing entertainment media to increase awareness on the issues present in the criminal justice system. However, the framing of wrongful conviction causes and cases (ex: focusing on extreme accusations of police misconduct and intentional forensic evidence tampering) could lead to a bias in how the viewers understand how miscarriages of justice occur. The primary research question being investigated here is, how are these advocacy-recommended documentaries …

Combinatorial Approaches For Effective Design, Synthesis, And Optimization Of Enzyme-Based Conjugates, Jordan Scott Chapman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The specificity and efficiency with which enzymes catalyze selective chemical reactions far exceeds the performance of traditional heterogeneous catalysts that are predominant in industrial applications such as conversion of commodity chemicals to value-added products, fuel cells, and petroleum refinement. Moreover, biocatalysts exhibit exceptionally high product turnover at ambient conditions with little health and environmental burden. These advantageous qualities have led to the prolific use of enzyme catalysis in pharmaceutical, detergents, and food preservation industries wherein their use has greatly reduced waste generation, Unfortunately, the full slate of benefits that enzymes can impart to a broader range of chemical processes is …

Using Drones To Evaluate Revegetation Success On Natural Gas Pipelines, Anthony Nelson Mesa

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Appalachian region of the United States has significant growth in the production of natural gas. Developing the infrastructure required for this resource creates significant disturbances across the landscape, as both well pads and transportation pipelines must be created in this mountainous terrain. Midstream infrastructure, which includes pipeline rights-of-way and associated infrastructure, can cause significant environmental degradation, especially in the form of sedimentation. The introduction of this non-point source pollutant can be detrimental to freshwater ecosystems found throughout this region. This ecological risk has necessitated the enactment of regulations related to midstream infrastructure development. Weekly, inspectors travel afoot along pipeline …

Short-Term International Sport For Development And Peace Programs: A Retrospective Analysis And Critique Informed By Stakeholders’ Perspectives In A Two-Year Follow-Up, Adam Hansell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) programs are a popular approach to promoting positive development throughout the world, spanning health, education, peace, and social issues. However, scholars have identified critical shortcomings of SDP work, including the potential to reinforce neoliberalist tendencies and values imposition from the Global North to the Global South. Deporte y Cambio Social was a short-term SDP program established through partnership between American and Mexican constituent groups with aims to empower girls and women through soccer. Through six semi-structured, two-year retrospective interviews, the purpose of the present study was to explore cross-cultural understandings of power and intercultural …

A Practice Improvement Project Incorporating Tobacco Cessation Education Into A Doctor Of Nursing Practice Program, Jillian Doan

Nursing

Tobacco use is a global epidemic and is one of the largest public health threats the world has faced killing over eight million people annually. Smoking-related illnesses cost the United States $300 billion annually. Unfortunately, only 31% of those attempting to quit smoking in 2015 used evidenced-base cessation treatments. When behavioral and pharmacotherapy are combined, cessation rates increase by 82%. With tobacco use being the leading cause of U.S. preventable death and with 70% of tobacco users visiting a primary care facility annually, it is essential that providers appropriately and accurately address tobacco use and cessation. This practice improvement project …

Student Research Symposium Schedule 2022, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Student Research Symposium 2022 (Archived)

No abstract provided.

Implementing Nih Behavior Change Consortium Treatment Fidelity Recommendations In A Multi-Site Randomized Controlled Trial Of An Active Music Engagement Intervention For Young Children With Cancer And Parents., Jessica A. Maclean, Kristin Stegenga, Amanda K. Henley, Sheri L. Robb

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Treatment fidelity is the use of methodological strategies to monitor and enhance reliability and validity of behavioral intervention trials. Despite availability of guidelines and checklists, treatment fidelity remains underreported, hindering evaluation, interpretation, and cross-study comparisons. Treatment fidelity is particularly important for music interventions given the inherent complexity of musical stimuli and flexibility required for tailored delivery. The purpose of this paper is to define and describe treatment fidelity strategies for our trial of a music-based play intervention for young children with cancer and parents grounded in the NIH Behavior Change Consortium Treatment Fidelity Recommendations. We report strategies for all 5 …

Promoting Confidence In Pressure Injury Management In Rural Long-Term Care, Leah Radke

Nursing

Despite prevention efforts, pressure injuries (PIs) remain prevalent across care settings and impose significant burden on affected individuals and the entire healthcare system. Many individuals, including those who live rurally and in long-term care (LTC) facilities, face challenges when accessing specialty care, leaving PI management to primary care providers (PCPs) and nursing staff. Minimal training and the myriad of commercially available wound care products contribute to lack of confidence in PI management. This quality improvement project aimed to promote confidence in management of PIs in LTC residents, through development of a product selection guide, example orders, and separate education for …

Implementing Adult Waist Circumference Measurements In Primary Care, Terryl Lynn Johnson

Nursing

Overweight and obesity negatively affect multiple acute and chronic disease conditions (USDHHS & ODPHP, n.d.). Two of the most valid and reliable measurements of overweight and obesity are body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) (NHLBI, n.d.). Despite evidence that waist circumference measurement (WCM) can aid in stratifying risk, the predominant measurement of obesity is BMI alone (Ross et al., 2020). The purpose of the practice improvement project involved creating a workflow to measure adult WC at wellness visits, increase the frequency of adult WCM, and documentation of WCM in the electronic health record (EHR). The project included increasing …

Influenza Vaccination Rates In Primary Care, Kara Kreft

Nursing

Influenza is a common and highly contagious upper respiratory illness that affects an average of 8% of Americans each season. The flu was associated with 18 million medical visits, 400,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths during the 2019-2020 flu season in the United States (US). The best protection from the flu is to receive an annual vaccination. However, only 56.5% of North Dakotans received a flu vaccine for the 2019-2020 season, well below the Healthy People 2030 goal of 70%. Suboptimal vaccination rates, along with increasing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, make efforts in improving vaccine uptake …

Prediabetes: Provider Awareness And The Implementation Of The Prevent Diabetes Stat Toolkit Resources, Brooke Feltman

Nursing

Increased proactivity and improved management of prediabetes is a growing need amongst providers in the primary care setting. Nearly one third of North Dakota residents over the age of 20 have prediabetes, but only one out of ten are aware of this reversible medical condition. Without early correction and identification, 15-30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes. Based on the need for increased proactivity towards prediabetic management, evidence-based resources were created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Medical Association. The Prevent Diabetes STAT Toolkit was developed to guide medical professionals in assisting …

Providing Postpartum Depression Resources At A Local Wic Agency, Katie Marie Casey

Nursing

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental illness that impacts 12.5% of all postpartum women. In women with low-income, the prevalence increases to 25% and 40-60% of low-income, adolescent mothers report depressive symptoms. Postpartum depression also presents a significant early risk to healthy child development and the bond between mother and child. Symptoms of PPD can present as soon as 2 weeks postpartum and as late as 3 years postpartum. Unfortunately, once delivered, women are typically not assessed by a medical provider until 6 weeks postpartum. Therefore, targeting additional opportunities for PPD education in low-income women may play a role …

Aspirin And Statin Use For Primary Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease, Natalie Jean Carriveau

Nursing

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and aspirin and statins are well-known medications associated with CVD prevention. There are well-known benefits of aspirin for secondary prevention of CVD, but aspirin’s role in primary prevention remains controversial. The decision to start aspirin for primary prevention is individualized to the specific patient and situation. Statins are a drug used as first-line therapy in cholesterol management, though there is a complicated relationship with adherence due to real and/or perceived safety issues associated with statin use. The decision to start statins needs to be determined …

A Self-Help Intervention For Caregivers Of People Diagnosed With An Eating Disorder, Steven Lin Condon

Nursing

The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to support caregivers of patients with eating disorders by delivering an evidence-based intervention designed to decrease caregiving burden and illness maintaining behaviors at a regional eating disorder and weight management center (EDWMC). Based on the Cognitive Interpersonal Maintenance Model, the intervention developed by Treasure and colleagues (2006) was shown to improve caregivers’ sense of self-efficacy, interaction with their loved ones, and their loved ones’ outcomes. After receiving the training materials, caregivers of previous studies reported decreases in caregiving burden and illness maintaining behaviors. Furthermore, patients with caregivers who received the intervention also …

Adolescent Mental Health: A Community Needs Assessment, Michael Hammer

Nursing

Depression among adolescents has been trending upward with approximately 3.2 million adolescents aged 12-17 having at least one major depressive episode in the United States (U.S.) in 2016. The incidence of depression also rises with age among adolescents, with depressive episodes at 4.8% for 12-year-olds, 11.8% for 14-year-olds, and as high as 18.5% in adolescents aged 17 years. Interventions aimed at understanding mental health needs of adolescents and reducing barriers to care are essential to improve overall health outcomes for this population. The goal of this community needs assessment was to better understand adolescent mental health and determine the needs …

Advance Care Planning And Advance Directives: Implementing Online Education For Healthcare Providers, Hannah Murphy

Nursing

Advance directives (ADs) summarize goals or preferences for future care regarding life-sustaining treatment and designates a surrogate decision-maker in the event a patient is unable to make healthcare decisions. These legal documents are especially important for providing patient autonomy and allowing people to communicate their medical care preferences to family, friends, and healthcare professionals. Two thirds of Americans have not completed an advance directive and 70% of Americans (more than 1.7 million) die of chronic diseases. Benefits of ADs include: autonomy during end-of-life, honored preferences, enhanced quality of medical decisions, less emotional distress, and even a decrease in healthcare costs. …