Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Living Learning Communities On Underserved Minority Students At A Regional Comprehensive University, Brandon Leonard Thompson

Online Theses and Dissertations

As access to higher education for underserved minority (USM) students has consistently increased over the past 20 years, college and university campuses across the United States have observed an achievement gap between USM students and their white counterparts (Brown, 2019; Doan, 2015; Flores, Park & Baker, 2017; Pope, 2002; Ramos; 2019). This achievement gap is acute and carries significant consequences if not addressed. As campuses seek to find solutions to close this achievement gap, it is essential to identify strategies that meet the needs of USM students instead of waiting for students to adapt to higher education and campus culture …

Community College Retention Initiative: A Qualitative Study On The Lived Experiences Of Black Males Entrenched In A Mentoring Program At One Associate-Level College In The Southeastern Region, Brandon Turnley

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the lived experiences of graduates of a Black Male Initiative (BMI) mentoring program at one associate-level College in the southeast region and the impact mentoring had on the participant's success at the college and its impact on obtaining their degree. Critical Race Theory (CRT) was the theoretical framework shaping the study, which acknowledges the centrality of race in every aspect of culture in the United States, including higher education. Three research questions guided this study (1) How do graduates of the mentoring program view their success with the program? (2) …

Correlation Between Student Success And On-Campus Jobs, William Thomas Willis

Online Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the level of degree on-campus jobs at Eastern Kentucky University assist with the overall student success rate regarding retention, grade point average and degrees awarded to ensure state and other funding sources are maximized. Specifically, this study focuses on major student employers on campus including the Admissions Office, Library Services, Student Life, Campus Recreation, University Housing, and a culmination of Other Departments. The data used was collected from Eastern Kentucky University’s institutional research office from the Fall 2016 to Fall 2018 academic year. The analysis of the results drew positive conclusions regarding on-campus employment resulting in a …

Squatters, Alina Cerisse Cohen

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Exercise Therapy On Upper Extremity Strength In A Breast Cancer Survivor Diagnosed With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Single-Case Study, Nia E. Ward

Research Papers

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the complications resulting from treatment, particularly surgical removal of lymph nodes. It is defined as arm edema in breast cancer patients caused by interruption of flow in the axillary lymphatic system from surgery or radiation therapy, which results in the accumulation of fluid in the subcutaneous tissue of the arm, with a decrease in tissue distensibility around the joints and an increased weight of the extremity.

There are a number of therapies for the management of BCRL. Most common among them is decongestive lymphatic therapy, which includes exercise therapy. Exercise and movement plans …

Speech-Language Pathologists On The Autism Spectrum, Rebecca Freeman Barnett

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This thesis consists of three journal articles for publication that addresses three different aspects of the research that examines the state of diversity in the field of speech-language pathology (SLP) as it pertains to autistic representation and possible implications. In the first article, Demographic Analysis of Autistic Speech-Language Pathologists, the purpose was to determine the demographic differences between SLPs that identified on the autism spectrum and those that did not. A mass survey was conducted of SLPs in the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio. It was concluded that 2.98% of SLPs self-identified on the autism spectrum. Chi-square analyses found …

Vampire Narratives: Looking At Queer-Centric Experiences In Comparison To Hetero-Centric Norms In Order To Model A New Queer Vampiric Experience, Marah Heikkila

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This thesis examines vampire narratives such as Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, True Blood, From Dusk Till Dawn, The Gilda Stories, and Fledgling using queer and sexuality studies frameworks to look at salient patterns in the texts. The project focuses on how gender performances take place in the text, what the performances mean, and what the implications of them are. In addition to gender performance, in the thesis, I also look at how vampire narratives influence and transform binaries related to gender and sexuality. Furthermore, while popular narratives such as Twilight are fan favorites, there are …

Eco-Tya: An Exploration Of Youth Agency And The Role Of Environment In Creating Balanced Theatrical Collaborations, Sage Tokach

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Systems of power in traditional theatrical and educational models may lead to controlled, efficient classrooms, but they do not help us facilitate creative, collaborative spaces. These power structures privilege some people over others and all people over environmental concerns. Eco-theatre artists emphasize the agency of more-than-human materials and encourage us to see our environment as a collaborator. Using eco-theatre theories in a synthesized methodology, this thesis explores how facilitators might interact differently with students and surroundings to disrupt power structures and lead to more inclusive collaborations. What tools and practices help students embrace challenges and work through tensions on their …

Change Point Detection For Streaming Data Using Support Vector Methods, Charles Harrison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Sequential multiple change point detection concerns the identification of multiple points in time where the systematic behavior of a statistical process changes. A special case of this problem, called online anomaly detection, occurs when the goal is to detect the first change and then signal an alert to an analyst for further investigation. This dissertation concerns the use of methods based on kernel functions and support vectors to detect changes. A variety of support vector-based methods are considered, but the primary focus concerns Least Squares Support Vector Data Description (LS-SVDD). LS-SVDD constructs a hypersphere in a kernel space to bound …

Sensory Overload: Creating Autism-Friendly Areas In Theme Parks Through Universal Design Principles, Lindsey Leffel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This thesis project explores the application of Universal Design principles to the development of purpose-built rest and play spaces within United States theme parks that provide places of refuge for children with autism and their families. The goal is to offer ideas on how to create spaces where families and individuals can take a break from the over-stimulation of the traditional theme park environment in an area that has been specifically designed with their sensory needs in mind. Though the target demographic for these spaces is children with autism and their families, the ideas offered to create space will not …

From Dna Logic Gates To Dna Nanorobots, Tatiana Molden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Due to their biocompatibility and parallel data processing, DNA computational devices are highly desired for applications in diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infectious and genetic diseases. Much like in modern electronic devices, DNA computation is based on the logic gates - by directly interacting with DNA or RNA input molecules, they produce a specific output depending on their embedded logic function. This work is devoted to the development of functional parts of a future DNA nanorobot for biomedical applications. Specifically, we used DNA nanotechnology and the concept of multicomponent DNA probes to develop three parts of the DNA nanorobot: computing, …

The Expansion Of School Resource Officers In A Florida County: A Mixed Methods Study, Melanie Soderstrom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In the aftermath of school shootings, policymakers presented the expansion of school resource officers (SROs) in the nation's schools as a method for keeping students safe. Recently, policing in the United States has come under increased scrutiny, and several school districts across the country cancelled their SRO contracts with law enforcement agencies. Notably, these contradictory decisions have been made with limited empirical knowledge surrounding, the roles, preparedness, and impact of SROs. A county in Florida substantially expanded its SRO program in the 2016-17 school year creating a new unit within the local sheriff's office and an opportunity to investigate these …

Zombie At Work (Aggressive) Zombie At Home: The Relationship Between Work Boredom And Romantic Partner Undermining And Disengagement, Kenzie Dye

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Work boredom is an understudied topic within Industrial/Organizational psychology, and studies have yet to examine work boredom in the context of the work-nonwork interface. The present study reviewed the current work boredom literature and then examined two pathways by which boredom may be related to employees' behavior at home. It proposed that negative affect, in the form of frustration, is a link between work boredom and undermining behaviors toward one's romantic partner. The cognitive pathway connecting work boredom with romantic partner disengagement, was proposed to be affective rumination. These pathways were expected to be buffered with a high work-nonwork segmentation …

Exploration Of The Oral Microbiome In Non-Ventilated Hospitalized Patients, Kimberly Emery

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Non-ventilator hospital acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) impacts 1 in 100 hospitalized patients and is a significant patient concern due to its negative clinical outcomes. Many factors play a role in NV-HAP development: oral health, oral care, microaspiration risk, and the oral microbiome. Little is known about how the oral microbiome alters during hospitalization. This study explored changes in the oral microbiome of non-ventilated hospitalized patients over time and analyzed the relationship between the oral microbiome, pre-hospital residence, and NV-HAP. A prospective, observational design was used to recruit 46 non-ventilated adults 65 years and older from a large medical center in central …

Conspiracy Theories Through A Cross-Cultural Lens, Roland Imhoff

Online Readings in Psychology and Culture

Conspiracy beliefs and an overarching conspiracy mentality binding them together are hot topics in psychology, not the least due to potential societal costs that are associated with them. Despite anecdotal evidence supporting the ubiquity of such beliefs across the globe, very little research has systematically explored cross-cultural differences, let alone tested theory-based hypotheses about such differences. The present paper highlights important methodological and theoretical considerations in developing a sound research program in predictors of country-level variations in conspiracy endorsement.

Structural Precarity And Potential In Condominium Governance Design, Andrea Boyack

Faculty Publications

In the early hours of June 24, 2021, half of Champlain Towers South Condominium, a thirteen-story multifamily building located in the Miami suburb of Surfside, collapsed without warning. The Miami Herald called the collapse “unprecedented” in that one wing “simply caved in––for no obvious reason.” The collapse killed ninety-eight people and was the deadliest multifamily building engineering failure in US history. After an arduous search and rescue and safely dismantling the rest of the structure, inquiries sought to determine why this deadly collapse happened. Who was to blame, and what could have been done differently?

Within six months of this …

Return Visit Characteristics Of Sars-Cov-2 Pcr-Positive Cases In A Pediatric Emergency Department, Ni̇han Şik, Durgül Özdemi̇r, Murat Duman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate return visits to the pediatric emergency department (ED) for children who were detected to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and methods: Between April 2, 2020, and January 20, 2021, children aged 0 to 18 years who were detected to be SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive and discharged from the ED were evaluated. Among them, patients who returned to the ED within 14 days of quarantine were included in the study. For the first presentation and return visit, demographics, clinical findings, laboratory and radiologic investigations, and ward/pediatric intensive care unit …

Hidden Threat In Familial Mediterranean Fever: Subclinical Inflammation, Oxidative Stress And Their Relationship With Vitamin D Status, Mhd Boshr Alesh, Di̇dem Barlak Keti̇, Ayşenur Paç Kisaarslan, Sabahatti̇n Muhtaroğlu, Sema Nur Taşkin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Vitamin D levels have been investigated in children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), but the relationship between vitamin D status and inflammation/oxidative stress indicators could not be clearly demonstrated. This study aimed to investi- gate the relationship between subclinical inflammation/oxidative stress and vitamin D status in children with FMF during an attack-free period. Materials and methods: In the cross-sectional study, ninety children with FMF in the attack-free period and 30 healthy children were included. Patients were grouped according to their vitamin D status (< 20, 20-29, and 30-100 ng/mL). The groups were compared in terms of pentraxin 3 (PTX-3), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS). Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with vitamin D status. Results: PTX-3 levels were significantly higher in patients with vitamin D insufficiency (20-29 ng/mL) than in the group with vitamin D sufficient (30-100 ng/mL). Patients with vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) had higher TOS. A strong negative correlation was ob- served between vitamin D levels and TOS (p = 0.003). Subclinical inflammation (PTX-3 ≥ 0.640) and high TOS levels were negatively associated with vitamin D levels. Conclusion: Subclinical inflammation and oxidative stress were negatively associated with vitamin D levels in patients with FMF dur- ing an attack-free period. Sufficient vitamin D levels are important in fighting subclinical inflammation and oxidative stress in children with FMF.

Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis In Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease, Alper Sari, Ömer Önder, Berkan Armağan, Ertuğrul Çağri Bölek, Bayram Fari̇soğullari, Emre Bi̇lgi̇n, Gözde Kübra Yardimci, Orhan Maci̇t Ariyürek, Ali̇ Akdoğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To explore the frequency and clinical associations of radiologic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Materials and methods: In this single-center retrospective study, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images of 105 patients with SSc-ILD were examined for the presence of PPFE. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and pulmonary function test (PFT) data of patients with and without PPFE were compared. Results: PPFE was detected in 19 (18.1%) patients (`definite PPFE' in 13 and `consistent with PPFE' in 6 patients). Patients with PPFE had higher age and longer disease duration than PPFE (-) patients (p < 0.05 for both). Radiologic usual interstitial pneumoniae (UIP) pattern was more frequent (26.3% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.01) and median force vital capacity (FVC) was lower in patients with PPFE (64% vs. 82%, p = 0.005). Spontaneous pneumothorax developed in one patient with PPFE. More deaths occured in PPFE (+) group during follow-up (31% vs. 11%, p = 0.04). Conclusion: PPFE on HRCT is not uncommon in SSc-ILD and is associated with radiologic UIP pattern and worse lung functions. Further studies are needed to elucidate the prognostic value of PPFE in SSc-ILD.

Evaluation Of Atrial Fibrosis In Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Three Different Methods, Cem Çöteli̇, Tuncay Hazirolan, Kudret Aytemi̇r, Ahmet Gürkan Erdemi̇r, Emi̇ne Ni̇lay Bakir, Uğur Canpolat, Hi̇kmet Yorgun, Ahmet Hakan Ateş, Ergün Bariş Kaya, Zeli̇ha Günnur Di̇kmen, Necla Özer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The presence of atrial fibrosis has already been known as a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) development. We aimed to evaluate atrial fibrosis with previously defined three different methods, which were cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (C-MRI), echocardiographic strain imaging, and biomarkers and show the relationship between these methods in patients with AF scheduled for cryoballoon ablation. Materials and methods: A total of 30 patients were enrolled. Atrial T1 relaxation durations were measured using C-MRI before the procedure of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation. Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels were measured at serum derived from …

Striatal Dopaminergic Neurons As A Potential Target For Gdnf Based Ischemic Stroke Therapy, Mustafa Çağlar Beker, Merve Beker, Ahmet Burak Çağlayan, Busenur Bolat, Ülkan Kiliç, Gamze Köse, Ertuğrul Kiliç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Glial cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a well-known regulatory neurotrophic factor on dopaminergic neurons. Several pathologies have been documented so far in case of any impairment in the dopaminergic system. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective role of lentiviral GNDF delivery on the small population of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive dopamine producing striatal neurons after ischemic stroke. Materials and methods: Fourteen C57BL/6J male mice (8-10 weeks) were intracerebrally treated with lentiviral GDNF (Lv-GDNF) or vehicle. Ten days after injections, cerebral ischemia was induced by blockage of the middle cerebral artery. Animals were terminated 72 h after ischemia, …

Modulatory Effect Of Resveratrol And Melatonin On Natural Killer Cell Activity And Adrenomedullin In Diabetic Rats, Fati̇h Özçeli̇k, Fati̇h Hacimustafaoğlu, Alpaslan Tanoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Epidemiological evidence suggests that diabetes poses a high risk for many chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, and cancer by stimulating many inflammatory and immunological pathogenic mediators and affecting natural killer (NK)-cell activity. In this study, the effects of melatonin and resveratrol on IL-6, TNF-alpha, oxidant/antioxidant capacity, NK-cell activity, and mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) levels of diabetic rats were investigated. Materials and methods: In the study, 28 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group (group I) and 3 streptozotocin- induced diabetes mellitus (DM) groups (group II, III, and IV), each group consisting of 7 rats. Five mg/kg/day melatonin …

The Evaluation Of Disease Awareness, Caregiver Burden, And Workday Loss In Caregivers Ofcopd Patients, Ayşe Baha, Nurdan Köktürk, Burcu Öztürk Şahi̇n, Eli̇f Yildirim, İpek Özmen, Alev Gürgün, Ayşe Füsun Topçu, Evri̇m Eylem Akpinar, Funda Elmas Uysal, Hadi̇ce Seli̇moğlu Şen, Nalan Ogan, Yeşi̇m Önder, Ömer Tamer Doğan, Mehmet Polatli, Züleyha Bi̇ngöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Our aim is to determine the caregiver burden of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) patient's caregivers, and to determine whether there is a workday loss. Materials and methods: 252 COPD patients and their caregivers were included. Disease information of the patients were recorded and a questionnaire was applied. Socio-demographic characteristics of the caregivers were recorded and a questionnaire consisting of 24 questions including COPD disease, treatment and loss of working days, and the Zarit Scale were used. Results: 128(50.8%) of the patients according to GOLD were group-D, 97(38.5%) of the patient's relatives were working, 62(24.7%) were not able to …

The Effectiveness Of Anti-Interleukin-1 Therapy On Subclinical Inflammation Parametersduring The Attack-Free Period In Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients: A Case-Control Study, Ebru Atalar, İsmai̇l Doğan, Kevser Gök, Serdar Can Güven, Yüksel Maraş, Gülay Güleç Ceylan, Şükran Erten

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Anti IL-1 therapy is useful in suppressing attacks in FMF patients with colchicine resistance, however, it is not certain whether subclinical inflammation can sufficiently be inhibited with anti-IL-1 therapy in FMF patients with amyloidosis. Materials and methods: Forty-six FMF patients receiving anti-interleukin-1 therapy and 36 healthy control patients were compared in terms of laboratory parameters. Also, FMF patients were further divided into two groups; those with amyloidosis and those without it, and these subgroups were compared to each other in terms of clinical and laboratory findings. Results: In comparison between the FMF and healthy control groups, erythrocyte sedimentation rate …

The Relationship Between Elevated Plasma Zonulin Levels And Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Esra Demi̇r, Burak Önal, Hani̇şe Özkan, İrem Kiraç Utku, Berrak Sahti̇yanci, Abdulbaki̇ Kumbasar, Guven Yenmis, Bülent Demi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Morphometric Analysis Of Hippocampus And Intracranial Formations Based On Their Stages In Patients Diagnosed With Major Cognitive Disorder, Nurullah Yücel, Muzaffer Şeker, Mehmet Tuğrul Yilmaz, Zaki̇r Sakci, Yaşar Bükte

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Application Of High-Flow Oxygen Therapy In Acute Pancreatitis Complicated With Acute Respiratory Dysfunction, Xiang Ji, Jie Zhou, Wenting Wu, Yan Tang, Tongrong Xu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Association Between Depression Scores And Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment And Frailty In Geriatric Outpatients With Somatic Complaints: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study, Hande Selvi̇ Öztorun, Bi̇lge Gözükara, Remzi̇ Bahşi̇, Tuğba Turgut, Deni̇z Mut Sürmeli̇, Çağlar Coşardereli̇oğlu Seçer, Volkan Atmiş, Ahmet Yalçin, Sevgi̇ Aras, Murat Varli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Organic Load Related Efficacy Changes In Antiseptic Solutions Used In Hospitals, Asli Şahi̇ner, Ece Halat, Evren Alğin Yapar, Bi̇lge Ahsen Kara

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Does Memantine Show Chemopreventive Effect Against Mice 4t1 Breast Tumor Model?, Gülşah Albayrak, Eli̇f Burcu Bali̇, Funda Demi̇rtaş Korkmaz, Emi̇n Ümi̇t Bağriaçik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.