Digital Commons Network^™

Collaboration From Variable Perspectives Through A Multi-Instrumental Approach, Sarah Gates

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis is a discussion of the art of musical collaboration. First to be defined is general collaboration and what the key components to success are as discussed by various authors. The components will be discussed through the various aspects of musical collaborative relationships, such as those between fellow performers, composers and artists, conductors and their ensembles, as well as teachers and their students. A discussion of the differences between those who are experienced on their singular instrument versus those who are experiences on multiple instruments will also be made. Incorporation of this knowledge will be observed in the different …

Peer Mentoring And Test Anxiety In Collegiate Aeronautics Students: An Integrative Review, Angelo R. Cosentino

Senior Honors Theses

An integrative review was conducted to lay the foundation for further research focusing on the use of peer mentoring as a tool to reduce the anxiety pilots and mechanics feel for their oral and practical exams to increase student safety and performance. Research on performance anxiety in competitive sports, music performance anxiety, and academic test anxiety showed how anxiety levels relate to athlete and student performance. Feedback surveys from peer mentoring programs identified increased self-efficacy, increased student retention, and a better understanding of the applicable examination as possible benefits of such mentoring programs. I determined the proposed research question was …

Fostering Positive Teacher-Student Relationships In The Classroom, Mandi Lehman

Senior Honors Theses

The research in this qualitative study bases itself on the importance of positive teacher-student relationships in the classroom. Positive teacher-student relationships are critical in furthering students’ growth in the school. Teachers can take the place of a parental role in a student’s life, and positive relationships are essential to make a lasting impact on students. Teachers’ attitudes affect how they understand and build relationships with the students in their classroom, and factors such as closeness, conflict, and dependency affect these relationships. Five elementary education professors were interviewed to gain insight into the specific strategies and attitudes elementary educators need to …

Worried Sick: Understanding The Implications Of Stress On A Physiological Level, Julia Saia

Senior Honors Theses

Stress is prevalent among many individuals in today’s society. A literature review was conducted to investigate the physiological effects of stress, including the biomarkers of stress and how these interact with various body systems. The stress response is a protective mechanism to prepare the body to adequately respond to a perceived threat. However, when this response is prolonged, it begins to have a maladaptive effect on the body and can cause more harm than good. This literature review sought to compile what is known regarding the general effects of chronic stress and its impact on the nervous, immune, digestive, and …

The Importance And Implementation Of Kinesthetic Learning In The English Classroom, Emma Crandall

Senior Honors Theses

This paper examines different educators’ and researchers’ activities for kinesthetic learners and discusses how they can be applied to the English classroom in literature, writing, and language. The first section delves into the difficulty associated with but ultimate importance of including kinesthetic learning activities for both kinesthetic and non-kinesthetic learners due to the benefits of active learning. Subsequently, it looks for synthesis between different types of kinesthetic activities, dividing them into the categories of manipulatives, commonly accepted classroom activities with kinesthetic add-ons, and kinesthetic-centered activities. The ways each activity can be used, including its benefits and disadvantages, are discussed, and …

Creating A Culture Of Learning: Intrinsic Motivation And Its Practical Value In The Wake Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Paige Hennen

Senior Honors Theses

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, students of all ages were required to rapidly transition to the demands of virtual learning, resulting in general amotivation. These changes have led to poor academic performance, due to the decreased efficiency of learning processes as these students learn to cope with the instability caused by the pandemic as well as school-related changes. Intrinsic motivation, especially when cultivated within the learning process, plays an important role in student academic success and acts as an influence on holistic success in adulthood. Thus, educators must cater to the needs of this generation's students by implementing …

The Greatest Teacher: Modeling Jesus In Urban Education, Harley Rusk

Senior Honors Theses

Several key best practices from urban education research are reflected in the pedagogy of Jesus Christ, providing a practical foundation for Christian educators in urban schools. Related to the prevalence of poverty and trauma are the practices of learning students’ backgrounds to better interpret behavior, which Jesus reflects by healing before teaching, and holding high standards, demonstrated in Jesus’ interaction with the rich man and the Sermon on the Mount. Related to racial diversity are the practices of addressing implicit bias, a crucial part of being Christlike, and connecting instruction to students’ culture, like Jesus did through parables. Christians can …

More Than A Single Story: Culturally Diverse Literature And Social Inclusion In Elementary Classrooms, Amanda Works

Senior Honors Theses

This paper aims to consider the existing literature regarding culturally diverse literature, social inclusion, and children’s literature as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. These three concepts form a conceptual framework that supports the research study, which explored the use of culturally diverse literature and any correlation with social inclusion. Four elementary teachers participated in semi-structured interviews focused on two research questions: “What impacts the use of culturally diverse literature in elementary classrooms?” and “Does culturally diverse literature affect social inclusion in elementary classrooms?”. Through thematic, qualitative analysis, the study identified three central themes: (1) levels of choice based on …

December 2022 - Front Matter

Journal of Solution Focused Practices

No abstract provided.

December 2022 Complete

Journal of Solution Focused Practices

No abstract provided.

What Is Helpful: The Client’S Perception Of The Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Process By Level Of Engagement, Andreea M. Żak

Journal of Solution Focused Practices

The current study aimed to explore what elements from the solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) process clients perceive as helpful and how their perception varies by level of engagement. The replication of the SFBT model from the perspective of clients residing outside the USA was also examined. A mixed-method design was used in a naturalistic setting in Poland. Clients (N = 346; 74% females) aged 18 to 67 attending psychotherapy in private practice were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed eleven main themes. The SFBT-specific themes replicated the original model, yet a more ordered organization of core elements emerged than currently existing ones. …

The Solution-Focused Circle Technique: A Visual Tool For Discovering Strengths And Facilitating Change In Therapy And Counseling, Arnoud Huibers, Ben Furman

Journal of Solution Focused Practices

The Circle Technique is a solution-focused tool for discovering clients' resources, competencies and desired changes, essential aspects of solution-focused psychology. Using two concentric circles, the practitioner guides the client to find resources and ideas about what they want to change and solutions they can use within their social context. The visual tool allows the practitioner and the client to act as explorers, like Marco Polo or Columbus, discovering new worlds. The Circle Technique can be applied in diverse settings to empower a wide range of clients to find valuable ideas. The information found with the help of the circles feels …

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy With Hispanic Families, Vanessa Magaña, Eman Tadros

Journal of Solution Focused Practices

No abstract provided.

The Solution-Focused Approach As A ‘Virtue-Rich’ Practice, Brian Jennings

Journal of Solution Focused Practices

No abstract provided.

Testing The Reliability And Validity Of The Solution-Focused Vs Problem-Focused Communication Scale In A Workplace Setting, Akira Kitai, Yoshimichi Shimada

Journal of Solution Focused Practices

No abstract provided.

Counselors’ Experiences With Infant And Young Child Feeding Tele-Counseling: A Phenomenological Study, Fajar Tri Waluyanti, Yeni Rustina, Hadiyati Fudla, Nani Nurhaeni, Jen-Jiaun Liaw, Insi Farisa Desy Arya, Milawati Milawati, Firda Dewi Yani

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

The global COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the intervention delivery of Indonesia’s stunting reduction program. In this context, e-counseling can be adapted as an innovative approach to deliver interventions. This study aimed to explore counselors’ experiences when conducting tele-counseling. The five participants in this phenomenological study were counselors who had received breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) counseling training and participated in counseling service activities. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. In- depth interviews were conducted with each of the participant until data saturation was reached. Each interview was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis method. …

An Indepth Look On Earth-Anchoring Through Architectural Treatments To Mitigate Psychological And Psychosocial Issues During Long-Duration Spaceflight, Skye Elizabeth Schwartz

Theses and Dissertations

Astronauts' mental health is of significant concern for any spaceflight mission. For low-Earth orbit (LEO) spaceflights, crews are four to six hours away from home. They can still see planet Earth, and if there is an emergency, there are escape routes; however, when it comes to long-duration spaceflights millions of miles away from home, crews cannot see planet Earth, cannot turn around in an emergency and are on their own in a monotone and sterile environment. These desensitizing conditions directly impact astronauts’ psychological and psychosocial well-being. Crews must learn how to interact with each other for an extended period, considering …

Weekly Telehealth Weigh-In For Bmi Reduction, Kelly Ahmad

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: The citizens of the United States are known for being overweight or obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021) reported that approximately 74% of adults are either overweight or obese. PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was In overweight adults (P), does telemonitoring weekly for counseling and weigh-in (I) compared to current practice (C) decrease BMI over an 8-week period of time (T)? Evidence: The citizens of the United States are known for being overweight or obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021) reported that approximately 74% of …

Evidence-Based Best Practice For Nursing Skills Competency Assessment: A Policy Development Project For Standard Work Utilizing The Donna Wright Competency Model, Iselda Gentry

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Traditional nursing competency assessments use a process-focused approach determined by leaders. A checklist methodology for conducting nursing competencies does not empower nurses to create their own learning experiences.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was: In an acute care setting (P), how does the development of an evidence-informed policy for competency assessment utilizing the Donna Wright Competency model (I) compared to current competency assessment practices (C), improve the guidance for nurse educators in the development of standard work and communications regarding competency assessment (O)?

Evidence: Studies using the DW Competency Assessment Model have shown that this …

A Study Of The Effect Of Sympathetic Framing On Attitudes Toward The Homeless, Marshall Mills

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Needs-Based Standards Of Practice For The Use Of Forensic Genetic Genealogy In Investigations Of Violence Toward Marginalized Victims, Anthony Redgrave

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to identify strategies by which forensic genetic genealogy can be applied to cases of unidentified decedents who are from marginalized populations. Three research questions guided this study: (1) What is each affected group most concerned about regarding the use of forensic genetic genealogy to identify marginalized unidentified decedents or perpetrators of violent crime against marginalized group members?, (2) How have the past experiences of individuals in the affected groups contributed to their stance on the use of forensic genetic genealogy?, And (3) How do stakeholders’ opinions on the use of forensic genetic …

Self-Regulation In The Learning Experiences Of School Choice Students, Melody Lynn Schmidt

Dissertations

This study explores self-regulation in the learning experiences of school choice students who have attended a traditional public school and a charter public school. Research shows self-regulation is a form of non-cognitive executive functioning characterized by many observable traits children employ in their learning environments. Self-regulation development in the learning investments students make relates to school mobility, social identity, and connectedness while navigating their learning amid school changes (Golden, 2017; Langenkamp, 2016). School mobility may impact students by lowering self-regulation and increasing school dropout through compromised social identity and connectedness (Jdaitawi, 2015; Rumberger & Larson, 1998). Understanding the distinction between …

Politics & Marriage: The Generational Gap In Marriage Priorities And Political Ambition Among Black Women In Politics, Torri A. Jackson

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Louisiana Children's Trust Fund Annual Report 2021-2022, Elizabeth Winchester, Jada Thomas-Smith, Harleen Sandhu, Aimee H. Moles, Judith L. F. Rhodes

Reports

Child abuse and neglect is a leading factor in the staggeringly high rates of child mortality in Louisiana. In 2017, Louisiana had 44,793 total referrals for child abuse and neglect of which 19,851 were investigated (CWLA, 2019). Child abuse and neglect can have multiple detrimental effects on a child’s physical, psychological, and behavioral health. Effective prevention efforts are critical to ensuring the immediate and long-term safety and well-being of children in Louisiana. Each year, LCTF selects high-quality proposals and funds a range of prevention efforts to protect children, strengthen family well-being, and educate the public about children’s safety. Local, national, …

Sk3 In Pomc Neurons Plays A Sexually Dimorphic Role In Energy And Glucose Homeostasis, Meng Yu, Jonathan C. Bean, Hailan Liu, Yang He, Yongjie Yang, Xing Cai, Kaifan Yu, Zhou Pei, Hesong Liu, Longlong Tu, Kristine M. Conde, Mengjie Wang, Yongxiang Li, Na Yin, Nan Zhang, Junying Han, Nikolas A. Scarcelli, Pingwen Xu, Yanlin He, Yong Xu, Chunmei Wang

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Background: Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons play a sexually dimorphic role in body weight and glucose balance. However, the mechanisms for the sex differences in POMC neuron functions are not fully understood. Results: We detected small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) current in POMC neurons. Secondary analysis of published single-cell RNA-Seq data showed that POMC neurons abundantly express SK3, one SK channel subunit. To test whether SK3 in POMC neurons regulates POMC neuron functions on energy and glucose homeostasis, we used a Cre-loxP strategy to delete SK3 specifically from mature POMC neurons. POMC-specific deletion of SK3 did not affect body weight in either …

Interindividual Differences In Trainability And Moderators Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Waist Circumference, And Body Mass Responses: A Large-Scale Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis, Jacob T. Bonafiglia, Paul A. Swinton, Robert Ross, Neil M. Johannsen, Corby K. Martin, Timothy S. Church, Cris A. Slentz, Leanna M. Ross, William E. Kraus, Jeremy J. Walsh, Glen P. Kenny, Gary S. Goldfield, Denis Prud’Homme, Ronald J. Sigal, Conrad P. Earnest, Brendon J. Gurd

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Although many studies have assumed variability reflects variance caused by exercise training, few studies have examined whether interindividual differences in trainability are present following exercise training. The present individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis sought to: (1) investigate the presence of interindividual differences in trainability for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), waist circumference, and body mass; and (2) examine the influence of exercise training and potential moderators on the probability that an individual will experience clinically important differences. The IPD meta-analysis combined data from 1879 participants from eight previously published randomized controlled trials. We implemented a Bayesian framework to: (1) test the hypothesis …

Association Between Weight Loss, Change In Physical Activity, And Change In Quality Of Life Following A Corporately Sponsored, Online Weight Loss Program, Christoph Höchsmann, James L. Dorling, Corby K. Martin, Conrad P. Earnest, Timothy S. Church

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: The physiological benefits associated with corporately sponsored weight loss programs are increasingly well documented. However, less is known about how these programs affect employees’ quality of life (QoL). The purpose of the present analysis was to examine the association between weight loss, change in physical activity, and change in QoL following a corporately sponsored, online weight loss program. Methods: We examined the relationship between weight loss, self-reported change in physical activity, and change in several QoL indices in 26,658 participants (79% women) after the initial 10 weeks of the online weight loss program. The trend in changes in each …

Salivary Immunity Of Elite Collegiate American Football Players Infected With Sars-Cov-2 Normalizes Following Isolation, Joshua Granger, Eunhan Cho, Kevin Lindsey, Nathan Lemoine, Derek Calvert, Jack Marucci, Shelly Mullenix, Hollis O’Neal, Brian A. Irving, Neil Johannsen, Guillaume Spielmann

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

The impact of COVID-19 on systemic immunity in the general population has been well characterized, however the short-term effects of COVID-19 infection on innate salivary immunity in elite-level athletes are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether elite college football athletes had altered salivary immunity following the CDC-recommended isolation post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Salivary samples were obtained from fourteen elite football players who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (n = 14), immediately after CDC-recommended isolation (average days = 14 ± 2 days) and fifteen controls who remained uninfected with SARS-CoV-2. Biomarkers of innate salivary immunity (sIgA and alpha-amylase), antimicrobial proteins (AMPs, i.e., …

A Collaborative Approach To Adopting/Adapting Guidelines. The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines For Children (5-12 Years) And Young People (13-17 Years): An Integration Of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, And Sleep, Anthony D. Okely, Davina Ghersi, Sarah P. Loughran, Dylan P. Cliff, Trevor Shilton, Rachel A. Jones, Rebecca M. Stanley, Julie Sherring, Natalie Toms, Simon Eckermann, Timothy S. Olds, Zhiguang Zhang, Anne Maree Parrish, Lisa Kervin, Sandra Downie, Jo Salmon, Clair Bannerman, Tamie Needham, Elaine Marshall, Jordy Kaufman, Layne Brown, Janecke Wille, Greg Wood, David R. Lubans, Stuart J.H. Biddle, Shane Pill, Anthea Hargreaves, Natalie Jonas, Natasha Schranz, Perry Campbell, Karen Ingram, Hayley Dean, Adam Verrender, Yvonne Ellis

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Abstract: Background: In 2018, the Australian Government updated the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Children and Young People. A requirement of this update was the incorporation of a 24-hour approach to movement, recognising the importance of adequate sleep. The purpose of this paper was to describe how the updated Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Young People (5 to 17 years): an integration of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep were developed and the outcomes from this process. Methods: The GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach was used to develop the guidelines. A Leadership Group was formed, who identified existing …

The Trend Of Disruption In The Functional Brain Network Topology Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Alireza Fathian, Yousef Jamali, Mohammad Reza Raoufy, Michael W. Weiner, Norbert Schuf, Howard J. Rosen, Bruce L. Miller, Thomas Neylan, Jacqueline Hayes, Shannon Finley, Paul Aisen, Zaven Khachaturian, Ronald G. Thomas, Michael Donohue, Sarah Walter, Devon Gessert, Tamie Sather, Gus Jiminez, Leon Thal, James Brewer, Helen Vanderswag, Adam Fleisher, Melissa Davis, Rosemary Morrison, Ronald Petersen, Cliford R. Jack, Matthew Bernstein, Bret Borowski, Jef Gunter, Matt Senjem, Prashanthi Vemuri, David Jones, Kejal Kantarci, Chad Ward

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive disorder associated with cognitive dysfunction that alters the brain’s functional connectivity. Assessing these alterations has become a topic of increasing interest. However, a few studies have examined different stages of AD from a complex network perspective that cover different topological scales. This study used resting state fMRI data to analyze the trend of functional connectivity alterations from a cognitively normal (CN) state through early and late mild cognitive impairment (EMCI and LMCI) and to Alzheimer’s disease. The analyses had been done at the local (hubs and activated links and areas), meso (clustering, assortativity, and …