Digital Commons Network^™

Educator Perceptions Of The Care And Instruction Of Trauma Exposed Students In A Small, Urban, Christian School., Amanda L. Petters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students of color in low socio-economic, high crime urban areas are exposed to a higher level of trauma than their White contemporaries. The trauma that they bring into school with them create challenges for their teachers working to eliminate barrier to students’ education. Widespread efforts have been attempted to thwart the social injustices that many students of color experience in schools including disproportionality around implementation of school rules and the equitable access to curriculum. I used Critical Race Theory to frame my study around students of color in urban areas experiencing disproportionate levels of trauma, and their teachers’ level of …

Biocargos: Capture And Release Gels For Optimized Storage Of Biologics., Chinmay Shashank Potnis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Communicating In Crisis: Rhetorical (De)Stabilization During The Covid-19 Pandemic., Brittany Nicole Smart

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This project explores the role of rhetoric in crisis—how rhetoric can contribute to both the stabilization and destabilization of a worldwide health emergency. Specifically, I utilize the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study to investigate how institutional rhetorics exacerbated the ongoing burnout epidemic amongst healthcare workers. Through a feminist, materialist take on institutional ethnography (Fullagar & Pavlidis, 2021; Griffith & Smith, 2014), I show how, while institutions like the CDC were under pressure to contain the spread of the virus, in the chaos of communicating safety regulations to healthcare professionals, they inadvertently subverted clinician autonomy and expertise by “coordinating” (LaFrance, …

Environmental Exposures And Male Reproductive Outcomes., Damilola Rukayat Owoade

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Male sexual dysfunction comprises various conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED) and ejaculatory dysfunction. Testosterone deficiency (TD), which has been linked to some of these sexual dysfunctions, is characterized by low production of testosterone by the testes. These male reproductive outcomes may develop due to exposure to various risk factors, including environmental exposures. These environmental exposures may include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and tear gas. This dissertation aims to examine the effects of tear gas exposure and VOCs on male reproductive outcomes. The association between tear gas exposure and male reproductive outcomes was assessed using data obtained from an online anonymous …

“I Became Myself”: Exploring Cultural Learning Through Stories And Storytelling., Leah Halliday-Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite broad acknowledgement in education that culturally responsive teaching is essential to meeting learners’ needs, defining and operationalizing culturally responsive teaching remains a challenge. Along with being designed to meet the needs of students from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds who have traditionally been underserved, one commonly identified feature of culturally responsive teaching is building on students’ cultural assets to promote their learning. And while stories and storytelling are among the most common teaching tools, storytelling pedagogies tend to use stories to deliver content or to assess student learning. This dissertation explores collaborative story sharing as an approach to helping …

Organizational Change In Saudi Healthcare Settings: Evaluating Organizational And Individual Readiness For Change, And The Mediating Role Of Readiness For Change Between Management Support And Commitment To Change., Sultan Alsaif

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: To respond to the constantly changing environment and developments of healthcare, leaders of healthcare organizations have been trying to introduce and implement transformations that allow their organizations to be able to operate effectively and efficiently to meet the shifts in healthcare demand and to deal with new patterns of health issues, comply with the new policies, and to enhance their present in the market. Thus, it is important for managers to determine the level of readiness for implementing organizational changes from to perspectives. These perspectives include organizational readiness for change and individual readiness for change. METHOD: This first manuscript …

Exploring Burnout And Work Engagement In The United States Refugee Resettlement Policy-Practice Domain: A Qualitatively Driven Mixed-Method Study., Eva X. Nyerges

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Refugee resettlement workers are crucial actors within refugee resettlement, supporting newcomers’ acculturation into a new society. Little is known about the comprehensive range of organizational characteristics that impact workers’ experiences of burnout and work engagement. This qualitatively driven mixed-method study using Constructivist Grounded Theory analytic techniques aimed to develop a holistic understanding of the organizational elements influencing burnout and work engagement among refugee resettlement workers. Further, the study aimed to illuminate the mechanisms by which job demands and resources influence burnout and work engagement. In-depth qualitative interviews with 22 refugee resettlement workers operating in a southeastern state of the United …

Investigation Of Heterocyclic Amines And N-Acetyltransferase 2 Genetic Polymorphism In The Dysregulation Of Hepatic Energy Homeostasis: A Gene-Environment Approach., Kennedy M Walls

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are mutagens generated when cooking meat for prolonged periods of time or until well-done. Recent epidemiological studies reported significant associations between dietary HCA exposure and insulin resistance and type II diabetes. However, no previous studies have examined if HCAs, independent of meat consumption, contributes to pathogenesis of insulin resistance or metabolic disease. It is well known that HCAs require hepatic bioactivation by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2). NAT2 expresses a well-defined genetic polymorphism in humans that, depending on the combination of NAT2 alleles, correlate to rapid, intermediate, or slow acetylator phenotypes that exhibit differential …

Bayesian Strategies For Propensity Score Estimation In Causal Inference., Uthpala I. Wanigasekara

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Causal inference is a method used in various fields to draw causal conclusions based on data. It involves using assumptions, study designs, and estimation strategies to minimize the impact of confounding variables. Propensity scores are used to estimate outcome effects, through matching methods, stratification, weighting methods, and the Covariate Balancing Propensity Score method. However, they can be sensitive to estimation techniques and can lead to unstable findings. Researchers have proposed integrating weighing with regression adjustment in parametric models to improve causal inference validity. The first project focuses on Bayesian joint and two-stage methods for propensity score analysis. Propensity score modeling …

Agency In Learning And E-Learning Through The Lens Of Disability And Inclusivity., Marta Martin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Through the analysis of ethnographic, qualitative data collected from students and their stakeholders at the University of Louisville, this thesis examines the experiences of students with disabilities in spaces of higher education, particularly virtual learning spaces. This research has illuminated systemic gaps in disability resources and accessibility within the landscape of higher education, restricting the agency of students with disabilities and their stakeholders.

Critical Regionality & Alternative Pedagogies In Eastern Kentucky., Zachary Shelton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the history of several Appalachian educational institutions, their approaches, and how that may influence contemporary Eastern Kentucky students (the Appalachian region in Kentucky). Eastern Kentucky today suffers from high rates of poverty and low rates of educational attainment, with a postsecondary attainment rate less than half of the nation’s average. This study proposes looking at Eastern Kentucky’s educational history and proposing ways to alter the current standardized pedagogies in secondary schools to cultivate higher rates of academic interest and motivation. I approach Eastern Kentucky’s complex history with the institution of education and its contemporary implications through a …

Causal Inference For The Effect Of Continuous Treatment On Time-To-Event Outcomes And Mediation Analysis On Health Disparities In Observational Studies., Triparna Poddar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The dissertation comprises two projects related to causal inference based on observational data. In healthcare research, where abundant observational data such as claims data and electronic records are available, researchers often aim to study the treatment effect and the pathway of that effect. However, estimating treatment effects in observational data presents challenges due to confounding factors. The first project focuses on estimating continuous treatment effects for survival outcomes, while the second concentrates on mediation analysis, allowing the exploration of the pathway of the causal effect. Both projects involve addressing confounding variables. In the first project, I investigate estimation of the …

Design, Fabrication, And Integration Of Robotic Skin Sensors For Human Robot Interaction., Olalekan Olakitan Olowo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Enhancing physical human-robot interaction in modern robotics relies on refining the tactile perception of robot skin sensors. This research focuses on crucial aspects of the development process, including fabrication techniques, miniaturization, and integration for a more efficient collaborative human-robot interface. The fabrication process of robot skin sensors, designed to mimic human skin, is explored both within and outside cleanroom environments. An enhanced technique is presented to increase fabrication yield and create more miniaturized sensor designs with feature sizes in the tens of microns. These sensors function as piezoresistive arrays using organic polymers like PEDOT: PSS as the pressure-sensing medium. Various …

Hybrid Wall Outlet For Ac Or Dc Power Delivery, Garrett Knoller, Kerr Allan, Greg Perini

Electrical Engineering

The goal of this project is to develop hybrid DC and AC wall outlets for an efficient, flexible power interface. A DC plug standard is also proposed to allow DC devices to be safely powered by the outlet with the correct DC voltage for each device. The primary objective is to create a power outlet compatible with the proposed DC plug as well as NEMA 5-15 AC plugs, enabling the same outlet to power both types of load as needed. The outlet is intended for buildings and systems transitioning to an isolated DC grid to encourage DC development and adoption. …

Dc To Ac Inverter For A Microgrid-Inspired Power Distribution Architecture For Electric Vehicles, Bryan A. Carrillo Martinez, Eli Blacklock, Paul A. Samson, William S. Holt-Hillis

Electrical Engineering

This project builds upon the prototyping of a microgrid-inspired power distribution architecture for electric vehicles (EVs). The efficacy of this prototype aims to inform a full-scale power distribution system that charges an EV battery, supports the electric grid with important ancillary services, performs peer-to-peer EV charging, and works in conjunction with other AC and DC sources and loads. The scope of this report focuses specifically on the design, construction, and testing of the DC/AC inverter. Future development of this distribution architecture will incorporate synchronous generators, a battery management system, and an Arduino/Raspberry Pi-based communication system to fully simulate an electric …

Digital Filter Implementation On A Dsp Development Board, Tien Le, Helen Zhang

Electrical Engineering

This project to implement digital filters on a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) development board intends to demonstrate viability for future use in teaching digital signal processing lab courses. The digital filter types covered, including Finite Impulse Response (FIR) and Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filters of various basic frequency responses, will mirror current DSP lab projects to fulfill course learning objectives for filter design and characterization. Design features will include speed optimization to enable real-time digital signal processing. This project will investigate the use of Code Composer Studio to compile C and assembly code to the DSP. Alternatives for currently available …

4-Band Personal Eq Device, Carson Kellerman

Electrical Engineering

The device is a 4-band EQ with 3.5mm audio input and output jacks. The device has 4 adjustable EQ bands. Each of the 4 bands are adjustable via knob potentiometers, and are able to boost or cut their respective center frequencies of 150Hz, 400Hz, 2500Hz, and 10kHz from -15dB to +15dB. The device is battery powered off of 1 9V battery and is able to function for 10 hours before needing to replace the batteries. The device has a Total Harmonic Distortion of less than 1% and a Signal to Noise Ratio greater than 60dB. Overall, this device allows music …

2023-12-01 Minutes & Appendices, Longwood University

Board of Visitors Meeting Minutes 1964-

No abstract provided.

Impacts Of Environmental Stressors On Native South Dakota Amphibian Physiology And Survival, Danielle Jean Galvin

Dissertations and Theses

Amphibian populations around the world are declining, with some of the most likely drivers behind these declines including emerging infectious diseases and environmental contaminants. To address major gaps in the current literature, I sought to evaluate the effect of two major environmental stressors on various aspects of amphibian physiology: emerging infectious diseases and environmental contaminants. Emerging infectious diseases of amphibians include fungal, viral, and parasitic pathogens which have expanded in host range, either geographically or in competent host species. Environmental contaminants include chemicals which may be naturally occurring in the environment, or which may be introduced to the environment, often …

Forgetting Our Dreams, Emily Ambery

D.U.Quark

No abstract provided.

A Quality Improvement Project To Improve The Management Of Group A Streptococcalpharyngitis Among Children, Tara Denise Gutierrez

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Group A Streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis is one of the most common pediatric illnesses and accounts for more than ten million yearly medical visits. GAS is commonly misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms. The health care provider needs to distinguish which criteria warrant testing for GAS and the recommendations for management and treatment.

The purpose and objectives of this quality improvement project were to improve adherence to the 2021 Canadian guidelines for the management and treatment of GAS pharyngitis in a small community urgent care clinic. Anticipated outcomes for this project included a decrease in unnecessary testing for GAS pharyngitis, a decrease …

Setting Goals For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes In Primary Care, Courtney Renee Padilla

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Type 2 diabetes is prevalent amongst the Hispanic population and increases the risk of developing chronic serious health issues (CDC, 2022, April 4). Setting attainable and realistic goals for patients with type 2 diabetes is foundational in achieving glycemic control and improving quality of life (ElSayed et al., 2023a). Purpose. To increase goal setting in patients with type 2 diabetes in the primary care setting. Goal. To promote self-management in patients with type 2 diabetes. Objectives. 100% of staff and providers will attend an in-service on goal setting using a self-management goal tool; 75% of patients will choose to …

Preserving The Force: A Quality Improvement Project To Reduce The Risk Of Opioid Use Disorder In The Military, Lecreshia S. Shields

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Military service members incur combat and noncombat related injuries which may lead to acute or chronic pain. Treatment of these conditions with opioids may place them at risk for opioid use disorder (OUD). Opioid related overdoses among the military community increased by 50% from 2010 to 2019. The Sole Provider Program (SPP) is recommended to address the risks of OUD among Veterans receiving care at military installations. The goal of this evidence-based project was to ensure that all persons who receive opioid prescriptions at a military facility were evaluated for inclusion into a SPP and prescribed naloxone. Objectives included: 1) …

Improving Post-Discharge Engagement Of Mental Health Patients In The Veterans Affairs South Texas Healthcare System, Nneoma Lewis

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Discharge from a hospital is a high-risk period for mental health patients, as 20% experience an adverse event within 30 days of discharge. Poor discharge engagement can lead to complications for recovery, which include an increased risk for readmissions, longer length of stay, increased risk for suicide, and death. Hospital stays cost the United States $377.5 billion dollars per year; there is pressure for hospitals, health plans, and providers to examine the admission and discharge processes to improve healthcare delivery, transition of care, and patient health outcomes. At a South Texas VA, 67.66% of mental health patients attended all their …

A Comparison Of Devices For Race Day Characterization Of North American Turfgrass Thoroughbred Racing Surfaces, Peter Schmitt, Wayne T. Sanderson, John Trey Rogers Iii, Tyler J. Barzee, Michael L. Peterson

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Both pre-race meet and daily turf surface condition measurements are required by regula- tions adopted as part of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA). The Orono Biomechanical Surface Tester (OBST) is the primary device used for characterizing a racing surface and is used for the pre-meet inspections. Tools that are better suited for the daily testing of turf surfaces are also needed to meet the new federal regulations. The purpose of this study was to compare five simple tools commonly used in turf applications to the OBST. Data were collected with each of the six devices at plots chosen …

Communication With Physicians And Family About Breast Cancer Recurrence, Kimberly M. Kelly, Pragya Rai, Jamie L. Studts, Stephanie Dickinson, Beate Henschel, Mark Dignan, Mara D. Chambers, Hannah Hazard-Jenkins

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Objective: Adequate physician-patient communication about cancer recurrence is vital to quality of life and to informed decision-making related to survivorship care. The current study was guided by a cognitive-affective framework to examine communication with family and physicians about breast cancer recurrence risk.

Methods: A survey of recently-diagnosed, early-stage breast cancer patients in Appalachia investigated physician- patient and familial communication about breast cancer recurrence risk.

Results: Over 30% of participants reported not talking to family or physicians about breast cancer recurrence risk. Younger patients reported more conversations, and speaking with physicians was associated with greater perception risk factors associated with recurrence …

Insights From Obstetric Providers And Emergency Medical Technicians On Determinants Of Maternal Morbidity And Mortality Among Underserved, Rural Patients In The United States, Anna Hansen, Nancy Schoenberg, Carrie B. Oser

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Over the past two decades, individuals in the United States (US) have faced a steadily increasing risk of experiencing severe morbidities attributable to pregnancy and dying from pregnancy-related causes. The prevalence of severe maternal morbidity (SMM), defined as the occurrence of end-organ damage in the mother encompassing unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery, has nearly tripled since the turn of the 21st century (Creanga et al., 2014; Neggers, 2016). The prevalence of pregnancy related mortality (PRM), defined as the death of a woman during or within one year of pregnancy due to pregnancy-related complications or aggravated preexisting conditions, has nearly …

How Covid-19 And Racial Justice Protests Influenced Social Workers’ Perceptions Of Policy And Political Participation, Amy Krings, Maria V. Wathen, Teresa Kilbane

Social Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works

Drawing on political opportunity theory, this study examined how the political context created by the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests influenced social workers’ perceptions about social welfare policy and political participation in the summer of 2020. Authors conducted a thematic analysis of the open-ended survey responses of 120 social work practitioners. Regarding perceptions of policy, respondents reported that they experienced new awareness about the breadth and depth of structural racism in the United States; that they held pessimistic views of the government’s ability to mitigate harm associated with the pandemic or racial injustice; and that structural change, including …

Western Maine Recovery Rally Feedback Survey, Evelyn Ali Bs, Tyler Egeland Ba, Mary Lindsey Smith Phd

Substance Use Research & Evaluation

The 7th Annual Western Maine Recovery Rally was hosted on September 17th, 2023 from 11am to 3pm in downtown Norway, Maine; several hundred people attended the event. The local evaluation team developed a survey with the goal of understanding how participants felt about the rally and how future events could be improved. The survey was deployed via QR code on paper materials distributed at the rally, and through social media after the event. For more information, please contact Lindsey Smith at [email protected]

Virtually Possible: Stakeholder And Participant High Touch Low Tech Engagement – Mid-Atlantic Provider And Patient Support (Mapps) In Lung Cancer Screening Study, Melanie B. Johnson Mpa, Beth Careyva M.D., Randa Sifri, Melissa Dicarlo, Nicole M. Burgess, Roya Hamadani Mph, L Anna Thompson, Joshua Baker, Amanda Indictor, Hattie Jackson, Yuchen Zhang, Ayako Shimada, Todd Felix, William Curry, Heather Bittner Fagan, Brian Stello Md, Constantine Daskalaki, Ronald Myers

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.