Digital Commons Network^™

Portfolio Project Social Work 599, Christopher S. Plummer

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

Abstract This portfolio reflects the culmination of my journey to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) and demonstrates my mastery of the 10 core competencies outlined by the University of Montana School of Social Work. Through the lens of the five elements of advanced integrated practice, this work illustrates the transformation I underwent as I developed the skills, knowledge, and values essential to ethical and effective social work practice. Each section of this portfolio provides evidence of my growth in applying critical self-reflection, integrating historical and cultural contexts, bridging direct practice with community intervention, engaging in evidence-based practices, and …

Where I’M Meant To Be: Reflections From My Msw Experience, Brittany Nicole Mathena

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Is Home Environment Predictive Of Early Grammar Development?, Michelle White, Frenette Southwood

School of Psychology

Research shows that children’s home environment (e.g., the composition of their householdand the resources available in it) has an impact on children’s language development.However, this research has mostly been conducted among English speakers from theminority world and has often only considered vocabulary size. This exploratory studyinvestigated whether home environment factors are predictive of grammar development inAfrikaans-speaking (n = 117) and English-speaking (n = 102) toddlers in South Africa.Moreover, potential differences between these two language groups were explored. Resultsshowed that home environment factors pertaining to family stability predicted two of thethree grammar scores, namely total grammar and complex phrases. Cluster analysis …

A Kinetic Model For Compound Heterozygous Pathogenic Variants In Tyrosyl-Trna Synthetase Gene Yars2-Associated Neonatal Phenotype, Thomas W Christian, Sunita Maharjan, Sitao Yin, Yuka Yamaki, Isao Masuda, Fenglin Li, Colleen Muraresku, Sheila Clever, Rebecca Ganetzky, Ya-Ming Hou

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Human genetic disorders are often caused by mutations of compound heterozygosity, where each allele of the mutant gene harbors a different genetic lesion. However, studies of such mutations are hampered due to the lack of an appropriate model. Here we describe a kinetic model of compound heterozygous variants in an obligate enzyme dimer that contains one mutation in one monomer and the other mutation in the second monomer. This enzyme is encoded by human YARS2 for mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (mt-TyrRS), which aminoacylates tyrosine to mt-tRNA^Tyr. YARS2 is a member of the genes for mt-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, where pathogenic mutations …

Subcutaneous Electroencephalography Monitoring For People With Epilepsy And Intellectual Disability: Co-Production Workshops, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

Background Nearly 25% of people with intellectual disability (PwID) have epilepsy compared to 1% of the UK general population. PwID are commonly excluded from research, eventually affecting their care. Understanding seizures in PwID is particularly challenging because of reliance on subjective external observation and poor objective validation. Remote electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring could capture objective data, but particular challenges and implementation strategies for this population need to be understood. Aim This co-production aimed to explore the accessibility and potential impact of a remote, long-term EEG tool (UnEEG 24/7 SubQ) for PwID and epilepsy. Method We conducted six, 2-hour long workshops; three …

The Digital Divide Among Urban University Students In The Post-Pandemic Era, J. B. Oleet

Theses and Dissertations

This survey study, N = 44 university students, from an urban campus, measured post-pandemic digital divide perceptions, focusing on motivational, physical, skills, and usage access to ICTs through the lens of van Dijk’s resources and appropriation theory. Statistical tests, including one-sample t-tests, correlation analyses, one-way and repeated measure ANOVAs, and independent sample t-tests, highlighted both the perceptions and relationships among different dimensions of digital divides. The findings showed that participants perceive their post-pandemic digital divide perceptions positively. Intrinsic Motivational Access (IMA) mean scores were particularly high, suggesting a strong internal drive among students to engage with ICTs, significantly surpassing extrinsic …

An Open-Source, Student-Centric Approach To The Cyber Kill Chain, Justin Lane Wooten

Theses and Dissertations

The cybersecurity landscape demands professionals with practical skills and a deep understanding of attack methodologies. However, many institutions face significant challenges in providing comprehensive cybersecurity education due to the high costs associated with commercial tools and platforms. This thesis presents a student-centric, open-source curriculum for teaching the Cyber Kill Chain, designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application while addressing the financial constraints faced by many educational institutions. Our approach leverages freely available tools and hands-on exercises to cover each phase of the Cyber Kill Chain, emphasizing ethical considerations and collaborative learning. We detail the curriculum development …

Faculty And Staff Pay Satisfaction And The Impact On Organizational Commitment And Retention, Jennifer Hennings

Dissertations

This mixed-method study explored the relationships between pay satisfaction, organizational commitment, retention, and seniority among faculty and staff at a private, four-year institution in the Midwest. The research investigated how satisfaction with a compensation program influences organizational commitment and turnover intentions. The researcher used a quantitative method to study the impact of pay satisfaction on organizational commitment and turnover intention. Additionally, a quantitative method explored relationships between seniority and turnover intention. Findings revealed positive relationships between pay satisfaction and organizational commitment, along with pay satisfaction and turnover intention. Findings also revealed positive relationships between seniority, measured as years of service, …

Msw Professional Portfolio, Jessica J. Christian

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Portfolio, Elizabeth Helen Brenneman J.D.

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Portfolio, Nichole Nuehring

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Rise Of Artificial Intelligence In Pharmacy: Transforming Medication Management And Patient Care, Gracia Anastasya, Miski A. Khairinisa

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, with significant implications for pharmacy practice. This review explores the diverse applications of AI in pharmacy, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize medication management, patient care, public health, disease management, and pharmacy workflow efficiency. AI algorithms can analyze a vast amount of patient data, allowing pharmacists to identify potential drug interactions, evaluate medication safety and effectiveness, and offer personalized treatment suggestions. In the realm of public health, AI supports disease management through epidemiological monitoring and targeted interventions. Additionally, AI-driven robotic dispensing systems and automated inventory management enhance pharmacy workflow efficiency by streamlining operations and …

Black Mothering: Experiences Of Black Mothers In Safety Conversations With Black Sons, Theresa Libios

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black mothers raising Black sons in the United States face the immense challenge of preparing their Black sons for a society where police violence pose significant threats to their safety. The critical safety conversations, commonly referred to as "The Talk," highlight the need for culturally informed interventions to address the psychological toll on Black mothers. This study explored the lived experiences of Black mothers navigating these safety conversations, with the goal of fostering empathy and developing culturally competent mental health services. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study, grounded in intersectionality theory, examined the interconnected influences of race, gender, and systemic oppression …

Fictional And Historical Narratives Of African American Soldiers Of Wwii, Abigail Rae Stewart

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the experiences of African American soldiers during World War II through the dual lenses of oral histories and fictionalized accounts, arguing that both are essential to fully understanding their multifaceted journeys at home and abroad. Oral histories provide direct, personal narratives from veterans themselves, capturing their voices, emotions, and reflections on the discrimination, camaraderie, and resilience that defined their wartime and postwar lives. These firsthand accounts offer invaluable insights into the structural realities of systemic racism within the military and society, as well as the personal sacrifices these soldiers made in the name of a country that …

Sustainability Of Food Prescription Programs In Rural Mississippi, Eve Davis

Honors Theses

Food prescription programs are an innovative strategy to address food insecurity and to promote health as a preventative measure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Mississippi has high rates of chronic diseases relating to nutrition, poverty, and limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Throughout this research, I have analyzed program funding and sustainability mechanisms such as community investment, nutrition education, and awareness. The preliminary research has identified the need for collaboration between healthcare providers, local farmers, nonprofit organizations, and government officials. I interviewed various individuals that could become potential stakeholders for food prescription programs, such as individuals from nonprofit …

A Kid's Guide To Infectious Disease, Abby Carroll

Honors Theses

A Kid’s Guide to Infectious Disease is an educational illustrated book intended for young pediatric patients, ages three to five. This project was inspired by my personal interests, involvement at the University of Mississippi, and experience as a medical assistant. Over the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to work as a medical assistant, interacting with many pediatric patients and their families at HealthPointe Primary Care. As a pre-physician assistant student studying biology, I was inspired to create a resource for these kids by both my classes at the University of Mississippi and my passion for pediatric …

More Inland Homeowners Are Experiencing Floods, But Few Have Flood Insurance, Julian Tiburcio

Capstones

Wherever it rains, it can flood. More inland homeowners who never expected to see their homes flood are finding themselves inundated by rain as climate change intensifies extreme storms and weather patterns. Many homeowners decide to buy homes not realizing that flooding isn’t limited to coastal areas, so they forego flood insurance coverage, leaving their biggest asset at risk.

Integrating The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (Bmat): Increasing Compliance With Assessments And Charting In Medical Surgical Units, Khaterah Sayed

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Decreased patient mobilization is associated with poor patient recovery and increased hospital costs. Complications include decreased functional capacity, pressure injuries, deep vein thrombosis, and infections. Aim: The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) is a mobility assessment tool designed to help healthcare providers safely mobilize patients (Boynton et al., 2020). In a 244-bed California hospital, preliminary data from three medical-surgical units indicate an average daily patient census of 23.7 of which only 31.3% were assessed using the BMAT. This quality improvement intervention aims to increase compliance with the BMAT by 10%. Interventions: Over a six-week period, staff received …

Patient-Centered Language During Peripartum Bedside Reports, Krystal H. Nguyen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem Using complex medical language that excludes the patient can result in lower patient satisfaction, increased miscommunication, and heightened anxiety for patients. Hospital A’s peripartum mesosystem currently does not have a training on the use of patient-centered language during labor and delivery (L&D) patient transfers to postpartum (PP). Context Hospital A is an urban tertiary care medical center located in the Bay Area, with its peripartum mesosystem consisting of 35 L&D and postpartum beds distributed across two floors. Intervention Through analysis of stakeholder engagement, an ongoing literature review and a mesosystem needs assessment, potential barriers to implement patient-centered language in …

Reducing Healthcare-Acquired Pneumonia In A Geriatric Long-Term Care Facility, Jacob R. Magsalin

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Healthcare-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a nosocomial infection that poses a serious threat in geriatric long-term care facilities due to its high morbidity and mortality.

Context: This evidence-based quality improvement project seeks to reduce the incidence of HAP in a geriatric long-term care facility in the San Francisco Bay Area by utilizing findings

from existing literature.

Interventions: Key interventions include improving and standardizing oral care techniques and promoting education on HAP prevention to allow patients and their families to be more proactive in preventing this complication.

Measures: Outcome measures include HAP diagnosis rates after implementation, any costs saved for the …

Enhancing Communication And Reducing Near Misses Through Comprehensive Handoff Tools At A Residential Nursing Facility, Sabrina Guralnik, Sophia Nguyen, Gabriela Benelyahu, Giselle Peyus

Master's Projects and Capstones

Our quality improvement project at Regina House addresses communication gaps during patient handoffs, which have led to missed or delayed care. The research underscores the critical role of effective communication in patient safety, particularly for vulnerable populations in nursing homes. Current handoff practices at Regina House are inconsistent, especially among Certified Nursing Assistants, resulting in frequent reporting errors and communication disparities.

To enhance patient safety and care continuity, this project introduces a standardized handoff tool and an incident reporting system, aligning with Regina House’s goal of improving care quality. Over three months, CNAs will receive training on the tool, with …

Improving Documentation Compliance And Patient Mobility Using The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool, Hayley M. Bernard

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Patient immobility during hospitalization contributes to avoidable complications including increased length of stay, pressure injuries, thromboembolic events, reduced functional capacity, and increased rates of discharge to rehabilitation facilities. The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) was developed to empower Registered Nurses to safely assess and mobilize patients without a physical therapy evaluation. Aim: This quality improvement projects aims to enhance nurse compliance with BMAT documentation by 10% in three medical-surgical units of a 244-bed Northern California Hospital. Preliminary findings indicate an average daily patient census of 23.7 of which only 31.3% are assessed using the BMAT. Methods: Across a six-week …

Improving Food Security To Decrease Hypertension At An Urban Community Clinic, Christine S. Villalta

Master's Projects and Capstones

Diet and lifestyle changes have been proven to reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, and a key dietary approach aligned with this recommendation is the DASH diet, which includes consuming fruits and vegetables. Food insecurity, defined as lacking enough safe, nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life, is a growing crisis in the United States, affecting 13.5% of U.S. households in 2023. This is especially significant for those whose chronic disease management depends on the accessibility of healthy food. An urban community clinic implemented a Food Security Program to decrease food insecurity and reduce hypertension among their …

Implementing The Donna Wright Competency Model In Pediatric Perioperative Units For Nursing Professional Development, Benjamin Amezcua

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background Each year, preventable adverse events in hospitals lead to numerous deaths. Research consistently indicates a strong correlation between nurse competency and improved patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of healthcare organizations prioritizing the continuous development of their staff's skills. Bay Area Children’s Hospital A is taking a proactive step by adopting the Donna Wright Competency Model (DWCM), changing from the traditional approach competencies to a collaborative, shared governance model that incorporates the input and perspectives of the nursing staff. Objectives The project aims to utilize the DWCM to enhance the competencies of 90 nurses in the pediatric perioperative units at …

On Food And Restaurants, Liya Cui

Capstones

This portfolio contains a collection of stories about New York City restaurants and broader food culture, including reported features, a profile and criticism. Food is literally inescapable; even if you believe you don’t care about what you eat, every bite is a choice. This subject deserves critical thought and exploration as it influences our lives in myriad ways and reveals cultural trends that can tell us so much about who we are right now.

https://medium.com/@LiyaC/capstone-portfolio-on-food-and-restaurants-bc4c18c7f2a9

Has K-Pop Lost Its Koreaness?, Madison J. Gusler

Capstones

Since the 2010s, the global expansion of K-pop has been undeniable, with music from Korean idol groups resonating with fans around the world. We’ve seen the industry adapt to cater to this global audience, placing emphasis on non-verbal aspects of performance such as choreography and set design, and integrating more English lyrics in their songs. K-pop has always had multinational, multicultural influences in its production, yet the music has remained distinctly Korean. But as the industry expands into new markets, faces new challenges, and adapts to convey greater global appeal, the public must contend with the idea of a K-pop …

Avon Está Desapareciendo. Para Muchas Mujeres Sigue Siendo Su Sustento, Darian E. Mozo

Capstones

El negocio de Avon pasó de ser un negocio símbolo del empoderamiento femenino a una empresa en decadencia, pero algunas representantes de Avon latinas en Estados Unidos todavía dependen de este negocio, enfrentándose así a los retos económicos y tecnológicos actuales.

https://medium.com/@darianmozocortes/avon-est%C3%A1-desapareciendo-para-muchas-mujeres-sigue-siendo-su-sustento-58502dd427e9

Queens Residents, Sex Workers At Odds Over What It Means To Keep The Community Safe, David L. Paiz-Torres, Mia Hollie, Asad Jung

Capstones

Exploring the Impacts of Operation Restore Roosevelt Avenue.

On October 15, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams announced a 90-day operation along Roosevelt Avenue, Queens, targeting sex-workers, unlicensed vendors and “other quality-of-life offenses.” This year, nearly 30% of all arrests for sex-work related offenses occurred on Roosevelt avenue, according to NYPD data released in late October.

Our project sought to explore the impacts the operation has had on sex workers and business owners - we also spoke to local residents to get their opinions on the operation. We also looked at arrest data, laws regarding sex-work, previous efforts to crack down on …

Elementary Teachers’ Knowledge And Application Of Formative Assessment To Improve Instruction, Judy Charles

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many students at the Valley View Primary School (pseudonym) in the Caribbean are not performing according to numeracy and literacy standards on national tests. Administration and teachers wanted to know why changes to formative assessment practices are not increasing students’ achievement levels. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to examine teachers’ perspectives regarding the importance of formative assessments relating to their instructional practices and knowledge of formative assessments in this primary school. The study was guided by Xu and Brown’s teacher assessment literacy in practice (TALiP). Nine participants were purposefully sampled. Research questions helped guide exploration regarding …

Implementing The Brief Confusion Assessment Method (Bcam) Delirium Screening Tool In An Emergency Department, Carolina Van Dalen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Persons with delirium have an elevated risk of falls. Thus, falls and delirium are inextricably linked. Both should be routinely screened for older adults.

Context: A 40-bed Emergency Department (ED) in the East San Francisco Bay area of Northern California and the first site among all acute care hospitals in the organization to implement the Brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM) delirium scoring tool within the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Interventions: An EHR toolkit for delirium screening using bCAM was developed, tested, and implemented in the ED.

Measures: The outcome measure was the percentage of patients with a reported fall …