Digital Commons Network^™

Time And The Catalogue, Alec Mullender

Proceedings from the Document Academy

This paper explores the multiple ways in which concepts of time are incorporated in cataloguing and classification to see how these temporal concepts influence how material is organised in library space. It discusses multiple concepts, including the structural influences of the capitalist ‘exchange-view’ of time in how the discipline is organised and its incorporation into the so-called ‘universal’ cataloguing systems. The continued issues of obsolescence within cataloguing systems as language and concepts constantly evolve, and how these are integrated into the systems themselves. The paper also discusses the semantic difficulties with how time itself is expressed within cataloguing systems, as …

Documents In The Age Of Non-Human Agency, Bernt Ivar Olsen-Kristiansen Dr, Niels W. Lund

Proceedings from the Document Academy

As documents are inherently tied to humans and their expressions (Lund 2024), facilitating communication across time and space, we might have historically reflected on the implications of inserting a computer or information system between humans. If we envision the human as a handyman engaged in technical engineering, we can comprehend the development of AI, Artificial Intelligence, as part of a much longer history of creating instruments and machines to support human endeavors. These include the printing press, musical instruments, steam engines, typewriters, microphones, and progressing to digital musical instruments that create their own music.

Yet, it remains humans who craft …

One Object, Fluctuating Trajectories: Harnessing The Document Future Of Premodern Manuscripts, L.P. Coladangelo, Rose A. Mccandless

Proceedings from the Document Academy

Using copy theory as a framework to explore document surrogacy and simulation, this paper discusses premodern manuscripts as a case study for understanding relevant aspects of temporality and materiality in the experience of documents to speculate on the nature of immersive documents of the future. This speculation is powered on mapping and synthesizing the paths of interconnected temporal and material change manuscripts have followed by examining multiple “versions” of these documents based on various contexts of use and access and technological innovations. As hand copied documents of similar texts, premodern manuscripts are posited as both copies and originals depending on …

Stress And Trauma-Related Concerns Among Law Enforcement, James Hughes

Master of Arts in Human Services

Law enforcement personnel work in environments with routine exposure to high stress and trauma which can lead to increased risk for mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to learn about the prevalence and effects of PTSD and related mental health issues among law enforcement (LE) officers and how psychological issues are managed within the LE system. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design strategy was used that involved collecting quantitative data first and then explaining the results with in-depth follow-up qualitative data. In the first quantitative phase of the study, data was …

Early Host Defense Against Virus Infections, Søren R. Paludan, Thomas Pradeu, Andreas Pichlmair, K. Brad Wray, Jacob Giehm Mikkelsen, David Olagnier, Trine H. Mogensen

Presidential Fellows Articles and Research

Early host defense eliminates many viruses before infections are established while clearing others so they remain subclinical or cause only mild disease. The field of immunology has been shaped by broad concepts, including the pattern recognition theory that currently dominates innate immunology. Focusing on early host responses to virus infections, we analyze the literature to build a working hypothesis for the principles that govern the early line of cellular antiviral defense. Aiming to ultimately arrive at a criteria-based theory with strong explanatory power, we propose that both controlling infection and limiting inflammation are key drivers for the early cellular antiviral …

Improving Immunization Rates In Children Under Two Years Of Age In Linn County, Kansas Through Nursing Education, Heather L. Webber

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

Immunizations are one of the most beneficial preventive health measures available to children under two years of age. Failing to receive these preventative immunizations during these crucial years could result in the child developing serious diseases that may lead to long term disability or even be fatal. By increasing immunization rates, children will be more protected against common childhood diseases which will allow them to grow and thrive. The purpose of this scholarly project was to identify ways to improve vaccination rates in children under two years of age at specific clinics in Linn County, Kansas, using healthcare professional education. …

James Pepper V. Attorney General Pennsylvania

2024 Decisions

USDC for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Cyperus Blepharoleptos Maxent Ecological Niche Models, Samuel A. Schmid, Maxwell G. Gebhart, Gray Turnage

GRI Publications

Invasive species are one of the foremost threats to global biodiversity and predicting where they can inhabit is of primary concern for researchers and resource managers. Ecological niche models (ENMs) are a useful tool for addressing this problem. This study focuses on Cyperus blepharoleptos (Cuban bulrush), an aquatic sedge that is invasive in the southeastern United States. To model the ecological niche of C. blepharoleptos, 1,137 records were compiled from North and South America and partitioned into training and testing data. Five BioClim variables (BIO1, BIO7, BIO12, BIO14, and BIO15) were selected as environmental variables for modeling. Using Maxent, 12 …

Improving Health Equity: Integrating Mental Health Services Into Mobile Health Clinics For Unhoused And Low-Income Populations In The United States, Tiffany Lynn Wong

Master's Projects and Capstones

Mental health disparities among homeless and low-income populations in the United States highlight significant challenges in access and quality of care. This literature review explores the integration of mental health services into Mobile Health Clinics (MHCs) as a promising recommendation to address these disparities. I used various search engines, extracting 10 articles published from 2013 to 2023 focused on the U.S. MHCs show its effectiveness in improving healthcare access and quality of care, covering different services like mammography, reproductive health, COVID-19 testing, and diabetes care. Building on these successful models, this paper proposes extending MHCs to include mental health screenings, …

A Home Is A Human Right: Homelessness In Sacramento, Alexa Renée Colvin

Master's Projects and Capstones

Homelessness is a public health crisis in California and needs to be addressed. Homelessness directly impacts health outcomes through increased barriers of care and unmet needs. It affects people in all walks of life, but the risk of experiencing homelessness increases within marginalized communities. The solution to end homelessness is not straightforward, and requires collaboration across federal, state, and local organizations. A literature review was conducted to understand what the homelessness crisis looks like broadly in California, and more specifically in Sacramento, and create informed recommendations. This literature found that implementing a structured and collaborative housing first approach is a …

Optimizing Fall Prevention: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Enhance Documentation And Intervention Accuracy Using The Hester Davis Scale In Medical-Surgical Units, Kiana Conn, Brooklin Hunter-Johnson, Jashan Kahlon, Adrian Paz

Master's Projects and Capstones

Falls among hospitalized patients remain a critical safety concern, particularly in medical-surgical units caring for geriatric and oncology patients. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate and address gaps in adherence to fall prevention protocols by utilizing the Hester Davis Scale (HDS) in two medical-surgical units at a large metropolitan hospital in Southern California. The project focused on auditing current practices to identify inconsistencies in documentation and intervention implementation, emphasizing areas such as bed alarm activation, fall risk signage placement, and armband use. Weekly audits were conducted from October 3 to October 29, 2024, to establish baseline data and inform …

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative: Becoming Baby-Friendly Designated, Joann Chu Zheng

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem Global breastfeeding rates remain low despite numerous breastfeeding benefits, which poses significant challenges and contributes to adverse infant health outcomes. In response, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was established to advocate, defend, and uphold breastfeeding encouraging healthy infant development from birth through early childhood. Context Hospital A is in the East Bay with a perinatal unit seeking BFHI certification. A microsystem assessment identified the need to ensure that postpartum nurses deliver accurate and consistent BFHI-aligned education to meet designation requirements. Intervention A standardized patient checklist conforming to baby-appropriate education guidelines was developed to improve the quality and thoroughness of …

Improving Anesthesia Technician Workflow: Implementation Of A Standardized Checklist And Formal Handoff Communication Tool To Enhance Management Of The Pediatric Portable Anesthesia Lockers Recommendation, Megan Shayna Sosnick Msel, Rn

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The surgical department of a well-known Bay Area medical center faces substantial challenges in supply management. These challenges include inconsistent stocking, disorganized storage, and an inefficient ordering process. These logistical issues impact patient care negatively, increase supply costs, and weaken team morale and communication. U.S. hospitals spend $83 billion annually on medical supplies, with $25.4 billion wasted on preventable material expenses (Balkhi et al., 2022). Aim and Methods: This quality improvement project aims to train 80% of anesthesia technicians in proper stocking procedures for portable pediatric anesthesia lockers within three months. Interventions include the implementation of a standardized …

Travel English For Japanese Third Age Learners: A Communicative Model, Yoshiko Okamura

Master's Projects and Capstones

The goal of this curriculum project is to effectively develop the English communicative skills of a small group of Japanese third age English language learners. The term, third age learners (TALs), represents learners who are generally in their mid-60s through early 80s, retired, healthy, active, and motivated to learn something new. When it comes to English language learning strategies, one size does not fit all. An effective curriculum must be built on the theories and approaches that fit the specific needs of the target learners. The first three chapters of this project report describe the theories, approaches, and methods applied …

Delays In Care Due To Inaccessibility Of Essential Medical Items In Surgical Unit, Puleiaava Basil Thomsen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Objective/Background

This project aims to establish efficient access to medical supplies in operating rooms, essential for timely patient care and preventing adverse outcomes, using evidence-based guidelines. Poorly stocked or disorganized pediatric anesthesia carts lead to safety risks, workflow disruptions, and unclear restocking responsibilities. Despite efforts to improve cart management at Hospital C, challenges persist, including inconsistent inventory practices, outdated systems, and a lack of baseline data for evaluation. Resolving these issues is critical to aligning the unit's practices with hospital-wide goals for efficiency and patient safety.

Aim

This quality improvement project aims to train 80% of anesthesia technicians in …

Understanding Anatomy & Physiology Students’ Knowledge And Perceptions Of Learning Sex And Pleasure, Yaileen Velazquez

Honors Capstones

Undergraduate anatomy & physiology (A&P) is an opportune place for future healthcare providers to learn a diversity of topics related to human health and function, including sexual health. However, the current undergraduate curriculum and instruction in A&P classes do not support students in achieving a high level of understanding of sexual health, including sexual anatomy and physiology. Previous studies have shown that college students obtain a mean score of lower than 65% in sexual knowledge tests, with the lowest mean scores on sections concerning sexual anatomy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (Weinstein et al., 2008). Sexual pleasure is an important …

Effects Of Microbial Lipases On Parmesan And Feta Cheese Flavor Profiles, Erin N. Caswell

Theses and Dissertations

Lipolysis is crucial for cheese flavor development, as lipolytic enzymes convert fats into free fatty acids that enhance flavor. While Kid/Goat (KG) lipases are traditionally used in cheese production, microbial lipases like M. javanicus (MJ) and C. cylindracea (CC) provide vegetarian, cost-effective alternatives. This study compares the flavor, texture, and composition of Feta and Parmesan cheeses made with microbial lipases as a replacement for traditional lipase. Conventional cheese making techniques were used to make experimental batches of Feta and Parmesan cheeses using a standard KG lipase and two experimental lipases, CC and MJ, and comparing all three against a control …

Climate Change Impacts On Dryland Ecosystems, Tanner Tainui Aiono

Theses and Dissertations

Dryland ecosystems are some of the most prevalent ecosystems on Earth and have recently shown stress indicators from climate change. These water-limited systems are vulnerable to increases in temperature and changes in precipitation, especially when looking at carbon cycling dynamics across biological sol crusts and vegetation mortality patterns. This dissertation aims to 1) evaluate how precipitation dynamics, vegetation location, and microclimate conditions influence biological soil crust carbon conditions, and 2) evaluate how topographic influences drive patterns of plant mortality during prolonged drought on the Colorado Plateau. Using high-resolution monitoring of long-term NEE chambers, we found that intermediately disturbed biocrusts are …

The Impact Of Positive-To-Negative Teacher Interaction Ratio On Student Performance, Naomi L. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

Challenging behavior is a growing problem for teachers. Praise has been promoted as a positive strategy for addressing problem behavior. The ratio of praise-to-correction (positive-to-negative) may be important to the effectiveness of praise. A 4:1 ratio has been recommended as optimal to improve student performance. This ratio has never been experimentally tested. There is little known of the feasibility and social validity for maintaining a high positive-to-negative ratio. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 4:1 positive-to-negative ratio (PNR) on problem behavior and academic performance of junior high students with an intellectual disability classification in …

Development Of Sensing Capabilities For Agricultural Robotics, Carter Noh

Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural robotics is a rapidly growing industry with the possibility to revolutionize food production. Agricultural robots often require custom sensing solutions to perform specific tasks. Developing the appropriate sensing capabilities for an application is therefore an important step in the automation process. In this thesis I present two case studies in developing sensing capabilities for agricultural robotics applications. First, I introduce a sensor that can provide simultaneous measurements of force and position. The sensor was developed to enable high-throughput measurement of maize stalk stiffness on a robot platform. It uses multiple sets of strain gauges on a cantilever beam to …

Extracting Speech Content From High-Amplitude Background Machine Noise, Curtis L. Garner

Theses and Dissertations

The research presented in this dissertation aims to address the need for improved communication between heavy machinery operators and external personnel, aiming to improve safety and efficiency by overcoming the communication barriers posed by equipment noise and cab insulation. The primary purpose of this research was to develop a hands-free communication system that allows the operator to hear speech from outside the cab without requiring any personal communication devices like radios or headsets. Key objectives included effective speech extraction from ambient noise and accurate estimation of the location of the speaker. Operating without active user control, the system emphasizes clarity …

Learning Spanish As A Second Language: How Instruction Differs For Spanish In Middle And High School, Megan Lenza

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Although many research articles focus on Second Language Acquisition (SLA) at the university level, few focus on SLA at the middle and high school developmental levels. Nevertheless, in the US, most students begin learning another language at these levels, and it is helpful to determine key factors for enhancing language learning. This project aims to study how the factors of target language (the language of instruction), context (exposure and environment of learning), and technology can promote SLA at the middle and high school levels. In this study, student SLA refers to the process and development of a Spanish as a …

Denmark’S Depth Model Version 2.0 – Improved Compilation Of Bathymetric Data Within The Danish Waters, Giuseppe Masetti, Philip Sigaard Granding, Kasper Langdahl, Lasse M. Schwenger, Kristian V. Kristmar

Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping

Denmark’s Depth Model version 2.0 (DDM v2.0) is the latest iteration of a Digital Bathymetric Model (DBM) for Danish waters, offering a grid resolution of 50 meters. The compilation integrates hundreds of survey datasets, including both modern and historical sources, as well as satellite-derived and crowdsourced bathymetric data. The model is referenced to Mean Sea Level (MSL) datum and – due to the adopted compilation process – is not designed for safety of navigation. DDM v2.0 is accessible through the Danish Geodata Agency's website and constitutes a significant contribution to the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) Bathymetry initiative.

Community-Based Approaches To Promote Uptake Of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine For Intermittent Preventive Treatment Of Malaria In Pregnancy: Midline Findings From Kisumu And Migori Counties, Dennis Matanda, Zoe Nakuya, Stephen Kizito, Francis Obare

Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Choices

No abstract provided.

Leading Through Language: Understanding How Presidential Leaders At Faith-Based Institutions Issue Sensegiving Statements Within A Social Justice Context, Benjamin Gibbs

Journal of Research on the College President

The landscape of leadership in higher education is becoming increasingly complex (Gagliardi et al., 2017; Jaschik & Lederman, 2016; Wesley et al., 2021). Significant instances of racial violence and geopolitical unrest have instigated conversations and ongoing movements towards greater social justice in American society and on university campuses. With these movements, higher education leaders at faith-based institutions have been called on to communicate and lead within a social justice context, through the act of sensegiving. This qualitative study investigated the perspectives and roles of presidential leaders who have provided communication regarding social justice topics. The purpose of the study was …

Gardner-Webb Honors Achievements Of 2024 Summer And Fall Graduates, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

In Gardner-Webb University’s commencement ceremony on Dec. 13, former N.C. Commissioner of Labor Josh Dobson challenged his audience of over 400 graduates to follow their dreams with all their hearts. Dobson, a 2005 GWU alumnus, served over 14 years as a North Carolina elected leader and recently became the president and chief executive o!icer at North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA).

A Comparison Of Discrete-Trial Techniques On Direct Service Provider Productivity, Mackenzie Mansel

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) is one way to remediate social deficits, skill detriments, and problematic behaviors of children diagnosed with ASD (e.g., Cohen et al., 2006; Lovaas, 1987; Smith, 2001; Waters et al., 2020). Effective EIBI includes fast-paced instruction, 35-40 average treatment hours a week, and an early age at the start of intervention (Lovaas, 1981). Positive outcomes of EIBI include fine and gross motor skill acquisition, placement in a typical education classroom, increased language, and decreased problematic behaviors (e.g., Cohen et al., 2006; Lovaas, 1987; Smith, 2001; Waters et al., 2020). One method of EIBI with very little …

Bio-Based Polyurethane Films: Effect Of Hydroxyl Numbers On The Properties Of The Polyurethane Films, Fenilkumar Patel

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

In today's world, there's a growing shift towards adopting eco-friendly and sustainable materials in response to pressing environmental concerns. Among the key polymeric materials utilized in various industries, polyurethanes stand out, being widely employed in the manufacture of everyday essentials. However, the conventional method of producing polyurethanes relies heavily on hazardous and fossil fuel-derived substances, presenting significant environmental challenges. To address this issue, there's a critical need to substitute petroleum-based materials with more sustainable alternatives. In our research, we focused on utilizing limonene, a compound found in citrus fruit peels such as lemon and orange, and geraniol, extracted from rose …

Effects Of Mastery Criterion On Response Maintenance, Sydney Mcfall

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized as having at least two deficits in areas of functioning such as impaired language development, impaired social development, and the presence of excessive or stereotyped repetitive behaviors or interests (Granpeesheh et. al., 2009). Early and intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) is an evidence-based practice for remediating deficits in individuals with ASD (Love et. al., 2008). One important component of intensive intervention is defining the mastery criterion, or the point at which a skill has been learned to a sufficient level that allows for maintenance. Mastery criterion is necessary to progress intervention targets on a rapid …

Interleaving Practice: A Better Approach To Band Rehearsal Structure, Matthew Reimer

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to identify the merits of a band rehearsal structure that incorporates elements of an interleaving schedule, whereby multiple items of a similar nature are rehearsed in a mixed fashion rather than in a blocked format where one task is completed before moving on to the next. The project looks at the current state of research related to interleaving in the study of the arts, potential obstacles, motivational strategies to increase student receptiveness, and specific examples of how to implement the research in an intermediate band rehearsal. Included are resources and strategies for pitch and …