Digital Commons Network^™

Optimizing Laboratory Appointment Adherence Among Patients Prescribed Psychoactive Medications, Tamara N. Blake

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE

The purpose of this scholarly project was to implement a standardized nurse-driven phone call reminder protocol to improve adherence to scheduled laboratory appointments among patients prescribed psychoactive medications requiring bloodwork. This protocol is aimed to increase appointment adherence and reduce no-show rates within the clinic.

BACKGROUND

The project was implemented within a small outpatient community-based clinic in Round Rock, Texas which provides mental health services. The clinic experienced high no-show rates for scheduled laboratory appointments among patients prescribed psychoactive medications. Monitoring these patients is essential to ensure medication safety and prevent potential adverse effects.

METHODOLOGY

The six-week quality improvement …

Exploring The Therapeutic Benefits Of Dance In The Academic Schedule: The Effects On Stress Among High School Students, Amanda Polanowski

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the minds of dance students about the stress they experienced as a result of their academic schedules and extracurriculars. The following research questions informed this study:

Q1 Does incorporating dance into the academic schedule lower stress in high school students?

Q2 In what mental state are students before and after taking dance class?

Q3 Does dance provide mental health benefits for high school students?

Student stress was evaluated before the study using a questionnaire as well as before and after each dance class through surveys. Eighteen students participated in a …

Psychological Impacts Of Competitive Dance: Understanding Mental Health And Team Dynamics Among Young Dancers, Gloria E. Brunner

Master's Theses

The purpose of the research was to investigate deeply into the psychological aspects of competitive dance and its influence on the mental well-being of young dancers. Competitive dance has grown significantly in popularity, fueled by reality television shows and social media platforms, creating a high-pressure environment for participants. This research investigated the unique stressors faced by young dancers including performance anxiety, body image concerns, and burnout, while also identifying coping strategies and the positive personal development fostered through dance.

To uncover more information about the positive and negative effects of competition dance, the researcher focused the study on the following …

Exploring The Impact Of Dance Arts Integration On General Education Teaching Practices: Insights Into Classroom Environment, Planning, Instruction, And Assessment, Sara Kessler-Kennon

Master's Theses

The purpose of this research study was to explore the impact of dance arts integration facilitation on teaching practices by emphasizing classroom environment, planning, instruction, and assessment. The researcher created the following four essential questions to guide the study:

Q1 How does incorporating movement-based arts integration alter classroom environment, student behavior, student engagement, and inclusivity of students with various abilities and diverse backgrounds?

Q2 How does incorporating movement-based arts integration impact the general educators' planning time, process, style, and understanding? Does the general educator feel as though they can effectively incorporate movement-based arts integration without collaborating with a dance educator? …

Analyzing The Influence Of Faculty Diversity On Dance Education In Texas High Schools: A Case Study Of Representation In Dance Programs, Aransas Lazo

Master's Theses

The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between cultural diversity among high school dance instructors and its subsequent impact on students' experiences in high school dance education. The researcher used two types of instrumentation to collect the data: semi-structured interview questions and an online survey. The semi-structured interview questions were researcher-developed and open-ended, allowing the eight participants to provide detailed responses regarding their experiences as a dance instructor, cultural diversity, Texas Education Association (TEA) standards, and the requirements for their dance program. The survey questions asked Yes/No/Unsure questions that involved such questions related to faculty diversity, cultural …

Body Positivity Via Costuming Performances In Grades Nine Through Twelve Dance, Kacey Valentine O'Keeffe

Master's Theses

This thesis explored the impact of body image and self-esteem on high school dancers and the pivotal role of dance educators in fostering a positive environment during concert preparations. The purpose of this research study was to determine if there was a correlation between promotion of health and wellness from dance educators and body positivity among high school dancers. The following research questions were addressed in this study:

Q1 What positively contributes to a dancers’ self-esteem and body image?

Q2 What is an effective solution for costume fitting methods to be used by dance educators while keeping their dancers’ safety …

Empowering Educators: Examining Social-Emotional Learning Professional Development In Advancing Knowledge And Skills, Jessica Ann Ryan

Theses & Dissertations

This cross-sectional quantitative survey methodology study examined teachers’ knowledge and skills of social-emotional learning after participating in professional development. CASEL’s (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) theoretical framework of the five core competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making (2024) guided the research. The literature review analyzed studies conducted related to social-emotional learning (SEL) and professional development. It focused on the themes of SEL policy and legislation, teachers’ perception of SEL, the impact of SEL on students, methodology, potential barriers to SEL, professional development, teaching experience, and gaps in the research that pertain to teachers’ …

A Proposed Instrument To Determine Mobility Eligibility Criteria And Levels For Mechanically Ventilated Patients In The Intensive Care Unit, Keira Gabrielle Miller

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

Immobility is a problem among mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. Early mobility has been shown to benefit mechanically ventilated patient outcomes by minimizing hospital stays and costs, decreasing the risk of infection, and improving muscle strength to lead to a better quality of life. No inclusive checklists exist to evaluate patients progressing to varying levels of mobility based on specific criteria such as hemodynamics, neurological function, and disease acuity. This gap was identified after a current and comprehensive literature review on early mobilization among mechanically ventilated patients. The purpose of this project was to combine a comprehensive …

Tvtp Grant Program Formative And Outcome Evaluation Report, Matt Allen, Andrea Walker, Nicholas J. Arreola, Daniel Cook, Jeffrey Jones, Alice Jurkiewicz, Cynthia Kennedy, Charlie Maas, Erin G. Pleggenkuhle-Miles, Sydney Reichin, Noah Turner, Elle Ward, John Wonderlich

Reports, Projects, and Research

Between 2015 and 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided $60 million through the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program to help communities across the United States develop capabilities to combat terrorism and targeted violence. Managed by the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), the program provides grant funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education to enhance the capabilities of locally based TVTP programs through a public health-informed, whole-of-society approach. Building local prevention capacity is a key federal policy priority, and the TVTP Grant Program possesses unique characteristics that …

Assessing Impact Risk To Tropical Marine Ecosystems From Human Activities With A Southeast Asian Example, Fiona Culhane, Melanie C. Austen, Matthew Ashley, Jonson Javier, Sui Hyang Kuit, Nguyen Phuc Hung, Hau Duc Tran, Radisti A. Praptiwi, Sainal Sainal, Eva Justine, Prawesti Wulandari, Stefanie Broszeit, Jean Beth Jontila, Sofia Johari, Lota Creencia, Amy Yee Hui Then, Lea Janine Gajardo, Carya Maharja, Hong Ching Goh, Wan Mohd Syazwan, Yang Amri Affendi, Lê Ngọc Thảo, Jito Sugardjito, Tom Mullier, Olivia Langmead

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Society relies on intact marine ecosystems for ecosystem services such as nutrition, livelihoods, health and well-being. Yet, to obtain these benefits, we carry out activities, introducing pressures to ecosystems, damaging and degrading habitats and reducing their capacity to optimally provide ecosystem services. Biodiversity and ecosystem services are consequently being lost globally but impact chains from these activities are poorly understood, especially in tropical marine ecosystems. We identified for the first time impact chains linking activities with pressures they introduce in five tropical coastal and marine habitats, specifically through application in four Southeast Asian case study sites. Using expert elicitation based …

Incorporating The Pcl-5 Self Assessment Tool In The Treatment Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Using Virtual Reality Therapy, Janette Sanchez

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs when individuals experience a traumatic event causing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties (Sadock et al., 2017). Failure to assess changes in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can result in ineffective treatments (Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense, 2023). Purpose. Implement the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 screening tool as part of an outpatient clinic’s virtual reality exposure therapy protocol evaluating patients’ perceived effectiveness of virtual reality exposure therapy in post-traumatic stress disorder management. Methods. All staff and providers were educated on the use of the PCL-5 screening tool. Patients were …

Extreme Poverty, Social Justice, And Human Rights: Rawls, Sen, And Wresinski, Quentin Wodon

Vincentian Studies

This paper explores the thought on extreme poverty and social justice of Father Joseph Wresinski (1917–1988), a Catholic priest who devoted his life to working with the very poor. To situate Wresinski within debates on social justice, comparisons are made with John Rawls and Armataya Sen. The focus is on the identification of the least advantaged and of who is responsible for implementing social justice. For Rawls, the least advantaged can be defined through their endowment of primary goods, and social justice is to be implemented through a society’s core institutions. For Sen, the aim is to expand capabilities, with …

Ways Of Knowing: Laywomen In Early Vincentian Practices Of Reform, Alison Forrestal

Vincentian Studies

Alison Forrestal examines the role of laywomen of various social classes in early Vincentian service. Although the concept of a lay vocation had not been formulated in the seventeenth century, the service that laywomen, whether married or single, provided to society rendered their state valuable and holy in its own right. This was an important facet of the Catholic Reformation. Early Vincentian efforts were innovative for the time, allowing women to organize and perform the administrative work for their own service. Women also gave religious instruction to the poor, which was unusual, and their own spirituality and devotional activities were …

Reframing A Data Sharing Mechanism For The Riparian Nations Of Helmand River Basin: Theory Of Planned Behavior Is Revisited, Najibullah Loodin, Gabriel Eckstein, Vijay P. Singh, Rosario Sanchez

Faculty Scholarship

Data and information exchange plays a crucial role in fostering water cooperation between the riparian nations of a shared watercourse. Taking an integrated approach combining Discourse Analysis and Document Analysis, this research aims at elucidating the challenges and the potential opportunities of data and information exchange on the Helmand River, a drought-stricken river basin shared between upstream Afghanistan and downstream Iran. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), we offer nuanced perspectives on the data exchange model developed by Wehn. We argue that there are other underlying and essential elements that hinder the meaningful engagement of the riparian nations …

Effect Of Running Cadence On Tibial Acceleration: Implications For Runners Experiencing Stress Injuries, Victoria Hilfiker

Honors Theses

I. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of cadence modification on tibial acceleration (TA) in the interest of exploring potential methods to reduce the incidence of stress-related running injuries. II. Methods Eleven injury-free distance runners were recruited to run at 6 different cadences with acoustic pacing. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) containing an onboard triaxial accelerometer was mounted on the right medial distal tibia to record acceleration at each of these paces. A repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to determine differences in tibial acceleration over varying cadences. Effect sizes (╖2 and Cohen’s d) were examined to …

Exploring The Relationship Between Nutrition-Related Attitudes And Use Of Scrappy’S Cupboard Among College Students At The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga, Emma Rosenberger

Honors Theses

Introduction This thesis examines the relationship between nutrition-related attitudes and the use of Scrappy’s Cupboard, a campus food pantry, among undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). This study aims to determine how students’ attitudes toward nutrition influence their likelihood of utilizing campus food resources, highlighting differences between users and non-users of Scrappy’s Cupboard. A correlation between nutrition-related attitudes and the use of Scrappy's Cupboard was expected, with pantry users reporting more positive attitudes towards nutrition compared to non-users. Methods A survey was administered to UTC students to assess their nutrition-related attitudes, food pantry usage, …

The Disconnect Between Spanish-Speaking Communities And Law Enforcement And The Detrimental Effect It Has On Both, Belma Kurpejovic

Honors Theses

The increase of Latino communities in mid-sized and smaller cities, along with the impact of language competency and lack of programs for law enforcement, has been sufficiently explored, yet issues persist. This study examines the disconnect between Spanish-speaking communities and law enforcement, which has created significant distrust and communication issues. Examining these communities is important because there is still a need to mend these relationships. This study explores the effects of this divide and how to help fix it. Information obtained from law enforcement officers at the Chattanooga Police Department, highlights key issues, including the lack of community-based policing, cultural …

Racial Disparities In Domestic Violence: Analyzing The Intersection Of Race And Gender, Nia Grace Sharp

Honors Theses

This research explores the intersection of race, gender, and the litigation of domestic violence cases in Memphis, Tennessee. This is explored through qualitative research that combines a theoretical framework with structured interviews of criminal defense attorneys. Utilizing a sample of 5 attorneys with recent exposure to domestic violence cases, this study aims to reveal whether or not intimate partner violence is litigated differently across racial lines. This is done through analysis of the treatment of victims depending on race, sentencing rates, and perceptions of credibility within the justice system. The methodology involves five key steps: conducting a literature review to …

Parental Guidance Necessary: A Qualitative Study On The Impacts Of Parenting Styles, Mackenzie Longmire

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the long-term effects of parenting styles and attachment experiences on adult psychological well-being, relational competence, academic aspirations, and self-concept. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with three participants from the Chattanooga, Tennessee area, the study investigates how family dynamics—framed by Baumrind’s parenting models and Bowlby’s attachment theory—shape developmental trajectories across the lifespan. Findings indicate that authoritative parenting fosters resilience, empathy, and secure attachments, while authoritarian and avoidant parenting styles often lead to relational hesitancy and diminished self-worth. Emphasizing the value of responsive, balanced parenting, this study underscores its role in promoting emotional security and adaptive coping, with …

Senior’S Code Of Conduct For The Telecommunications Industry, Cameron Schilling

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

The purpose of this project is to investigate the needs of an aging population (65+) in relation to their adoption and use of telecommunications services and to use ChatGPT, Foursight CPS Model, and Design Thinking to create a working Senior’s Code of Conduct (SCoC). Through consultation with ageing users of telecommunications, their families, and the corporate team with which I work, the evidence of the vulnerability and often abuse of this segment validated the need for this project. Through the process of developing a SCoC and leveraging Design Thinking with the support of ChatGPT, I refreshed my CPS skills, embarked …

Contemplating Glaciers - A Dialogue, Jessica Elizabeth Turner

Theses

This project investigates the evolving relationship between art, climate education, and audience engagement. It explores how the visual arts serve as a medium for fostering awareness and dialogue about climate change while inspiring climate resilience through artistic and curatorial intervention. The exhibition Contemplating Glaciers – A Dialogue showcases the work of Canadian artist Jan Kabatoff, whose practice incorporates multisensory experiences, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, VR, and soundscapes to engage viewers with the ongoing degradation of glaciers. The exhibition bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and artistic expression within a gallery space designed to encourage participation and reflection. It seeks to …

Victims Unknown: An Evaluation Of The Way Louisville, Kentucky Communicated About Aids At The End Of The 20th Century, Alexander M. Vernon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This is thesis examines the way that printed news sources reported on AIDS during the height of the epidemic in Louisville, Kentucky. It compares between mainstream and grass-roots sources to work to identify shortcomings in reporting, and how reporting on a public health crisis can be improved upon in the future. It uses an intersectional framework to deconstruct why certain news sources reported on specific demographics of the population, across racialized and gendered lines. Chapter One analyzes the epidemic and then contextualizes the language that was used. Chapter Two focuses on mainstream local newspapers, while also defining demographics of AIDS …

Access To Health Care And Glycemic Control: The National Health And Nutrition Examinations Survey (Nhanes) 2005-2018., Mohamed M. Ali

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background and Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition associated with numerous medical and financial sequences. In 2018, 34.1 million adults aged 18 years or older had diabetes in the U.S. Access to Care for diabetic Americans remains a public healthcare concern. This study aims to examine the relationship between access to healthcare and selected diabetes indicators. Methods: A quantitative, repeated cross-sectional study uses four of the National Health and Nutrition Examinations Survey's (NHANES) access measures (insurance, the number of times of annual healthcare visits, routine place for healthcare, and type of place) and four diabetes indicators (Hemoglobin A1C …

Exploring The Experience Of Mba Alumni: Year-1 Post-Graduation Insights, Steven Livingston

University Honors Program Senior Projects

Many students apply to an average of two to eight 2-8 graduate schools and consider various factors that guide their decision-making when selecting a particular graduate program. This paper delves into general factors that students would consider while assessing universities such as cost of attendance, career outcomes, and income. We created a new survey for Northeastern Illinois University’s Master of Business Administration program by using past survey instruments as a guide but included important factors that prospective students might consider. Additionally, we plan to issue an exit survey to collect data based on student responses using Qualtrics. Questions will focus …

Evaluation Of The Etiology Of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Rpl): An Explanatory Mixed Methods Study Exploring Obstetrician Gynecologist Clinical Provider Behaviors And Factors Contributing To Incomplete Evaluations, Emelia Grant

Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Health Sciences Dissertations

Background: More than 50% of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) are left without explanations for their losses. However, current research suggests that up to 90% of these individuals could receive explanations through evidence-based laboratory testing. Professional guidelines vary in their recommendations for laboratory testing and RPL evaluation, which can contribute to delayed or fragmented care and untreated maternal disease. Inequities in access to genetic testing further complicate the diagnostic landscape of RPL since payor policies often determine which tests are covered, leaving many patients without access due to financial constraints.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate current practices of …

Focused Ultrasound: A New Era In Tremor Control, Sajid Hameed

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

No abstract provided.

U-Glide Program Fall 2024, Unf Office Of Undergraduate Research, Unf Graduate School

Undergraduate – Graduate Learning, Inquiry, and Distinctive Experimentation (U-GLIDE) Symposium Programs

No abstract provided.

The Adolescent Mental Health Crisis: A Case Study In Family Court Planning, Andrew Schepard

Hofstra Law Review

The article focuses on addressing the adolescent mental health crisis within the framework of family court planning, particularly in the context of parental separation and divorce. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive planning processes within family courts to integrate Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) as a central strategy for tackling this crisis effectively. It seeks to enhance mental health services for adolescents involved in family court proceedings.

Young Adults’ Perceptions Of Adverse Childhood Experiences As Context And Causes Of Mental Health Conditions: Observations From The United States, Kathryn Sabella, Ian A. Lane, Murron O'Neill, Natalie Tincknell

Faculty Publications (Peer-Reviewed)

Background

Objective

Participants and setting

Methods …

Spine Mobilization Vs Manipulation: Effects On Neck Pain, Alfredo Loreto

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Several studies have found an association between cervical spinal mobilization (CSMob) and cervical spinal manipulation (CSM) on pain perception, disability, and satisfaction. However, choosing the proper technique continues to be a challenge for many practitioners. The purpose of this study was to clarify the discrepant evidence regarding the efficacy of a CSMob versus a CSM intervention as compared to a control group – hands-off, and patient education (PE) in isolation. 36 subjects with acute and non-specific mechanical neck pain were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups (CSMob, CSM, or control). Outcome measures using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Numeric …