Digital Commons Network^™

Associations Between Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Hesitancy And Resistance And Social Media Engagement, Katherine O'Keefe

Nursing

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. More than 13 million Americans are infected each year. Typically, HPV infections will resolve without treatment, and many infected individuals are asymptomatic. However, in some cases, these infections can lead to penile, oral, vaginal, cervical, and/or anal cancer. With the rise in HPV infection rates, the need for vaccination is crucial in prevention of HPV-related infections and cancers. The CDC recently changed HPV vaccine guidelines to include individuals ages 27-45. Regardless of guideline changes, HPV vaccination rates are lower than other recommended vaccines, which may be due …

Initiation Of An Adolescent School-Based Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Prevention Program, Morgan Schneider

Nursing

The leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States is tobacco product use. The 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey, which was completed in 2022, showed that the e-cigarette epidemic among youth continues to remain a public health threat. The survey revealed that over 2.5 million middle and high school students currently use e-cigarettes. The purpose of this project was to provide youth with evidence-based education in a classroom setting. The education was designed to increase participant knowledge about health-related concerns of ENDS products, decrease participant intent to use ENDS products, and foster sustainability through training a …

A Practice Improvement Project Improving Tobacco And Nicotine Dependence Treatment Education In A Doctor Of Nursing Practice Program, Kanchan Bhattarai

Nursing

Tobacco use is a global epidemic and the leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022h). Approximately 5.4 million people die annually due to tobacco-related illnesses. About 70% of tobacco users visit primary care clinics annually and even brief advice from clinicians can improve cessation rates ( United States Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2020). However, four out of nine adult smokers who visited healthcare providers did not receive any advice or counseling on quitting smoking. Lack of training and confidence were identified as a barrier among …

Implementation Of Interprofessional Education: Respiratory Management In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Brooke Campbell

Nursing

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness, including weakness of respiratory muscles. Respiratory issues significantly contribute to the morbidity and mortality of persons with ALS. Therefore, respiratory management is a critical aspect of care. There is a concerning lack of awareness and knowledge among rural and urban healthcare professionals regarding the respiratory management of persons with ALS. Healthcare professionals need to understand the differences between oxygenation and ventilation and the importance of following evidence-based guidelines. Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in the care of a person with ALS, overseeing …

Pediatric Preparedness In A Rural Health System, Sarah Nielsen

Nursing

Pediatric emergencies present significant challenges and emotional strain in healthcare settings. In critical access hospitals, the provision of safe, effective, and high-quality emergency response for pediatric cases is especially demanding. Many rural hospitals have infrequent exposure to pediatric emergency care, which can contribute to a lack of confidence when caring for this population. Diminished confidence in pediatric skills and procedures has been linked with a reduction in overall patient safety. Research on pediatric emergency preparedness in rural settings outlines the need for further multi-faceted education to achieve increased provider comfort and preparedness. The practice improvement project aimed to understand health …

Assessing Burnout And Resiliency In Doctor Of Nursing Practice Students, Mary Habib

Nursing

This project aims to further assess the issue of burnout among Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students, a population that remains understudied in the context of burnout research. DNP students, who concurrently function as registered nurses, graduate students, and novice nurse practitioners (NPs), can face many challenges in their academic journey. The rigorous demands of didactic and clinical coursework have been shown to impact academic success and overall well-being. Existing literature highlights high levels of burnout among DNP students, which affect various aspects of their lives, including personal time, sleep, and relationships. Resilience has been identified as a potential strategy …

Healthcare Professionals' Education Regarding Human Trafficking Identification And Resources, Madeline Iversen

Nursing

Human trafficking is one of the largest illegal industries with over 40 million adults and children enslaved worldwide. The psychological and physical consequences of human trafficking are high and may impact a victim for their entire life. Approximately 88% of human trafficking victims report receiving medical care during their time captured, and a majority of these victims seek care in the emergency department (ED). Only 11% of healthcare professionals (HCPs) report receiving education on human trafficking. The purpose of this project was to determine if education regarding human trafficking influences HCPs including, nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), …

"Where Did Your Christ Come From?", Kamara V. Townes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This written document is the accompanying thesis for my Master of Fine Arts Exhibition, “WHERE DID YOUR CHRIST COME FROM?”, shown at Gallery 937 in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (displayed April 5th-June 9th, 2024). Through painting, sculpture, and installation, I rely on an intuitive artmaking practice to create work that makes commentary on race, gender and identity. This thesis documents my research on contemporary influences, experimentation with materials and my point of view in conversation with intersectional feminism while navigating institutional racism.

Conceptually the work of my thesis is deeply influenced by womanism and Black culture, which informs my exploration …

Standardizing Nasogastric Tube Securement: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Shannon Lee Thompkins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Problem: At a large academic medical center located in the northeastern United States, nasogastric tubes (NGT) were traditionally secured with tape. The institutional policy was nonspecific with no written procedure. The inconsistent use of nasal bridle securement devices (NBSD) and predominant use of tape has the potential to lead to a high rate of NGT dislodgement.

Background: NGT complication and dislodgement rates range from 2%-36% (Gimenes et al., 2019). Stabler et al. (2018) report 29%-63% NGT dislodgement rates in critically ill patients. Patients with intracranial hemorrhage dislodge NGTs in 25% of patients (Rahman et al., 2022)

Available Knowledge: Based on …

Advanced Techniques In Time Series Forecasting: From Deterministic Models To Deep Learning, Xue Bai

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation discusses three instances of temporal prediction, applied to population dynamics and deep learning.

In population modeling, dynamic processes are frequently represented by systems of differential equations, allowing for the analysis of various phenomena. The first application explores modeling cloned hematopoiesis in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) via a nonlinear system of differential equations. By tracking the evolution of different cell compartments, including cycling and quiescent stem cells, progenitor cells, differentiated cells, and terminally differentiated cells, the model captures the transition from normal hematopoiesis to the chronic and accelerated-acute phases of CML. Three distinct non-zero steady states are identified, representing …

Autonomous Object Search Planning In Large-Scale Environments, Matthew A. Collins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The advancement of autonomous search holds significant promise for applications ranging from emergency response to planetary exploration. This thesis investigates strategies to enhance autonomous search performance in large-scale environments. The main contribution of this work is its practical application in real-world scenarios, where efficient search methods are essential for managing vast amounts of data, particularly in large environments. Effective search planning requires navigating complexities such as limited prior information and managing large state spaces, necessitating advanced strategies to plan with this limited information. Additionally, balancing exploration and exploitation is crucial for optimizing the search process, as it ensures thorough coverage …

Changes In Psychiatric Diagnosis Associated With Sars-Cov-2 Infection And Predicting The Development Of New Psychiatric Illness In Covid Patients By Using Machine Learning Approach: A Study Using The Us National Covid Cohort Collaborative (N3c), Asif Rahman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The enduring impact of COVID-19 extends beyond acute illness, with potential long-term psychiatric consequences raising significant concern among healthcare professionals and researchers alike. Emerging evidence suggests a multifaceted relationship between COVID-19 and the development of different psychiatric illnesses like Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders (SSPD), Depression, Bipolar disorder, Personality disorder, Trauma, and a range of other mental health conditions. Considering these emerging connections, our study endeavors to rigorously assess the associations between COVID-19 and various psychiatric illnesses while simultaneously employing machine learning techniques to predict the development of new psychiatric disorders in individuals affected by the virus. Leveraging the extensive …

A Domain Adaptation Approach For Morphology-Independent Cell Instance Segmentation, Voke Rotimi Brume

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In recent years, there has been an upward trend of utilizing deep learning to automate cell segmentation processes. As global storage capacities grow exponentially, so have microscopy data collections become larger and more frequent. To benefit from them, accurate and precise quantitative analysis tools like cell instance segmentation have become necessary. However, the highly variable nature of these data collections necessitates retraining segmentation models to maintain high accuracy on new data collections. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive since a user must annotate much of the new data, usually under the supervision of a medical professional. The problem is further …

Beccaria, The Executioner, And The French Revolution, Willa Carlyle Reising

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis explores ideas and practices in the French penal system during the Revolutionary era, especially during the Reign of Terror, considering the experiences of Revolutionary leaders and the executioner of Paris during the Revolution. It argues that while in some ways Revolutionary leaders used Enlightenment penal laws to justify their actions during the Reign of Terror, in other ways the Reign of Terror was a departure from Enlightenment penal reform laws. The main Enlightenment penal reformer which this thesis uses is Cesare Beccaria because he was influential in France and during the French Revolution in helping to create early …

Bystander Interventions For Sexual Assault Prevention Among Students In Greek Life, Caterina Defazio

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Bystander-based sexual violence (SV) prevention programs are critical on college campuses to meet federal Title IX requirements and have proven effective in reducing violence. Greek-affiliated students (members of fraternities and sororities) are at a higher risk for sexual assault than their peers, yet current training programs often do not address their specific needs. This dissertation comprises three interconnected studies that collectively aim to improve bystander intervention strategies for this high-risk group. Aim 1 - Scoping Review: A scoping review was conducted to identify and describe bystander intervention programs delivered to Greek-affiliated students in the US and Canada. An eight-database …

Venus Balloon Localization: A Map-Aided Navigation Approach Supported By A Single-Satellite, Heath Scott Cottrill

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Although Venus and Earth began as twins, possessing comparable size, mass, and composition, past exploration missions have revealed that Venus is now hellishly hot, devoid of oceans, and enveloped in a carbon dioxide-filled atmosphere. To understand when and why this evolutionary divergence occurred, further exploration is required. Today, there is a growing interest in the use of aerial platforms to circumvent the harsh conditions at the surface, which limit the lifetime of landed instruments. In this concept, a single balloon, propelled by the ambient wind field, would operate in the atmosphere at an altitude between 50 and 70 km, where …

An Examination Of Coping Resources And Strategies Among Appalachian Transgender And Gender Nonconforming Adults And Youth, Zachary Ramsey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background. The body of literature shows that TGNC adults and youth face a multitude of health disparities (e.g., depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, body dysmorphia) due to their marginalization. Neither Meyer’s Minority Stress Model nor Testa’s Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Model sufficiently examines coping and the ways it interacts with other concepts within the model. Aims. The objective of this dissertation was to examine the coping resources and strategies of Appalachian transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. The three aims of this study were to: 1) evaluate the relationship of coping resources and strategies between TGNC Youth and cisgender …

Making Something Out Of Nothing: Immobility As An Operant, KaʻAla K. Bajo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The tradition of research in the experimental analysis of behavior generally emphasizes the analysis of overt, discrete responses such as lever presses or key pecks. Reflecting this emphasis, definitions of behavior involve the observable action or movement of an organism through space. Although continuous responses involving little to no movement, such as “holding still” or “immobility”, fall outside these definitions, immobility is a form of continuous, operant responding that can be learned and experimentally controlled. Three experiments were conducted to investigate parameters surrounding immobility as an operant. In Experiment 1, immobility in the form of platform-standing bouts was shaped and …

An Appalachian Perspective On Suicide: A Focus On West Virginia’S Unique Context, Erin Delaney Caswell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

INTRODUCTION: The Appalachian region, spanning 13 states from New York to northern Mississippi, experiences the suicide rates in the United States (U.S.), underscoring a public health crisis exacerbated by persistent socioeconomic challenges. West Virginia (WV), the only state entirely within Appalachia, serves as a focal point for understanding the broader suicide crisis in the region, as WV has the highest suicide rates in the region. Moreover, the state has several unique socioeconomic factors, like increased poverty, lower educational attainment, limited access to healthcare, and a high prevalence of chronic pain and substance that may contribute to elevated rates of suicide. …

Piano Wisdom From Two Great Masters: Heinrich Neuhaus And Walter Gieseking, Xiaohan Hu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation explores the pedagogical insights and piano techniques of Heinrich Neuhaus (1888-1964) and Walter Gieseking (1895-1956), two iconic figures in 20th-century piano performance and education. Through a detailed analysis of their writings and teaching methods, the research highlights their shared focus on the foundational principles of piano technique, as well as their unique contributions to interpretation and musical expression.

Neuhaus’s The Art of Piano Playing provides an in-depth discussion on the importance of artistic imagery, posture, sound production, and emotional depth in performance. Gieseking, along with his former teacher Karl Leimer, emphasizes ear training, mental visualization, and technical precision …

Celluloid Shakespeare: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Film And Theatre Through Edgar In Shakespeare’S King Lear, Liam Michael Holton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This document explores the actor‘s process and performance of Edgar in the 2021 WVU/WVPB production of William Shakespeare‘s King Lear. This production was directed by Professor Jerry McGonigle and was filmed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in partnership with West Virginia Public Broadcasting. This experimental project would go on to receive national distribution by the National Educational Television Association (NETA) and was also in consideration for a NETA award, in addition to receiving an Ohio Valley regional Emmy Award nomination as a finalist in the category of Arts/Entertainment – Short Form or Long Form Content. The following text …

Experimental Verification And Time-Resolved Bispectral Analysis Of Nonlinear Coupling In The Toroidicity-Induced Alfv´En Eigenmode Spectrum, Gregory Allen Riggs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In magnetically-confined fusion devices, the toroidicity-induced Alfv´en eigenmode (TAE) is a well-studied, weakly stable solution of the linearized ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations. Due to intrinsic coupling of poloidal harmonics of the shear Alfv´en wave (SAW) in toroidal geometry, the rotational transform of magnetic field lines modulates the effective index of refraction, ensuring gaps in the so-called “Alfv´en continuum.” Experimental verification of theoretical predictions for various parameters of interest (i.e., frequency, mode structure, instability threshold, etc.) is established in the literature.

We present the first systematic study of TAE-TAE phase coherence in an experimental device, using the DIII-D tokamak. Crucially, nonlinear …

Relationships Among The Concepts Of Organizational Theory And Nurse Burnout Before And After Covid-19, Bridget M. Webb

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Nurse burnout is a global health priority that has been compounded by Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Organizational theory states that nurse burnout is directly impacted by operant mechanisms (nurse characteristics, nurse specialization) and hospital-wide models. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between hospital wide models (evidence-based care, team-based care, discharge planning, care coordination), operant mechanisms (nurse characteristics, nurse specialization), and outcomes (nurse burnout) before and after COVID-19.

Research Question: The specific aim of this study is to determine the relationship between hospital wide models (evidence-based care, team-based care, discharge planning, care coordination) and operant mechanisms (nurse …

The Sociology Of Bail Reform: Crime, Social Interaction, And Offender Experiences In Rurality., Scott Kevin Turner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study sought to explore the impact of the New York State “Bail Reform Act of 2019,” in rurality. It examined some of the legislative goals of the law, the claim that it caused crime, and offender experiences in rurality. Secondary data was used to map the rural crime landscape and primary data was collected from offenders during face to face interviews. The study was framed using deterrence and opportunity approaches and situated within the broader field environments; legislative, courtroom, and community. The research failed to find support for the claim that bail reform caused crime. Instead, it revealed that …

The Search, The Localization, And The Characterization: Fast Radio Transients, Reshma Anna Thomas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Fast radio transients are energetic bursts in centimeter or meter wave-lengths, lasting only milliseconds, and originating from both Galactic and extra-Galactic sources. In our Galaxy, these transients primarily originate from pulsars, which are rotating neutron stars. The more energetic extra-galactic transients, known as fast radio bursts (FRBs), have unknown origins. This thesis explores various techniques, including single dish and interferometric observations, to detect and accurately localize fast radio transients. It also investigates how the propagation effects of radio waves can reveal characteristics of the local environment and potential FRB sources. Furthermore, it demonstrates how FRBs can be used to study …

A Grounded Theory Investigation Of Basic Psychological Needs Theory As A Framework For Effective Mental Health Referrals In Collegiate Sport, Luna Ugrenović

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Using a grounded theory approach, this study explored collegiate athletes’ mental health referral experiences and identified mechanisms explaining those experiences based upon perceptions of psychological need fulfillment and thwarting according to Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT). Interviews were conducted with a purposive, maximum variation sample of 14 current and former collegiate athletes who were referred to mental health services by support personnel or other athletes. Analyses yielded three overarching theoretical categories/properties: pre-referral factors, proactive and reactive referral conversations, and referral outcomes. Referral is often understood as an isolated conversation in which athletes are provided mental health resources in response to …

Weighted Effect Of Concentrated Cracking On The Structural Integrity Of Concrete Bridge Decks, Md Ala Uddin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Concrete bridge decks are vital components of transportation infrastructure, yet their deterioration due to aging, environmental, and operational factors poses significant challenges to maintenance and safety. In the United States, approximately 9.1% of bridges require improvement, with millions of daily trips relying on structurally deficient bridges. Cracking is one of the most frequently observed defects on concrete bridge structures. Traditional bridge inspections evaluate cracks based on severity (crack width) and extent (crack area), combining these values with other performance indicators to assess overall bridge health. However, the effect of concentrated cracking in localized areas on bridge integrity remains largely unexplored. …

Benchmarking The Global Warming Potential Of Asphalt Pavements In West Virginia, Md Reasad Samrat

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

With the rising focus on sustainable infrastructure, interest in environmentally friendly paving practices has grown significantly. This thesis investigates the environmental impacts of asphalt mixtures in West Virginia from a sustainable asphalt mix design perspective, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The research aligns with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Climate Challenge, which aims to encourage state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to implement low-carbon materials and consider the ecological effects of their paving activities. This study establishes the initial benchmark values for greenhouse gas emissions associated with asphalt pavements in West Virginia. The …

It's Written All Over Your Face: A Cultural And Gender History Of The Face In The Middle Ages, 1170-1500, Lacey N. Bonar Hull

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

At a time of vast social and cultural shifts, people living in western Europe from the late twelfth to the late fifteenth centuries developed and employed methods to “read” the faces of others. This practice promoted the interpretation of inner qualities from external appearances, often used to communicate adherence to or deviation from boundaries of gendered behaviors. My project explores medieval understandings concerning this particular feature of the human body, analyzing discourses concerning the face as a site of symbolism for inner character. While scholars have studied understandings of the self and the “Other” during this period, the role of …

Improving Awareness And Identifying Risks For Emergence Delirium In Military Veterans, Hannah E. Pino

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Emergence delirium (ED) is an acute state of confusion during the recovery phase from anesthesia that may be life-threatening, especially in the veteran population. Military veteran status may be explored by the Have You Ever Served questionnaire that was developed by the American Academy of Nursing to identify veterans upon admission to the hospital and thus be able to better care for them during their stay. This campaign has been in effect at the hospital site of this project for nearly 10 years. The questionnaire identifies military history risk factors such as combat history or a diagnosis of post-traumatic …