Digital Commons Network^™

Strategic Use Of Once-A-Day Milking For Pasture-Based Dairy Cows In Ireland, John Paul Murphy

Theses

The current perception of dairy farming in Ireland is one of long hours, physically demanding work and poor remuneration, especially when compared to that of a modern, high-tech industry with career opportunities and advancement possibilities at many levels (Teagasc, 2018). One of the biggest factors in attracting and retaining people to work on Irish dairy farms is that they must be desirable places to work (Teagasc, 2018). Milking is the most labour demanding task on Irish dairy farms (Deming et al., 2018) and one, which necessitates farmers being present on the farm twice daily if milking twice-a-day (TAD). Altering milking …

Atoms And Bits, Exploring The Use Of Data Physicalization And Augmented Reality To Learn-Through-Data In The Classroom, Rebecca Noonan

Theses

In today’s world we interact with data daily, whether it is on our phones, smart watches, websites, newspapers, or paper bills. Some have even proclaimed, ‘Data as the new gold.’ As data is an ever growing and important part of adult lives, this study was motivated to initiate the research presented here by questioning how we can expose children to data, in a way that will excite their early education, With this in mind, the aim of this research is to explore how we can make ‘learning through data’ a more interactive, engaging and positive activity by using modalities beyond …

The Impact Of Data Quality On Beef Genetics, Shauna Walsh

Theses

Efficiency and profitability in the beef industry are driven by cattle live-weight, therefore, to optimise live-weight data it is essential to maintain consistency across data collection methods. Data for this thesis was collected from 97,780 Irish suckler herds across the years 2019 to 2022, inclusive, with a total of 1,311,870 calf and dam live-weight records available. Live-weight data originated from five different sources including: professionally-recorded, producer recorded using either owned, borrowed or hired weighing scales, or from an unknown recording source. The objectives of this thesis were to: i) identify anomalies within cattle live-weight data for both calf and dam, …

Improving Long-Term Sustainable Profit For Beef Producers And Processors Through Genetic Selection, Stephen Connolly

Theses

The thesis served to quantify the phenotypic performance of animals differing in genetic merit based on the Irish Terminal Breeding Index. The data in the thesis included performance metrics of interest to both the primary producer and the meat processing industry. It is anticipated that the findings of the thesis will instil a level of confidence among primary producers and meat processors whereby the current terminal breeding objective is generating beef cattle with superior carcass performance, and improved farm margins along with a more desirable animal for meat processors. The impact of genetic differences among animals for performance traits on …

‘The Playful Entrepreneur’ Fostering Entrepreneurial Education In Early Childhood Education, Trudie Murray

Theses

This study explores the integration of entrepreneurial education within early childhood settings in Ireland, focusing on embedding entrepreneurial capabilities at the foundational stages of education. Recognising the critical role that early experiences play in lifelong learning, this research advocates for equipping preschool children with essential 21st-century skills, such as independence, creativity and problem-solving. Despite significant investment in early childhood education, the integration of entrepreneurial education remains limited within existing pedagogical frameworks, which prioritise social, emotional, and cognitive skills without explicitly addressing entrepreneurial capabilities. Utilising a Constructivist Grounded Theory approach, the study examines how early childhood educators can foster an entrepreneurial …

Screening And Analysis Of The Urobiome For The Production Of Antimicrobial Peptides To Target Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli, Jennifer Jones

Theses

Urobiome research is currently at a nascent stage, due to a previously incorrect assumption that the bladder is a sterile environment. Improvements in bacterial culturing and DNA sequencing techniques have revealed a diverse resident bacterial community within the urinary tract (urobiome). As global incidences of multidrug- resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs) continue to increase, so too does the demand for novel antimicrobial therapies. Due to its relatively understudied nature, the urobiome represents a reservoir that could be mined as a potential source of novel antimicrobial compounds (e.g., bacteriocins). The aim of this thesis was to identify urobiome bacteriocins that could …

Establishing A Seven-Stage Iterative Framework And Card-Based Toolkit For The Facilitation And Sustainment Of Communities Of Practice, Michelle O'Keeffe

Theses

This thesis explores the establishment of a framework and card-based toolkit to support the facilitation and sustainment of Communities of Practice (COPs), with a particular focus on COPs in the education domain. COPs have been present in various sectors, such as healthcare, business, finance, and education, for over three decades. These communities bring together individuals who share common problems, concerns, or areas of expertise, aiming to improve their practices collectively. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the best approaches to facilitating, developing, and sustaining COPs over time. To address this gap, four empirical studies were conducted. These studies …

Impact Of Oxytocin And Tetrahydrocannabinol On Signs Of Fear In The Rat, Jair E. Alvarez Jr.

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

BACKGROUND: Oxytocin (OXT) has been used as a post-treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research suggests that pre-treatment of intranasal OXT attenuates signs of fear in rats; however, the impact of intraperitoneal (i.p) OXT pre-treatment on signs of fear in rats is unknown. We also explored the effects of delta-9 (psychoactive component of cannabidiol) and delta-8 (delta-9 isomer) THC pre-treatment on attenuating signs of fear in the rat. METHODS: For each experiment, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups, (n=8 per group); 1.) controls (vehicle and no foot shock), 2.) shock (vehicle and foot shock), 3.) low dose …

What Are Munster Technological University Students’ Experiences Of Menstruation And Reusable Period Products?, Kate Dolan Crowley

Theses

This study examines the attitudes of students in Munster Technological University (MTU) towards menstruation and period products. It is estimated that in Ireland, between 53,000 and 85,000 Irish menstruators may be at risk of period poverty (Government of Ireland, 2021). There is also evidence to suggest that some students have experienced period poverty (Ministry of Education, 2023; Brinkley and Niebuhr, 2022; Munro et. al., 2021). Period poverty has an impact on the physical, mental, and social well-being of menstruators, ultimately affecting their quality of life.

A mixed-method study was undertaken, consisting of questionnaires (n=319) and one-toone semi-structured interviews (n=10) to …

Investigating The Relationships Between Biotic And Abiotic Factors Affecting Migratory Behavior In Westslope Cutthroat Trout Within The Priest River System, Kyle M. Keenan

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Numerous salmonid species demonstrate diverse life histories, encompassing both resident and migratory behaviors. Migratory life histories play a pivotal role in maintaining metapopulations for various reasons, facilitating genetic exchange between populations and yielding larger-sized females with increased fecundity relative to residents. This study took place in northern Idaho, within the lower Priest River system, which is highly susceptible to degrading habitat. Previous research has discovered this system as a significant contributor to migratory Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus lewisi, WCT) in the Lake Pend Oreille and Priest River systems. Expanding on these results, we compared four Priest River tributaries that produced …

Abductive Empiricism: The Significance Of Substance In Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary, Jordan Maloney

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

In a world of matter and meaning, philosophical debates revolve around metaphysical connections among entities. Alfred North Whitehead and Charles Peirce see interconnectedness in a continuous process of becoming, Karen Barad explores the constant creation of entities through intra-action, and Erwin Schrӧdinger quantifies the connection between the quantum and the macroscopic world. To add on to this discourse, I argue that ontological connections can be formed between any two static entities based on their shared quantitative data. It is pertinent to note that while this research draws inspiration from Whitehead, Peirce, and Barad, my approach differs significantly. In Whitehead and …

The Expression Of The Claudin Family Of Proteins In Colorectal Cancer, Kristin E. Cox, Shanglei Liu, Robert M. Hoffman, Surinder K. Batra, Punita Dhawan, Michael Bouvet

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Claudins (CLDN1-CLDN24) are a family of tight junction proteins whose dysregulation has been implicated in tumorigeneses of many cancer types. In colorectal cancer (CRC), CLDN1, CLDN2, CLDN4, and CLDN18 have been shown to either be upregulated or aberrantly expressed. In the normal colon, CLDN1 and CLDN3-7 are expressed. Although a few claudins, such as CLDN6 and CLDN7, are expressed in CRC their levels are reduced compared to the normal colon. The present review outlines the expression profiles of claudin proteins in CRC and those that are potential biomarkers for prognostication.

Descriptive Study Of Adult Male Acheta Domesticus Phonotaxis, Dana Husana

Master's Theses

The phonotactic behavior of male Acheta domesticus has not been described at length. The present study evaluates the phonotactic responses of male A. domesticus in relation to age. Male crickets of different ages (young and old) were exposed to calls with attractive and non-attractive syllable periods for this species. Both age groups exhibited phonotaxis but did not show a preference towards the attractive call over the non-attractive ones. No significant relationship was found between age and phonotactic response. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between age and preferred syllable period. Acoustic responses were also observed in some of the older …

College Of Computing And Engineering Graduate Catalog 2024-2025, Nova Southeastern University

College of Psychological Services / College of Psychology Postgraduate Student and Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy Interventions For School-Aged Children To Improve Handwriting Outcomes: A Systematized Review, Cassidy P. Johnson, Carley E. Leners, Ashley N. Stanton, Nicole A. Wiese, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: The development of handwriting skills builds a child’s confidence, self-esteem, fine motor skills, ability to communicate effectively and overall academic success (Feder & Majnemer, 2007).

Objective: The purpose of this systematized review was to determine which occupational therapy interventions are most effective for improving handwriting outcomes for prekindergarten through 3rd grade students.

Data sources: Searches were performed by a medical librarian in PubMed, CINAHL and ERIC including articles from 2014 to 2024.

Design: Studies were included if they were English-language articles with a level of evidence of I, II, or III that focused on occupational therapy interventions with an …

Ot Interventions For Post-Stroke Depression: A Systematized Review, Jack Cosgrove, Austin Fernau, Christian Kwambamba, Claire Vanderbeek, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: Strokes are a leading cause of disability. 35-50% of stroke survivors develop depression, which is the most common physiological impairment post-stroke and associated with less functional independence with activities of daily living (ADLs) (Ezema et al., 2019; Hildebrand, 2014; Wijeratne & Sales, 2021).

Objective: This systematized review addressed interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that are effective for reducing depressive symptoms for adults post-stroke.

Data sources: A medical librarian searched the databases Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Quantitative studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published in English within the last ten years were included.

Study selection and …

Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Women's Transition Into Motherhood: A Systematized Review​, Hadley Milks, Jocelyn Anderson, Madison Krueger, Bridgette Quinn, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: The transition to motherhood is difficult for many women due to multidimensional changes including psychological and emotional shifts, evolving social relationships, and bodily fluctuations (Hwang et al., 2022; Marinucci, 2023).

Objective: To synthesize information about interventions within the occupational therapy scope of practice to improve the transition to motherhood.

Data sources: A medical librarian performed searches in PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO from 2014-2024.

Design: The inclusion criteria included pregnant women or women with a baby for up to 1 year of age, OT interventions, quantitative studies, and systematic reviews written in English.

Findings: There were 13 articles ranging from scoping …

Evidence-Based Interventions For Postpartum Women With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Systematized Review​, Kelsey Novak, Jaycee Wallace, Emma Rutt, Lydia Delkamiller, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: Pelvic floor disorders affect an estimated 86% of pregnancies, leading to decreased quality of life and negative health outcomes for postpartum women (Palmieri et al., 2022; Dasikan et al., 2020). Functional challenges including urinary incontinence, and difficulty with sexual activity and exercise are also frequently reported (Burkhart et al., 2020).

Objective: The objective of this review is to provide occupational therapists with evidence-based interventions for postpartum women with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Study Selection and Data Collection: Inclusion criteria were as follows: published in English within the last 10 years, postpartum women, RCTs, systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: The …

Empirically Assessing 510(K) Device Safety, George Horvath

Akron Law Faculty Publications

Innovations in medical device technology hold the potential to improve health outcomes across the populace. Nearly half of all medical devices that enter the U.S. market each year are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the 510(k) pathway. If FDA regulation of 510(k) devices stifles innovation, health outcomes will suffer over time because beneficial devices would not reach patients; on the other hand, if regulation facilitates innovation, health outcomes could improve. Most discussions of innovation under the 510(k) pathway have been either excessively reductionist (such as claims that the pathway stifles innovation) or wholly pessimistic (notably, the …

Beyond The Name And Nationality: Who Are The Claimants In Investment Arbitration?, Vera Korzun

Akron Law Faculty Publications

Current efforts to reform international investment law focus in large part on the impact of investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) on the regulatory power of the sovereign State. At the core of the reform debate is the ability of foreign investors, as claimants in investment treaty arbitrations, to challenge the laws and regulations of the host State as part of dispute resolution. Modern investment treaties seek to safeguard the State’s right to regulate, but also impose obligations on foreign investors and promote responsible business conduct. Yet, beyond the name and nationality as alleged in arbitration filings, very little is known about …

Rebalancing International Investment Law, Vera Korzun

Akron Law Faculty Publications

Several reform initiatives are currently ongoing seeking to cure international investment law from its inherent pro-investor bias. To achieve this goal, recent investment treaties contain enhanced provisions on the right to regulate and seek to increase investor compliance in such areas as environmental protection, sustainable development, and corporate social responsibility. Yet, how to reconcile the ongoing reform efforts at the international and regional levels seeking to create a new, rebalanced system of international investment law? How to achieve this proverbial system where interests of foreign investors are protected without encroaching on the rights of the host states? The answers to …

Entertaining And Embracing Professional Identity Development In The 1l Legal Writing Curriculum, Charles Oldfield

Akron Law Faculty Publications

Because of their already heavy workload, legal writing faculty sometimes resist taking on new curricular responsibilities, including calls to incorporate ethics and professionalism training in the first-year legal writing curriculum. But the ABA now requires law schools to provide students with opportunities to develop their professional identities throughout their time in law school. This requirement means that faculty will need to add professional identity development to their courses. Rather than resist this change, first-year legal writing faculty should embrace the opportunity by using the Model Rules of Professional Conduct to incorporate concepts of ethics and professionalism in their first-year courses. …

Culturally Appropriate Diabetes Education Helps Karen- And Qanjobal-Speaking Patients Lower A1c​, Cruz Longoria, Maggie Hutson, Jenenne A. Geske, Melanie Menning

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Food Insecurity Screening Detects Patients With Poor Diet Quality, Aaron Allison, Jenenne A. Geske, Birgit Khandalavala

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

The Body Shamer Within: Incorporating The Teaching Of Weight Bias Internalization Into Weight Bias Education, Jessica Koran-Scholl, Birgit Khandalavala

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Nonfatal Strangulation And Intimate Partner Violence Decision Tree Protocol, Joy Martin

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

AbstractNonfatal Strangulation and Intimate Partner Violence Decision Tree Protocol Problem and Context Nonfatal strangulation (NFS) is the ultimate form of power and control in intimate partner violence (IPV). Native American women are at an increased risk of intimate partner violence. Symptoms of strangulation are frequently missed by first responders. Victims often decline medical examination. Victims of nonfatal strangulation can have significant long term complications and increased morbidity throughout their lives. Intervention or Innovation This project provided educational training sessions to first responders within a Native American community in the Southwestern United States to increase knowledge and comfort when responding to …

Reducing 30-Day Hospital Readmission In The Older Homebound Population: Using An Interprofessional Communication Protocol Within A Multidisciplinary Hospital At Home Program, Pamela Ann Alvey

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

Home-bound patients aged 65 and older are at the highest risk for avoidable 30-day hospital readmission: a factor contributing to rising healthcare costs and comprising over 30% of Medicare’s spending. The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP) deemed that one in five patients that were discharged from the hospital were readmitted within 30 days, resulting in an annual waste of $17 billion. The increase in homebound older patients, coupled with ongoing avoidable 30-day readmissions, resulting in poorer quality of life, makes this a critical issue for the U.S. healthcare system. A key gap identified in the prevalence of avoidable 30-day readmissions …

Expert Malpractice, James R. Steiner-Dillon

Akron Law Faculty Publications

The provision of expert testimony in litigation has become a big business. The paradigmatic testifying expert is no longer the “amateur” expert who maintains a separate professional identity and testifies only once, or at most sporadically, in litigation to which their expertise is uniquely pertinent. Rather, they are a professional provider of litigation support services who spends a substantial part of their time, and derives a substantial part of their income from, consulting on pending or contemplated lawsuits. Legal rules concerning the provision of expert testimony continue to apply the former, obsolete paradigm of the testifying expert. This conflict of …

Racial Bias, Accomplice Liability, And The Felony Murder Rule: A National Empirical Study, G. Ben Cohen, Justin D. Levinson, Koichi Hioki

Akron Law Faculty Publications

Two long criticized prosecutorial tools—the felony murder rule and the accomplice liability doctrine—play an outsized role in the operation of American homicide law. Though each of these tools have separately faced intense criticism for their resistance to the supposedly foundational principles of moral culpability and individual responsibility, their legacy is also defined by the way they function symbiotically and specifically to heighten racialized punishment. This Article addresses the weighty combined reach of the accomplice liability doctrine and felony murder rule, and proposes that racial bias has fueled the operation and survival of these tools. Specifically, it suggests that implicit racial …

The Original Instagram: Whose Property Is It?, Sue Altmeyer

Akron Law Faculty Publications

This article examines why the “Original Creation and Transfer” test is a better approach than implied transfer when determining ownership of a social media account. The Original Creation and Transfer test promotes judicial economy, clarity, and predictability. It also has the advantages of a property rule, namely encouraging investment, reducing litigation, and allowing employee mobility. This test achieves the proper balance between worker and employer rights and yields fair results in test cases. Additionally, a uniform law should be created based on the Original Creation and Transfer test to help promote uniformity across jurisdictions.