Evaluating The Impact Of Reflex Math On Mathematics Achievement In Elementary Schools: A Quasi-Experimental Study In South Texas, Kasey Juarez

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative, quasi-experimental study examined the impact of Reflex Math, a gamebased instructional program focused on building math fact automaticity, on the achievement of Grade 3-5 students in a South Texas public school district. The study compared a 2023 intervention group that used the program from August to December with a 2022 comparison group that did not. The intervention’s effectiveness varied by grade level, with Grade 3 students showing the most positive gains, no significant effect in Grade 4, and a slight negative difference in Grade 5. Results showed statistically significant, though modest, gains in mathematics achievement among students who …

Gad-7 Screening In Middle School Students: Evaluating The Effectiveness On Referral Rate Scoping Review, Bailey Hall, Cara Dennis, Kayla Drennen-Ferguson, Pamela B. Taylor, Laura Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Cne

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

The prevalence of anxiety disorders among adolescents, mainly middle school-aged students, highlights the critical need for practical screening tools to support early detection and intervention. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale is widely utilized in various settings, but its efficacy in this specific population remains underexplored. This scoping review examines the use of the GAD-7 in middle school-aged students, evaluating its reliability, validity, and impact on referral rates to mental health services. The review also considers factors influencing anxiety and identifies gaps in current research.

Methods

Ten articles, published in peer-reviewed journals within the past decade and involving human …

College Student Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Resilience Through The Eyes Of Transition, Andrew Dies, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Pamela Wells, Antonio P. Gutierrez De Blume, Summer Pannell, Mary Josephine Carney

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

This research focused on the role that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) play in the lives of today’s college students and how protective factors may increase a student’s level of resilience. This study examined participants’ levels of resilience, what ACEs they experienced prior to entering college, and what role protective factors played in mitigating the impacts of ACEs on resilience levels. Results indicated that older students scored higher in resilience than their younger counterparts. The findings indicated protective factors coupled with resilience play a role in the success of college students. Implications for practice suggest institutions of higher education should examine …

Identity Development In Adolescent Females Through Mentorship, Kelly L. Jones

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The goal of this project is to examine how identity is developed in adolescent females and how mentorship can play a role in this phase of life with the aim to achieve positive outcomes with the participation in a mentorship program. There are many different factors that play into how one’s identity is developed but the aim of this project integrates a variety of areas that research has found to be crucial. Additionally, approaching female adolescent identity development through a multicultural lens is imperative for those in the counseling field. Therefore, the need for this type of program created with …

Roman-Period Burial Caves On The Slopes Of Mount Carmel: An Anthropological Study, Yossi Nagar

'Atiqot

No abstract provided.

Providing A Solution For Active-Duty Servicewomen Facing Chronic Musculoskeletal Injuries Due To Improper Gear Fit, Celia Watson, Denver Tidwell, Hadi Obaji

Honors Theses

As senior biomedical engineering students at the University of Mississippi, we began our academic year brainstorming unmet clinical needs in healthcare intending to provide an innovative solution. After conducting personal inventories, determining a mission, and evaluating internal and external factors, we established acceptance criteria for our strategic focus and clarified our needs statement: develop a prophylactic device for chronic musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) in active-duty servicewomen (ADSW). The average female soldier is at a disadvantage compared to her male counterpart due to anthropometric and physiological differences between men and women in most aspects of physical performance (Epstein et al. 2673). These …

Assessing The Impact Of Internal Flow Dynamics On Detection Region Concentrations Of Low-Cost Optical Particle Counters, Livingstone Quarshie

Theses and Dissertations

Particulate matter (PM) poses significant risks to human health and the environment, making accurate measurement essential for exposure assessment and regulatory decisions. While traditional reference methods provide reliable data, they are often bulky, expensive, and difficult to maintain. Optical Particle Counters (OPCs) offer a cost-effective alternative, commonly used in clean rooms, residential spaces, and personal exposure monitoring. These devices rely on light scattering to measure PM concentrations. However, low cost OPCs face challenges related to calibration and measurement accuracy, requiring careful performance evaluation. This study used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, CONVERGE Studio and ANSYS Fluent, to simulate a simplified …

Demography And Habitat Associations Of The Basalt Cactus Pediocactus Nigrispinus, Zarha S. Dillon-Zuppelli, Mary E. Poulson, Eric A. Graham

Biology Faculty Scholarship

Cacti are iconic members of arid ecosystems. Pediocactus nigrispinus is a species of cactus endemic to the Pacific Northwest and has been listed as a sensitive species due to its vulnerability to habitat loss. Best conservation methods for this species are poorly understood, due in part to a limited understanding of its demography and habitat associations that may help define its occurrence. A demographic study from four plots in Washington State was implemented in 2016 to provide a baseline of the population dynamics for P. nigrispinus and to enhance conservation efforts for this sensitive species. Five years of size, fecundity, …

Jessica "Decky" Alexander, Oral History Interview, 2025, Kat Hacanyan

Oral Histories

Decky Alexander is a professor of drama and theater education and the Director of Engage@EMU. Alexander has become a well known community member across Washtenaw County through her theater education programs and work with organizations like the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. She is the founder of CloseUp theater troupe and has been another long time supporter and board member of the Center for Jewish Studies at EMU. In this interview, Alexander talks about her Jewish upbringing in Chicago, the strengths of a good community network, and why having a center like this is especially important at EMU.

Another Gap On The Rota: A Scoping Review Of Attrition From Specialty Training In Secondary Care, Hannah Gillespie, Megan E.L. Brown, Nicola Brennan, Bryan Burford, Gillian Vance

Peninsula Medical School

Background The healthcare workforce is in crisis. Despite a competitive selection process, a substantial number of doctors leave specialty training (ST) programmes prematurely. This attrition causes increased costs for the National Health Service, exacerbates workforce shortages and threatens quality and safety of care. It also increases pressure on trainees who remain, further compounding the risk of attrition. There is an urgent need to understand why doctors leave ST in order to find ways to maintain the training pipeline from ST to consultant. Objectives We aimed to understand what is known about why doctors choose to leave ST programmes in secondary …

Efficacy Of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists For Prevention Of Stroke Among Patients With And Without Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis With The Select And Flow Trails, Asmita Gera, Fakhar Latif, Vamsikalayan Borra, Sidra Naz, Vivek Mittal, Fathima Shehnaz Ayoobkhan, Tushar Kumar, Zarghoona Wajid, Novonil Deb, Tanisha Prasad

School of Medicine Publications

Background

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have shown a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its efficacy on cerebrovascular events is yet to be well established among diabetic and non diabetic patients.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the efficacy of GLP-1 RAs on stroke risk among its different types in patients with and without Diabetes.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inspection until 15th July 2024, without any language restrictions. Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % …

From Victimization To Offense: A Scoping Review Of Attachment Theory And Social Learning Theory In Explaining Hypersexual Behaviors In Male Sexual Offenders With Histories Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Madison R. Rivers

Senior Theses

The association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and hypersexual behaviors in both juvenile and adult male sexual offenders has been investigated; however, a clear theoretical framework explaining this connection remains debated. This review aims to evaluate which theoretical frameworks—such as Social Learning Theory and Attachment Theory—best explain the link between CSA and hypersexuality in male sexual offenders. A systematic search and analysis of existing literature was conducted, including studies on the psychological, behavioral, and developmental impacts of CSA on hypersexual behaviors. Both Social Learning Theory and Attachment Theory were critically assessed, particularly focusing on the pathways from victimization to offending …

Authenticity Under Review: How Well Does Genai Write College Admissions Essays?, Adrian Mangine

IPHS 300: AI for Humanity

With nearly 30% of people ages 14-22 reporting frequent AI use, increasing AI assistance in college admissions essays poses a new consideration with ethical AI use (Rubin et al., 2024). This study investigates how well three generative AI models write college admissions essays: ChatGPT o3, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and Grok. Each model responded to a Common App 2025-2026 application prompt as three distinct applicants: Elijah, Grace, and Malik (Common App, 2025). Each student represented a common college applicant archetype: Elijah, an academically successful dual sports recruit; Grace, a near-perfect award-winning scholar; and Malik, a gifted student from an underrepresented background. …

A Systematic Review Of Metaverse Cybersecurity: Frameworks, Challenges, And Strategic Approaches In A Quantum-Driven Era, Hasan Ali Al-Tameemi, Ghadeer Ghazi Shayea, Mishall Al-Zubaidie, Yahya Layth Khaleel, Yahya Layth Khaleel, Noor Al-Huda K. Hussein, Raad Z. Homod, Mohammad Aljanabi, O. S. Albahri, A. H. Alamoodi, Maad M. Mijwil, Mohammed A. Fadhel, Iman Mohamad Sharaf, Mohanad G. Yaseen, Ahmed Hussein Ali, U. S. Mahmoud, Saleh M. Mohammed, A. S. Albahri

Mesopotamian Journal of CyberSecurity

This study aims to perform a detailed systematic review that investigates and synthesizes the available literature on the challenges and strategies in cybersecurity in the Metaverse. The methodology employed was to ensure a comprehensive literary analysis of the study methods, employing databases such as ScienceDirect (SD), Scopus, IEEE Xplore (IEEE), and Web of Science (WoS). The search was conducted by employing a query that would yield articles published until September 2024, resulting in a total of 325 papers. After vigorous screening, deduplication, and application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 34 studies were identified for quantitative synthesis. These papers were …

Inked Insight: A Consensual Qualitative Research Study Exploring The Perspectives Of Visibly Tattooed Counselors, Megan Ashley Lalonde-Pittman

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

This study explored the experiences of visibly tattooed mental health counselors (VTMHC) through consensual qualitative research (CQR), examining how visible tattoos were perceived to have impacted the participants (N=14) professional experiences, development, and relationships within the counseling field. Seven domains arose from the data: Prejudices experienced by VTMHC, VTMHC Interactions with others, Culture experienced by VTMHC, Appearances of the VTMHC, Professional therapeutic work of the VTMHC, Workplace environment of the VTMHC, Processing the experience of being a VTMHC The implications for multicultural education and future research are explored.

Nurses' Knowledge And Attitudes Towards The Healthcare Needs Of Transgender Persons, Christopher Brooks

ETD Collection

No abstract provided.

Reasons Teachers Of Color Leave The Field Of Education In A Suburban School Division In Virginia, Arianne Hayes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teacher retention remains a persistent challenge in the field of education, with teachers of color (TOCs) experiencing disproportionately higher attrition rates compared to their White counterparts while affect schools nationwide, particularly in high-need areas. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate why TOCs left their teaching positions in Virginia. This study was grounded in job demands-resources theory and focused on the significance of the demands and available resources within a workplace. For this basic qualitative design, eight former TOCs that had at least 3 years of experience in a suburban district in Virginia participated in semi structured interviews. …

Nursing Now, 2009 November - December, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

Advocate Christ Medical Center and Hope Children's Hospital, Oak Lawn, IL: Internal newsletter publication written by nurses for nurses and published 6 times a year (bi-monthly). The mission of NURSING Now was to communicate, educate and motivate CMC nursing professionals towards continued excellence.

Genomic Characterisation Of The Relationship And Causal Links Between Vascular Calcification, Alzheimer’S Disease, And Cognitive Traits, Emmanuel O. Adewuyi, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objectives: Observational studies suggest a link between vascular calcification and dementia or cognitive decline, but the evidence is conflicting, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigate the shared genetic and causal relationships of vascular calcification—coronary artery calcification (CAC) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC)—with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and five cognitive traits. Methods: We analyse large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics, using well-regarded methods, including linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), Mendelian randomisation (MR), pairwise GWAS (GWAS-PW), and gene-based association analysis. Results: Our findings reveal a nominally significant positive genome-wide genetic correlation between CAC and AD, which becomes non-significant after …

More Than Numbers: Black Adolescents’ Journey With Type 1 Diabetes Management, Vanessa Di Felice

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) face significant health disparities, yet their unique treatment journeys remain largely underreported. This phenomenological qualitative study explored the lived experiences of Black adolescents with T1DM. The study addressed two research questions examining how these individuals experience and navigate T1DM self-management, self-efficacy beliefs, and perceived barriers and facilitators to optimal self-care. Virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Black adolescents with T1DM recruited from a pediatric hospital in Washington, DC. The study utilized Bandura's social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework. Thematic data analysis identified four key themes: (1) character development through knowledge …

Blue Momma, Why Are You So Blue: A Trauma-Informed Theological Approach To Systematically Oppressed Black Mothers In Memphis, Tennessee, Valerie Houston

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation discusses the effects of systemic oppression on the well-being of Black mothers in Memphis, Tennessee. It posits that systemic oppression causes trauma that negatively affects Black motherhood and familial stability. Research shows that maternal mental illness may negatively affect child development, behavior, and cognitive and socio-emotional development.³ Black literary history has revealed the importance of Black mothers for family development.⁴ It has shown how Black mothers used religion to support themselves emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually during times of travail.⁵ This work theorizes that a trauma-informed theological approach will liberate Black mothers in Memphis, Tennessee, from …

The Efficacy Of Inspiratory Muscle Training Post Covid: A Systematic Review, Robert Dekerlegand, Sydney Brannen, Olivia Bunch, Amrit Deo, Erin Dopke, Kayleigh Moreland

Department of Physical Therapy Posters

Introduction

• Fatigue and dyspnea can persist post COVID infection and negatively impact both functional capacity and quality of life (QOL).^1,2
• Residual pulmonary impairments and/or inspiratory muscle dysfunction associated with COVID infection contribute to these symptoms.^2,3
• Ventilatory demands exceeding the capacity of the inspiratory muscles can exacerbate these symptoms accentuating activity limitations that restrict participation in life roles.
• As symptom-limited exercise and QOL are related to inspiratory muscle function post COVID,^4,5 inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may improve rehabilitation outcomes.³
• The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the potential efficacy of IMT in individuals post-COVID.

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Substance Use Behaviors In U.S. Adults, Nelson Weaver

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented societal changes in recent years. Beyond the direct health impacts of COVID-19, the pandemic has significantly impacted various aspects of society, including substance use behaviors. Substance use has been a longstanding public health concern in the United States as a means to combat stressors. Substance use-related issues impact over 18 million Americans, causing detriments to financial, interpersonal, and societal well-being. The present study aims to analyze the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine measures on substance use behaviors in U.S. adults before the pandemic and during the pandemic with Asian, …

Practicum In Christian Mission, Stanley John

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Characterizing The Nutrition-Gut Microbiome-Host Physiology Axis To Examine Flexibility In A Fruit-Specialist Primate, Nina Beeby

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Nutrition and, increasingly, microbiota are recognized in shaping all aspects of animal behavioral ecology and physiology. Since diet and nutrition shape not only animal physiology but also gut microbiota, and these microbiota serve as suppliers of and competitors to host nutrition, this raises questions of how these complex nutritional and microbial environments synergistically affect animal physiology. Examining this nutrition-gut microbiome-host physiology axis has immense potential to unveil how these intricate relationships contribute to animals’ responses to environmental change at multiple scales. Most of what we know about primate responses to environmental change is based upon studies examining one or few …

The Persian-Period Necropolis In The French Hospital Compound, Yafo (Jaffa): Case Study And Overview (Pp. 225–242), Yossi Nagar

'Atiqot

The human skeletal remains retrieved from the Persian-period (fifth–fourth centuries BCE) burial caves in the French Hospital Compound represent at least 37 individuals. The anthropological examination yielded important data concerning the demographic profile of the interred, comprising infants, children and adults of a wide age range and of both sexes, which is typical of a civilian population. Some of the tombs were used for a single burial, while others housed 2–8 individuals. All the individuals were placed on their backs, in an east–west orientation, as customary in other Persian-period cemeteries along the Israeli coastline and northern valleys. These burial practices …

Mental Health And Wellness Among Plastic Surgeons During Oral Board Certification Examination Preparation., Hannah J. Bergman, Charles C. Jehle, Ibrahim Khansa

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: The field of plastic and reconstructive surgery has recently made a dramatic shift toward attention to mental health, with residency curricula expanding to include training on burnout prevention and the promotion of well-being. After graduation, however, new surgeons face a difficult year of preparation for the oral board certification examination. This group of young surgeons remains largely unstudied and undersupported throughout what may be the most challenging period of their educational journey.

METHODS: In spring of 2024, an electronic survey was sent to members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons who had completed their oral board examination within …

The Impact Of Roe V. Wade Overturning On Women’S Access To Medical Abortions: Exploring Alternative Care Models, Gillie Mason

Nursing | Senior Theses

This study explores the impact of educational interventions on California based Nurse Practitioners. And their willingness to provide telehealth abortion services in states with restrictions. By using a mixed methods approach it assesses how increased knowledge may help influence providers attitudes, adding to improved reproductive healthcare access. The study addresses the critical issue of reduced abortion access which stems from recent policy changes, which have left patients in certain regions with limited options. The literature shows that telemedicine and mail-order services hold promise for improving access. This research proposal explores the impact of educational interventions on California-based Nurse Practitioners’ willingness …

Becoming Adults: Immigrant And Second-Generation Dominican Youth In The U.S., Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham

Publications and Research

This study offers new evidence on the question of developmental studies, particularly in relation to the stage that covers the transition to adulthood. The publication at hand provides strong added value by introducing new demographic groups, new scenarios, and new methods to examine the Dominican youth experience.

Enhancing Social Participation: The Role Of Communication Accommodations On Young Children With Ccn, Carli C. Brent

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

BACKGROUND: Children with complex communication needs (CCN) have difficulty using and/or understanding speech to communicate, thus facing barriers for successful social participation in family-leisure activities due to limited access to communication supports in these environments. Social participation includes an individual’s active involvement in activities that consist of a social element to produce opportunities for meaningful interactions with others. Children with CCN benefit from communication supports, like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. AAC supports children with CCN to effectively communicate with themselves, others, and their environment. While communication supports have been recently implemented into private and public spaces, the …