Digital Commons Network^™

Theory-Driven Design, Theory-Integrated Learning: A Multimodal Approach To Teaching Occupational Adaptation, Anna B. Galloway, Lorrie A. George-Paschal, Linda Struckmeyer, Sara F. Israel, Nancy Krusen

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study explored the effectiveness of a multimodal instructional module for teaching Occupational Adaptation (OA) theory. Implemented across three entry-level occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) programs, faculty designed and implemented asynchronous preparatory lectures, a face-to-face experiential lab, and guided discussions of the learning experiences. Researchers employed a convergent mixed-methods design, integrating qualitative and quantitative data. Students (n=108) completed a pre- and post-knowledge exam, the Relative Mastery Scale (RMS), and a Learning Experience Questionnaire. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences in pre-and post- knowledge scores and RMS ratings across all sites, with no differences based on university. Qualitative analysis yielded …

Navigating The Future Of Ot Education: Student Insights On Integrating Course-Specific Ai Chatbots, Laura E. Landon, Nicole Grames, Maggie Gannon, Addison Jarus, Annie Trezza

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education has garnered much attention, prompting educators to thoughtfully examine its implementation within their curricula. This study explores the perceptions of occupational therapy (OT) students regarding the future integration of a novel, course-specific Anatomy AI chatbot: an innovative tool uniquely developed by our internal team to provi¬¬¬de personalized support and resources tailored specifically to the anatomy curriculum. The researchers sought to understand the desired features of a course-specific Anatomy AI chatbot and the factors that influenced student willingness to adopt this technology in their learning experience. Findings revealed that 79% of participants …

Reading Between The Lines: Exploring Reading Trends And Metacognitive Strategy Use In Ot Education, Whitney Henderson, Christine Davis, Christen Leach, Theresa Hallenen

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Impact Of High-Fidelity Simulation Experiences On Student Confidence In A Controlled Academic Environment, Jillian K. Pindar, Peyton Belton, Madison Griffin, Abbi Hancock, Lucero Limones, Kristi Self, Elizabeth K. Schmidt

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

A quasi-experimental one group pretest-posttest design was utilized with 19 first-and-second-year doctoral occupational therapy students at a university in Tennessee to evaluate confidence, performance, benefits, challenges, and recommendations from an acute care simulation experience. Student confidence was evaluated using a researcher-developed survey immediately before and after a high-fidelity simulation using a pre-programmed mannequin and standardized script. A performance assessment evaluated students' skills during the simulation. The post-test survey included open-ended questions on perceived benefits, challenges and recommendations. Overall, students demonstrated increased confidence in vital sign monitoring and modification (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate), medical equipment identification, and safe patient …

Factors Influencing Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Offer Acceptance Across Student Demographics, Megan Hoover, Mckenna Johnson, Colleen Bullen, Elizabeth K. Schmidt, Jackson M. Miller

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This research study aimed to identify key factors influencing Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students' acceptance of program offers. An online survey was developed based on relevant literature and study objectives and validated through expert review. A total of 281 students, including a sub-set of students from underrepresented backgrounds (n=70), across the United States completed the survey. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, Chi-square tests with Bonferroni correction, and multinomial logistic regression including demographic variables and factors moderately to strongly influencing program acceptance. Qualitative responses were analyzed using content analysis. Key findings reveal geographic location, application process, cost …

Perceptions Of Occupational Therapy Student Fieldwork Readiness In The Acute Care Setting, Jackie Dusing, Lisa Borrero, Elizabeth Horrall Stith, Kristina Watkins

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy student readiness for Level II fieldwork is necessary for preparing novice clinicians and is challenging to assess, as it requires applying didactic knowledge in real-world clinical settings. There is currently a gap in the literature regarding student perceptions of their readiness for Level II fieldwork, especially in the acute care setting. The aim of this qualitative study is to better understand Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students’ perceptions of readiness for Level II fieldwork in an acute care setting. This basic interpretive qualitative research study utilized a purposeful sampling with students completing their Level II fieldwork in various …

Comparing Occupational Therapy Students’ And Occupational Therapy Assistant Students’ Perceptions Of An Intraprofessional Class Session, Robyn Wu, Diane Tom, Domenique Embrey, Joyce M. Fries

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Intraprofessional education between occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students can be a valuable component of the entry-level curriculum. Comparisons of OT vs. OTA students’ perceptions are sparse, yet this information may yield important insights about intraprofessional learning needs. This mixed methods study explored student perceptions of a three-hour joint OT/OTA class session conducted via video conferencing. Learning activities were grounded in shared leadership and two-way feedback and included collaboration on a client case. A total of 172 anonymous post-class feedback surveys were received from 121 OT students and 57 OTA students over three academic years. The study …

Fieldwork Supervision, Motivation And Competency Among Norwegian Community-Based Occupational Therapists, Even E. Edvardsen, Tore Bonsaksen, Sissel Horghagen, Cathrine Arntzen, Unni Sveen, Astrid Gramstad, Ruca E. K. Maass, Linda Stigen

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapists’ supervision of students remains a critical component during occupational therapy education. This study aimed to examine supervision practice, motivation, and competency among community-based occupational therapists in Norway, exploring organizational and personal factors associated with formal and perceived supervision competency, willingness to serve as fieldwork educators, and collaboration with educational institutions. A cross-sectional survey was distributed among occupational therapists in community-based practice in Norway. A total of 617 occupational therapists participated in the study. Free-text responses were thematically analyzed and interpreted. Differences between fieldwork educators and non-fieldwork educators’ training, recency of being fieldwork educators, willingness to assume the role …

Women Spinning On The Edge: Finding And Redefining The “Spinster” In The Witches Of Discworld, Kathryn Ann Fitzmaurice

Masters Theses

The word “spinster” has undergone a series of evolutions over the past seven hundred years, first coined to describe the occupation of women engaged in the spinning of plant and animal fibers into thread and yarn in the Middle Ages and later a legal marital status designation used until the 21^st century. The connotation associated in social contexts became pejorative. This project’s tracing of the word spinster is used to set up the broader scope looking at how the spinster can be viewed as an archetype, what we can learn through the lenses of gender and feminist theory, and …

The Weapon Focus Effect On Memory For Male And Female Perpetrators, Faith Christel Aasen

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research on the weapon focus effect suggests that weapon presence causes reduced memory accuracy for perpetrator details due to weapons being surprising and unexpected. The unusualness hypothesis suggests that a stronger weapon focus effect should occur when the perpetrator defies typical gender stereotypes, such as a woman holding a gun. The current study sought to examine how the weapon focus effect impacts eyewitness memory for male and female perpetrators, specifically exploring the magnitude of the effect on female perpetrators. The current study further investigated whether the own gender bias attenuates the weapon focus effect on memory for female perpetrators. …

Comparative Analysis Of Lstm-Based And Traditional Hydrologic Models For River Discharge Prediction: A Case Study Of The Goose River, Adewale Ajao

Theses and Dissertations

Streamflow predictions are important in planning water resources and effective hydrological management. Physically based models such as the Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) have been used in the past for this purpose. Still, the use of machine learning models such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) has been proven to complement the use of traditional models. This study compares the reliability performances of HEC-HMS and LSTM models to predict the streamflow of Goose River Watershed in North Dakota. The objective of the research is to perform a comprehensive comparative analysis between the performance of HEC-HMS and LSTM models to predict …

Mathematical Modeling Of Cyber-Physical Attacks In Iot Systems: An Epidemiological Approach, Tunde Alesinloye

Theses and Dissertations

The Internet of Things (IoT) has made electronic devices more interconnected, which has increased cybersecurity threats while also bringing previously unimaginable convenience. In this study, we explore the dynamics of malware transmission in IoT systems using a mathematical modeling methodology that draws inspiration from epidemiological approaches. To better characterize contemporary cyber-defense tactics like honeypots and proactive device hardening, we specifically suggest the SEIR-DX model, which expands the traditional SEIR framework by adding two extra compartments: Deceptive (D) and Secured (X).

The transitions between the six compartments Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Recovered, Deceptive, and Secured are described by a system of nonlinear …

The Influence Of Active Galactic Nuclei (Agn) Feedback On Star Formation In Spiral Galaxies, Moreom Akter

Theses and Dissertations

We investigate the influence of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) feedback on star formation in spiral galaxies by analyzing a sample of 324 red and 273 blue spiral galaxies from 115 low-redshift galaxy clusters. The multi-wavelength dataset combines optical emission line data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), X-ray luminosity from the Chandra X-ray & XMM-Newton observatories, and ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) measurements from GALEX and WISE. Using diagnostic emission line ratios, we constructed Baldwin, Phillips, and Terlevich (BPT) diagrams to classify galaxies based on nuclear activity. Our analysis reveals that most of the red spirals have AGNs and …

Spatial And Temporal Assessment Of Meteorological Drought Using The Standardized Precipitation Index (Spi) And Its Effect On Crop Yield Over The Corn Belt Region Of The United States From 2000 To 2023, Victor Araya

Theses and Dissertations

Climate change and global warming have contributed to extreme weather events and patterns, including severe flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, and drought. Drought happens to be the deadliest catastrophic event around the world. Drought's impact on ecosystems and local communities has been increasing in many parts of the world, including the United States and, most importantly, the corn Belt, which also happens to be the country's food basket. Understanding drought prediction and mitigation can be investigated through drought indices. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is considered the most reliable in this study. It is used in this study to present the critical …

Advanced Motor Control Using Td3 Model-Free Reinforcement Learning, Muhammad Azam

Theses and Dissertations

Motor control plays a critical role in industrial automation, ensuring the precise regulation of speed, torque, and position across various applications. Traditional motor control techniques, such as open-loop, closed-loop, and feedback control, have been widely used but face limitations in handling complex and dynamic systems. Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) offer potential improvements in motor control by enabling systems to learn optimal control policies autonomously. This research investigates the integration of Reinforcement Learning (RL) with Field-Oriented Control (FOC) for the control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs). The study aims to address a significant gap in reward function design, …

Next-Gen Device For Uniform Cellular Migration Assay Execution, Nicholas M. Bittner

Theses and Dissertations

Cellular migration assays, particularly scratch assays, are pivotal in biomedical research for cell motility, wound healing, and metastasis. However, conventional scratch assays suffer from variability due to operator dependence, non-uniform scratch geometry, and a modified microenvironment that impacts reproducibility. This thesis presents the development and validation of a low-cost, 3D-printed device designed to standardize cellular migration assays. The device utilizes a spring mechanism and a biocompatible elastomer to create a uniform cellular exclusion zone without harming the surrounding cells. Through iterative prototyping and testing with MCF10A cell lines, the device demonstrated a significantly lower average standard deviation of length compared …

Evaluation Of Schlafen Family Proteins In Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Savannah Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the role of Schlafen (SLFN) family proteins in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a subtype known for its aggressive behavior and poor response to treatment. Through a series of studies, this dissertation examines the interplay between multiple SLFN proteins, chemotherapy resistance, and immune modulation, revealing the potential of SLFN12 as both a biomarker and therapeutic target for improving treatment outcomes, particularly in overcoming chemoresistance in TNBC.

Breast cancer, the most common cancer worldwide, includes various subtypes like TNBC, which lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it resistant to conventional therapies. SLFN proteins, first discovered in mice, regulate …

Autonomous Corrosion Detection In Steel Structures Using Different Non-Contact Techniques, Amrita Das

Theses and Dissertations

Metallic corrosion is an electrochemical process that can occur due to the formation of aqueous adlayers on the metal surface. It is often described as reverse metallurgy, as corrosion drives refined metals back to their lowest energy state, namely an oxidized, ore-like form. Environmental factors that promote corrosion include precipitation, high humidity, and chemical condensation, which can result from the hygroscopic nature of pollutants deposited on the surface. There is a significant impact of metallic corrosion on the U. S. economy including infrastructure, transportation, utilities, production, and manufacturing. The total direct cost of corrosion in the United States has been …

Get In The Zone: Utilizing A Food Skills Survey To Assess The Education Needs Of A Blue Zones Project Community, Sophia Kathryn Dunlap

Theses and Dissertations

Under-resourced communities often demonstrate little to basic knowledge and skills regarding food and nutrition-related practices, such as cooking and meal planning, nutrition label reading, and gardening. This can be attributed to various factors such as education level, socioeconomic status, available education programs, and overall interest in these topics. Limited research is available discussing the current knowledge, skills, and interests of nutrition topics and healthy eating patterns within Blue Zones Project (BZP) communities. To explore this gap in the literature, a cross-sectional design was implemented via a food skills survey completed by the residents of a modest-sized college town and site …

Great Expectations: How Gender Assigned At Birth Shapes Viewpoint Based Perceptual Disparities In Gender-Diverse People, Adelyn Emter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine disparities between personal beliefs and perceived societal ideologies about earning gendered traits and maintaining masculinity and femininity, with a focus on gender-diverse perspectives and the influence of gender identity on responses to social research. The current study recruited 334 gender-diverse participants to compare Viewpoint and Gendered Trait based on participant Gender Assigned at Birth, using twelve statements about earning and maintaining masculinity and femininity. The Traditional Egalitarian Sex Role (TESR) Inventory and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale were used as covariates which significantly contributed to the model. As expected, societal belief scores …

Beyond The Game: Designing An Nil First-Year Seminar Through Thematic Analysis Of Division 1 Student-Athletes Perspectives, Laura Dimattia

Theses and Dissertations

The 2021 relaxation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations by the NCAA has transformed collegiate athletics, granting student-athletes the opportunity to profit from their personal brands. These changes deliver financial and personal advancement opportunities but introduce new challenges. Student-athletes encounter challenges in managing responsibilities related to athletics, academics, and commercial activities amid evolving NIL compliance requirements. Universities struggle to manage multiple pressures including compliance requirements and recruitment strategies along with challenges from the Transfer Portal.

This study explores the motivational factors behind student-athletes' engagement with NIL and their learning preferences through a qualitative approach. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews …

Gender-Based Perceptions Of Confronting Prejudice In The Classroom, Mary Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

Disparities exist between men and women in academia at the faculty and student level. Academically, women are judged as being weaker and inferior, and many describe experiences of sexism, often within the classroom setting. Few studies have investigated the impact of an instructor confronting sexism in the classroom. The current study examined the effects of an instructor’s gender, student’s gender, and instructor’s confrontation decision on students’ perceptions of the instructor, classroom environment, and the moderating effect of self-reported sexism. Participants read one of four vignettes describing an act of sexism in the classroom where a male (or female) instructor confronts …

An Explainable Ai Framework For Detecting Harmful Algal Blooms (Habs) In Freshwater Lakes, Meera Gopinath Sujatha

Theses and Dissertations

The increase in economic impacts due to the rapid growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater lakes has prompted the development of monitoring and prediction systems. However, limited target data hinders reliable predictions on HAB formations. To address this limitation, this dissertation focuses on providing solutions through data-driven,interpretable, and explainable machine learning models. In Chapter 3, an interpretable multivariate regression model such as Vector Autoregressive (VAR) was used to analyze the important factors that contribute to the formation of cyanobacteria in lakes. The causality tests performed on multiple water quality data helped to determine Alkalinity, Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), andWater Temperature …

Exploring Geothermal Energy Development In The Deep Reservoirs Of The Williston Basin: An Integrated Analysis Using Empirical, Probabilistic, Numerical Simulation And Machine Learning Techniques, Emmanuel Gyimah

Theses and Dissertations

Geothermal energy, a renewable, clean, and abundant energy source, is gaining global attention as a key contributor to the transition towards a low-carbon economy. However, uncertainties in reservoir characterization and development risks hinder its widespread adoption, particularly in the Williston Basin. This study focuses on the Williston Basin, particularly the Red River and Deadwood formations, to explore the potential of deep geothermal reservoirs in North Dakota. The study integrates a multi-disciplinary technique in empirical, probabilistic, numerical simulation, and machine learning to reduce uncertainties and risks associated with geothermal energy exploration and development. Probabilistic methods (Parametric and Monte Carlo), incorporating geo-statistics, …

Inorganic Arsenite [I-As (Iii)] Represses Human Renal Progenitor Cell Characteristics And Induces Neoplastic-Like Transformation, Md Ehsanul Haque

Theses and Dissertations

Studies on populations exposed to inorganic arsenic (iAs) have shown an association between this particular exposure and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, there are few studies addressing how acute exposure of the human kidney to iAs might lead to long-term alterations that might lead to CKD or RCC. This study’s hypothesis is that renal exposure to iAs might alter the renal cells responsible for the repair and regeneration of nephrons damaged by iAs exposure or other renal toxicants. The kidney possesses a minority epithelial cell population that co-express PROM1 and CD24 that …

Ai-Bms: Ai Battery Management System For Safe Uas Operations In High Electric And Magnetic Fields And Uncertain Conditions: Wind, Battery Drain, Temperature, And Payload, Tanzim Jim Hassan

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aerial systems/vehicles (UAS/UAVs) are increasingly utilized for inspecting high-voltage (HV) transmission (Tx) lines. However, operating in the vicinity of electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields can affect UAV control and battery performance. Pilots unfamiliar with high E/H field environments often struggle to accurately estimate remaining flight time, resulting in either premature mission terminations or crashes due to depleted batteries. To address these challenges, this thesis focuses on developing an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) for UAVs to ensure safe and reliable surveillance operations under various uncertain conditions, such as wind gusts, temperature variations, E/H fields, battery drain, and payload …

Characterization Of Methylated Histone Modifications During Simian Virus 40 Early Transcription, Jacob Otto Haugen

Theses and Dissertations

Modifications of histone proteins play an important role in transcription. These modifications regulate how chromatin is compacted by the histone proteins and either made available for transcription or prevents transcription machinery from proceeding. The modifications can be added or removed by histone acetyltransferases and histone methyltransferases for the former, and histone deacetylates and demethylases for the latter. To explore the dynamicity of these modifications we used the simple but effective Simian Virus 40 (SV40) model. SV40 continues to be an important tool in understanding eukaryotic transcription. It experiences similar processes as cellular chromatin, utilizing host proteins to propagate its own …

Belongingness And Science Identity Of Underrepresented Students In Aerospace Sciences, Bella Hettich

Theses and Dissertations

Despite efforts to support underrepresented individuals—specifically those from racial, ethnic, and gender minority groups—they continue to face unique challenges that affect their belongingness in aerospace sciences, leading to issues with retention in educational programs and subsequent professional pathways. Such hindrances to personal achievement can also impede broader organizational goals. Addressing these challenges is critical, as supporting the success of underrepresented individuals fosters diverse perspectives, which are essential for driving innovation and maximizing organizational productivity. Just as importantly, ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, has access to opportunities and the support needed to succeed fulfills an ethical obligation. Upholding the …

Photometric Analysis Of Four Near-Earth Asteroids With A Convex Shape Model Of (25330) 1999 Kv4, Lucas James Hutton

Theses and Dissertations

Astrometric and photometric observations of asteroids provide information regarding their positions, rotation rates, axis of rotation, and shapes. Lightcurve inversion utilizes an asteroid’s change in brightness with respect to phase angle change, which maximizes ground-based observational data. This study investigated the rotational properties of four near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) with a single pole solution and convex shape model of (25330) 1999 KV4 using the lightcurve inversion method. Photometric observations were remotely obtained using the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network, andNOIRLAB’s Cerro-Tololo Inter-American Observatory’s (CTIO) 24” Ritchey-Chretien Prompt 3 Telescope. The data were calibrated using AstroImageJ software, and lightcurve analyses were performed using …

Nanoscale Frictional Properties Of Two-Dimensional Snse And Snse2 With Lateral Force Microscopy, Thomas Iken

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, we employed an atomic force microscopy-based lateral force microscopy technique to examine the nanoscale frictional characteristics of 2D SnSe and SnSe2 layers, and we compared these results with those of graphene, a commonly used solid lubricant. Our results revealed that both SnSe and SnSe2 layers exhibited superior lubricative performance compared to graphene with similar thicknesses. Experimental results were further substantiated by extensive Density Functional Theory calculations to understand the observed frictional properties of these materials.