Digital Commons Network^™

Balancing Acts: Singing, Songwriting, And Studying, Office Of University Communications, Avery Copeland

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Lindy Bryson, a junior at Gardner-Webb University who doubles as a singer-songwriter, is making a name for herself in the Christian Country music scene while authentically sharing her faith. Recently, this young musician released her first music video for her song “Save Your.”

Check The Rhyme Y’All; Life As A Shorty Shouldn’T Be So Rough: How Hip-Hop Songs Can Be Used As Pedagogical Tools To Teach Grammar/Culture And Ease Comprehension In A French As A Second Language Classroom, Scooter Pégram

Perspectives In Learning

Language learning can be stressful endeavour for students. To address this, educators of foreign languages often search for new and exciting pedagogical tools that will enable them to reach their learners in meaningful ways. Since both hip-hop music and culture are omnipresent throughout contemporary society in many facets, some teachers are incorporating elements of this ever-expanding and integral part of global pop culture into their lesson plans. This study explores the unique educational approach that is known as a Hip-Hop Based Education (HHBE); one where rap music and lyrics can be integrated into classroom instruction and learning. After first introducing …

Peer Mentoring Program For Refugee And Newcomer Children To Increase Resilience, Chloe Skyla Cooksey

Theses and Dissertations

The refugee and newcomer population faces many challenges as they arrive in their host country. Many individuals experience varying degrees of trauma in their country of origin. Trauma can lead to poor mental health outcomes and poor adjustment in host countries. Refugee children in particular may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety as a result of traumatic experiences. Children can be resilient when given opportunities to create relationships and gain confidence. These opportunities can be fostered through various avenues, one of which is the school environment. Refugee students can benefit from various supports provided to them in the school …

Diversity, Equity And Inclusion In Simulation-Based Education: Experiences From Multiple Academic Health Centers, Jesika Samuelson Gavilanes

Dissertations and Theses

The integration of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) into healthcare professional training is critical in order to ensure positive patient outcomes and help combat healthcare disparities, leading towards health equity. There is not currently a standard specific to DEI awareness in healthcare education and training. One area of healthcare training is simulation-based education (SBE), which is training that is set up to be as close to a real environment as possible for healthcare professional training. There is little in the literature that addresses DEI within SBE, yet SBE is one area with the potential for making an impact in healthcare …

Empowering Patient Care Technicians To Reduce Non-Ventilated Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia In An Acute Care Hospital In Northern California, Barbra Pacatang

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: Non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (nv-HAP) is increasingly becoming a significant concern in healthcare settings. Studies have indicated that nv-HAP accounts for a substantial portion of hospital-acquired pneumonia cases, with a high associated mortality rate. The prevalence of nv-HAP underscores the importance of implementing robust HAP prevention bundles. Prevention, early recognition, and appropriate management of nv-HAP are essential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare facilities.

Context: A 28-bed capacity Stroke Telemetry Unit incurred six nv-HAP incidents in 2023. Patients needed to be more compliant with the nv-HAP prevention bundles. Patient care technicians (PCTs) are instrumental nurses’ …

Surface Urban Cool Island Assessment In Village-Level Tourism Destinations Using Gis And Principal Component Analysis, Revi Hernina, Arif Wicaksono

Jurnal Geografi Lingkungan Tropik (Journal of Geography of Tropical Environments)

This study describes the process to generate classification of village-level tourism destinations known as kampung tematik in Bogor Municipality based on values from Surface Urban Cool Island (SUCI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) ≤ -0.17, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) > 0.3, and Urban Index (UI) < -0.2. SUCI values represent the cool temperature, while NDBI ≤ -0.17, NDVI > 0.3, and UI < -0.2 are associated with dense and healthy vegetation. Herein, Band 10 from Landsat 8 was processed to generate land surface temperature (LST) and further, SUCI image was derived from LST image by employing SUCI algorithm. All three variables, namely NDVI, NDBI, and UI were also processed from Landsat 8 with date 24 May 2020. These four variables of SUCI, NDVI, NDBI, and UI image pixels were superimposed with 39 kampung tematik locations using Geographic Information System (GIS) which resulted in 14 locations containing the area percentage from four variables. The values from four variables in 14 locations were inputted into Principal component Analysis (PCA) using R software version 4.1.3. Based on PCA, it reveals that three tourism destinations are classified with area percentage of SUCI less than 50% while the other 11 destinations are classified with area percentage of SUCI more than 50%. In addition, characteristics of tourism destinations with SUCI area percentage less than 50% are identified to have low area percentage of NDBI ≤ -0.17, NDVI > 0.3, and UI < -0.2.

A Review Of Fault Detecting Devices For Belt Conveyor Idlers, Fahad Alharbi, Suhuai Luo

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

The shift towards automated inspection methods represents considerable progress in conveyor system maintenance, enhancing safety and efficiency while posing challenges in data analysis and implementation costs. This study critically analyses sensor technologies and inspection methods for detecting faults in conveyor belt idlers, highlighting their essential role in preserving the operational integrity of industrial conveyor systems. By synthesizing various research findings, the study assesses the effectiveness of different sensor devices in identifying defects, including built-in sensors, fixed sensor options like acoustic, ultrasonic sensors, cameras, accelerometers, and Distributed Optical Fibre Sensors (DOFS), as well as mobile sensor systems. Our findings emphasize the …

Mechanical Properties Of Corner Lap-45 Types Joined Using Friction Stir Welding, Widia Setiawan, Nugroho Santoso, Felixianus Eko Wismo Winarto, Radhian Krisnaputra, Wirawan Widya Mandala, Jibril Maulana

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Solid welding has always been concerned with probe design, pins, and joint strength. Many researchers have conducted studies on joints, such as butt joints, lap joints, and T joints, but the results show low strength. This study analyzes the mechanical properties of a new design of a 90o angle joint joined by friction stir welding. This study connected aluminum 6061 using the friction stir welding method using a rectifying jig and a probe with EMS 45 material. The corner joint designs used corner-lap 45 with feed rate as independent variables in 6, 8, 10, 15, and 30 mm/min and dependent …

Leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence Models In Patient Education On Inferior Vena Cava Filters, Som Singh, Aleena Jamal, Farah Qureshi, Rohma Zaidi, Fawad Qureshi

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Background: Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters have become an advantageous treatment modality for patients with venous thromboembolism. As the use of these filters continues to grow, it is imperative for providers to appropriately educate patients in a comprehensive yet understandable manner. Likewise, generative artificial intelligence models are a growing tool in patient education, but there is little understanding of the readability of these tools on IVC filters. Methods: This study aimed to determine the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch–Kincaid, and Gunning Fog readability of IVC Filter patient educational materials generated by these artificial intelligence models. Results: The ChatGPT cohort had …

Gilbert, Jeff, Sophia Maier Garcia

Bronx Jewish History Project

Summarizer: Sophia Maier

Jeff Gilbert, born 1951, grew up on Walton Avenue nearby Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Both of his parents were born in New York, with his great-grandparents and grandparents immigrating from Hungary, Austria, and Poland. Gilbert describes the neighborhood at the time as 99% Jewish, and he lived next door to the Congregation Hope of Israel, despite being educated at and attending Tremont Temple. Among the amenities in the “self-contained neighborhood for shopping” were bakeries, movie theaters, grocery stores, and butchers. Gilbert remembers most Val’s Luncheonette for the delicious food, famous athletes, and the money he made …

Mathematical Concepts And Coding Theory In Kumārasambhavam Of Kālidāsa, Bhuvaneswari K

Theses and Dissertations

Kālidāsa, a renowned Sanskrit poet and playwright from ancient India, is known for his profound understanding and depiction of various aspects of human life, nature, and the universe in his works. While his writings primarily revolve around themes of love, romance, and human emotions, there are several instances where he incorporates mathematical concepts and astronomical references.

His meticulous usage of such abstractions and symbolism adds depth and richness to his poetry. These elements serve as tools to enhance the imagery and aesthetics of his literary works, reflecting the interplay between art and science in ancient Indian culture. These subtle allusions …

Validating Reward And Relief Drinking Phenotypes: A Multimethod Assessment, Victoria R. Votaw

Psychology ETDs

Recent work has examined the extent to which individuals seek alcohol to enhance positive experiences (reward drinking) or relieve aversive states (relief drinking). Although reward/relief drinking subgroups moderate response to two medications for alcohol use disorder (AUD), naltrexone and acamprosate, limitations of reward/relief drinking measures could hinder efforts to translate findings to clinical practice. This dissertation project aimed to validate a brief, practical measure of reward/relief drinking, the Reward and Relief Inventory of Drinking Situations (RR-IDS). Among 426 participants with AUD enrolled in a clinical trial of naltrexone and acamprosate (Study 1), we identified RR-IDS items free of bias across …

Substance Use Patterns Among Muslim American Young Adults: A Mixed Methods Design Assessing Risk And Protective Factors, Donia Hijaz

Psychology ETDs

Muslim Americans are underrepresented in the addictions literature. This mixed methods study sought to examine the frequency of substance use, and identify risk/protective factors of at-risk substance use. Young adults (N = 289; M_age = 22.68, SD = 3.42; 50.9% male) from around the U.S. who identified as Muslim American or from a Muslim background completed a survey. Given that several measures had not been validated with Muslim American samples, open-ended questions were included at the end of those measures. Findings revealed low rates of lifetime substance use in the current sample, preventing any quantitative analyses surrounding risk …

Geospatial Analysis Of Environmental, Tick, And Host Interactions With Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever In The Southwestern United States, Al Ekram Elahee Hridoy

Geography ETDs

This study examines the spatiotemporal distribution and determinants of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) incidence in Arizona from 2006 to 2021. Utilizing climate variables, land cover types, and socio-economic indicators, we employed Negative Binomial Regression, Spatial autocorrelation, and Random Forest-based classification to identify key predictors and patterns of RMSF spread. Results indicate positive correlations between RMSF incidence and precipitation and shrub cover, while veterinary access, forest cover, and relative humidity show negative associations. Spatial analysis revealed significant case clustering, with limited veterinary access associated with higher RMSF incidence. A Random Forest-based predictive model was developed to identify potential tick-host interactions, …

Evaluation Of A Peer Mentoring Program In Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Quality Improvement Project, Leigh E. Swartzendruber

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing school can be rigorous, stressful, and anxiety-producing for students trying to progress to graduation, with students leaving the program if they encounter barriers. Academia must consider strategies to support students; peer mentoring is an evidence-based approach. The project evaluated an existing peer mentoring program to understand the benefits and barriers entry-level sophomore students experience with the program, comparing survey results from 2022 and 2024 cohorts—a mixed-methods descriptive statistical study was conducted with the spring 2024 peer mentoring program. Using a PDSA cycle, the program was transformed from an in-person to a hybrid format. At the end of the program, …

2023 Transportation Electrification Scorecard: Mountain West States, Ayda Atici, Kristian Thymianos, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Transportation & Infrastructure

This fact sheet examines data on policies and actions to support electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in five Mountain West states: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The data are retrieved from the “2023 Transportation Electrification Scorecard,” created by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The Scorecard measures which Mountain West states are the most efficient in progress made towards the electrification of vehicles.

Examining Food Access Equity By Integrating Grocery Store Pricing Into Spatial Accessibility Measures, Subham Kharel, Seyedsoheil Sharifiasl, Qisheng Pan

SAGE Open Access Agreement Publications-Archive

Accessibility to food stores offering nutritious and affordable options is critical to ensure urban residents lead healthy lives. However, the uneven distribution of diverse food options in U.S. cities has raised concerns about marginalized communities’ ability to obtain affordable and nutritious food. Transportation-related issues, like car-oriented urban form and sprawl, have created food deserts in cities, making it hard for marginalized communities to access affordable and healthy food. This lack of access has recently drawn the attention of urban planners to address food access-related equity issues. Spatial interaction models can help measure food access by examining how grocery store supply, …

Cross-Correlation Increases Sampling In Diffusion-Based Super-Resolution Optical Fluctuation Imaging, Jeanpun Antarasen, Benjamin Wellnitz, Stephanie N. Kramer, Surajit Chatterjee, Lydia Kisley

Faculty Scholarship

Correlation signal processing of optical three-dimensional (x, y, t) data can produce super-resolution images. The second-order cross-correlation function XC2 has been documented to produce super-resolution imaging with static and blinking emitters but not for diffusing emitters. Here, we both analytically and numerically demonstrate cross-correlation analysis for diffusing particles. We then expand our fluorescence correlation spectroscopy super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging (fcsSOFI) analysis to use cross-correlation as a postprocessing computational technique to extract both dynamic and structural information on particle diffusion in nanoscale structures simultaneously. Cross-correlation maintains the same super-resolution as auto-correlation while also increasing the sampling rates to reduce aliasing for …

The Negative Impacts Of Parentification On Adolescents: A Systematic Review, Reilly Reid Hawkins

Theses and Dissertations

While child abuse, maltreatment, and neglect are clear examples of the most maladaptive types of parent-child interactions (Borchet et al., 2022), there is considerable evidence for the damaging nature of parentification in terms of youth outcomes and parental/familial dysfunction. The research literature contains numerous studies related to parentification, but there is little research overtly demonstrating the systemic effects of parentification (Peris et al., 2008). It is imperative that researchers and clinicians learn more about the mechanisms involved in the parentification process. Therefore, this systematic review analyzed the research literature centered on both parentification and adolescent populations. This study assessed various …

Associations Between Coping Style And Perceptions Of Web-Delivered Physical Activity Messages Among Women In Midlife With Cardiovascular Health Risks, Kristen Pasko

Theses and Dissertations

Midlife women are at unique risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and benefit from increasing physical activity (PA). Many PA interventions involve social support, though fail to address related processes such as social comparison. Desire for specific types of social support and comparison may represent emotion-focused versus problem-solving coping, though little is known about women’s preferences for/responses to these coping opportunities. The present study examined women’s selections of PA content in a digital environment. Over 7 days, women in midlife ≥1 CVD risk factor (N = 60, MAge = 50.70, SD = 5.89) wore a PA monitor and visited a proprietary …

A Retrospective Analysis Of Primary Breast Cancer Surgical Procedures (Mastectomy Versus Breast Conserving Surgery) Performed On Women Living In Rural And Urban Counties In South Carolina, Talitha M. Massaquoi

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Women dealing with a diagnosis of breast cancer may be challenged when attempting to seek and obtain medical care while living in a rural community. It is not known whether geography impacts the decision-making process for women considering elective breast cancer surgery (mastectomy versus breast conserving surgery (BCS)) in South Carolina. We performed a retrospective analysis of breast cancer surgical options offered to women to examine if a difference exists in both rural and urban settings. Although there was a higher proportion of women in South Carolina who elected to undergo a mastectomy instead of BCS (4,416 [79.5%] vs. 1,139 …

Quality Improvement Project: Evaluating The Impact Of An Intrapreneurial Skill Enhancement Program On Enhancing Innovation Perspectives And Overcoming Obstacles Among Nurse Practitioners At A Midwestern Academic Medical Center, Michael Thorn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nurse practitioners (NPs) face barriers to being innovative in healthcare because of a need for more resources, education, and cultural inclusion compared to physicians and researchers (Joseph et al., 2019). NPs are often disregarded from involvement in the innovation ecosystem and seen as solely end-users of new products and services (Davis & Glasgow, 2020). This Doctor of Nursing Practice project aimed to assess the impact of a 5-week innovation and intrapreneurship course on NPs' perceptions of their ability to innovate at a Midwest academic hospital. The aim was to address the known innovation education gap that NPs rarely receive. Using …

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Rough Popcorn Flower (Plagiobothrys Hirtus), Nora Dunkirk

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for rough popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys hirtus) using NatureServe methodology, 2024.

Negation In Dene Languages, Cormac League

Linguistics ETDs

This thesis uses a typologically informed approach to investigate the strategies used for negation in Dene languages. This study illuminates aspects of the development of negation by examining the complex interplay between the lexical forms and morphosyntactic strategies employed to encode negative polarity in declarative and prohibitive constructions. The theoretical frameworks of the Jespersen Cycle and the Negative Existential Cycle are utilized to discuss negators in relation to their possible origins. Particular attention is given to the Pacific Coast and Southern Dene languages to propose an origin for the bipartite negation strategies used in the later. Through examination of synchronic …

Unequal Neighbors In Diverse Neighborhoods: Accounting For Variation In The Impact Of Relative Inequality On Neighborhood Crime, Samuel A. Torres

Sociology ETDs

Research demonstrates that crime rate differences across racially segregated urban communities are primarily attributable to uneven distributions of resources between neighborhoods. Less is known about the role economic inequality within neighborhoods, what I call relative inequality, plays in maintaining ethno-racial criminal disparities. In this dissertation I explore sources of variation in the impact of relative inequality on neighborhood crime by drawing on data from the 2010-2013 National Neighborhood Crime Study Panel (NNCS2-P). I find that relative inequality effects are attenuated in higher disadvantage neighborhoods and this interaction accounts for differences in effect size by neighborhood ethno-racial composition. Results also show …

3d Printed Mounts For Liquid Microdroplet Resonators, Parker A. Awerkamp

Theses and Dissertations

Liquid microdroplet resonators provide an excellent tool for optical studies due to their innate smoothness and high quality factors, but they can be difficult to control. By using 3D printed mounts to support the droplets, we can obtain precise control over the droplet geometries and positions. We here present our work with oil, water, and ice microdroplets, as well as tools required to enable their study. We first present methods for creating 3D printed mounts for oil microdroplet resonators. The mounts enable precise positioning of the droplets relative to a tapered optical fiber. The oil microdroplet resonators exhibited quality factors …

Potential Targeting Mechanisms For Bone-Directed Therapies, Betul Celik, Andrés Leal, Shunji Tomatsu

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

Bone development is characterized by complex regulation mechanisms, including signal transduction and transcription factor-related pathways, glycobiological processes, cellular interactions, transportation mechanisms, and, importantly, chemical formation resulting from hydroxyapatite. Any abnormal regulation in the bone development processes causes skeletal system-related problems. To some extent, the avascularity of cartilage and bone makes drug delivery more challenging than that of soft tissues. Recent studies have implemented many novel bone-targeting approaches to overcome drawbacks. However, none of these strategies fully corrects skeletal dysfunction, particularly in growth plate-related ones. Although direct recombinant enzymes (e.g., Vimizim for Morquio, Cerezyme for Gaucher, Elaprase for Hunter, Mepsevii for …

Impacts Of Managed Honeybee Apiaries On Native Bee Populations, Trapping Efficiencies Of Bee Sampling Methods, And Drone Based Floral Cover Analysis In High Elevation Tall Forb Communities In Central Utah, Nicholas Val Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impact of honeybee introductions on native bee populations, evaluates the efficiency of traditional bee sampling and monitoring methods, and explores the use of drone technology for assessing floral resources on federal lands in the United States. Federal lands, managed for multiple uses, present a valuable opportunity for the summer pasturing of honeybees. These lands produce vast floral resources and are largely free from pesticides and other pollutants that could weaken honeybee populations. The potential use of this resource is significant given the economic and agricultural concerns presented by declining pollinator trends and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). …

Functional & Evolutionary Analysis Of Tbx2a And Tbx2b In Zebrafish Heart Development, Maliha Tasnim

Theses and Dissertations

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting approximately 1% of live births. This dissertation explores the genetic mechanisms underlying CHD, focusing on the T-box transcription factors Tbx2a and Tbx2b in zebrafish. Utilizing advanced bioinformatics techniques, we reconstructed the ancestral sequences of these genes to understand their evolutionary trajectory and functional divergence. Our analysis highlights the evolutionary conservation of the DNA-binding domain in tbx2a and tbx2b, suggesting its crucial role in maintaining correct gene expression patterns during development. We observed unique and shared amino acid substitutions in these proteins, indicating potential adaptive changes and conserved functions. Comparative …

Impacts Of Cellphone Usage On Adolescent Social And Emotional Development, Chelsea N. Hammer

Masters Projects

Adolescent cellphone use has a negative impact on the school environment. This project explores how cellphones effect youth social and emotional development. The literature is reviewed as it relates to cellphone usage and emotional well-being, mental health, intrapersonal skill development and interpersonal growth. Cellphone addiction amongst teenagers is discussed as well protective factors to mitigate the damage cellphone use inflicts on student social and emotional development. This project advocates for making school stakeholders aware of these harmful effects so as to consider a re-examination of school cellphone policy. Incorporating periods of unplugging during the school day as well as using …