Digital Commons Network^™

Identifying The Experiences And Perceptions Of School Psychologists On Racial Disparities In Autism Spectrum Disorderidentifying The Experiences And Perceptions Of School Psychologists On Racial Disparities In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anna Marie Paolicelli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper investigates the experiences and perceptions of school psychologists who identify as experts in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regarding racial and ethnic disparities in ASD identification. Utilizing a convergent embedded mixed-methods design grounded in Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR), the study explores how school psychology practices may have contributed to recent changes in ASD outreach and assessment, as well as persistent disparities, particularly for Black children with co-occurring intellectual disability (ID). Thirteen credentialed school psychologists with extensive experience in diverse educational and clinical settings participated in semi-structured interviews and binary survey items. Findings reveal perceived progress in ASD awareness and …

The Influence Of Visualization Type And Gender On Multimedia Learning Performance: An Experimental Study, Ziji Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The widespread availability of multimedia learning resources, driven by technological progress, presents both opportunities and challenges in education. While these resources, often designed with animations to aid learning, their effectiveness in learning across STEM and non-STEM fields remains controversial. Besides, researchers have increasingly turned their attention to understanding how individual learner characteristics such as gender and spatial ability influence effectiveness of multimedia learning.

This dissertation examined the impact of visualization type and gender on learning algorithms (STEM) and Chinese characters (non-STEM) after accounting for the effect of spatial ability, focusing on learning outcomes and cognitive load. The fact that males …

Causes, Consequences, And Countermeasures Of Military Coups In The Gambia, Alhagie A. Mbye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Military coups d’état remain a persistent threat to postcolonial African states, undermining democratic consolidation and institutional legitimacy. The Gambia, although historically regarded as a relatively stable West African nation, has experienced approximately 14 coup attempts since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1965. While military coups in Africa are well documented, much of the existing literature relies on broad regional frameworks that emphasize externalities such as foreign influence and geopolitical pressures rather than internalities such as national policy direction, and domestic governance challenges. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to address that gap by providing context-specific empirical research …

Development And Optimization Of Gradient Pore Structured Porous Ceramics: Modeling, Properties, And Potential For Industrial Production In Thermal Insulation Engineering, Gang Qi, Minghui Li, Ruoyu Chen, Haichuan Wang, Haiming Wen, Yi Ding, Xiaoyu Xia, Dixin Yan, Can Chen, Saisai Li

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study prepared gradient pore structure ceramics from silica fume through direct foaming. The rheological behavior of the slurry was improved by varying the solids content. Physical and mathematical models were developed to describe the longitudinal movement of foam in the ceramic slurry and the mechanism of gradient pore formation. These models were used to predict the pore sizes at different heights within the ceramic. Insulation and mechanical properties were enhanced by optimizing the gradient pore structure. The gradient pore structure resulted in significant directional differences in specimen properties. Additionally, suitable sintering-temperatures for gradient pore structure ceramics are discussed. The …

Understanding The Effects Of Genetic Variation On Maize And Pennycress Root System Architectures And Their Interaction With Nitrogen, Alexander Euway Liu

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Roots are a critical yet hidden part of plants, providing physical support and access to resources such as nutrients and water. The development of a plant’s root system across time and space is referred to as root system architecture, which influences the effectiveness of resource capture. In modern agriculture, applications of nitrogen fertilizers are critical to maintain high yield. However, up to 70% of applied nitrogen is not utilized by the plant and escapes into waterways and the atmosphere, causing environmental harm. Efficient nitrogen uptake is limited by the ability of the plant to access and absorb nitrogen through its …

Quality Improvement Project Impact Of Impostor Phenomenon On Medical Personnel, Elizabeth L'Heureux

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The DNP project examined medical healthcare personnel who displayed an impostor phenomenon (IP), as reflected in the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) surveys, identifying a lack of structured support for reducing stress. The aim of the quality improvement project (QI) is to evaluate the impact of a four-week structured mentorship and resilience training intervention on perceived stress levels among medical healthcare personnel experiencing symptoms of the impostor phenomenon. The QI project utilized the Cognitive-Affective framework to shape what needed to change, the origins of IP stress, while Lewin’s Change Theory guided how to implement and sustain those changes. A quasi-experimental study …

The Effects Of A Breastfeeding Educational Program On Nurses’ Self-Efficacy And Knowledge, Amanda Quinn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Breastfeeding, a cornerstone of maternal and infant health, faces barriers due to inadequate healthcare provider education, contributing to low exclusive breastfeeding rates. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the impact of a four-week educational program on clinical staff’s knowledge and self-efficacy in supporting breastfeeding in a rural OB/GYN clinic in central Florida. This project evaluated a four-week educational program’s effect on clinical staff’s knowledge and self-efficacy in supporting breastfeeding in a rural OB/GYN clinic in central Florida. Using a quasi-experimental pre-post design, nine licensed/certified staff (medical assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses) …

Quality Improvement Project Evaluating The Impact Of A Structured Training Program On Cultural Competency Among Mental Health Providers In A Local Outpatient Clinic, Adedamola Adefioye

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Culturally responsive care is critical in addressing mental health disparities, but many mental health providers express feeling unprepared to engage with culturally diverse patients. Low cultural competence is associated with communication failures, lack of patient trust, and the possibility of poorer treatment outcomes. This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of a structured cultural competency training program at an outpatient behavioral health clinic. A quasi-experimental, one-group pre-test/post-test design was used with the Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competence Among Healthcare Professionals - Revised (IAPCC-R). Eight licensed mental health providers participated in four weekly one-hour interactive training sessions using …

Breaking Barriers: The Political Journeys Of Elected Female Leaders, Erica Lynn Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite increasing participation, women have remained significantly underrepresented in elected political office. Existing literature on women elected to political positions highlights persistent gender disparities in representation, access, and political influence. Scholars have examined the structural, cultural, and institutional barriers that women face when seeking and holding public office. While recent research has increasingly focused on intersectionality and the diverse experiences of women in politics, gaps remain in capturing their personal narratives and day-to-day realities. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to examine the experiences of women currently serving in political positions to understand how prior career opportunities influenced …

Effects Of Treatment Integrity Level And Error Type On Dro Efficacy: A Parametric And Comparative Analysis, Paige O'Neill

Theses & Dissertations

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) is a strategy commonly used in applied contexts to address challenging behavior but can be difficult to implement with high treatment integrity. Previous research has shown that DRO may be robust despite marginal errors of commission, but the impact of differing degrees of errors and different error types during DRO is still unclear. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a parametric evaluation of treatment integrity level (100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, 20%) in DRO when implemented with combined errors (Experiment 1) and to directly compare error types (commission errors, omission errors, combined …

Landscape Of Physical Activity And Quality Of Life Research In Breast Cancer Survivors: Topic Modeling Analysis., Suryeon Ryu, Ki-Yong An, Min Song, Zan Gao

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Background/Objectives: Physical activity (PA) is widely recognized as a beneficial approach to improving the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of breast cancer survivors. This study explored key research topics and emerging trends in studies related to PA and HRQoL among breast cancer survivors. Methods: Titles and abstracts of 3847 English-language research articles (2000-2024) were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus using keywords related to 'breast cancer', 'PA/exercise', and 'HRQoL'. A text-mining algorithm based on the Dirichlet-multinomial regression approach in Python was applied to identify the top 10 research topics and their trends over time. Results: In total, …

Centering The Medical Student Perspective In A Mixed-Methods Evaluation Of The Holistic Admissions Process At A Mission-Driven Institution, Brenda L. Liszka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods research explores the influence of a holistic admissions process on medical student enrollment at a mission-driven institution. The study quantitatively measured the impact of various admissions touchpoints on enrollment decisions and qualitatively investigated the experiences of students underrepresented in medicine based on their race or ethnicity, first-generation status, and medically underserved backgrounds. Individual interviews, guided by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, were used to understand participants' sense of belonging and esteem throughout the process. The findings inform an improvement agenda aimed at creating a responsive and inclusive admissions process that supports diverse student bodies and addresses national public health …

The Crucial Role Of Grassroots Social Organizations In Advancing Immigrant Legal Protections And Reshaping Immigration Policy, Isabella Reynolds

McNair Summer Research Program

This research project examines how grassroots social organizations contribute to the advancement of immigrant legal protections and shape immigration policy, with a particular focus on formerly incarcerated migrants in California. I focus on case studies and the personal experiences of organizers from Homies Unidos, Border Angels, and other organizations that operate near the San Diego–Tijuana border region. The study illustrates how these groups provide essential services, mental health support, and community-based initiatives for vulnerable and formerly incarcerated immigrants. By conducting oral histories and ethnography as methods for preserving emotional labor and shared memory, this research challenges prevailing narratives that criminalize …

Regional Heterogeneity Of The Blood-Brain Barrier, Marie Blanchette, Kaja Bajc, Benjamin D Gastfriend, Caterina P Profaci, Nadine Ruderisch, Cayce E Dorrier, Guo Zhong, Raquel Cuevas-Diaz Duran, Sean S Harvey, Iris H Garcia-Pak, Lucija Pintarić, Manon Leclerc, Louise Reveret, Vincent Émond, Annette Wang, Deepti Pant, Linus T Tsai, Frédéric Calon, Nina Isoherranen, Sean P Palecek, Eric V Shusta, Jiaqian Wu, Richard Daneman

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by specialized endothelial cells (ECs), regulates the extracellular composition of the central nervous system (CNS). Little is known about whether there are regional specializations of the BBB that may control the function of specific neural circuits. We use single cell RNA-seq to characterize ECs from nine CNS regions in male mice: cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, spinal cord, striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, and medulla/pons. Although there is a core BBB transcriptional profile, there are significant regional specializations. Stra6, a retinoid transporter, is highly enriched in the BBB of the nucleus accumbens shell (ShNAc) and ventral cochlear nucleus, …

Improving Effective Assistant Nurse Manager Communication In Obstetrics, Julie Marie Glover

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: This quality improvement project addresses inconsistent leadership communication among Assistant Nurse Managers (ANMs) in the Obstetrics (OB) department of a hospital in Northern California. ANM and staff concerns around shift handoff, huddles, and leadership responsiveness have created confusion and hindered team coordination. The project aims to improve communication effectiveness scores among OB ANMs from 50% to 75% by July 11, 2025.

Context: The project was conducted in the Maternal-Child-Health (MCH) unit of a hospital in Northern California, specifically targeting communication practices among OB ANMs. Concerns around communication practices were voiced by both ANM leadership and frontline staff, signaling …

Different Hypoxic Response Of Human Cavii And Caenorhabditis Elegans Homologous Genes Cah-3, Cah-4, Cah-5, Sümeyye Aydoğan Türkoğlu, Aysu Bozkurt, Fatma Poyrazli, Derya Okuyan

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: A number of carbonic anhydrase (CA) family proteins have been implicated in cancer. They contribute to the hypoxic microenvironment. CAVII is often downregulated in colorectal carcinoma and it has been associated with increased tumor size, node metastasis, and adverse clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of hypoxia on CAVII protein in human colon cancer and prostate cancer cells. In addition, the regulation of CAH genes in Caenorhabditis elegans was examined. These are homologous to CAVII in humans.

Materials and methods: CAVII expression was analyzed in different cell lines such as human colon cancer (SW480 …

Routine Outcome Monitoring With The Youth Outcome Questionnaire-30.2 Self-Report: Creating And Testing An Empirical Alert System And Exploring Informant Discrepancy Patterns, Tate M. Paxton

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Youth self-report data using the YOQ-30 has not been specifically examined for use in routine outcome monitoring systems. This study used the YOQ-30 self-report in three endeavors: (1) modeling change trajectories in a large, naturalistic outpatient sample, (2) creating and testing an empirical alert system for deterioration, and (3) exploring the role of informant agreement, both descriptively and in a change trajectory model. Method: The sample consisted of 21,098 adolescents ages 12-17 receiving outpatient mental health care who used the OQ Measures system. Multilevel individual change trajectory models estimated symptom change over time. An alert system was developed on …

Topological Homotopy Groups, Tyler Evans

Theses and Dissertations

In general, the homotopy groups of topological spaces fail to be topological groups when endowed with the quotient topology. In this thesis, we show that for Peano continua with Abelian fundamental group, the fundamental group endowed with the quotient topology is indeed a topological group. However, this result does not extend to higher homotopy groups; that is, there exists a Peano continuum whose nth homotopy group, endowed with the quotient topology, is not a topological group. Additionally, a new characterization of the quotient topology in terms of a limit operator is introduced.

Attachment Or Aversion: A Study Of The Effects Of Parental Technoference On Child Emotion Knowledge, Brooklyn Coleman

Theses and Dissertations

Young children's understanding of emotions is heavily socialized by their parents. Through interactions with parents, children learn what emotions look like, when they are expressed, and how they are labeled (Laible, 2004a). Interruptions to interactions between children and parents have the potential to influence the development of children's emotion knowledge. According to the DREAMER framework, how one family member uses media and technology can influence other family members (Barr et al., 2024). Technoference (i.e., digital distraction while with others) is one example of how media might interrupt family life and influence child development as a whole. The current study examined …

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Online Training With Behavioral Consultation: The Impact Of Teacher Buy-In And Efficacy, Allison C. Lindsey

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of two different behavioral training methodologies, online training and behavioral consultation, in supporting teacher implementation of evidence-based practices, with a focus on the roles of teacher buy-in and self-efficacy. Challenging behavior is on the rise and teacher's need to know how to apply behavior management strategies to their classroom in order for their students to be most successful. Many teachers do not begin their careers with proper behavior management knowledge, training experience, or do not feel a sense of efficacy in implementing behavior management. Lack of knowledge and training may lead to decreased teacher …

Refugee Families: Parental Traumatic Stress And Child Outcomes A Scoping Review, Britta Sedig

Theses and Dissertations

This scoping review synthesizes recent literature (2019-2024) to explore mechanisms linking parental trauma to child mental health outcomes within refugee families. Guided by a systemic and relational focus, 20 studies were identified and analyzed, revealing five central themes: intergenerational transmission of trauma, parenting practices as mediators, parent-child dyadic attachment, family functioning and conflict, and post-migration and acculturative stress. Findings highlighted associations between parental trauma-related symptoms and refugee children's emotional and behavioral concerns. Parenting practices were frequently linked to child wellbeing, with some studies identifying risk factors like harsh discipline and emotional unavailability, and others noting protective roles of intentional caregiving. …

The Use Of A Horizontal Reference Line While Measuring The Anterior Center Edge Angle Is More Reliable Than The Traditional Method, Roland Howard, Benjamin Miltenberg, William Johns, Neel Patel, Shyam Brahmabhatt, John Salvo

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: The anterior center edge angle (ACEA) is a radiographic parameter commonly utilized for the assessment of anterior acetabular coverage in the setting of various hip abnormalities. However, this measurement is greatly dependent on patient positioning and imaging technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of a measurement technique utilizing a horizontal reference line and femoral head perfect circles for better control of pelvic obliquity and the assessment of its potential as a more reproducible method for determining the ACEA.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS: There were 3 authors who retrospectively reviewed the false-profile radiographs of …

Under What Conditions? A University Pathway Program Evaluation, Michael Burke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As U.S. universities face a declining domestic applicant pool, commonly referred to as the “enrollment cliff,” international student recruitment provides a practical strategy for offsetting domestic enrollment shortfalls. One such strategy for increasing international student enrollment is through the establishment of university pathway programs that grant conditional admission to international applicants who fail to meet English language proficiency requirements but are otherwise academically admissible. As a baseline program evaluation, this study utilized a quantitative methods approach employing logistical regression analysis to determine if incoming standardized English language proficiency test scores, English as a Second Language (ESL) course GPA, and student …

Narrative As Story And Ground: Toward A Dialogic Communication Theory Of Narrative Care, Preston Carmack

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We live in a historical moment when a nuanced understanding of narrative as both ground and story is essential. In examining the work of two primary scholarly voices working with narrative and operating from a communicative lens, Walter R. Fisher and Ronald C. Arnett, this project lays a theoretical foundation for understanding the dialogic interplay of narrative as story and narrative as ground. Through tracing Fisher's and Arnett's contrasting interpretations of the work of Alasdair MacIntyre, a preeminent neo-Thomistic philosopher whose work has significantly contributed to the study of ethics and narrative construction of human rationality, coordinates related to telling …

Sociodemographic, Neighborhood-Level, And Health-Related Factors Associated With Progression To Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Chart Review., Angela Godwin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for patients with Class 3 obesity. However, of individuals who start the bariatric surgical process, only about half undergo surgery. Factors associated with completion, including race, have been described; however, consistent evidence on obstacles remains to be identified.

Objectives: To explore variables based on the Social Ecological Model (SEM) that may be related to bariatric surgery completion.

Setting: A large, private hospital with a Bariatric Center of Excellence in New York City

Methods: This retrospective chart review utilized data from adults who established an initial bariatric surgery visit from April 1, 2012, …

Describing Latent Tuberculosis Infection And Treatment Completion In Virginia: A Social Determinants Of Health Approach, Amber N. Harmon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection is a key strategy in tuberculosis elimination nationally and globally, there is a limited understanding of the general prevalence of latent tuberculosis as well as factors related to successful treatment. This dissertation describes the known landscape of latent tuberculosis in Virginia and explores possible factors related to latent tuberculosis infection treatment through three manuscripts. The first manuscript, Chapter 1, outlines the overall proposal for this dissertation research in the style of a National Institute of Health grant proposal. The second manuscript, Chapter 2, describes the current understanding of the factors related to latent …

Adding Varying Degrees Of Performance Feedback Components To The Taped Problems Intervention, Alyson C. Honaker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Math fact fluency, the ability to quickly and accurately solve one-digit by one-digit math problems, is a common challenge for many school-aged children. Difficulties with fluency often lead to reliance on inefficient strategies, hindering progress in more advanced math skills. Evidence-based interventions like Taped Problems Intervention (TPI) have demonstrated effectiveness in improving math fluency. However, research suggests incorporating behavioral components such as Performance feedback (PF) and goal setting/reinforcement (GS/R) may enhance its effectiveness. The present study used a multiple-probe across-task design to evaluate the effects of three variations of TPI on the subtraction fluency of five elementary students in a …

Exploration Of The Cultural Beliefs, Values, And Practices Of African American/Black Women Or Birthing Persons Regarding Postpartum Depression: A Focused Ethnography, Stephanie Jacobs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most prevalent perinatal mental health illness in women, affecting approximately 10% to 20% of all women in the United States, and a disproportionately higher number of African American women. The aim of this study was to explore the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African American/Black women or birthing persons regarding postpartum depression.

Research Question: What are the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African American/Black women or birthing persons regarding postpartum depression?

Methodology: A focused ethnography was chosen for this study and consisted of semi-structured interviews. Data was transcribed and analyzed …

The Application Of Macrophage-Targeted, Anti-Inflammatory Celecoxib Nanoemulgel For Nerve Regeneration In Peripheral Nerve Injury, Lu Liu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) refers to damage to the nerve located outside the brain and spinal cord. PNI is commonly caused by a physical accident (trauma) or medical operation^{1, 2}. The impact on the quality of life of PNI patients is directly correlated to neuropathic pain, resultant depression, and increased stress². Even after recovering from the PNI, patients still experience phantom pain and lose the ability to work due to the loss of tactile sensory or motor function^2-4. However, unlike damage to the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nerves can regenerate because macrophages clean …

Eco-Emotions And Climate Activism In Adolescents, Julianna Sahoo

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background. Youth are especially vulnerable to climate change, both physically and psychologically. Combatting climate change will require a coordinated, global effort. Understanding the motivations and emotions behind climate activism is essential to coordinate efforts to combat climate change.

Methods. This research uses survey data collected from first and second year undergraduates (n=521) at a private, urban university in California in the Fall of 2022. Youth were surveyed on emotions related to climate change, activism, compassion, eco-anxiety, and well-being.

Results. Experiencing positive emotions had a stronger relationship with environmental activism compared to negative emotions.

Conclusion. Results suggest climate change communications should …