Quality Improvement (Qi) Project Aimed At Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Usage Among Older Adult Patients By Addressing Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing In Primary And Long-Term Care Settings, Pamela M. Thomas

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Antibiotic overuse among older adults remains a significant patient safety and public health concern. Recent national data indicate that approximately 30%–50% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions may be unnecessary, particularly for viral or self-limiting conditions (Chua et al., 2021). Antimicrobial resistance has been associated with more than 1.27 million deaths globally (Murray et al., 2022). This quality improvement project evaluated a multifaceted antimicrobial stewardship intervention in primary and long-term care settings. Baseline review of 167 antibiotic cases revealed 37.1% were inappropriate or questionable, and 28.7% lacked adequate diagnostic documentation. The intervention incorporated provider education, electronic health record decision-support tools, audit and …

Unveiling Unseen Obstacles: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Black Women's Tenacity In Doctoral Programs, Yolanda V. Jackson

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This phenomenological study explores the lived and student experiences of Black women pursuing Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees in the United States, centering the underexamined internal barrier of Imposter Syndrome — the persistent experience of intellectual fraudulence in the face of demonstrated competence.

The study investigated Black women's perceptions of Imposter Syndrome, the lived and student experiences that contribute to feelings of imposterism, and the coping mechanisms and strategies they employ to persist and succeed in doctoral programs. A pre-screening survey administered to 124 Black women enrolled in doctoral programs across the United States measured …

A Quality Improvement Project: The Implementation Of A Nurse Driven Morbidity And Mortality Review In An Emergency Department Setting, Abby Beutel

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

Background: Morbidity and mortality reviews/conferences (MMR) are a mandatory curriculum requirement for medical residency programs throughout the United States to identify and reduce medical errors. Only within the past few decades have hospital organizations expanded MMRs to multidisciplinary teams to include medical professionals who are rendering care at the bedside more than medical providers.

Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project focuses on the application of a nurse drive MMR amongst emergency department (ED) nurses in a community hospital in Northern Bergen County, New Jersey. This ED nurse driven MMR measured the ED nurse’s knowledge and confidence levels as it …

Eat Or Be Eaten: A Posthuman Ecofeminist Reading Of The Vegetarian And Organ Meats, Erin Grace Elizabeth Kostic

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

As two novels that feature the reformation and reconstruction of the female body, both Han Kang’s The Vegetarian and K-Ming Chang’s Organ Meats emphasize the posthuman existence of women seeking to break free from the gender-based shackles that constrain them, leading to a striking rejection of the anthropocentric and patriarchal worldviews that plague contemporary society. My thesis comparatively examines each novel through an ecofeminist lens in an attempt to prove that it is only when a woman is able to reframe her existence outside of a male-centric worldview that she can truly find freedom. The Vegetarian’s Yeong-hye loses her …

Exploring Practicing Registered Eeg Technologies' Opinions And Preferences Regarding Electroencephalographic Scope Of Practice Standard Forms Of Occupational Regulations, Richard A. Steer

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract Background: Neurodiagnostic (NDT) is the study and recording of electrical activity in the central and peripheral nervous systems, it is essential for providing critical information that can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. EEGs are the most frequently performed NDT procedures. The proportion of hospitalizations involving EEG use increased by 122.7% from 2003 to 2014, an average increase of 11.2% annually and continues to grow. The rate of rEEG use increased by 49.4% over 11 years (4.5% annually), while cEEG use increased by 302.3% (27.5% annually) (Bernheimer et al., 2018). Under existing law, the EEG profession …

Semi-Rational Strategies For Antifungal Peptide Design, Akilah I. Mateen

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

A recently emerged opportunistic fungi, Candida auris, has been subject to increased scrutiny due to its virulence and rapid geographical spread. Due to the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials as treatments for infectious diseases and as pesticides, the ubiquitous threat of multidrug resistance (MDR) looms large. The lack of progress in antifungal development is of high concern in the treatment of infectious diseases and a rise in fungal resistance highlight the need for updated treatment strategies. This work describes three strategies used to address these concerns:

•  The synthesis of a photosensitizer-membrane-active peptide (PS-MAP) conjugate, Ir-HKII15, that combines the ability of …

Employers' Perception Of The Hiring Process And Implications For Black Men Without High School Diplomas, Tracy Mcphatter

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study explored employers’ perceptions of the hiring process and its implications for Black men without high school diplomas. Data were collected using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and survey tools such as Prolific and Survey Monkey. Between August 2024 and May 2025, 232 applications were approved, with five rejected; 161 were returned and two timed out. Ultimately, 14 participants completed the study. In April 2025, the study was modified through Seton Hall University to recruit more Black participants. Although 22 individuals expressed interest, none completed the interviews. Participants represented diverse backgrounds, with preliminary questions capturing gender, age, race, industry, …

Improving Appropriate Nephrology Referrals Using Epic Screening Tools And Nurse Practitioner (Np) Education, Diahann M. Volcy

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Nephrology referral has been recognized as a modifiable factor influencing patient outcomes (Cheng, 2025). This project aims to reduce delayed or missed CKD diagnoses at large suburban hospitals in north New Jersey by improving timely nephrology referrals. I used a mixed-methods approach, retrospective chart review, pre- and post-education surveys, and referral trend analysis to assess how an educational session affects nurse practitioner knowledge and nephrology referral behavior. Enhancing nurse practitioner (NP) awareness and decision tool usage may increase early kidney care for patients, leading to better outcomes (ISN-KDIGO, 2021; Van Mil et al., 2024).

The Use Of Video Modeling With Older Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorder To Increase Adl Skill Acquisition: A Systematic Review, Marianne Feliciano

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact functional independence across the lifespan. Although video modeling is an evidence-based intervention shown to improve adaptive and daily living skills in children and young adults with ASD, its effectiveness for adults aged 40 years and older remains unclear. This systematic review examined the existing literature on the use of video modeling to increase daily living (ADL) skills and independence among older adults with ASD. A systematic review of PsychINFO via EBSCO was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Of 578 records initially identified, 20 full-text articles were assessed for …

Queer Ballroom In 1980s-90s New York City: Connections To Joy And Education, Maya A. Gary

Masters Theses, 2020-current

This master's thesis project delivers a concise history of the development of Queer Ballroom in the 1980s–1990s in Harlem, New York City, primarily focusing on low-income Black and Latino queer individuals and how they created spaces of belonging and joy during the HIV/AIDS crisis. This work illustrates how ballroom culture functioned as both a space of refuge and a network for mutual aid, outreach, and advocacy. In addition to the historical analysis, this project includes a free-to-use educational website and lesson plans aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning for grades 6 and 11. This work demonstrates the importance of …

Impact Of Travel Time To Health Facilities On Perinatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review With Narrative Synthesis And Meta-Analysis, Sanam Roder-Dewan, Marwa Ramadan, Paul Ouma, Alexander Manu, Emelda A. Okiro, Natalie Strobel, Bibian N. Robert, Emily Odipo, Peter M. Macharia, Anthony Danso-Appiah, David C. Goodman, Queen Dube, Gagan Gupta, Hema Magge, Karen Edmond

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Evidence-based global guidance on safe travel time for small or sick newborns who require transfer to health facilities after birth is lacking. A two-hour threshold is frequently cited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), while 30 minutes is commonly used in high-income countries (HICs). Although these thresholds are widely referenced, their empirical basis and consistency across levels of newborn care and journey types have not been systematically examined. This study synthesises the evidence linking travel time and perinatal outcomes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review with narrative synthesis and meta-analysis to assess the impact of travel time or distance …

College Of Fine Arts Outreach And Health Promotion For Injury Prevention: A Service Learning Project, Andrea Bejaran-Choto, Emily Horner, Marlene Quirarte, Shaye Robles, Dora Segura, Duc Tu, Trevor Williams

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: This community-based academic initiative targeted a significant deficiency regarding rehabilitative care and wellness assets for Southern Nevada's fine arts practitioners. Despite possessing trauma frequency rates similar to those of collegiate-level athletes, this demographic lacks sufficient infrastructure for health support. The endeavor sought to bolster the University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the regional performance art sector utilizing the UNLV College of Fine Arts Physical Therapy Clinic (CFA-PTC).

Description: The initiative focused on three essential objectives: (1) augmenting student consciousness and utilization of therapeutic care at the CFA-PTC, (2) broadening health-related guidance for the artistic …

Assessing The Reliability And Minimal Detectable Change Of Frontal Plane Projection Angles During Functional Tasks In Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain, Isabella Keefer, Derrick Smith, Brendan Yawn

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Single-limb dynamic weight-bearing tasks are frequently used to evaluate lower extremity and trunk movement patterns in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP). These individuals frequently exhibit abnormal frontal plane projection angles (FPPAs) at the trunk, pelvis, and lower extremities, indicative of altered movement patterns such as knee valgus, pelvic drop, and lateral trunk lean. While test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) values for various FPPAs have been established in pain-free individuals, comprehensive data for individuals with PFP remain limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate test-retest reliability, as well as the standard error of measurement (SEM) …

Enhancing Psychosocial Well-Being And Quality Of Life In Parkinson’S Disease: Integrating Patient Experiences And Physical Therapists’ Expertise, Adetayo Adeoti Babarinde

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a wide range of non-motor symptoms that often affect the quality of life of persons with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) even more profoundly than the motor symptoms typically associated with the condition. These non-motor symptoms include olfactory and gastrointestinal dysfunction, cognitive impairments, sleep disturbances, and psychological and social concerns. Psychosocial concerns include the mental, emotional, and social impact of PD on an individual’s functioning and, overall well-being. They reflect the interplay between symptoms of the disease, psychological development and functioning, personal relationships, and environmental factors. Mental health and psychosocial concerns such as depression, anxiety, fear …

Digital Literacy And Language Proficiency As Factors Of Accessible Digital Training In The Hospitality Industry: Employee Perspectives Of Training And Working In A Diverse Industry, Gillian Bowden

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This explanatory sequential mixed methods study explored how digital literacy and language proficiency impact employees’ access to and engagement with digital training, as well as how these experiences influence their perceptions of training and the organization. In the quantitative phase, survey data were collected from hourly employees at a large foodservice corporation (n=67). Four constructs were assessed: digital literacy, language proficiency, accessibility, and engagement. Results indicated strong, statistically significant relationships with higher levels of digital literacy and language proficiency associated with greater accessibility and increased engagement with digital training materials. The large effect sizes suggest these competencies play a meaningful …

Resilience Of Orthodontic Sealants Against Degradation And Microbial Adhesion: A Comparative Study, Michelle X. Cui

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background:

White spot lesions are one of the most common complications encountered during orthodontic treatment. These lesions begin as demineralization of enamel around the appliance due to plaque buildup, resulting in compromised aesthetics. As they continue to develop, white spot lesions progress to cavitation, potentially threatening pulpal vitality, resulting in an increased financial burden for patients. Preventative strategies include patient education, consistent oral hygiene protocols, and the use of fluoride-releasing agents. Orthodontic sealants such as Opal® Seal™ (Ultradent) (OS) and L.E.D. Pro Seal® (Reliance) (PS) have been developed to release and recharge fluoride, thereby reducing the incidence of white spot …

An Occupation-Based Protocol For Mobile-Gaming Ergonomics, Lan Doan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The increasing prevalence of mobile gaming has introduced unique ergonomic challenges that may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). The purpose of this feasibility study was to evaluate the practicality and preliminary effectiveness of an ergonomic protocol designed to improve posture, reduce pain, and maintain gaming performance among mobile gamers. A pre-post design was implemented with two participants aged 18–34 years. The six-week intervention included ergonomic education, postural training, scheduled breaks, and targeted stretching and strengthening exercises. Quantitative data on gaming performance using Call of Duty Mobile Scores, pain assessed through the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire …

Fallen Through The Cracks: The Experiences Of Dually-Involved Youth, Kaylee Dawn Faria

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Dually-involved youth (DIY) are a uniquely disadvantaged population, simultaneously involved with both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Information regarding the system experiences of DIY and how they compare to their single-system, juvenile justice-only involved (SSY) counterparts is sparse, particularly through a criminal justice lens. Additionally, no research on the within-individual differences between DIY pre- and post-DIY identification is currently available. The present study seeks to bridge current gaps in the literature by (a) establishing a baseline comparison of DIY and SSY in Clark County, Nevada, (b) assessing depth of system penetration differences via case processing outcomes, and (c) …

Correlation Of Buccolingual Angulation Of Posterior Teeth And Transverse Skeletal Width In Adult Orthodontic Patients: A Retrospective Cbct Study, Anya T. Hatfield

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective:

Accurate evaluation of transverse skeletal relationships is essential for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Dentition may compensate for skeletal discrepancies through buccolingual tipping of posterior teeth, potentially masking underlying transverse imbalance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between transverse skeletal width and posterior tooth angulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods:

Sixty-six pre-orthodontic adult CBCT scans were analyzed. Maxillary and mandibular transverse skeletal widths were measured at the level of the first molar furcation using buccal cortical plate– to–buccal cortical plate landmarks. Buccolingual angulation of the first and second premolars and first and second molars …

Developing A Health Education Program For Adults Reentering The Community After Incarceration, Tiffany Ayame Kinugawa-Larsen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Justice-impacted adults often experience challenges in confidently managing their health due to limited autonomy, disrupted health routines, and limited access to health education during incarceration. Studies have shown that incarcerated adults have a higher likelihood of developing chronic health issues, yet have limited access to resources that promote health and well-being after release from incarceration. Given that health management falls within the scope of occupational therapy (OT), the profession is positioned to promote health and well-being by applying OT principles that emphasize individualized, holistic care tailored to a justice-impacted population during community reintegration. A 5-week health education program grounded in …

Iterative Silver-Label Refinement For Temporal Information Extraction In Biomedical Literature, Chan Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Temporal information extraction plays a critical role in the biomedical domain, where the ability to identify events and their temporal relationships is central to interpreting research findings. However, annotated corpora for this task remain scarce and costly to produce and the existing models developed for clinical text do not transfer well. This work bridges that gap through iterative silver-label refinement. A temporal model originally trained on news-domain data is adapted to biomedical text through cycles of automatic labeling, targeted correction, and retraining without the need for comprehensive manual annotation.

Key contributions include a practical iterative refinement methodology demonstrating that the …

The Contribution Of Psychophysiological Stress Factors On Muscle Cramp Susceptibility, Lauren D. Levine

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs) are painful phenomenon that involves involuntary muscle spasms occurring during physical activity or directly after. 1 The landscape of the research on EAMC etiology has expanded from focusing on a single prevailing cause (e.g., hydration status) to a more holistic approach of how numerous factors contribute to the onset of neuromuscular fatigue, and the significance of each factor in those who suffer from EAMC. Following the multifactorial theory of cramp pathophysiology, this research sought to advance the knowledge of cramp susceptibility by investigating if there is a relationship between common psychophysiological factors like high anxiety, sleep …

From Flight To Hatching: Adult Sexual Dimorphism, Life History, And Egg-Stage Ecology Of Pseudocotalpa Giulianii, Mandylene Mountain

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Nevada endemic dune beetle Pseudocotalpa giulianii is currently known only from two dune systems in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, yet much of its life cycle occurs below the sand surface and remains poorly documented. This thesis addresses key gaps in adult-stage biology and egg-stage development that are relevant to understanding reproduction, vulnerability, and habitat requirements in this dunerestricted species.

To characterize adult sexual dimorphism and life history, I quantified morphological differences between males and females and measured sex-specific adult survival under laboratory conditions relative to the aboveground flight season. Males and females overlapped broadly in external body size, but tarsal …

Sense Of Belonging And Professional Identity In Acute Care Occupational Therapists: A Phenomenological Study, Shania Marion D. Novilla

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) play a crucial and demanding role in acute care, addressing complex diagnoses and facilitating safe discharge; however, the fast-paced biomedical environment often pressures them to compromise their occupation-based philosophy, potentially leading to professional burnout and low retention rates. Although professional identity (the self-perception of one's role) and a sense of belonging (feeling valued and connected) are recognized as correlated concepts vital for professional resilience, this relationship remains critically underexplored within the acute care OT population. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation Model (Schkade & Schultz, 1992), this qualitative study explores how experienced occupational therapists working in an …

Skin Of Frog And Scale Of Dragon: Nutritional Cues, Life Cycle Kinetics, And Secretome Dynamics In Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis, Naomi C. Okada

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Nearly 50% of amphibian species are at risk of extinction, making them the most threatened group of vertebrates on the planet. A major driver of these declines is the pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the fatal skin disease chytridiomycosis. Since its discovery in the late 1990s, Bd has been directly implicated in the extinction of 90 species of amphibians and the declines of hundreds more. Despite this devastating ecological impact, relatively little is known about its basic cellular biology.

Bd has a multi-stage asexual life cycle consisting of a motile and infectious zoospore, which encysts (into a …

Effect Of The Sava Syndemic On Hiv Viral Suppression Among People Living With Hiv In The United States: A Scoping Review And Meta-Analysis, Jacquelyn Rodriguez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The SAVA syndemic highlights the interconnected and mutually reinforcing nature of substance use, violence victimization, and HIV/AIDS. The synergistic interaction of these conditions creates structural and behavioral barriers that disrupt the HIV care continuum and contribute to significant health inequities. Achieving a suppressed viral load is a critical clinical outcome for people living with HIV, while viral non-suppression can be an indicator of poor health, elevated transmission risk, and disease progression. Still, the association between SAVA factors and viral suppression/non-suppression outcomes within U.S. populations remains inconsistently characterized due to heterogeneous methodologies and variable inclusion of high-risk groups. This mixed-methods study …

At The Crossroads Of Traditional And Nuclear Forensics: Decontaminating Radiologically Contaminated Dna Evidence Using Magnetic Beads, Rin Nyx Ruby

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Known for its impressive discriminatory power, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fingerprinting stands as the “gold standard” of forensic investigation. However, complications arise when such evidence is contaminated with radioactive material. Though biological samples exposed to ionizing radiation can still yield comprehensive DNA profiles, most forensic laboratories lack the facilities which meet the safety and security requirements necessary for handling radioactive material. While nuclear facilities can decontaminate samples prior to forensic analysis, conventional methods for radiological decontamination – such as mechanical cleaning and chemical washes – may degrade the quality of the forensic evidence. The purpose of this study is to evaluate …

Model Based Control And Hil Verification Of An Integrated Battery Management System, Catalin Sabou

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The rapid advancement of electric vehicle technologies necessitates highly reliable Battery Management Systems (BMS); however, validating embedded supervisory logic presents a notable challenge. While physical pack testing is accurate, it is costly and hazardous for early stage software evaluation. This thesis presents the design, implementation, and rigorous validation of an integrated BMS developed for the Battery Workforce Challenge, bridging the gap between model based design and safe hardware execution. The core of this work is a model based supervisory controller, developed in MATLAB/Simulink and executed on an STM32G4 embedded target. To facilitate embedded validation while preserving a representative battery environment, …

Collaboration Between Non-Denominational Community-Based Support And Social Work Professionals For Substance Use-Related Family Crises, David Marcelo Siqueira

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Family social problems such as child maltreatment and domestic violence continue to impact vulnerable populations, despite societal progress. Evidence of negative results due to these factors is found not only in vulnerable populations in the United States but also throughout the world. These issues are often interconnected and cyclical, with substance abuse both contributing to and resulting from familial trauma. Addressing such issues requires interdisciplinary interventions and socioecological models that consider the broader environments influencing an individual's well-being.

One such environment is the non-denominational Christian church. While churches have traditionally offered community support, the professionalization of social work, including licensure …

Evaluating An Educational Intervention On Screen-Time And Behavior Change: A Pilot Study, Kayla L. Sweeney

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Excessive screen time among adolescents has been associated with negative health outcomes, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Despite growing awareness, many parents lack sufficient understanding of these risks and their impact on adolescent well-being. This project evaluated whether a brief educational intervention improved parents’ knowledge of the health effects of excessive screen time. Methods: A pre-and post-survey design was used to assess changes in parents’ understanding following an educational video intervention. The educational intervention consisted of evidence-based content highlighting the impact of screen time on mental health and sleep. The survey measured knowledge, beliefs, behavioral intentions, and strategies …