Digital Commons Network^™

Sense Of Purpose As The Guiding Light In Nursing Practice: A Grounded Theory Study, Kathleen Casler

Theses & Dissertations

Problem: As a prosocial profession, individuals may enter the practice of nursing because of an interest in helping and caring for others. However, over time, nurses may be challenged with experiences of burnout that can impact both their relationship with the profession and patient outcomes.

Background/Significance: A sense of purpose has been associated with positive physical, behavioral, and psychological outcomes. In a professional context, a sense of purpose may provide support for navigating complex work environments. It is currently not known what nurses’ experience of sense of purpose may be in relation to nursing practice and how their sense of …

Editorial Note, Aastha Malipatil, Kedar M. Ammanji

Indian Journal of International Economic Law

No abstract provided.

Drivers Of Stopover Distribution Across Two Autumn Migration Routes Of A Long-Distance Afro-Palearctic Migrant, The Common Cuckoo (Cuculus Canorus), Alex Gale, Máire Kirkland, Phil Atkinson, Robert Puschendorf, Chris Hewson

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Across the globe, many long-distance migratory birds have undergone population declines. Understanding the environmental factors which underly migratory stopover locations can inform conservation strategies for such species. Here, we identify environmental predictors of autumn stopover sites used by UK-breeding male cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) migrating to centralAfrican wintering grounds via two alternative flyways. Between 2011 and 2021, 88 male cuckoos from UK breeding grounds were fitted with <5 g satellite tags connected to the Argos satellite-based tracking system. Filtered stopovers were used to build presence-pseudoabsence distribution models for each flyway, using Boosted Regression Tree and Random Forest algorithms with thirteen climatic, habitat, topographic and anthropogenic variables. Performance was evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation, and weighted ensembles were generated. To assess drought sensitivity, we produced predictions for high- and low-drought years based on Standardised Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Indices (SPEI). Models performed well (AUC=0.79–0.88; TSS=0.50– 0.66) and revealed route-specific environmental predictors. Along the western route, stopover probability was highest in cooler, semi-humid, high-elevation areas with low contemporaneous drought; Iberian mountain ranges emerged as key sites. Along the eastern route, stopover probability was greatest in heterogeneous habitat, with lowlands and uplands favoured over intermediate elevations; the Po watershed appears particularly important. Hunting risk (included to assess anthropogenic threat) was also high at key areas. The spatial extent of stopover regions—and the probability of them being utilised—declined during years ofhigh short-term drought along the western route, and high long-term drought along the eastern route. Whilst Iberian montane stopover regions are sensitive to increasing drought and aridity under climate change, their topographic heterogeneity may provide climatic refuge while limiting intensive land uses. Preference for heterogeneous habitat within the Po watershed highlightsthe need to retain semi-natural habitat within agricultural landscapes. We recommend route-specific conservation measures and higher resolution models using newly available GPS tags to better understand fine-scale site selection within the regions highlighted here.

Drying Kinetics And Shrinkage In Dual-Layer Earthen Buildings: In-Situ Assessment Of Cobbauge, Matthew Fox, Jim Carfrae, Jack Morewood, Mohamed Boutouil, François Streiff, Steve Goodhew

School of Art, Design and Architecture

This case study investigates the long-term drying kinetics and shrinkage of CobBauge, a wet dual-layer earthen construction system undertaken upon the first UK CobBauge building. The methodology involved the use of Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) moisture sensors which were laid in a novel dual layer earthen material and enable moisture monitoring within the wall following construction. Average vertical shrinkage during the five-month monitoring period was 43 mm (2.05%), while average Volumetric Moisture Content (VMC) fell from 11%vol to 5.7%vol. There was little lateral movement and shrinkage was non-uniform. The study assessed the long-term drying kinetics of CobBauge in a wet, …

Reinterpreting The Frequency Dependence Of Cortical Auditory-Evoked Response Amplitudes In Light Of Current Understanding Of Cortical Tonotopic Organization, Carl Rushworth, Alexander J. Hardy, Magdalena Sereda, Ben J. Gurer, Julien Besle, Susan T. Francis, Rebecca S. Dewey, Denis Schluppeck, Justin M. Ales, Vassilis Pelekanos, Michael A. Akeroyd, Katrin Krumbholz

School of Psychology

Tonotopy is a fundamental feature of auditory cortical organization, yet its influence on cortical auditory-evoked responses (AERs) remains unclear. Consequently, key properties of cortical AERs—such as their marked amplitude reduction with increasing stimulus frequency—still lack a coherent mechanistic explanation. To address this gap, we combined a meta-analysis of frequency-specific AER amplitudes with forward simulations of AERs informed by current knowledge of auditory cortical tonotopic layout and functional organization. The meta-analysis used a semi-systematic search covering all known automatic cortical AER components—both transient-evoked and steady-state—along with selected subcortical components for comparison. Forward simulations were based on a functional parcellation of the …

Supporting Students’ Self-Efficacy And Motivation In The Mathematics Classroom, Audrie H. Cox

Masters Projects

This project examines the role of mathematics self-efficacy in supporting student motivation, engagement, and achievement in secondary mathematics classrooms. Through a review of current research, the project identifies instructional practices that strengthen students' confidence in their mathematical abilities, including formative assessments, meaningful feedback, supportive teacher-student relationships, and opportunities for productive struggle. Drawing on these findings, a professional development workshop session was developed to equip secondary mathematics teachers with practical, research-based strategies that promote positive mathematics self-efficacy and improve overall classroom instruction. By translating research into actionable teaching practices, this project aims to support more confident, motivated, and successful mathematics learners.

Staff Education To Improve Mindfulness Knowledge Among Rns, Nps, And Mas In A Behavioral Health Setting, Barbara Buxton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Burnout is a recurrent problem for healthcare workers and is associated with staff turnover, a decline in the quality of care, emotional fatigue, and risks to patient safety. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education initiative created a mindfulness-based training program to expand the knowledge of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants on mindfulness practices in a behavioral health setting. Baseline assessment data identified a need for support to address emotional fatigue, absenteeism, and staff disengagement, with a mean pre‑education knowledge score of 66%. A structured, in‑person educational program addressing burnout awareness, stress reactivity, and helpful mindfulness methods …

Improving Adolescent Antidepressant Medication Adherence In An Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic Through Teach-Back And Motivational Interviewing, Sandra Ajao

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Antidepressant medication adherence among adolescents is a significant concern in outpatient psychiatric care. Adolescents may miss doses because of stigma, forgetfulness, side effects, limited understanding of medication instructions, or inconsistent caregiver support. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to improve antidepressant medication adherence and adherence-focused communication among adolescents in an outpatient psychiatric clinic through staff education on teach-back and motivational interviewing. The practice-focused question examined how teach-back combined with motivational interviewing, compared with usual care, affected medication adherence and depressive symptoms during the implementation period. Staff education included use of a previsit questionnaire, structured visit script, …

Standardized Metabolic Monitoring Protocol For Adult Outpatients Who Are Prescribed Antipsychotic Medications, Abel Bueno Gonzalez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project was an organization change process evaluation of a quality improvement initiative in a masked outpatient mental health clinic. The practice challenge was poor metabolic monitoring and documentation among adult outpatients taking antipsychotics that were not in line with guidelines. This problem is relevant to nursing practice because use of antipsychotic medications raises risk for weight gain, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and glucose abnormalities, and not monitoring risks may delay referral or management. The practice-focused question was: According to evidence, among adult patients who are prescribed antipsychotic medications in an outpatient mental health clinic, what is the impact of implementing …

Predictive Analytics For Nurse Staffing Optimization And Patient Outcomes, Rhonda Lynn Fisher

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This evidence-based quality improvement project assessed the use of a Predictive Analytics Staffing Decision-Support Tool (PASDST) to enhance nurse staffing alignment, workforce planning, and patient outcomes in an acute care setting. Traditional staffing relied mainly on historical census data and fixed nurse-to-patient ratios, with limited real-time information on admissions, discharges, census, and patient acuity. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model, a 12-week pilot of PASDST was conducted on one acute care unit. Baseline data from 30 stakeholders—five nurse managers and 25 bedside nurses—were collected. Quantitative responses were analyzed via frequencies and percentages, while open-ended responses underwent thematic analysis. …

Ammonium Phosphate Fertilizers Are A More Effective Phosphorus Source Than Superphosphate For Wheat Grown On Acidic Gravelly Soils, Craig A. Scanlan, Raj Malik, Fien Degryse, Andrew Van Burgel, Mike J. Mclaughlin

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Selecting the most effective phosphorus (P) fertilizer source is essential for maximizing crop yields. However, there is little information to guide the choice between the widely used soluble granular sources: ammonium phosphates and superphosphates. The aims of this study were to examine whether there are differences in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield response to ammonium phosphate and superphosphate fertilizers in field conditions, and if these differences relate to diffusion of P from fertilizer granules. Two field experiments were conducted on acidic gravelly soils in Western Australia where P deficiency occurs to compare wheat growth response to P applied …

Opioid Overdose Education For Outpatient Settings And Simulation Development, Nancy S. Goldstein, Tyler Langley, Brook Van Buskirk

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

In 2023, the National Institute of Health reported 79,358 U.S. overdose deaths caused by opioids. This value is 166% higher than data from 2017, with an opioid-induced death toll of 47,600.¹ The rising rates of overdose require clinics to be prepared to respond to overdose emergencies.² Literature analysis revealed gaps in provider response capability for opioid overdose in healthcare outpatient settings.^{3, 4, 5, 6} Thus, there is a need to address the gaps in emergency preparedness for an opioid overdose through simulation training of outpatient staff. The purpose of the pilot study is to develop a simulation …

Exploring Positive Deviance In Forensic Nursing Literature, Jodie C. Gary, Laurie Charles, Jaeda Onyemobi

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Positive deviance (PD) is an intentional act of breaking rules in order to serve the greater good.¹ PD in nursing is intentional and honorable behavior that departs or differs from an established norm and contains elements of innovation, creativity, and/or adaptability; it also involves risk for the nurse.¹ Nurses who use PD practice differently and more effectively to provide patient-centered care.² Although professional standards guide patient care and lay the groundwork for best practices, they are not enough to guide many nursing decisions that involve multiple levels of uncertainty and risk in their practice; therefore, nurses may …

Driving Innovation: Transforming Adult Health Nursing Curricula Through Educational Advances, Suja P. Davis, Kunta Devi Punn

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background and Purpose: Traditional lectures while effective in delivering large amounts of information systematically fail to engage students actively, leading to disengagement and limited critical thinking.[1] Research indicates that active learning methods using educational innovations increase student participation, enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. [2 ]The purpose of this project was to evaluate the learning outcomes of educational innovations implemented in an adult health course for nursing at Department of Nursing, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS), Nepal.

Methods: Several educational innovations such as flipped classroom, concept mapping, problem based learning, case study analysis, 2D illustrations and animations, …

Aligning The Rn-Bsn Program To The Un-Sdgs: An Evidence-Based Teaching Practice, Tess B. Bernardo

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background/Introduction: The UN SDGs provide a globally recognized framework for addressing health equity, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Despite their relevance, integration of the SDGs into RN-BSN curricula remains limited and often lacks pedagogical coherence.

Purpose: This initiative aims to enhance learners’ capacity to critically engage with global health priorities and apply sustainability principles in clinical, community, and leadership contexts.

Methods or Processes/Procedures: A curriculum review was conducted to identify intersections between existing course objectives and SDGs, with emphasis on Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Faculty explored how a higher …

Empowering Nursing Students Through Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Resources – An Rnao Initiative, Christina Oleynikov, Krussny Arunanthy, Hugo Tam

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

In the past, nursing programs have made concerted efforts to include comprehensive Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) education [3,6]. Despite these attempts, there is an evident lack of support for accessible, peer-led resources to improve the uptake and application of such concepts in educational and practice settings [2]. Current literature also reflects a gap in research focusing on how EDI resources impact nursing students [1]. With promising past results from peer-driven engagement to increase self-efficacy in EDI [4,5], a similar approach should be used to encourage student-led knowledge translation and leadership initiatives. The purpose of this project was to identify …

Simulation Experiences Of Eal Prelicensure Nursing Students: An Integrative Review, Megan Ross

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Globalization has increased the use of English as a common language in healthcare settings (Cheng et al., 2025). Additionally, nursing programs have increased the number of students who speak English as an additional language (EAL; Henry, 2023). EAL students often encounter unique challenges in nursing programs, including struggles with communication and cultural norms that can impact success (Henry, 2023). Simulation-based learning is an effective method to develop nursing students’ knowledge and skills (Alharbi et al., 2024). Despite its growing use, there was no comprehensive synthesis of research exploring EAL nursing students’ experiences with simulation-based learning at the time of …

Minority Stress As Mediator Of Ace-Substance Use Pathways: Sem Analysis Of Sexual Minorities, Meghna Shukla, Marvin Schilt-Solberg

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known determinants of negative health outcomes. Sexual minority (SM) individuals have higher ACE scores than non-SM individuals, and as a result also have worse health outcomes.According to the WHO, ACEs such as abuse & neglect are among the most severe forms of stress an individual may face, with extant literature identifying SM status and ACEs as predictors of substance use. There is a paucity of evidence examining the pathways between ACEs and substance use in SMs. Burgeoning evidence indicates minority stress is a strong predictor of substance use in SMs.

Purpose: To examine the …

Transforming Telehealth With Thrive: An Online Intervention For Nps Caring For Young Adults, Lisa V. Duffy

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

AIM: To develop an online, video-based intervention for nurse practitioners (NPs) that illustrates best practices to establish therapeutic relational connection (TRC) during telehealth visits.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth offers many benefits for chronically ill young adults. Despite the potential benefits of virtual visits, little attention has been given to the quality of the virtual provider-patient relationship and its consequences. Relationships with healthcare providers that are characterized by a sense of TRC have the potential to increase self-management skills which are associated with improved physical, mental, and behavioral health outcomes. Although there are known benefits to TRC, what is not known are the …

Acceptability And Impact Of Weight Management Interventions For Adults With Intellectual Disability: Protocol For A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Rohit Shankar, Ananya Ananthakrishnan, Edward Meinert, Rosiered Brownson-Smith

Peninsula Medical School

Introduction Obesity disproportionately impacts people with intellectual disabilities (PwID). Given the challenges that PwID face, such as cognitive deficits, differences in motivation and communication difficulties, the need for tailored interventions for weight management in PwID is recognised. Yet, this population is underserved, with limited weight management interventions for them compared with the general population. Existing reviews suggest that ‘multi-component’ interventions (including physical activity and dietary advice) are impactful at reducing weight in PwID; however, less is known about how these interventions are tailored for PwID, particularly in addressing their cognitive and communication difficulties which may influence how they understand and …

Accidental Transdermal Buprenorphine Patch Overdose In An Older Adult: A Case Report, Hashem Shogdar, Ahmed Aljohani, Yousef Almubarak

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Background: Buprenorphine is an opioid that is generally used for chronic pain and opioid dependence. Its pharmacological ceiling effect on respiratory depression gives it a comparatively favorable safety profile relative to other opioids. Despite its safety profile, inappropriate use can still result in clinically significant opioid poisoning. This case report highlights a case of accidental buprenorphine overdose in an aged patient. It illustrates the clinical presentation and preventive considerations associated with this uncommon but critical event. Case presentation: A 65-year-old woman with recent left total knee replacement was brought to the Emergency Department (ED) after being found drowsy and unresponsive …

Hematological, Inflammatory, And Oxidative Stress Biomarker Profiles In Substance Abuse Combinations: A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Review, Teif Naif Freeh Alenezi, Samia Soliman Barghash

Saudi Toxicology Journal

A potential risk of polysubstance use in relation to substance abuse can involve the development of intricate pharmacological interactions affecting the immune system and oxidative stress responses of the body. The current review aims to present a synthesis of the existing literature about hematologic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers associated with three patterns of polysubstance use: (1) stimulants and cannabis, (2) stimulants/depressants and CNS depressants, and (3) multi-drug complex usage. This review explores markers such as a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR), total oxidant …

Examining Six Domains Of Resilience With Latinx College Students From Migrant Farmworker Backgrounds: A Quasi-Experimental Single Case Design Study, Rebecca Dickinson, Raissa Miller, Cian L. Brown, G Michael Russo, Emma Knowles

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

Resilience-building interventions show promise in higher education, yet few studies focus on Latinx college students from migrant farmworker backgrounds (LMFWs), a group facing significant challenges such as acculturative stress, mixed familial immigration status, and educational discontinuity. This quasi-experimental single-case design study examined resilience domains among LMFW students participating in a group-based intervention informed by the predictive 6-factor resilience model. Resilience was measured across six domains: collaboration, vision, tenacity, reasoning, health, and composure, using standardized assessments adapted from Rossouw and Rossouw (2018). Pre- and post-intervention scores were visually analyzed to assess change at the individual level. Results indicated a evidence of …

The Roles Of Adverse And Benevolent Childhood Experiences In Posttraumatic Growth And Social Connectedness Following Interpersonal Trauma, Margaret Poandl, Emily Kitching, Daniel Gutierrez, Yuqi Zhang

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

Interpersonal trauma, such as childhood abuse, neglect, and intimate partner violence, is a prevalent and harmful form of trauma associated with deleterious psychosocial outcomes. Despite its negative impacts, individuals exposed to interpersonal trauma may also experience posttraumatic growth (PTG). While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known risk factors and benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) are potential protective factors for adult outcomes, little is known about how combinations of ACEs and BCEs influence PTG. This study examined how combinations of ACEs and BCEs relate to PTG and social connectedness among individuals who have experienced interpersonal trauma. Using cross-sectional survey data from 615 …

Padres Ayudando A Padres: Co-Constructing A Family-Centered Mental Health Intervention Of, By, And For Central American Immigrant Parents, Rachael Goodman, Colleen K. Vesely, Maribel Tohara Nakamatsu, Victoria Stone, Valeria Quintana, Bethany Letiecq, Amigas De La Comunidad

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our partners in a Central American immigrant enclave reported an increasing need to support parents and children whose mental health was negatively impacted by the confluence of underlying systemic stressors and traumatic experiences. Using our existing family-centered participatory action research (FCPAR; Letiecq, Vesely, et al., 2022) approach and guided by the transcreation model (Nápoles & Stewart, 2018), we co-constructed a mental health intervention in partnership with community members, via our community advisory board (CAB). Essential to this process was building the intervention with the community, ensuring that it was culturally and contextually grounded …

Collective Trauma And Systemic Negligence: Exploring South Korean Disasters Through Media And Cultural Narratives, Jung H. Hyun, Eunae Han

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

Disaster trauma often occurs at multiple levels, with the systemic level highlighting its collective impact on survivors. Betrayal trauma, inflicted by trusted individuals or institutions including the government, further compounds this experience. Drawing on historical and contemporary challenges in modern Korean history and recognizing their collective impact on the Korean population, this paper examines Korean betrayal trauma stemming from disasters, introduces a new concept of political betrayal trauma, and explores how media can serve as a tool for healing. Through a fictional case study, this paper illustrates how collective cultural narratives support both survivors and the broader society in validating …

Letter From The Editor, Erin Kern Popejoy

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

No abstract provided.

Pagbabago Ng Tema At Representasyon: Anita Magsaysay-Ho Tungo Kay Karen Ocampo Flores, Cristy Allen Serote, Ernesto V. Carandang Ii

DLSU Arts Congress Conference Proceedings

Maraming mga Pilipinong pintor ang nakilala sa loob at labas ng bansa dahil sa angking kahusayan ng kanilang mga likhang obra. Magkagayunpaman, iilang pintor lang ang nagkaroon ng mataas na rekognisyon o pagkilala. Mula sa malaking bilang ng mga tanyag at mahuhusay na pintor, mapapansing malaking bahagdan ng mga ito ay lalaki. Ang pag-aaral na ito ay naglalayong suriin ang teknik at estilo nina Anita Magsaysay-Ho (1914-2012) at Karen Ocampo Flores (1966) bilang tugon sa mga hamon ng kanilang panahon, masuri ang pagbabago ng tuon ng kanilang obra bilang politikal na alagad ng sining, at malaman kung paano ginamit ni …

Bekizine: A Zine Featuring Selected Queer Artists And Narratives, Daniel D. Sullano, Alex Ayson, Arianna Atas, Renee Sophia Caponong, Merix Kobi Blancaflor, Fernando R. Lacson

DLSU Arts Congress Conference Proceedings

Media serves as a powerful medium for shaping cultural norms and self-perception. Despite increasing visibility in Philippine media, LGBTQ+ representation remains dominated by metropolitan-centric narratives and reductive tropes that overlook the nuanced realities of provincial queer life. The study explored how BEKIZINE, a community-centered zine created by and for LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18–30 in Cavite, can serve as alternative media for self-expression, community building, and historical preservation. Adopting a practice-based, mixed-methods approach, the study integrates Queer Theory, Safe Space Theory, and Alternative Media Theory through semi-structured interviews with local queer artists and individuals, followed by zine launch evaluation surveys. Qualitative …

Budol-Budol Time: A Perspective From The Global South On Generation Z’S Digital Status Consumption Through An Interactive Video, Luis Angelo Francisco Lopa, Kateleen Claire Malabag Gonzales, Jaedon Tongol Santos Jats

DLSU Arts Congress Conference Proceedings

This research critiques the contemporary digital landscape, as social media influencers shape Gen Z's consumer behavior, often driving "status overconsumption," the repetitive purchase of trending goods to enhance social standing. The study investigates the complex relationship between social media exposure and consumption patterns among affluent Gen Z (ages 13 to 28) in Laguna, Makati, Taguig, and Quezon City, Philippines. Its objective is to address the environmental consequences of these behaviors, including excess waste and carbon emissions from production and related industries, which consumers often overlook. Grounded in social comparison and status consumption theories, the research utilizes a sequential mixed-methods triangulation …