Digital Commons Network^™

Contributing Factors To Child Maltreatment In The United States: A Systematic Review, Klarissa Sedillo, Ashlee Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposal will highlight the contributing factors of child maltreatment, specifically focusing on intimate partner violence and parental substance use. The purpose of this topic is to highlight the risks and lifelong impact that family substance abuse and intimate partner violence (IPV) are main factors when it comes to contributing factors to child maltreatment in the United States. These factors often co-occur, creating a risk for children in affected households. Families that have been involved in child maltreatment cases often have a history of abuse or neglect in their own childhood that tend to cause struggles with addiction and violence …

Examining Distrust Marginalized Populations Experience Within Healthcare In The Us, Mikela Jennings, Marco Ramos, Estrella Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: In the United States (US), Black and Brown individuals experience a significant amount of distrust towards medical professionals in the healthcare field. This distrust often results in an ongoing underutilization of medical care due to fears surrounding the quality of treatment Black and Brown individuals receive within the healthcare system. Previous research on this issue has identified many factors that contribute to the severity of medical distrust. Objective: This proposed quantitative study seeks to describe and examine the commonalities Black and Brown individuals have in association with medical distrust towards the healthcare system in the US. Methods: …

Increasing Mental Health Providers' Confidence When Treating Clients Engaging In Nonsuicidal Self-Injury, Alejandro Quezada Lechuga

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant health concern disproportionately affecting the LGBTQIA population and system-involved youth with a prevalence as high as 20% and increasing. Historically, treatment has been inadequate, as interventions were designed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, or suicidality. Patients consistently report negative stigma, contributing to poor treatment outcomes and consequently failing to seek professional help or cease treatment. Mental health professionals report experiencing bicurious trauma, increasing the likelihood of burnout. This study aims to evaluate the effects of online self-paced NSSI training on clinical social workers’ confidence when treating clients who engage in NSSI. The …

Building Resilience: How Protective Factors Mitigate Acculturative Stress In The Latinx Immigrant Community, Andres I. Delgado, Jamie Tierrablanca

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This literature underscores the vital role of protective factors in reducing

acculturative stress among Latinx immigrants. Key factors such as social

support, religious affiliation, familism, and physical activity help contribute to

mitigating the negative effects of acculturation. The Latinx community can

significantly benefit from integrative, culturally responsive interventions informed

by social work frameworks such as ecosystems theory and critical race theory

(CRT) as they are essential in addressing the mental health needs of this

population. Despite existing research, gaps remain in understanding the full

scope of the Latinx immigrant experience, suggesting a need for further

exploration. The expected findings will …

Beyond The System: A Critical Analysis Of Child Welfare Placement Practices For Children With Autism, Lauren Scott, Nicole Navarro

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects an individual’s communication, social interactions, and behavior. Approximately 1.7% of children in the United States are diagnosed with ASD. Families raising children with ASD face significant challenges, including limited support systems, caregiver fatigue, and financial strain. These difficulties increase the likelihood of maltreatment, leading to higher rates of children with ASD being referred to Child Welfare Agencies. Once involved in the system, children with ASD often encounter difficulties in finding appropriate long-term foster or kinship placements, which can result in high rates of placement instability. This research seeks to identify …

Examining Immigration Detention Centers And Its Effect On The Well-Being Of Immigrant Families, Jennifer Sullinger-Lock, Luisa Arias, Saira Murillo, Helen Iniguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Immigration detention centers in the United States have become a contentious issue, particularly regarding their impact on the well-being of immigrant families. These facilities are often operated by government agencies and private entities, and function under conditions that compromise basic human rights. The purpose of this study is to assess the psychological, emotional, and physical effects of detention centers on immigrant children and families. This research utilizes a quantitative cross-sectional design, employing a self-report questionnaire among two groups: immigrants who have experienced detention and immigrants who have not, with the independent variable being immigration detention centers and the dependent variable …

Impact Of Social Worker Bias On African American Fathers With Open Children Family Services Cases, Jenna Espinosa, Cecil Perry, Jasmine Alvarado, Jennifer Garcia, Lacrietia Grate-Dixson

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Systemic barriers and biases within institutions and policies affect how African American fathers engage with Children and Family Services (CFS). According to research, social worker bias, whether overt or covert, can influence case decision-making, affecting fathers' access to resources and overall involvement in their children’s lives. This study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of social worker bias on African American fathers' engagement by evaluating service completion rates at the .21e hearing. A quantitative research design will be utilized by implementing a validated survey to measure social worker bias and case file reviews to assess service completion. Statistical analyses, including …

Eating Patterns Among College Athletes, Sarah Sanchez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine eating patterns among college athletes attending a minority-serving, urban institution where commuting is highly prevalent to assess potential risks of disordered eating, nutrient deficiencies, and food insecurity. A total of 189 students [M age (SD) = 20.29 + 1.46 years] from a mid-sized university in the U.S. responded to an anonymous online survey. The survey consisted of questions regarding food security, hydration/beverage status, demographics, disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, and food consumption patterns. Findings indicated a low prevalence of severe disordered eating behaviors within this sample. However, attitudes about disordered eating …

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1ra As A Public Health Interventions, Briana Sepeda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications have become a prominent topic of interest both in clinical medicine and broader societal discussions. Although the medication are relatively new and expensive, ongoing research continues to explore pharmacologic modifications aimed at improving therapeutic effectiveness and prolonged drug half-life. GLP-1RAs have gained significant traction due to their ability to lower glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) and blood glucose levels in individuals who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition to glycemic control, evidence suggests its associations with appetite suppression, weight loss, reducing cardiovascular disease, improved renal dysfunction, neuroprotective effects related to neurodegenerative disease …

Reducing Hospital Readmissions Through Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation At Discharge, Ambreen Moazzam

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

One of the ancient problems of the healthcare systems in the world is hospital readmission, which leads to increased costs, morbidity, and an unwarranted load on medical resources. One evidence-based intervention that can address this problem and improve medication accuracy and continuity of care is pharmacist-led medication reconciliation at discharge. The proposed project will identify the impact of pharmacist involvement in discharge pharmacy reconciliation on patient outcomes and readmission. The present paper is quantitative, descriptive study, where retrospective and prospective information was used to estimate medication discrepancies, readmission, and patient compliance in adult inpatients. The evidence substantiates pharmacist-led medication reconciliation …

Structural Erasure And Suicide Risk: The Impact Of Gender Misrecognition And Institutional Nonsupport On Incarcerated Transgender Adults In California, Julliana Lex Alcala, Allyza Rae Roxas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Incarcerated transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals experience disproportionately high rates of suicide risk, and correctional environments may intensify minority stress through institutional misrecognition, discrimination, victimization, and restricted access to gender-affirming care. Despite protective policy reforms such as Senate Bill 132, limited research have examined how structural practices shape suicidal ideation among incarcerated TGD populations. This study will investigate how denial of gender-affirming recognition and staff support contributes to suicidal ideation among incarcerated TGD adults in California state prisons. From the perspective of the Gender Minority Stress framework, this study will use a convergent mixed-methods design to examine both statistical relationships …

Examining Physical Activity Behaviors And Associated Health Indicators In College Students, Elizabeth A. Reyes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Physical activity (PA) is a critical determinant of both physical and mental health, yet many individuals fail to meet recommended guidelines. College students face increasing challenges related to physical inactivity, elevated stress levels, and poor sleep quality, all of which negatively impact their overall health and academic success. College students who fail to meet recommended PA guidelines are at an increased risk of chronic diseases. This study aimed to examine patterns of PA among college students and explore associations with sleep quality and perceived stress.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed using a self-administered questionnaire that included items on …

Racial Disparities In Sentencing Across The United States: A Regression Analysis, Katlyn Moreno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Mass incarceration has been a serious social problem in the United States with millions of people under the supervision of the criminal justice system. This problem is even more challenging for minority populations with African-Americans, Hispanics, and other minority racial groups experiencing harsher punishment than their non-minority counterparts. Previous research on this topic is limited in scope and methodology. Purpose: This study will fill a gap in the literature by comparing sentencing lengths among racial groups in the United States. It was hypothesized that racial minorities (African-American and Hispanic offenders will receive lengthier sentencing as compared to their counterparts …

Gender Disparities Among General Surgeons: A Comprehensive Review, Julie Holihan, Devi Bavishi, Kush Brahmbhatt, Rebecca Franks, Zuhair Ali, Karla Bernardi, Christine Castillo, Mike Liang, Rachel Wong, Michele Loor

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Unlike in-house call, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) does not require a postcall day for "home call" shifts. Despite this, we hypothesize that on-call residents are still in the hospital for the majority of their shift despite having the luxury of home call and, thus, are not protected by ACGME postcall duty hour regulations.

Methods: A prospective single center survey study was conducted by surveying junior and senior residents who completed overnight call shifts from January 2023 to April 2023 at one of the busiest level 1 trauma centers in the United States. Data include number …

Factors Associated With Postpartum Depression Symptoms Following Antepartum Hospitalization, Alison N Goulding, Daniel Palacios, Sukru Aras, Hu Chen, Sasidhar Pasupuleti, Marika Toscano, Nicole Cirino, Israel C Christie, Zhandong Liu, Emily S Miller, Terri L Fletcher

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Background: Hospitalized antepartum patients are at increased risk for postpartum depression (PPD). Developing approaches to identify those at highest risk for PPD would enable timely and targeted intervention.

Objective: We aimed to identify factors associated with the development of PPD symptoms in hospitalized antepartum patients and to assess their predictive utility.

Study design: This retrospective cohort study included pregnant individuals hospitalized in a regional referral center due to medical or obstetric complications between 2012 and 2025. Data were extracted from the electronic health record, including demographics, medical and obstetric history, hospitalization characteristics, and postpartum Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores …

Borderplex Business Barometer, Volume 10, Number 5, Thomas M. Fullerton Jr., Steven L. Fullerton

Border Region Modeling Project

No abstract provided.

Ground Penetrating Radar Spiral Antenna Transient Response Based On Target Radar Cross Section, David Rohde

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a significant advancement in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) detection technology through the development of a novel method for the detection and classification of buried conductive objects using custom-designed Archimedean spiral antennas. The research demonstrates that the transient electromagnetic response of an Archimedean spiral antenna is strongly correlated with the Radar Cross Section (RCS) characteristics of buried objects operating within the radar resonance scattering, or Mie, region. By leveraging this relationship, the proposed approach enables not only the detection of buried objects, but also generalized classification based on object geometry and size.A primary contribution of this work is …

Bridging Culture And Education To Enhance Cherokee Student Health And Wellness, Lindsey Hammer

Theses and Dissertations

Indigenous populations face ongoing health disparities, often worsened by a lack of culturally relevant and Indigenous-led programs and interventions. This dissertation in practice was inspired by the need for community-driven, culturally grounded approaches that address these disparities for Cherokee Nation in Northeastern Oklahoma. Each of the three products are inspired by and aligned with the principles of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), the Cherokee value of gadugi, and the concept of relationality, offering a holistic approach to community health and well-being. Not every product represents a fully implemented CBPR process but rather a CBPR-informed approach. Future stages will emphasize more meaningful …

Numerical Investigation Of Plume–Surface Interactions Using Automated Adaptive Mesh Refinement, Fahim Shahriyar

Theses and Dissertations

This work presents a numerical investigation of plume–surface interactionsusing the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, coupled with the devel opment of an automated adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) framework for rarefied flow simulations. A two-dimensional axisymmetric configuration is used to simulate the impingement of a rarefied exhaust plume on a flat surface under vacuum condi tions representative of experimental test facilities. Surface pressure, shear stress, and heat flux induced by plume impingement are computed and compared with published experimental and numerical results to validate the DSMC approach. To address the strong mesh sensitivity and computational inefficiency associ ated with uniform …

Comprehensive Analytical Approaches To Biophysical And Hard Matter Systems, Carlos Munoz

Theses and Dissertations

In this work we define the methods and experimental techniques that are used in the synthesis, characterization, and development of biophysical and hard matter systems. These efforts encompass six principal areas: Comprehensive characterization of pathogenic bacteria, development of novel chemical methods for probing binding affinities in cellular systems, understanding the electronic properties of silicon/silicon dioxide interfaces, characterization of catalytic perovskite oxide materials, and lastly, heteroepitaxial growth of vanadium nitride thin films on the silicon nitride surface.The Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) causes an infection with diverse clinical outcomes, which can include arthritis as well as cardiac and neurological …

Redox-Driven Wettability In Underground Hydrogen Storage: Linking Geochemical Speciation, Surface Charge, And Contact Angle, Ijaz Khan

Theses and Dissertations

Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) depends on complex interactions among reservoir rocks, brine, and gas under redox conditions induced by H2 injection. Although wettability is often treated as a static parameter, redox reactions can shift pH, aqueous speciation, and mineral surface charge, thereby altering contact angles and, consequently, injectivity, trapping, and recovery. This work tests the hypothesis that dominant redox pathways in saline aquifers and depleted reservoirs, specifically Fe(III) and sulfate reduction, systematically modify mineral surface stability and charge, producing predictable shifts in wettability. To address this, we developed a physics-guided machine learning workflow that integrates mechanistic geochemical understanding with empirical …

Student Engagement As A Predictor Of Stem Student Success, Mosab Shaher Abu Al Foul

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study investigates factors influencing engagement, persistence, and degree completion among underrepresented minority (URM) students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Guided by Tinto’s Interactionist Model (1975) and Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory(1977), it examines how institutional practices and socioeconomic conditions contribute to inequities in student outcomes. Using a non-experimental, correlational design, the study analyzes National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) data and institutional records from a Midwestern Research 2 university (N = 620; URM subsample n = 52). Binary logistic regression, MANOVA, and t-tests were used to assess relationships among High-Impact Educational Practices (HIEPs), engagement indicators, faculty interaction, pre-college …

Self-Talk In Esports: Extending Sport Psychology Frameworks To Digital Competition, Brett Anne Thompson Machamer

Theses and Dissertations

Self-talk is a key mechanism underlying performance, confidence, and emotional regulation, yet its use in esports remains underexplored. This study examined self-talk patterns among esports players, focusing on associations with hours played, self-talk type and valence, and contextual and motivational factors influencing its use. Esports players (N = 102; M = 18.53 hours/week, SD = 13.74) across a range of competitive levels completed an online questionnaire assessing self-talk type, valence, and contextual use. Greater hours played were associated with increased use of strategic self-talk, while self-talk valence was not significantly related to time spent playing. Participants most frequently reported using …

The Motivations Of Adult Piano Students In The Republic Of Korea, Eunsong Kim

Theses and Dissertations

Adult participation in piano study has increased in recent years; however, relatively little research has examined how adult learners initiate and sustain long-term engagement. This qualitative study explored the process through which adult piano students develop and maintain motivation over time and how sustained piano study becomes integrated into their everyday lives. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with five adult piano students in the Republic of Korea and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in their experiences. The findings revealed that initial motivation was shaped by childhood musical memories, the search for a personal sanctuary, and the …

Towards Continuous Carbon Fibers From Corn Oil, Ismail Akanmu Adebayo

Theses and Dissertations

The global demand for carbon fibers has experienced exponential growth over the last decade, driven by the desire for materials with high strength and low density for applications in aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and specialty industrial markets. Currently, carbon fibers are almost exclusively produced from petroleum-based precursors, most commonly polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and petroleum-derived pitch. The high production costs associated with these fossil-based precursors limit the broader adoption of carbon fibers and represent a significant barrier to market expansion. The development of a bio-based carbon fiber precursor derived from renewable feedstocks would help transition this market away from fossil carbon sources …

Modeling Melt Season Snow And Ice Albedo Based On Calibration With Climatological And Physiographic Data In The Wind River Range, Wyoming, Logan Dietrich

Theses and Dissertations

Glaciers in high mountain regions are the source of critical water supply for a large portion of the global population, providing freshwater for several uses such as agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, energy production, and the economy. Climate change is causing the increased melting of mountain glaciers, and in turn putting constraints on several of the aforementioned uses of freshwater that is sourced from high mountain regions as well as increasing the risk of natural disasters such as mudslides and glacial lake outburst floods. Understanding the factors that influence glacial melt is important when assessing the mass balance of glaciers and …

Geochemical Modeling Of Co2 Sequestration In Saline Aquifer: Broom Creek Saline Aquifer, Lawrence Chima Asouzu

Theses and Dissertations

Geological carbon sequestration in deep saline aquifers is widely regarded as a critical technology for mitigating anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. This dissertation presents a formation-specific, kinetically constrained reactive transport modelling study of CO₂ storage performance in the Broom Creek Formation, a quartz- and feldspar-dominated saline aquifer in the Williston Basin, North Dakota.

A high-resolution geological model was constructed in Petrel using well logs, well tops, and Sorensen’s permeability correlation, then exported via RESCUE file into CMG GEM for dynamic reactive transport simulation. The base-case scenario involved injection of CO₂ at 15 MMScf/day for one year, followed by 199 years of post-injection …

Flipping The Odds: At-Risk Students’ Perceptions Of The Benefits Of The Flipped Classroom Model In High School Mathematics, Roberto Alonzo Moedano

Theses and Dissertations

High school educators tasked with teaching and learning are often challenged to find ways to keep students engaged and ensure they are learning content. However, the COVID-19 pandemic that the United States experienced from 2020 to 2023 (Northwestern Medicine Staff & Northwestern Medicine, 2025) made educators’ efforts more difficult. This unprecedented time of remote teaching and learning transformed the educational landscape overnight. It removed face-to-face learning and replaced it with virtual classes—neither teachers nor students were prepared for the challenges. This research study examines how a flipped classroom approach has the potential to yield positive results at the high school …

Beyond The Manual: Training Troubleshooting Skills Through Augmented Reality, Lawrence Allen Smith Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Many industrial maintenance departments implement and utilize Augmented Reality Technology (ART) and Augmented Reality Technical Training (ARTT) in their day-to-day operations. This study aims to examine technicians' troubleshooting skills by exploring two main questions: (1) how these skills are impacted by Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), and (2) how they are influenced by using either paper manuals or ARTT manuals. The research will compare the effects of traditional paper manuals and ARTT manuals on the learning outcomes of troubleshooters. The measurements of learning outcomes will include cognitive ability, professional specific knowledge, and skill retention. Keywords: augmented reality (AR), industrial maintenance, augmented …

Enhancing Geothermal Productivity In The Red River Formation, Williston Basin: Utilization Of Unconventional Stimulation Technology And Sco2 Injection To Improve Geothermal Inlet Temperature, Fluid Flow Rate, And Project Economics, Etochukwu Jude Uzuegbu

Theses and Dissertations

Geothermal energy is a reliable renewable energy source capable of delivering consistent baseload electricity while emitting very low concentrations of greenhouse gases. In very low permeable geothermal reservoir, the geothermal system’s efficiency and economic feasibility are heavily dependent on reservoir productivity, which includes the fluid circulation and heat extraction efficiency. This research assesses the geothermal inlet temperature dynamics, fluid production and techno-economic viability of two reservoir productivity enhancement approaches: Hydraulic Fracturing (Base Case model) and Fishbones stimulation (Proposed Case model) under various operational conditions. The research aims to evaluate the influence of these two approaches on the geothermal inlet temperature, …