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College Of Health Sciences Newsletter, College Of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University

Ellmer College of Health Sciences Newsletters

May 2024 issue of Old Dominion University's College of Health Sciences Newsletter.

Uc Minutes 2024-05-01, Northern Illinois University

University Council Archives

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Communication Overaccommodation On Non-Native English-Speaking Employees In The U.S. Workplace, Elizabeth Curtis

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Communication overaccommodation (CO) takes the form of baby talk, speech mimicry, and overcommunication, and its effects on recipients have been studied in physician/patient relationships, civilian/police officer relationships, manager/employee relationships, and native and non-native speaker communications. This study focused on CO in non-hierarchical relationships between native English-speaking and non-native English-speaking employees in the U.S. workplace. I investigated the effects of CO on non-native English-speaking co-workers, regarding their feelings of exclusion and satisfaction with their job. I also investigated the potential moderation effect of English proficiency on non-native English-speaking employees’ feelings of being excluded. It was found that the level of English …

Raising The Green Roof: Enhancing Youth Water Literacy Through Built Environment Education, Laura B. Cole, Lilian Priscilla, Laura Zangori, Beth Kania-Gosche, Joel G. Burken

Teacher Education and Certification Faculty Research & Creative Works

Green Roofs Cool Cities, Clean the Air, Provide Habitat, and Manage Stormwater. They Are Compelling Tools to Teach Interconnected Human-Ecological Systems. This Study Included the Design, Pilot, and Evaluation of a Fourth-Grade Science Unit Entitled "Raising the Green Roof", Exploring These Connections. Five Classrooms in Two Midwestern U.S. Public Elementary Schools Participated, and 4th-Grade Students (N = 73) Drew Systems Models at Three Time Points (212 Models) and Wrote their Ideas. Qualitative Content Analyses of the Models Showed that Learners Were Increasingly Combining Social Systems (Green Roof Infrastructure) with Ecological Systems (Water Cycle) Across the Unit. Students Also Increasingly Evidenced …

Analyzing Atmospheric Gravity Waves Over Antarctica And Visualizing Machine Learning Data, Anastasia N. Brown

Physics Capstone Projects

In an effort to streamline the identification of "clean" windows of airglow images in all sky imager data for the ANGWIN experiment, we have developed a Light Gradient Boosted Machine (LightGBM) learning algorithm that sorts "clean" (marked as 0) wave images from "obscured" (marked as 1) images. These "clean" windows are then processed and undergo FFT-spectrum analysis. We have already successfully created LightGBM models that accurately sort through images taken at the Davis, McMurdo, and Halley research stations in Antarctica. Imager data from the Davis and McMurdo station has been fully processed from the years 2012 to 2022 with clean …

Preparing Students For Adulthood: Comparing The Experiences Of Degree And Non-Degree Seeking Graduates, Lacee R. Boschetto, Brian K. Warnick

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

The role of secondary education is critical to preparing graduates for adulthood. This study explored the transition experiences of high school graduates and factors that impacted their preparation for adulthood. This descriptive study focused on the experiences of degree and non-degree-seeking graduates. Surveys were distributed to students enrolled in a general education course at a state university and marketing research participants not enrolled in post-secondary programs. The survey sought to identify overall preparedness, responsibilities deemed necessary to teach in high school, and influence factors that prepared them for adulthood. The overall findings displayed that graduates seeking degrees felt more prepared …

Settler Colonialism And Ecosystem Change: How Ideology Has Shaped Minnesota’S Environments, Sarah E. Hobby

History Honors Projects

The formation of a uniquely American land ethic—defined by European political history and Christian biblical doctrine and forged through systems of dispossession—is central to the creation of environments within the United States today. Using Minnesota as a microcosm to understand how settler colonial interactions played out all across the United States, this paper analyzes connections between violent dispossession of Indigenous people and the degradation of environments. By understanding how Ojibwe and Dakota people think about and have shaped Minnesotan lands throughout their history and comparing Indigenous land-ethics to the Euro-American-settler land ethic, this paper evaluates the role that ideology and …

Perspectives On Neurodiversity-Affirming Education For Autistic Children, El Alcalá

Psychology Honors Projects

Rates of autism diagnosis have increased dramatically in recent decades, along with efforts to include disabled students in general education classes. However, there are significant barriers to full educational inclusion for autistic children with all levels of support needs. In Chapter 1 of this project, I review literature on common barriers to educational inclusion for autistic students, as well as the strengths and shortcomings of school-based service delivery models frequently provided in an effort to mitigate these barriers. I then propose an innovative, neurodiversity-affirming model of service delivery for autistic elementary school students in general education classrooms. In Chapter 2, …

The Oval, 2024

The Oval

This issue includes creative work from undergraduate students at the University of Montana.

Introducing: The Bryan Di Salvatore Award In Nonfiction Writing, Micah Fields

The Oval

No abstract provided.

Looking Beyond The Fracture: Initiating An Osteoporotic Fracture Liaison Service, Gabriela A. Hildenbrand

Cohort XII

Background/Problem Statement: Osteoporosis, known as the “silent disease,” has been estimated to cause 9 million fragility fractures worldwide, resulting in an osteoporosis fracture every 3 seconds (Pennestrì et al., 2019). Fragility fractures are projected to exceed $25.3 billion US dollars by 2025 (Barton et al., 2021).

Aims/Methods: This paper describes the implementation of an evidence-based practice DNP project using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Department. The aim of this project is to implement a fracture liaison service (FLS) to help close the post-fracture treatment gap.

Results/Interventions: This …

Tailoring Treatment Approaches With Supplemental Screening: Homeostatic Model Assessment Of Insulin Resistance (Homa-Ir) In An Obese Population, Christine Ruvaclaba

Cohort XII

Background: This quality improvement project, conducted in the Texas-Mexico border region with high obesity rates, aimed to explore the utility of the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) as a screening tool for insulin resistance (IR) among overweight and obese individuals. The study focused on patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25 who exhibited normal blood sugar levels or Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels less than 5.7%.

Aim/Methods: The aim is to identify early intervention strategies for metabolic disorders, particularly in obese populations. Obesity is often the precursor to comorbid conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. …

The Effects Of Mediterranean Diet On The Epileptic Population With Depression, Celina Navarro

Cohort XII

Background: People with epilepsy often develop depression during the course of their disease progression. This condition is multifactorial, often related to the unpredictability of their disease, the lack of control on their symptoms, and the medications they use to treat their seizures. Mental health services continue to be insufficient for our growing border region, and patients with epilepsy, often will lack the proper mental health management due to mental health provider shortage. Multiple medications can be used to successfully treat depression in the general population, however people with epilepsy often will struggle as anti-seizure drugs can interact with antidepressants. Also, …

Initiating Early Review Of Paxlovid Criteria With Suspected Covid + Patients To Reduce Disqualification Of Anti-Viral Therapy, Emily Robinson

Cohort XII

Introduction: Nearly 742 million cases of COVID have been detected since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and over 6 million people have lost their lives due to COVID or a COVID related illness. While Arizona’s COVID-19 emergency declaration ended on March 30, 2022, there are still nearly 100,000 new cases each week as of September 2023. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) is an outpatient antiviral medication recommended for adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who have elevated risk of severe illness.

Aim/Methods: Regardless of vaccination status, taking Paxlovid within 5 days of diagnosis reduces the hospitalization rate by 51%. The majority of COVID positive …

What A Pain In The Back!!!, Sylvia De La Rosa

Cohort XII

Background: After reviewing my 10-day Practice Assessment Log (PAL) and documenting a clinical needs assessment of my practice, I documented, reviewed, and reflected upon my findings. In my current practice we address low back pain with Gabapentin 300mg TID and Methocarbamol 500mg BID. The present outcome is that most patients do not experience much in relief.

Aims/Methods: My Practice Improvement Project (PIP), validated via research, points to adding Celebrex 100mg BID, an anti-inflammatory, to patient’s regimen. I carried out this project for 30 days with a 2-week follow-up. The Translational Framework Knowledge-to-Action model was used to help me prepare the …

Improving Bipolar Diagnosis With The Rapid Mood Screener, Leslie Richard

Cohort XII

Background: Bipolar disorder is a chronic, debilitating mental illness that affects individuals globally. It is characterized by significant challenges in diagnosis, often leading to delays in receiving appropriate treatment. This condition can mirror the symptoms of unipolar depression, leading to frequent misdiagnoses and hindering timely intervention that could improve functional outcomes and quality of life.

Aims/Methods: This project aims to enhance the accuracy of bipolar disorder diagnoses in clinical settings, specifically bipolar disorder type 1 (BPT1), at the earliest possible stage of the illness. By doing so, it seeks to improve symptom management, reduce the duration of episodes, and enhance …

Hypertension And Treatment Modalities: What Does The Current Evidence Say?, Luis R. Tellez

Cohort XII

Background/Problem Statement: The significantly elevated rates of cardiovascular (CV) disease observed among individuals with mental health conditions might stem from suboptimal handling of cardiovascular risk factors. In this project, I sought to address one aspect of cardiovascular risk: hypertension in patients 18-74 years of age, marked with a blood pressure >140/90 mmHg in a psychiatric inpatient setting. A tenday review of patient care revealed that hypertension management provided to patients under our service was inadequate and might be improved by adopting and implementing more consistent and systematic protocols for medication administration.

Aims/Methods: At the onset of my project, I undertook …

On Solid Ground: A Quality Improvement For Fall Prevention, Jessica Vergara

Cohort XII

Background/Problem Statement: Falls among older adults are a significant concern, affecting up to 30% of individuals aged 65 and older annually. Multiple risk factors contribute to falls, including age, comorbidities, medications, and environmental hazards. Despite the common belief that falls are inevitable with aging, this project emphasizes the preventability of falls through multidisciplinary management and proactive engagement in fall prevention programs.

Aims/Methods: The initiative focuses on implementing the Matter of Balance (MoB) program within an institutional setting. MoB has shown favorable effects on fall-related concerns. The study employs a comprehensive outreach strategy targeting older adults at risk of falling, those …

Detection Of Jamming Attacks In Vanets, Thomas Justice

Undergraduate Honors Theses

A vehicular network is a type of communication network that enables vehicles to communicate with each other and the roadside infrastructure. The roadside infrastructure consists of fixed nodes such as roadside units (RSUs), traffic lights, road signs, toll booths, and so on. RSUs are devices equipped with communication capabilities that allow vehicles to obtain and share real-time information about traffic conditions, weather, road hazards, and other relevant information. These infrastructures assist in traffic management, emergency response, smart parking, autonomous driving, and public transportation to improve roadside safety, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the overall driving experience. However, communication between the …

Scare If You Dare: A Look Into Scare Acting, Hana Goss

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Scare acting has always been the unsung villains of the entertainment industry. For three months of the year, for about five minutes of a haunted house, they get attention. However, the work scare actors do to is way more than just a five second “boo.” Scare actors have been at the beginning of theatre and continue to influence modern entertainment. Even though the patrons may be the ones feeling the danger, scare actors may be even more in danger than them. Each scare actor is unique from their looks to their moves. It might be take a lot of nerve …

Unemployment On Native American Reservations, Belle Haslam

Ballard Brief

Unemployment has long been a persistent issue plaguing Native American communities residing on reservations across the United States, dating back to the establishment of these reservations in the early 19th century. With the average unemployment rate reaching 10.5%, Native Americans face some of the highest rates of joblessness among racial and ethnic minority groups. This disparity in employment is reflected in per capita income figures, which show a staggering $9,000 difference between Native American reservations and adjacent counties, underscoring the economic challenges faced within reservation boundaries. The root causes of unemployment on reservations are multifaceted, including factors such as limited …

Incorporating Aac Training In Nursing Education Programs To Enhance Understanding Of Caring For Patients With Complex Communication Needs, Tessa Bradley

Honors College Theses

As healthcare professionals, nurses must be able to effectively communicate with their patients to ensure their health, safety, and comfort. However, this can be particularly challenging when it comes to patients with complex communication needs (CCN), where communication breakdowns can lead to sentinel events. Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) can help those with CCN improve communication across various settings, including in healthcare. Unfortunately, there is a severe lack of training for nurses when it comes to communicating with patients with CCN and the use of AAC. Webb et al. (2024) investigated the effectiveness of a combined synchronous and asynchronous training …

An International Study Of Advocates’ Strategies And Needs, Jack Stennett, Jah Ying Chung, Andrea Polanco, Jo Anderson

General - Animal Protection

This is a mixed-method study that seeks to understand the reasons that farmed animal groups in different regions and circumstances choose particular approaches to advocacy.

Blowback Hangover, Kate Alexander

The Oval

No abstract provided.

Statistical Modeling Of Right-Censored Spatial Data Using Gaussian Random Fields, Fathima Z. Sainul Abdeen, Akim Adekpedjou, Sophie Dabo Niang

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Consider a Fixed Number of Clustered Areas Identified by their Geographical Coordinates that Are Monitored for the Occurrences of an Event Such as a Pandemic, Epidemic, or Migration. Data Collected on Units at All Areas Include Covariates and Environmental Factors. We Apply a Probit Transformation to the Time to Event and Embed an Isotropic Spatial Correlation Function into Our Models for Better Modeling as Compared to Existing Methodologies that Use Frailty or Copula. Composite Likelihood Technique is Employed for the Construction of a Multivariate Gaussian Random Field that Preserves the Spatial Correlation Function. the Data Are Analyzed using Counting Process …

Gender Stereotypes In The Elementary Classroom, Mckenna Gill

Master's Theses

This study explores ways to reduce gender stereotypes in the elementary classroom. Specifically, it was designed to collect data on male and female behaviors related to gender stereotypes toward different school subjects, volunteering, peer relationships, and student redirections during lessons. A literature review was conducted to investigate existing research on this topic. A mixed-methods design was used in this study. Data was collected in a fifth-grade classroom, by keeping a tally of each of the subject areas Math, Reading, Science, and Writing, and the students who volunteered. Included in the investigation was a teacher interview regarding her thoughts on gender …

The Impact Of Play-Based Learning On Early Childhood Development, Aubry Mauro

Master's Theses

This action research project emphasizes the recognized influence of play on children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth. The researcher explored how play-based learning strategies contribute to students’ development, drawing insights from existing literature. The research used mixed methods to analyze the impact of play-based learning on social, emotional, and cognitive development in a sixth-grade classroom. The researcher collected data over six weeks. Initial findings showed the effect of play-based learning on students' development. The baseline data in this action research project showed that this group of students enjoys playing inside, outside, independently, or in a group. The researcher found that …

Chat Is This Real? Perceived Authenticity Of #Naturecore Via Tiktok Comments, Anna Madison

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to understand how people perceive the authenticity of nature-based TikTok content by analyzing the comments left on videos that featured the hashtag #naturecore. Comments posted on relevant videos were observed using qualitative content analysis to evaluate how people use comments to express perceptions of authenticity. Prior literature on the perceived authenticity of mass-oriented computer mediated communication was used to inform decisions made during data analysis. Of the 138,389 comments collected as data, 1,031 were identified as relevant for this scope of this study. The final sample was analyzed using constant comparison to establish codes …

The Effects Of Student Choice On Motivation And Writing Skills, Laura Annunziata

Master's Theses

This mixed methods action research study investigates the potential effects of student choice on motivation and academic performance in writing-based assignments in a fourth-grade classroom. Baseline data was collected prior to implementation of student choice writing activities and then used to compare writing samples collected post intervention. The baseline data suggests that students’ attitudes towards autonomy are positive. Having choices was important to them and helped them learn better. However, data also indicates that while students were motivated to write using choice, many of the reading and writing competency scores dropped during journal entry writing samples. Data shows that while …

Federal Income Tax, Andrew Todd

Mercer Law Review

In 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit issued several published opinions involving U.S. federal income tax issues. In two opinions authored by Judge Brasher, the court addressed issues of first impression. The court’s opinion in Gregory v. Commissioner addressed whether hobby expense deductions are miscellaneous itemized deductions. The court’s opinion in Lee v. United States addressed an issue of first impression for any circuit: whether a taxpayer’s reliance on an agent to electronically file a federal income tax return constitutes reasonable cause for failing to file a return and pay the associated taxes. This Article …