Digital Commons Network^™

Weight Management Among Postpartum African-Born Immigrant Women In Texas, Ethel Emehel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The growing population of postpartum African-born immigrant women has contributed significantly to the high burden of obesity and poor maternal health outcomes in the state of Texas; however, there is little research on this population. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of weight management among postpartum African-born immigrant women in Texas based on the concepts of the health belief model. Semistructured interviews sparked the life experience of postpartum weight management of African-born immigrant women ages 18–45 who had a baby within the last year and suffered postpartum overweight or obesity. Interviews were audio-recorded …

Texas Metro Versus Nonmetro Variations In Cervical Cancer Preventative Measures, Amanda S. English

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cervical cancer is a public health threat that can be eliminated with the use of preventative measures. Individuals who live in Texas’s nonmetro areas are more likely than individuals who live in metro areas of Texas to be diagnosed with cervical cancer. In this study, the individual- and county-level factors in metro and nonmetro areas that facilitate or inhibit the receipt of cervical cancer preventative measures at multiple levels of influence were examined. The ecological model was used as the theoretical framework. Using secondary data from a national population health survey (n=1,303), the goal of this cross-sectional, quantitative study was …

Optimization-Based Approaches To Low-Coherence Optical Diffraction Tomography, Seth Smith-Dryden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Quantitative optical phase imaging techniques, such as optical diffraction tomography (ODT), are useful tools for refractive-index profiling. Many of them, however, rely on the weak-scattering assumptions, thus cannot be applied to multiple-scattering objects, or turbid media. In this thesis, I report several approaches for expanding the efficacy of ODT techniques and adapting them to new applications by use of low-coherence broadband illumination. First, I developed a method for ODT reconstruction using regularized convex optimization with a new phase-based fidelity criterion. The new criterion is necessary because objects with very different refractive-index distributions may produce similar diffracted fields (magnitude and principal-phase) …

Innate Property: The Danger Of Incongruency Between Law And The Biological And Behavioral Roots Of Property And Possessiveness, Aaron Schwabach

Cardozo Law Review de•novo

Property law is, in some areas, dangerously out of step with property expectations. Property—the idea that a place, object, or idea can belong to a person—is at the root of the world’s economies and thus also at the root of much of its laws. Property is neither solely a creature of positive law, nor of some abstract natural law with a moral underpinning, but rather may be biologically determined, much as Noam Chomsky proposed for languages in Aspects of the Theory of Syntax.1 The idea that ownership is at least behaviorally, and perhaps to some extent instinctively, determined has been …

Identifying Novel Subphenotypes In Covid-19 Using Protein Biomarkers, A Spicer, P A. Verhoef, C Lopez-Espina, A Bhargava, L Schmalz, M Sims, A V. Palagiri, K V. Iyer, M J. Crisp, A Halalau, N Maddens, A Espinosa

Conference Presentation Abstracts

RATIONALE: COVID-19 is widely heterogeneous in presentation, even across patients with similar demographics and medical history. Identification of subphenotypes based on host immune responses that are biologically discrete and predict outcomes may enable personalized COVID-19 therapies. Accordingly, using a composite of electronic health record (EHR) data and 36 research biomarkers, we sought to compare COVID-19 immune responses across patients of varying disease severity, identify subphenotypes within hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and test for heterogeneity of treatment effect (HTE) to intravenous corticosteroids across these subphenotypes. METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, patients presenting to three medical centers from …

Digital Accessibility In Iran: An Investigation Focusing On Iran's National Policies On Accessibility And Disability Support, Laleh Nourian, Kristen Shinohara, Garreth W. Tigwell

Articles

Digital accessibility has become an important topic in the field of HCI, but when looking at accessibility on a global scale, we find that the representation of accessibility research is mostly centered in the Global North with countries that are WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic). Our paper explores digital accessibility in Iran, focusing exclusively on its national policies on accessibility. Iran is a non-WEIRD country located in the Global South, with no reports on its digital accessibility status from the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict). We found that there is not enough focus on …

Carving Out Space: Black Feminist Theory, Morgan Barnes-Whitehead

History - Master of Arts in Teaching

I. Synthesis Essay………………………………..3

II. Primary Documents and Headnotes………..18

III. Textbook Critique……………………………..29

IV. New Textbook Entry…………………………..34

V. Bibliography………………………………….....35

Prism-19, Center For Complex Operations

PRISM (Full PDF Issues)

This special issue of PRISM is about the different perceptions and reactions to COVID-19 as people and governments experienced the disease, and their diverse understanding of its implications for national and international security.

Structural And Functional Characterization Of Two Poly(Aspartic Acid) Hydrolases, Amanda Jansch

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Due to the accumulation of polymers in the environment, biodegradable alternatives should be used in place of commonly used polymers like poly(carboxylates). Poly(carboxylates) are water-soluble polymers (WSPs) that make up a variety of consumer products, such as detergents, descaling agents, and superabsorbent materials commonly found in diapers and feminine hygiene products. While the visible accumulation of these products may not be obvious, it is necessary to reduce the amount entering the environment. Poly(aspartic acid) (PAA) is an alternative WSP that is biodegradable through the action of three different enzymes, PahZ1_KT-1, PahZ2_KT-1, and PahZ1_KP-2. Originally …

Barriers To Musculoskeletal Injury Reporting In High School Athletes: A Qualitative Study, Mikayla Talak

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: There are a substantial amount of sport related injuries recorded at the high school age and it has been recorded as a public health concern in a vast amount of health literature. Although participating in sports has a risk of injury associated with it, it is common for high school athletes to underreport injuries. But there is no known literature on injury reporting behaviors of musculoskeletal injuries in the high school athletic population. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the barriers and facilitators to musculoskeletal injury reporting and towards playing injured in athletes that attend a …

Rural Feminism And Perspectives Of Women Farmers In The Agriculture Industry: "I Don't Think I'D Want To Be A Man In This Industry", Cassie M. Duncan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Women currently make up 36% of the workforce in the agriculture industry and are actively growing in number (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2017). Historically, women’s roles in the agriculture industry were silent or ignored, which has had consequences for women, such as poorer quality of life (Meares, 1997). Today, women are becoming more and more involved in the agriculture industry, but still face inequality in the workplace due to their gender. This research aims to understand the day-to-day experiences and impact of gender for women who work in the production agriculture industry; and by doing so, expand Feminist Theory to …

States' Public Health Funding And Population Health Outcomes: An Examination Through A Socio-Ecological Lens, Maureen K. Akubu-Odero

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The US public health system has been underfunded for decades, despite its significant mandate of improving overall population health outcomes. This ecological study evaluates the association between state public health funding and population health outcomes and the role of state public health funding in reducing state-level health disparities. The findings show that the relationships between public health investments and improvements in health outcomes and health disparity in states are moderated by socioeconomic contextual factors. The findings suggest a need for continued and increased public health investments, tailored to community needs and context

Development Of Novel Pyridazine Derivatives And Drug Delivery Systems Against Dengue, Janae A. Culmer

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The lack of approved vaccines, medications and treatment regimens has significantly contributed to the rapid spread of mosquito-borne viruses such as Dengue and Zika virus. The complex immunopathology of these viruses presents limitations for the development and implementation of a definitive, safe and effective approach to combat infections.Previous research has demonstrated that vector control strategies such as the elimination of larval habitats, larviciding with insecticides, the use of biological agents and the application of adulticides have been unsuccessful in the reduction of viral transmission leading to the need for the continued development of antivirals. This research proposes an approach for …

Instinct, Eric Sanders

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

There is a convergence point of my interests that I explore in this body of work. As a service member and wildlife enthusiast, I pursue not only an outlet for my own creative expression and illustrative ambitions, but a platform to support creative advocacy for military service members and their families. With the principles of relational aesthetics and art as social practice supporting illustrative and design-centric work, I have found that convergence. This dream continues to manifest in Noble Instinct Artworks, a creative-based company I founded that incorporates the fine art methodology, business practices, and artistic collaboration with outreach potential …

An Examination Of Diabetes Prevention Program Translations For Eastern Kentucky, William H. Robinson

DSW Capstone Projects

This capstone project examined translations of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) that have been adapted to improve cultural competency and analyzed the potential application of these adaptations to serve communities in Eastern Kentucky. Findings in the project were synthesized using the Ecological Validity Model (EVM) posited by Bernal et al. (1995) and the RE-AIM framework developed by Glasgow et al. (1999). EVM and RE-AIM have been used in other systematic literature reviews of the DPP and provide a framework for conceptual analysis and practice application of the findings. This project recommends changes in public health policy and social work …

Analysis Of Bio-Alcohols With Mie-Scattering And Ltc For Lowered Emissions In Pcci, Cesar E. Carapia

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

An investigation was conducted on the optimal engine parameters for facilitating lower NOX and soot emissions of PCCI combustion with either ethanol or n-butanol. The PFI fuels selected were tested at loads of 3, 4, and 5 Bar IMEP for a total of 28 total combustion tests with variations made to the EGR% and boost pressure for each test in order to find the optimal emissions strategy. A Mie-scattering spray fuel analysis was also conducted on the three fuels to gain insight on their influence on combustion/emissions characteristics. It was found that ethanol had a greater average Sauter Mean Diameter …

Evaluation Of Hemp Seed Meal As A Fish Meal Replacement Through Growth And Digestibility Trials In Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis), Anthony Sample

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Demand for seafood has continued to increase despite a stagnation in global wild-caught fisheries. Aquaculture has met this demand but suffers from numerous sustainability issues because of dependence on fish meal, which is unsustainable, sparking nutritional research into alternatives. Hemp seed meal has shown promise as an alternative due to its sustainable production and nutritional qualities. This study evaluated hemp seed meal as an alternative to fish meal through growth and digestibility trials with Morone saxatilis. A seven-week growth trial was conducted within a recirculating aquaculture system using a total of two control diets (commercial and constructed) and six …

Design And Implementation Of An Automatic Word Generator For Word Matching Interactives, Evan Miles Gertis

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

An Automatic Word Match Generator is a software tool that can be used to generate word-matching interactives automatically. The purpose of a word-matching interactive is to provide students with the mechanism to learn new vocabulary and improve their reading comprehension skills. This thesis will present the design and implementation of an Automatic Word Match Generator, as well as the research and algorithms used in the program.

The Influence Of Faculty Peer Network Communication In The Diffusion Of A Centralized Cure, Nicole L. Scheuermann

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide students the benefits of undergraduate research participation by incorporating authentic scientific research into laboratory courses. CUREs are a relatively young pedagogy and are therefore innovative. Roger’s (2003) diffusion of innovations (DOI) framework posits that the diffusion of innovations, such as CUREs, is a highly social process. Most existing CURE research has focused on the impacts to students and the critical elements of CURE design. Investigation into instructor peer network communication is largely absent from the existing CURE literature. This study investigates the structure and function of a CURE community – the Malate Dehydrogenase CURE …

The Synthesis And Biocatalytic Reduction Of Beta-Keto Alkynes, Rhema M. Francis

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The preparation of enantiopure homopropargyl alcohols (but-3-yn-ols) is of high importance to the scientific community. They are employed as valuable pharmaceutical intermediates and are opportune to generate antiviral nucleoside analogues. Chiral inducement of these molecules thus far has been poor (low ee) and has constituted a key challenge for asymmetric synthesis in the last few decades. Enzyme-catalyzed enantioselective reductions of ketones have become popular to produce thus-prepared synthons on an industrial scale. Among them, biocatalysts (dehydrogenases, reductases) emerge as a biodegradable option for chemical transformations, in comparison to chiral catalysts that employ highly toxic metals. This research investigates the catalytic …

Mental Health Professionals Working In Prisons: Their Perspectives On The Quality And Availability Of Treatment And Therapy For Mentally Ill Inmates, Tara Harvey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The perspectives of mental health professionals who work with inmates who have serious and persistent mental illnesses is largely unknown. Prisons, law enforcement, and the courts may all benefit from understanding these perspectives regarding how to treat the mentally ill in the criminal justice system (CJS). Many studies (mostly quantitative) have been conducted to address the increase of mentally ill inmates and have focuses on different areas of this phenomenon. However, to date, no qualitative studies have been located that depict the perceptions of mental health professionals working in prisons and their viewpoints regarding this population’s access to quality and …

Forgiveness Therapy And Complex Trauma: Secular Therapists’ Perspectives, Andrea Hardman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Treatment-seeking survivors of complex trauma pursue normality and resiliency in their everyday lives. Forgiveness therapy is one treatment modality for such trauma. However, studies linking complex trauma and forgiveness therapy are minimal. The purpose of this generic qualitative inquiry was to improve treatment interventions of secular therapists’ use of forgiveness therapy, specifically, Worthington’s REACH forgiveness model with complex trauma clients. Two research questions guided this study: “What are secular therapists’ perspectives on the use of forgiveness therapy with complex trauma clients” and “What are secular therapists’ perspectives on the use of Worthington’s REACH forgiveness model with complex trauma clients.” For …

Job Satisfaction And Burnout Among Social Workers Providing Services To Veterans, Toni Jones

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Social workers have been documented both experiencing job satisfaction with decreased levels of burnout and suffering from high stress and burnout. The job demands-resources (JDR) model was used to guide this study. The purpose of this study was to examine how social workers working with the veteran population describe how their job satisfaction affects their perceptions of burnout. A basic qualitative study design was employed with a purposeful sample of 12 social work participants drawn from multiple facilities that provide services to veterans. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and were analyzed using a thematic coding process, validation through member …

Association Of Myplate Diet And Exercise With Diabetes In African American Women, Brandi Jones

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Lifestyle choices such as diet and physical activity have been described as significant predictors of preventable disease, such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus. African American women disproportionately develop Type 2 diabetes and are at greater risk, compared to Caucasian/European Americans. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of physical activity and adherence to the MyPlate diet plan with the occurrence of Type 2 diabetes among African American women. The health belief model was the theoretical foundation for this study. Research questions were designed to examine the extent to which diet and physical activity predict Type 2 diabetes. …

The Risk Factors For Hiv In African American Transgender Women In Connecticut, Oliver Kunda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence rate is 70 times higher for African American transgender women than in the general population. Despite decades of outreach and intervention effort to reduce HIV incidence in the transgender community by the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transexual, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) community and public health organizations, the HIV prevalence rate for transgender women remains high at 38%. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to gain insights into how attitude, subjective social norms, and perceived behavioral control influence HIV risk behaviors of African American transgender women in Connecticut. Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior provided …

Phenomenological Perceptions Of Judges, Attorneys, And Victim Service Professionals Regarding Stalking Victimization, Julienne Long

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Stalking is a public health crisis and a public safety issue. There is extant research on relationship violence, such as domestic violence and sexual assault; however, stalking is not generally the focus of practitioners. There are no qualitative studies on the perceptions of judges, attorneys, or victim service professionals regarding stalking victimization. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore how judges, attorneys, and victim service professionals perceive stalking victimization. Through a qualitative, phenomenological inquiry, six judges, six attorneys, and eight victim service professionals in the state of Ohio were interviewed. Systems theory was used as the theoretical framework. …

International Teachers’ Perceptions Of Mandated Curriculum And Instructional Practices, Jasmine Audrey Matterson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractInternational teachers who arrive in the United States from developing countries often experience challenges adjusting to the U.S. classroom environment. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of international middle and high school teachers at a rural school district in the southern United States on the challenges that they face with adjusting to mandated curriculum and instructional practices that may influence classroom management and effective instruction for student achievement. The conceptual framework for the study was self-determination theory which indicates that when individuals have autonomy, relatedness, and competence, they will perform at their highest level …

Effects Of Rehabilitative Programs On High Louisiana Incarceration Rates, Daimian T. Mcdowell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Felony offenders may face incarceration as a result of their offenses, which takes them away from their families and communities and causes financial burdens for all stakeholders for extended periods. The purpose of this ethnographic study was to explore reentry programs in Louisiana through the accounts of ex-offenders. Reality testing and social learning theory formed the theoretical foundation. The study examined what reentry topics ex-offenders feel needed to be addressed to ensure habitual offenders successfully transition back into society and what role ex-offenders felt reentry programs played in reducing recidivism rates among habitual offenders. Data collection focused on firsthand knowledge, …

Food Insecurity In Oncology Patients: An Educational Intervention For Nurses, Chinelo Pernilla Onwuazombe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractFood insecurity is not having enough food or resources or not being able to procure nutritious foods. An observation that nurses in one oncology clinic rarely assessed their patients for food insecurity as part of their regular assessment led to the development and testing of an educational intervention for nurses which was to create awareness on the importance of assessing food insecurity among oncology patients and to learn to use the Household Food Insecurity Assess Scale (HFIAS) in assessing patients. Summative evaluation was done using a pre/and posttest. The Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the Virginia Henderson nursing need theories …

Tech-Savvy Educators’ Perceptions Of Using Smartphones For Self-Directed Professional Development, Matinga E. Ragatz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The proliferation of the smartphone has encouraged educators, particularly the tech savvy, to seek personalized learning options in lieu of the absence of individualized professional development (PD) offerings provided by their academic institutions that are not based on short-term whole group instruction. Although smartphone use has attracted the attention of researchers, not much has been examined about how educators use the device to enhance their learning. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of tech-savvy educators regarding smartphone use for informal self-directed PD. The conceptual framework of the study was the 3 x 3 model …