Digital Commons Network^™

Performatic Learning In Informal Education: A Mixed Methods Study Of Zine-Making As A Catalyst For Intentional Epistemic Claiming, Experiential Knowing, And Cultural Mediation In A Museum-Based Learning Environment, April Ursula Fox

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Informal learning environments are powerful sites of meaning-making when learners are invited to move from observer to author. This study positions zine-making as an effective educational tool capable of promoting that transformation. The study advances a new framework—Performatic Learning—to articulate how creative, multimodal practices can support learning as becoming. Developed through foundational pilot studies and an in-depth mixed-methods investigation in a natural history museum, the framework integrates five constructs: Intentional Epistemic Claiming, Experiential Knowing, Cultural Mediation, Performatic Space, and Learning as Becoming. Across cases, zine-making emerged as a generative learning space in which participants authored knowledge, navigated uncertainty, drew on …

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

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

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

Validation And Implementation Of Automated Planning Optimization In Utah Valley Hospital, Oluwatobi Adeniji

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The increasing complexity of modern radiotherapy demands planning workflows that are efficient, standardized, and dosimetrically robust across diverse disease sites. Knowledge-based planning (KBP) systems such as RapidPlan offer a data-driven approach to automate and improve treatment planning by learning geometric–dosimetric relationships from high-quality clinical plans. In this work, I am evaluating the performance, generalizability, and clinical applicability of vendor-provided RapidPlan models across seven anatomical sites: intracranial SRS, prostate SBRT, right and left lung SBRT, liver SBRT, head and neck, and glioblastoma. Subsequently, a complementary institution-specific SRS model tailored to single-isocenter multitarget workflows was created. Seventy retrospectively selected patients were replanned …

Solving The 2-Sigma Problem With Chatgpt: A Case Study On The Double-Entry Accounting System, Dieudonne A. Affognon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study examined whether structured ChatGPT tutoring could approximate the learning gains historically associated with one-on-one human tutoring. Grounded in cognitive load theory and informed by Bloom’s two-sigma benchmark, the investigation used double-entry accounting as a procedurally dense testbed requiring coordinated schema construction and rule-based reasoning. A randomized proof-of-concept design assigned thirty first-year accounting students to either human tutoring or ChatGPT tutoring across an eight-week instructional interval. Learning outcomes were assessed at pretest, posttest, and delayed retention. Repeated-measures analyses revealed substantial within-subject learning gains across both instructional modalities. Performance improved significantly from baseline to post-instruction assessment, indicating acquisition of procedural …

Effectiveness Of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy On The Quality Of Life Of Adults With Dementia: A Secondary Analysis, Evelyn Airam

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This secondary analysis study evaluated the effectiveness of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) on quality of life (QoL), depressive symptoms, and cognitive function in 108 community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairments, including dementia. Outcomes involved Quality of Life (QoL) measured by the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD), symptoms of depression by the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), and cognitive function using the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS). After the CST, significant improvements were observed in QoL (p = .004), depressive symptoms (p = .002), and cognitive function (p < .001), with small effect sizes. Additionally, a significant interaction between sex and dementia diagnosis status was found in predicting cognitive changes, suggesting that the relationship between dementia diagnosis and cognitive improvement differs by sex. No between-group differences were found for QoL or depression. Findings support CST as a multidimensional, non-pharmacological intervention that improves cognitive, psychological, and social outcomes. Although effects were small, consistent improvements are clinically meaningful given the progressive nature of dementia. This study extends existing literature by demonstrating CST’s effectiveness in a community-based setting and reinforces its alignment with occupational therapy’s emphasis on participation and holistic care. Results highlight the need for early intervention and expanded access to CST programs to enhance quality of life in this population.

Integrating Social-Emotional Learning To Foster Regulation And A Positive Classroom Climate, Klarika Meghan V. Alquisada

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Social-emotional learning (SEL) supports the development of emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and meaningful participation in academic environments. Increasing regulatory demands within classrooms highlight the need for structured approaches that support both educators and students in maintaining engagement and fostering positive learning environments. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely positioned to collaborate with educators to integrate regulation-focused strategies within daily classroom routines.This quality improvement project aimed to develop and implement an OT-informed SEL program for educators serving students with diverse learning needs. Teachers received consultation and tailored SEL strategies, implemented them for 5 weeks, and provided feedback on their effects on …

Unknowing Sacrifices: Public Health And Radiation Illness In New Mexico And Nevada, 1940s-1960s, Beatriz Avila-Marquez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The detonation of the first atomic bomb in the early morning of July 16, 1945, in New Mexico welcomed the atomic age that forever changed the world. After that day, thousands of lives were lost due to nuclear weapons, and hundreds of thousands more continued to suffer from the effects of atomic testing. The Atomic Energy Commission, fueled by the arms race of the Cold War, chose Nevada to continue the United States’ nuclear weapons testing. Knowledge of the dangers of radiation exposure, the effects of radiation, and techniques to prevent exposure are now available in part due to the …

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

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

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

Fostering Adolescents’ Social-Emotional Skills In A Community Setting, Elizabeth Benitez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Adolescents face growing emotional, behavioral, and social challenges, especially in community recreation settings with high energy, peer interaction, and sensory demands. These environments often expose difficulties in emotional regulation, communication, and conflict management, highlighting the need for structured social-emotional learning (SEL). This capstone project aimed to develop and implement an occupation-centered SEL program integrating the Zones of Regulation (ZOR), CASEL competencies, and Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR) Floortime principles within the Clark County Hollywood Parks and Recreation after-school program. Guided by the Person–Environment–Occupation (PEO) model, the project sought to help adolescents practice emotional awareness, self-management, and interpersonal skills in their …

A Near Linear-Phase Analog Frequency Sampling Filter Design Framework Using A Second-Order Trust-Region Optimization Technique, Edreese Basharyar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Analog frequency sampling filters (FSFs) provide an efficient means of realizing finite impulse response (FIR)-like behavior in continuous-time systems, but their practical implementation is constrained by the requirement for perfect pole-zero cancellation along the imaginary axis. Because exact cancellation is physically unattainable due to component variations, ideal linear-phase Type 1 analog FSFs exhibit uncancelled poles that result in system instability. To address this limitation, this thesis introduces a near-linear-phase design framework for Type 1 analog FSFs that achieves both stability and design flexibility through the inclusion of a damping constant, ρ, which shifts the poles into the left half of …

Criticality Safety Evaluation To Address Potential Over Conservative Restrictions In 49 Cfr Fissile Materials – Exceptions, Avian Blumhorst

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The U. S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 49 CFR 173.453 Fissile Exceptions provide a regulatory classification that helps eliminate burdensome regulatory requirements. The current fissile exceptions are based on past technical basis reviews. These reviews may be overly conservative, and the final ruling potentially applied significant administrative over-conservatism. This thesis reviewed and presents several recommendations to the fissile exception criteria, as well as 49 CFR 173.453 section’s additions.

Using Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code version 6.3.0, several infinite sea mixtures and array systems were modeled for fissile isotopes 233U and 235U. The research demonstrated that for fissile exception (a) there …

Junctional Actin As A Mechanical Hub For Supracellular Actomyosin Force Transmission During Apical Constriction, Jasneet Brar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Apical constriction is a conserved morphogenetic mechanism that drives epithelial folding during development. During ventral furrow formation in Drosophila melanogaster, contractile actomyosin networks generate forces that reduce apical cell area resulting in tissue invagination. For these cell-scale forces to produce coordinated tissue-scale changes, contractile networks must be mechanically integrated across neighboring cells. Although adherens junctions are known to mediate this coupling, it is unclear how junctions are integrated into cortical actin cytoskeleton, which directly determines cell, and consequently tissue, shape. This thesis tests the hypothesis that supracellular actomyosin organization during apical constriction depends on distinct adherens junction based mechanical couplings: …

“A Land No One Would Want”: Environmental Activism And The Rejection Of ‘Wasteland’ Narratives In Southern Nevada, Steven Butler

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper traces events within the history of environmental activism in Southern Nevada. The first chapter discusses the proposed high level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. The second chapter examines the closure of the Reid Gardner Generating Station in Moapa, Nevada. The third chapter details the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s Groundwater Development Project. Each of the three chapters is linked by common themes within the history of Southern Nevada environmental activism, including dedicated coalition-building and the refusal of “wastelanding” of the region.

Got Sleep?: The Introduction Of Sleep Hygiene To Justice Involved Individuals, Charisma Lynn Cato

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Individuals transitioning out of incarceration often experience challenges with sleep due to the residual effects of confinement. Although this is common among justice-involved individuals, there is limited research on how to address their sleep hygiene self-efficacy after release. Furthermore, despite the wide use of social-emotional learning (SEL) across multiple disciplines, little is known about its influence on sleep-related behavior change in re-entry populations. To address this, the Got Sleep program, designed and implemented at Hope for Prisoners (HOPE), a community site geared toward re-entry assistance, integrated occupational therapy (OT) principles and an SEL approach with practical sleep hygiene strategies to …

And Now It Blooms And Sings: The Music And Poetry Of Noël By Clémence De Grandval, Nicholas Stephen Carozza

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This document presents a historical background with poetic and musical analysis of Noël for voice, oboe, and piano by Clémence de Grandval (1828–1907) to contextualize the work within the lives of the composer, performers, and poet. Noël occupies an important period in Grandval’s life as one of the few pieces composed after 1900, and features a unique instrumentation of voice, oboe, and piano. The work is a musical setting of poetry by Nobel laureate Sully Prudhomme and was dedicated to oboist Louis Bleuzet and baritone Paul Daraux. This document presents biographical information, compositional background, records of performances, and analysis to …

Stalking Victimization Risk Factors Among College-Aged Men And Women: Does Relationship Type Matter?, Nicole Cebak

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Research assessing stalking—or a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviors directed at a specific individual that causes fear, distress, or concern for their safety—has identified several factors that can increase a person’s vulnerability to this form of victimization (e.g., demographic predictors, lifestyle factors, individual characteristics) (Fissel et al., 2023; Fox et al., 2016; Reyns et al., 2016; Reyns & Scherer, 2016). However, stalking can manifest within a wide range of relational contexts, suggesting that risk factors identified for stalking victimization more broadly may be insufficient across different victim-offender relationship types (e.g., stranger, intimate partner) (Reyns et al., 2016; Strauss et al., …

Preservation Of Sedimentary Rubidium Isotopic Signatures In Subduction Zones: Insights From The Schistes Lustrés Hp-Uhp Metasediments, Western Alps, Mary Clarich

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

When oceanic plates bend and sink into the mantle at subduction zones, they carry sediments from the surface down into the mantle. The recycled sediments contain elements, that are depleted in the mantle, thereby influencing the composition of the mantle wedge and the formation of arc magmas, which are the building blocks of juvenile continental crust. However, it remains poorly constrained how much these elements, particularly fluid-mobile elements such as rubidium (Rb), are lost into fluids during metamorphic dehydration, and how much is transported to sub-arc depths where arc magmas are generated. Rubidium in subducting sediments is mainly hosted in …

Enhancing Accessibility And Inclusivity In The Performing Arts With Occupational Therapy Frameworks, Carmela Clarice Tabora Clave

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In live theater performances, there are numerous sensory demands, including unpredictable noises, lighting, crowd movement, vocalization, and transitions in and out of the theater. Teachers, support staff, and chaperones who attend these performances may face barriers in supporting their children in unfamiliar environments, and community volunteers who have never assisted during these shows may not know how to support children who need it if they have not had prior exposure to children with diverse needs. This capstone project provides families, teachers, and volunteers with pre-visit resource guides with occupational therapy perspectives on sensory processing for student matinees and sensory-inclusive performances …

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

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background:

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

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

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

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

Functional Domains’ Ability To Predict Outcomes In Comparison To Absenteeism In A National Sample Of School Age Children, Randolph Dupont

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

School absenteeism poses a critical challenge for educators, clinicians, and policymakers due to its strong associations with impairments across academic, social, mental health, and family domains. Traditional models conceptualize absenteeism systemically, using dimensional definitions (e.g., chronic absenteeism defined by missed days), or analytically, using categorical definitions (e.g., truancy, school refusal). Both approaches are limited in capturing the functional consequences of school attendance problems (SAPs). This study evaluated whether a functional impairment model, which emphasizes how domains of functioning are disrupted by absenteeism, provides a more accurate framework for predicting outcomes than absenteeism frequency alone. Using longitudinal data from the Adolescent …

Precise Kinetic Parameters For Thermal Resetting Of Clumped Isotope Signatures In Biogenic And Abiogenic Calcites, Nico Kueter, Nathan Looser, Jordon D. Hemingway, Nils B. Gies, Gregory D. Price, Alberto Perez-Huerta, Stefano M. Bernasconi

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Carbonate clumped isotope (∆₄₇) thermometry is a powerful tool to reconstruct paleotemperatures. However, episodes of heating or cooling can alter original ∆₄₇ values through diffusive C-O bond reordering—i.e., isotopic exchange between neighboring carbonate groups within the mineral lattice—and/or oxygen-isotope exchange between carbonate groups and water (collectively termed “thermal resetting”). Nevertheless, if precise kinetic constraints are available, altered ∆₄₇ values can be utilized to reconstruct thermal histories of sedimentary basins or to restore primary ∆₄₇ values from carbonates which experienced thermal resetting in their geological history. Here, we present new high-resolution heating experiments on optical (abiogenic) …

Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Improving Quality Of Care In Breast Cancer, Deborah Schindele

Group: Northern Arizona University School of Nursing, DNP Doctoral Papers

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women and leads to decreased quality of life owing to increased anxiety, depression, fatigue, stress, and a lack of social support. The American Society for Integrative Oncology ranks mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) as the most highly recommended integrative interventions known to decrease anxiety, depression, and fatigue, and improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients. However, they were not regularly used or recommended by support group facilitators of the project. A quality improvement project was implemented with the five support group facilitators to address this deficit. The purpose was to …

Holding Museums Accountable: Utilizing Criminal Sanctions To Support Repatriation Of Illegally Acquired Cultural Property, Mary Jane Apostle

Washington and Lee Law Review Online

Antiquities trafficking is the third largest form of illegal trade in the world after arms and drugs. In 2020, over 850,000 stolen or looted antiquities were seized worldwide, with the illegal trade growing significantly due to the rise of social media and online platforms. International law, federal agencies, and civil liability have not been successful in curtailing the illegal antiquities trade.

This Note traces New York’s legal evolution from protecting museums that displayed looted artifacts to mandating greater transparency through origin and ownership disclosures. Central to this shift is the creation of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit (ATU) by the Manhattan …

Purification, Enzymatic Properties, And Stabilizer Screening Of Acid Protease From Trichoderma Reesei, Wu Yao, Yu Huashun, Chen Rui, Yang Zhaoshi, Li Ming, Gao Jie, Zhang Yan

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To purify and study the enzymatic properties of acid protease from the Trichoderma reesei strain, and to screen the stabilizer formula. [Methods] The acid protease is purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, and anion exchange column chromatography. Then, its molecular weight is determined by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and its enzymatic properties are studied. Finally, the stabilizer formula of acid protease is optimized, with an investigation into its effect on acid protease storage stability. [Results] For the purified acid protease, its specific enzyme activity is 4 849 U/mg, purification fold is 3.28 times, and relative molecular weight is …

Analysis Of Particle Settlement Characteristics And Force Chain Evolution Of Rice Seeds In Silo Based On Discrete Element Method, Wang Minna, Chen Lintao, Ma Xu, Mou Xiangwei, Zhong Wenjun, Jiang Huanyu

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To reveal the movement law and force chain characteristic evolution mechanism of stored rice seed particles during the settlement process in a silo. [Methods] With the Xinliangyou 98 hybrid rice seeds as the research object, a "rice seed-silo" simulation model was established using the discrete element method (DEM) to simulate the effect of different settlement heights, grain pile components, and mass flow rates on the fundamental parameters of rice seed settlement motion. A quantitative analysis method for the force chain characteristics of the rice seed population in the silo was proposed to investigate the influence patterns of different mass …

Time-Optimal Trajectory Planning For Food Sorting Robots Based On An Improved Beaver Algorithm, Wang Yahui, Zhang Guowei, Ma Qian, Huang Lifang

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To enhance the operational stability of food sorting robots and the efficiency of time-optimal trajectory planning. [Methods] A time-optimal trajectory planning method for food sorting robots based on an improved beaver algorithm (BA) is proposed. First, with the six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm of the sorting robot as the research object, a time-optimal constrained optimization model based on 4-5-4 polynomial interpolation is established. Secondly, the BA is improved by introducing adaptive beaver species classification, population spatial directional evolution, and global jump strategy, effectively balancing the global exploration breadth and local search fineness of the algorithm. The improved BA is then applied …

Optimization Of Extraction Process Of Suopiyin And Its Antioxidant And Hypoglycemic Activities In Vitro And In Vivo, Li Yaqing, Chu Xiaoqin, Cui Mengyao, Li Jing, Jia Nini, Jiang Dayuan

Food and Machinery

[Objective] Based on classical prescriptions of Xin'an Medicine, a functional food was developed to help exert antioxidant effects and maintain healthy blood glucose levels. [Methods] Based on the results of single-factor experiments, an orthogonal design was applied to optimize three factors in the extraction process, namely the solid-liquid ratio, extraction time, and number of extraction cycles. The extraction yields of total polysaccharides and total flavonoids were used as evaluation indices to determine the optimal extraction process. The in vitro antioxidant activity of Suopiyin was evaluated using the scavenging rates of DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl (·OH) radicals. The in vitro hypoglycemic …

Exploring Bidirectionality In Global Health Partnerships: Perspectives From U.S. Pediatric Residency Programs., Anik Patel, Pauline Kamau, Justus Simba, Ashley Combs, Adelaide Barnes, Kathy Ferrer, Heather Haq, Duncan K. Hau, Lee Morris, Brittany Murray, Amy Rule, Reena P. Tam, Lisa Umphrey, Megan S. Mchenry

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Introduction Despite growing interest, little guidance exists to re-evaluate global health partnerships (GHPs) through promoting bidirectionality. This study aims to understand the perspectives of United States (U.S.) pediatric global health (GH) faculty on institutional bidirectional practices to inform future discussions with international collaborators. Methods An internally, iteratively developed REDCap-based online survey (REDCap, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN), by our diverse author group, collected qualitative data from January 18 to February 20, 2023. Free-text responses were reviewed and coded inductively, with findings framed to generate themes for subsequent engagement with international partners. Results Of the 88 U.S. programs that identify as having …

What Are You?: The Impacts Of Salient Relationships And Monoracist Experiences On Multiracial Individuals’ Well-Being, Annika E. Duquet

Doctoral Dissertations

The multiracial population is one of the fastest growing groups as interracial partnerships continue to rise (Lee, 2008). This dissertation focused on multiracial Indian and white individuals and explored the processes of developing one’s identity and social relationships through identifiable experiences. The adult participants, located throughout the United States, recalled experiences from throughout their life that they encountered with peers, family members, community members, romantic partners, and other systems of support. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology, the research questions guiding the study were: 1) What are the ways in which salient relationships affect an Indian and white individual’s meaning-making …