Digital Commons Network^™

Navigating Knowledge: Effects Of State Curiosity On Children's Word Learning And Information Seeking [Registered Report]: Effects Of State Curiosity On Children's Word Learning And Information Seeking, Anna Caunt, Shaun Dordoy, Rana Abu-Zhaya, Alastair Smith

School of Psychology

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Early learning takes place within complex, multimodal environments where curiosity plays a critical role in guiding exploratory behaviors and supporting cognitive development. While trait curiosity shapes children’s early learning experiences, state curiosity is context-dependent fostering early learning, in-part, through information seeking behaviors. Here, we explore whether state-induced curiosity can influence exploratory behaviors and facilitate word learningwithin a multimodal search task that mirrors real-world learning environments.Children (2.5- to 4-year-olds) will be introduced to novel objects and labels via a storybook. After exposure to each novel object, participants will locate the target object (i.e., a sticker depicting the novel object), hidden within …

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Traveling Waves For A Diffusive Sir Epidemic Model With Delay In The Diffusion Term, William Barker

Faculty Scholarship

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This paper investigates the existence of traveling waves in a diffusive SIR model with delay incorporated in the diffusion terms and a nonlinear incidence rate with delay. By employing a cross-iteration scheme and partial monotonicity conditions, we establish that the existence of quasi-upper and lower solutions, along with suitable super and sub-solutions, provides sufficient conditions for the existence of a traveling wavefront. This existence result is obtained via Schauder’s fixed-point theorem. Furthermore, given an appropriate basic reproduction number, the traveling wavefront transitions from the disease-free steady state to the endemic steady state. To illustrate our approach, we explicitly construct super- …

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Impact Of Immediate Restoration On Bone Remodeling In The Esthetic Zone: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Hao-Dong Wang, Xin-Hai Lin, Yi-Wen Wu, Hong-Run Zhou, Tai Zhao Wei, Xi Chen, Yi-Qun Tang, Ya-Qin Zhu, Long Jiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

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Background/purpose: Traumatic loss of anterior teeth creates esthetic challenges and often requires immediate rehabilitation. Although immediate implant placement and restoration (IIPR) shortens treatment time, strict primary stability limits its use. A native-crown restoration supported by fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) splints may broaden the indications of immediate restoration, but its effectiveness remains unclear. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of the novel immediate restoration following IIP on peri-implant bone remodeling in anterior esthetic zone trauma during osseointegration.

Materials and methods: Twenty participants undergoing IIP in the anterior maxilla were randomized into two groups. In the experimental group, immediate restorations …

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Elastohydrodynamic Propulsion Of A Magnetically Actuated Filament, Sohum Kapadia, Julien Chopin, Arshad Kudrolli

Physics

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We investigate the low-Reynolds-number propulsion of a slender elastic filament with a dipolar magnetic head actuated by an oscillating magnetic field in a viscous fluid by studying its strokes and net forward motion. To capture these dynamics, we employ an elastohydrodynamic (EH) framework that couples Euler-Bernoulli beam mechanics with resistive force theory. Unlike prescribed-kinematics models, filament shapes here emerge self-consistently from the actuation and the force and torque boundary conditions (BCs). We demonstrate that viscous boundary contributions are crucial for quantitative agreement and show that the swimming dynamics are governed by the EH length and a magneto-viscous-elastic stroke amplitude introduced …

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What Kind Of Democracy Is Energy Democracy? Reconsidering Energy Democracy Through Green Democratic Theory, Eric S. Godoy

Faculty Publications - Philosophy

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This study examines an energy democracy framework for guiding a just transition to renewable energy, which incorporates democratic methods and values into energy policy decision-making. But as there are a variety of models of democracy (e.g. liberal, ecological, green republican, and socialist), energy democracy is a complex normative concept, which gives rise to ambiguities and confusions. Drawing from political theory, I argue that identifying with a particular kind of democracy provides the framework with a clearer definition, richer normative grounding, and resources for addressing some limitations its critics have identified, such as the reduction of democracy to participation.

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Diverse C–C Bond Formation Reactions Catalyzed By Oxidized Palladium Nanoparticles Supported On Marine Shell Waste Powder Via Additive-Free Deposition–Precipitation, Jian Hou, Garrett M. Milligan, Zhicheng Cai, Jun-Hyun Kim

Faculty Publications – Chemistry

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The formation of carbon-carbon (C–C) bonds is central to modern organic synthesis. Although the use of conventional Pd-ligand complexes as homogeneous catalysts results in highly effective yields, these systems often face some limitations including high cost, difficult recyclability, and thermal stability. Here, we demonstrate the utilization of palladium (Pd)-derived metals supported on finely ground marine shell waste as a reactive and recyclable catalyst for diverse C–C bond-forming reactions. Oyster shell powder (OSP) derived from problematic biowaste, primarily composed of calcium carbonate, provides abundant anchoring sites to immobilize Pd ions via an additive-free deposition–precipitation method, followed by thermally-induced conversion into oxidized …

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Structural Design Of Macroporous Layered Double Hydroxide Catalysts: Alleviating Mass Transport Constraints In Bulkier Triglycerides, Nazrizawati Ahmad Tajuddin, Mohamad Hidayat Haider, Nazarudin Nazarudin

Baghdad Science Journal

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Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) serve as potential catalysts for biodiesel production through triglyceride (TAG) transesterification; nevertheless, mass transport limitations hinder their effectiveness, especially with larger TAG molecules. This study addresses this limitation by synthesizing macroporous MgAlLDH and ZnAlLDH using a polystyrene templating method. Thorough characterization reveals the successful formation of macroporous structures with significantly increased physicochemical properties and their structural design compared to conventional LDHs. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the successful restoration of the LDH structure following calcination and rehydration, with enhanced crystallinity seen in the macroporous materials. The BET surface area analysis revealed a substantial increase (∼10x for MgAlLDH) …

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Influence Of Solvent Type On The Morphology And Mechanical Properties Of Electrospun Pmma Nanofibers, Mohd Khairulniza Mansor, Ahmad Faiza Mohd, Khairunnadim Ahmad Sekak, Norhanifah Mohd Yazid, Nurul Fatahah Asyqin Zainal, Yong Kok Chong

Baghdad Science Journal

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Electrospinning is a versatile and widely used technique for producing nanofibers with controlled morphology and high surface area, essential for applications in filtration, biomedical engineering, and sensors. The choice of solvent plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency of the electrospinning process and the properties of the resulting fibers. In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning using four different solvents: tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylformamide (DMF), chloroform (CHCl3), and acetone at a 20% (w/w) polymer concentration. Surface tension tests revealed that DMF exhibited the highest surface tension, at 40.11 mN/m, which influenced fiber formation. Electrospinning …

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Porosity And Structural Integrity Of Tin-Polydimethylsiloxane (Pdms) Composites For Radiation Shielding Application, Hanisah Zainal Abidin, Nur Maizatul Azra Mukhtar, Ainorkhilah Mahmood, Nor Aimi Abdul Wahab, Rafidah Zainon, Nurul Syafiqah Roslan, Nur Iwani Nor Izaham, Aishah Zarzali Shah

Baghdad Science Journal

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Ionizing radiation benefits medical treatments and diagnostics. However, it also poses significant health risks, such as from the scattering radiation and unintended exposure. Lead is a common shielding material used for its excellent gamma ray attenuation performance, but it presents ergonomic and environmental challenges. This study assesses the structural and potential radiation absorption properties of the tin-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites. The composites were fabricated with different metal concentrations and tested for radiation protection efficiency (RPE), structural characteristics, chemical structure, and porosity. Gamma-ray spectroscopy was used to characterize radiation, with Cd-109 as a primary source. Pure tin/PDMS (PT) had the highest RPE …

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Double-Layered Tin-Polydimethylsiloxane (Pdms) Composites: Evaluation Of Porosity And Structural Morphology Of Polymeric Composites, Nurul Syafiqah Roslan, Nur Maizatul Azra Mukhtar, Ainorkhilah Mahmood, Nor Aimi Abdul Wahab, Rafidah Zainon, Hanisah Zainal Abidin, Aishah Zarzali Shah, Nor Iwani Nor Izaham

Baghdad Science Journal

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The pursuit of advanced materials for radiation protection has highlighted the potential of polymer–metal composites. Porosity is a key factor influencing radiation attenuation, as fewer voids reduce pathways for radiation penetration. Recent studies emphasize the role of filler distribution in enhancing both mechanical properties and shielding performance. This work investigates the structural morphology and porosity of tin–PDMS composites prepared with pure tin (PS) and tin alloy (AS) fillers at 10–60 wt.% loadings, along with a tin–alloy mixture series (TM). Morphological features, particle distribution, oxygen content, and porosity were comprehensively analyzed. Results show that porosity strongly correlates with filler distribution and …

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Low Temperature Ac Photoelectrochemical Etching Of Si-Doped N-Type Gan: Nanostructure Fabrication For Enhanced Msm Photodetector Performance, Nur Iwani Nor Izaham, Ainorkhilah Mahmood, Rosfariza Radzali, Alhan Farhanah Abd Rahim, Nur Maizatul Azra Mothtar, Mahayatun Dayana Johan Ooi, Naser Mahmoud Ahmed

Baghdad Science Journal

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This study has investigated the fabrication of porous Si-doped gallium nitride (GaN) using low-temperature alternating current photoelectrochemical (ACPEC) etching at varying etching durations for MSM photodetector applications. The structural and optical characteristics of the porous GaN samples were examined using a 400 W high-pressure mercury-vapour lamp (Hg-HPVL) and 4% KOH electrolyte with 50 Hz of 100 mA alternating current (AC). Current-voltage (I-V) measurements were conducted to analyse the platinum-deposited GaN for MSM photodetector performance. FESEM micrographs of the etched samples revealed coral-like and nano-tunnel pore formations, while AFM topography showed a significant increase in surface roughness compared to in the …

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Physico-Mechanical Properties And Streptococcus Mutans Biofilm Formation Of Bio‑Based Flexible Crowns Versus Stainless Steel And Zirconia Crowns For Pediatric Full-Coverage Restorations, Tzu-Yu Peng, Szu-Yu Lai, Yan-An Wu, Ya-Ting Yang, Yuichi Mine, Huei-Yu Huang

Journal of Dental Sciences

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Background/purpose: Bio‑based flexible (BFX) have recently emerged as a potential alternative to conventional pediatric full‑coverage restorations, but evidence regarding their properties and microbial behavior remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the physico-mechanical properties and microbial behavior of BFX crown compared with stainless steel crowns (SSC) and zirconia crowns (ZRC) for pediatric full-coverage restorations.

Materials and methods: Mandibular primary molar crowns from BFX, SSC, and ZRC were assessed. Weight was measured using an electronic balance, and surface roughness and topography were evaluated using a stylus profilometer and atomic force microscopy. The arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) and root mean square …

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Hollow Fiber Assay Microtube Array Membrane (Mtam-Hfa) For Personalized Anticancer Drug Screening In Selection Of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Shan-Ju Chou, Po-Chih Hsu, Chee Ho Chew, Wan-Ting Huang, Amanda Lin Chen, Chen-Yin Yong, Chia-Che Wu, Chia-Lun Chang, Chien-Chung Chen, Kuan-Chou Lin

Journal of Dental Sciences

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Background/purpose: In Asia, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are on the rise in part due to the consumption of betel nut in several regions. This clinical case study evaluated the application of the microtube array membrane-hollow fiber assay (MTAM-HFA) that was previously clinically demonstrated in the context of the selection of chemotheraputic agents as part of the treatment of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in OSCC.

Materials and methods: In this double-blind cohort study, surgical samples from OSCC patients were retrieved and sent for screening of tumor response against a panel of chemotherapeutic agents (5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin, carboplatin and docetaxel). …

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More Than Just A Sprain? Investigating Weakness And Reported Instability After Knee Trauma, Bradley Rivotto Do

Fellows and Residents

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No abstract provided.

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A Snapping Surprise, Brian Chan Do, Elliot L Busch Dpm, Megan Ferderber Md

Fellows and Residents

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No abstract provided.

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Five Promises More Powerful Than Fear, Trevor A. O'Reggio

All Books

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The genesis of this book grew out of an unforgettable experience with students from the SDA Seminary at Andrews University during the summer of 2023, when we traveled to Zambia to conduct a series of evangelistic meetings. Each day, I encouraged the students to memorize and recite Isaiah 41:10 as a source of courage, strength, and inspiration. That powerful verse became a daily reminder that God’s presence is greater than any fear or challenge we may face.

After returning from Zambia, I felt impressed to preserve the impact of that experience by writing this small book based on Isaiah 41:10. …

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บทบาทพยาบาลในการป้องกันภาวะแทรกซ้อนและฟื้นฟูสมรรถภาพหัวใจในผู้ป่วยกล้ามเนื้อหัวใจตายเฉียบพลันกลุ่มเสี่ยงต่ำหลังได้รับการรักษาด้วยการถ่างขยายหลอดเลือดหัวใจ, ดารา วงษ์กวน

Journal of Nursing Research, Innovation, and Health

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บทความวิชาการนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อสังเคราะห์บทบาทของพยาบาลในการป้องกันภาวะแทรกซ้อนและการฟื้นฟูสมรรถภาพหัวใจในผู้ป่วยโรคกล้ามเนื้อหัวใจตายเฉียบพลันกลุ่มเสี่ยงต่ำภายหลังได้รับการรักษาด้วยการถ่างขยายหลอดเลือดหัวใจ โรคกล้ามเนื้อหัวใจตายเฉียบพลันเป็นภาวะที่รุนแรงที่สุดในกลุ่มอาการกล้ามเนื้อหัวใจขาดเลือดเฉียบพลัน เกิดจากการปริแตกของคราบไขมันบริเวณผนังหลอดเลือด ส่งผลให้เกิดการก่อตัวของลิ่มเลือดและการอุดตันของหลอดเลือดหัวใจ การรักษาด้วยการถ่างขยายหลอดเลือดหัวใจเป็นวิธีการรักษาที่มีประสิทธิภาพสูง ช่วยให้สามารถเปิดหลอดเลือดหัวใจได้อย่างรวดเร็ว โดยมีระยะเวลาเฉลี่ยตั้งแต่ผู้ป่วยมาถึงโรงพยาบาลจนสามารถเปิดหลอดเลือดหัวใจได้ประมาณ 54 นาที ส่งผลให้ความรุนแรงของโรคลดลง ผู้ป่วยฟื้นตัวได้เร็ว และมีระยะเวลาการนอนโรงพยาบาลสั้นลง ผู้ป่วยบางรายจึงสามารถจัดอยู่ในกลุ่มเสี่ยงต่ำและสามารถจำหน่ายออกจากโรงพยาบาลได้ภายใน 48–72 ชั่วโมง พยาบาลจึงมีบทบาทสำคัญในการดูแลผู้ป่วยตั้งแต่ระยะวิกฤตจนถึงระยะเตรียมความพร้อมก่อนจำหน่าย โดยการพยาบาลสามารถแบ่งออกเป็น 3 ระยะ ได้แก่ การป้องกันภาวะแทรกซ้อนใน 24 ชั่วโมงแรก การฟื้นฟูสมรรถภาพหัวใจและการปรับเปลี่ยนพฤติกรรมเสี่ยงในช่วง 24–48 ชั่วโมง และการส่งเสริมการฟื้นฟูสมรรถภาพหัวใจอย่างต่อเนื่องในช่วง 48–72 ชั่วโมง การดำเนินบทบาทของพยาบาลในแต่ละระยะมีส่วนสำคัญในการลดภาวะแทรกซ้อนส่งเสริมการฟื้นฟูสมรรถภาพหัวใจ และเตรียมความพร้อมก่อนจำหน่ายจากโรงพยาบาล ซึ่งจะช่วยลดการกลับเป็นซ้ำของโรคและส่งเสริมคุณภาพการดูแลผู้ป่วยอย่างต่อเนื่อง

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Metabolic Mind: A Critical Literature Review On The Influence Of Mindset On Metabolic Health, Jordan Daniel M.A., M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

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Evidence has demonstrated that psychological processes can influence metabolic functions, which are essential to overall health, as impaired energy metabolism can compromise physiological systems (Bobba-Alves N et al., 2022). Metabolic health is defined as a state of well-being characterized by optimal levels of blood glucose, lipids, cholesterol, blood pressure, and adiposity and is the absence of metabolic dysfunction, which encompasses but is not limited to cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. A powerful psychological construct that has demonstrated its influence on health is a mindset. Defined as core beliefs or assumptions about oneself and the world, …

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Spotify's Bundle Battle: Uncovering The Flaws Of The Music Modernization Act And The Struggle For Fair Royalties In The Streaming Era, Jessica Jilla

Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal

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The note argues that Section 115 of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) is fundamentally flawed and fails to protect songwriters and publishers from systemic inefficiencies and exploitation. It contends that the current framework is too rigid to address emerging digital business models, necessitating a hybrid restructuring of the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) and the statutory licensing system to ensure equitable compensation.

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Modeling Inherited Retinal Disease In Zebrafish, Meet Patel

Theses and Dissertations--Biology

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Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) affect millions of people worldwide. Majority of IRDs are caused by degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptor cells (PRCs) due to gene mutations. The overarching goal of my dissertation is to model and evaluate the molecular role of various gene candidates involved in IRDs such as cone rod dystrophy (CRD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Mutations in CDHR1, a photoreceptor specific cadherin have been associated with CRD and recapitulated in mouse CDHR1 knockouts. However, the molecular function of CDHR1 remains unknown. CDHR1 has been shown to localize at the leading edge of murine rod nascent outer segment …

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Preserving A Liturgical Identity: The Liturgical And Musical Heritage Of Roman Catholic Apostolic Women Religious In The United States Of America, Andrew G. Jennings

Doctor of Pastoral Music Projects and Theses

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This thesis examines the liturgical and musical heritage of Roman Catholic apostolic women religious in the United States and argues that their contributions represent a significant yet understudied dimension of American Catholic life. As many communities face declining numbers, the preservation of their liturgical and musical traditions becomes increasingly urgent. Using an interdisciplinary methodology that combines historical research, liturgical theology, pneumatology, phenomenology, narrative inquiry, and qualitative interviews, the study explores how women religious have shaped and preserved communal identity through liturgy, music, and apostolic ministry.

The research traces the historical development of apostolic women religious from their emergence in the …

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Gradual Disordering, Billie June Brand

Art and Art History Honors Projects

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My Studio Art Honors Project engages the grid as a contradictory format: one that simultaneously represents empirical order (graphs and maps), and a domestic visual language that rejects a single point of view (weaving). Gradual Disordering exists within this tension: referencing cluttered interior space, non-linear organizations, and repetition as world-building. I layer materials–photos, archival images, and journal pages–into multiple woven, painted, and ceramic abstractions. Nest-like objects perch out of reach, viewed from below. Large-scale grids and paper weavings warp in space, looked at and looked past. With additions and deletions in each iteration, the grid continually changes.

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2025-2026 Library & Learning Annual Review, Library & Learning, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Library & Learning Annual Reviews

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Digital version of the 2025-2026 Annual Review for Library & Learning at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

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Bridging The Gap: A Resource Toolkit To Support Clients Beyond Discharge, Kaleigh G. Williams

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

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This Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone was completed at The Medical Center–Franklin, a rural critical access hospital offering outpatient, acute, and post-acute rehabilitation services. The project aligned with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) focus areas of Leadership, Education, and Advocacy through the development of a Resource Toolkit to support caregivers, clients, and rehabilitation specialists during hospitalization and discharge planning.Through discussions with stakeholders regarding social determinants of health and occupational justice, a need for improved access to community resources was identified. In response, a comprehensive toolkit was developed containing more than 60 resources focused on client education, caregiver support, …

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Occupational Therapy’S Role In Health, Wellness, And Community Engagement In Rural Texas, Maggie Hall

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

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This Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) and Doctoral Capstone was completed at Colston Physical Rehabilitation & Wellness Center in Kingsville, Texas. The primary ACOTE focus areas addressed were advocacy and education. This capstone aimed to explore community perspectives on health and wellness while identifying gaps in health knowledge and access to community resources and streamline acute care evaluations to minimize readmission rates.

A needs assessment was conducted through community health and wellness questionnaires, stakeholder collaboration, and review of local demographic and health data.  Kingsville, TX is a rural community with higher-than-average rates of poverty and obesity. Findings revealed a need for …

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Evaluation Of A Nicotine Prevention Program In A Third Grade Classroom, Jennifer A. Pile

DNP Projects

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Purpose: The purpose of this project was to increase knowledge of nicotine products and promote negative perceptions of nicotine use among third-grade students through early prevention education.

Background: Prevention is key and to prevent nicotine use, there must be an educational program with that aim in a much younger population. Third grade encompasses 8-, 9-, and 10-year-olds. This group is in the middle childhood stage and begin more complex thinking and problem-solving skills. There is physical and emotional development among this group.

Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study among third grade students in Breckinridge County Kentucky with pretest and …

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The Concrete Picket Fence: Reconnecting Interstate-Straddled Urban Communities, Brian J. Koluch

Pell Scholars and Senior Theses

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Within the ongoing dialogue on substantive equity, the circumstances regarding enduring issues faced by black urban neighborhoods are called into question. Cities across the United States typically have major automotive arteries that tend to cut through or past said neighborhoods. Advocates argue that it is increasingly apparent that these systems of infrastructure especially in regard to these neighborhoods have been constructed in racist manners. Urban Interstates majorly contribute to equity disadvantages, as well as environmental hazards such as increased rates of asthma and respiratory disease. By mixing and matching various forms of equitable infrastructure, such as with cap parks, public …

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Accessibility And Inclusion Within Girl Scouts, Morgan N. Minter

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

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My 14-week doctoral capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed with the Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council. Focusing on Program Development and Advocacy, the project aimed to increase accessibility and inclusion through occupational therapy-informed resources and leader education. A literature review and needs assessment identified a need for practical accessibility resources within Girl Scout programming. Drawing on my experience as both a former Girl Scout and occupational therapy student, I recognized opportunities to better support neurodivergent youth and youth with disabilities through evidence-based, inclusive practices. Using evidence review, program observation, and collaboration, I completed an accessibility assessment …

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Factors Influencing Senior Practicum Readiness For Nursing Practice: A Descriptive Correlational Study, Beth Nease Phd, Dnp, Rn, Ne-Bc, Cynthia F. Corbett Phd, Rn, Faan, Stephanie Armstrong Phd, Msn, Rn, Kesheng Wang Phd, Ma, Bs, Kathy Casey, Kong Chen

Faculty Publications

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Background:

This study investigated the influence of belongingness, self-efficacy, and clinical learning support on readiness for nursing practice and explored the role of demographic factors and nursing program differences.

Method:

A quantitative, descriptive approach was used to explore undergraduate prelicensure senior nursing students' perceptions across the United States.

Results:

Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression demonstrated students in traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs reported significantly higher scores across all domains compared with those in associate degree programs (p < .01). Similarly, students in programs with ≤400 clinical hours and those assigned only one preceptor scored significantly higher on all measures (p < .01 and p < .05, respectively). Regression analysis indicated self-efficacy and learning support explained 47.9% of the variance in practice readiness (p < .05).

Conclusion:

These findings share how clinical experiences shape students' readiness for nursing practice. Recommendations …

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Impact Of Land Use On Soil Properties, Clay Mineralogy, And Behavior Of Ammonium Across A Precipitation Gradient, Isabel Delamater

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

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Like soil texture, clay mineralogy is considered a permanent or inherent characteristic of soils reflecting the influence of soil forming factors over long periods of time. Despite the importance of clay mineralogy in providing ecosystem services, much remains unknown about whether land use (native grassland sod versus no-tillage) can modify clay mineralogy under short periods of time. Furthermore, in no-tillage agroecosystems, lower crop yields are often ascribed to immobilization of added N fertilizer where inorganic nitrogen (such as ammonium) is converted to organic nitrogen. The possible role of clay mineralogy in retaining added ammonium has been overlooked in no-tillage systems. …

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