Digital Commons Network^™

Developing Adaptive Clothing For Patients With Advanced Als Disease, Kadence D. Trosper

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

In 2017, over 30,000 people were battling with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells within the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord (ALS Association, 2023). The individual’s brain loses connection with muscles, slowly taking away one’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. The currently is no cure for this disease or even treatment to halt the progression, however the treatment available can help ease the symptoms. Despite the physical challenges associated with ALS, there is a significant lack of adaptive clothing options that provide comfort, functionality, and …

Investigating The Ability To Perceive Nonverbal Behaviors In Different Interaction Formats, Amanda J. Ashdown

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The rapid rise in interactive video-based communication has raised important questions about how it affects the perception of nonverbal behavior and impression formation. Guided by the Parallel Process Model (PPM), Multiple Resource Theory (MRT), and Working Memory (WM) models, this study investigated the ability of individuals to observe and assess another person’s nonverbal behaviors and form accurate impressions during conversations in live, face-to-face interactions compared to virtual formats. The study employed a 2 (interaction format: live vs. virtual; within-subjects) × 2 (observation type: active vs. passive; between-subjects) × 2 (genuineness: genuine vs. nongenuine behavior; between-subjects) mixed design. Participants either actively …

Air And Missile Defense Threat Scenario Variation To Reduce Pretest Sensitization, Video Games As A Case Study, Julie Renee Szekerczes

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study uses fixed and variable video game types to measure pretest sensitization as a proxy for repeated and varied threat test scenarios in system performance testing of air and missile defense systems. The pretest sensitization phenomenon exists when repeated exposure to a test condition influences the participant's response. Research shows air and missile defense development correlates with video games, resulting in similar interfaces and computer operating environments. Department of Defense acquisition test and evaluation results must reflect system performance without prior knowledge of the threat scenarios confounding the results. System performance results inform acquisition decisions, such as further funding …

Bioavailability Of Lead In Terre Haute Soils, Terre Haute, Indiana, Zach Kemp

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Contamination of soils from heavy metal pollution has been a global concern for decades. Heavy metals are released into the soil from natural and anthropogenic releases. The largest producers of heavy metal pollution include mining, industrial production, and the combustion of fossil fuels. Vigo County formed in 1818, and Terre Haute was established in 1832. After the discovery of coal in Clay County in 1867, Terre Haute became the third largest coal producer and fifth largest iron manufacturer in the state during that time. Lead, in particular, is a heavy metal of concern because of the harmful effects to humans …

Understanding The Need For Gender Inclusiveness: A Case Study In Kolkata, India, Nilasree Dutta

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The research focuses on examining the status of women in the selected Wards of Kolkata, India: Ward 59, 64, 65, 66, and 69. Three indicators are used to evaluate the status of women: education, nutrition, and religion. Data for this study was collected with the help of a Kolkata-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) named Ek Tara. A complete questionnaire with open-ended and closed-ended questions was followed to conduct the survey. 353 households were interviewed to obtain the data. Several statistical analyses have been conducted using STATA software to address research hypotheses. To assess the nutritional status of women, hand grip strength …

Fostering Creativity Through A Signature Creative Writing Pedagogy, Ryan Stone

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study offers a historical and conceptual lens to guide the proposed research. A historical account of creative writing in higher education and its relationship to progressive education and creative education is offered. The conceptual framework involves the development of the creative person through the primary pedagogical method within creative writing: the workshop. The research involves a qualitative phenomenological study. Methods utilized include coded observations and interviews.

Examination Of The Relationships Between Religious Or Atheistic Belief Certainty And Mental Health Outcomes, Christopher S. Percifield

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Perceived meaning in life is considered to be an outcome of one’s efforts to create and sustain a sense of subjective understanding and purpose in the world. Meaning-making researchers have historically emphasized the role of religious worldviews as fundamental structures through which meaning-making attempts can be guided. Often, researchers have suggested that religious beliefs offer unique benefits for physical and psychological well-being for religious believers compared to non-believers. Archival data was analyzed across two separate waves, and significant correlates of aspects of meaning in life, belief certainty, and psychological well-being were identified. Perceived meaning and peace and mitigation of lapses …

Utilization Of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids For Enhanced Oil Recovery In Harsh Emirati Tight Carbonate Oil Reservoirs, Noran Hussein Mousa

Dissertations

In response to the increasing global demand for energy and the limitations of traditional chemical oil recovery methods, this study explores the potential of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents for Emirati tight oil reservoirs. Four ILs—C10mimCl, C12mimCl, C12mimBF4, and C16mimBr—were evaluated for their effects on the interfacial tension (IFT), wettability, emulsification, and rheological properties under reservoir conditions. Experiments conducted at varying salinities, temperatures (up to 110°C), and IL concentrations (500–3000 ppm) demonstrated that longer alkyl chain ILs, particularly C16mimBr, effectively reduced IFT by >99% and improved wettability by lowering contact angles down to 15.37°. Statistical …

Structural And Functional Characterization Of The Sos Pathway Genes (Sos1, Sos2, And Sos3) In Avicennia Marina: Insights Into Salinity Stress Tolerance, Mariam Obaid Alzaabi

Dissertations

Abiotic stress is a major challenge for agricultural productivity. Salinity stress is a vital environmental constraint that significantly limits plant growth and reduces crop yield worldwide. Halophytes, such as Avicennia marina, offer unique opportunities to dissect adaptive mechanisms underlying salt tolerance. This study focuses on the structural and functional characterization of the Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway genes (SOS1, SOS2, and SOS3) from A. marina. Full-length cDNAs of AmSOS1, AmSOS2, and AmSOS3 were cloned and characterized. The sequence analysis of these genes compared to the respective orthologs revealed high similarities and conservation of all …

Maternal Cardiometabolic Risk Factors In Pregnancy And Offspring Blood Pressure At Age 2 To 18 Years., Zhongzheng Niu, Ako Adams Ako, Sarah Dee Geiger, Caitlin G. Howe, Wei Perng, Rachana Singh, Margaret R. Karagas, Amy J. Elliott, Andrea Cassidy-Bushrow, Carlos A. Camargo, Keia Sanderson, Cynthia T. Mcevoy, Emily Oken, Dana Dabelea, Tina V. Hartert, Brian S. Carter, Annemarie Stroustrup, Andrea Lampland, Thomas G. O'Connor, Semsa Gogcu, Mark L. Hudak, Lyndsey E. Shorey-Kendrick, Qi Zhao, Yu Ni, Jeffrey Vanwormer, Assiamira Ferrara, Monique Hedderson, Yeyi Zhu, Akram Alshawabkeh, Jose Cordero, Daphne Koinis-Mitchell, Susan Carnell, Carrie V. Breton, Theresa M. Bastain, Shohreh F. Farzan, Echo Cohort Consortium

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

IMPORTANCE: Higher blood pressure in early life may signal cardiovascular disease over the life course, but determinants of blood pressure in early life are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of maternal cardiometabolic risk factors during pregnancy with offspring blood pressure from age 2 to 18 years and explore whether the association is modified by offspring sex and race and ethnicity.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study analyzed data from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes program between January 1, 1994, and March 31, 2023. Three common maternal cardiometabolic risk factors during pregnancy were examined: prepregnancy obesity, …

Addressing Structural Violence In School Policies: A Call To Protect Children's Safety And Well-Being., Daniela Brissett, Jacquelin Rankine, Lisa Mihaly, Romina Barral, Maria Veronica Svetaz, Alison Culyba, Marissa Raymond-Flesch

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

No abstract provided.

Funding For Public Transportation: Results From A Midwest Exit Poll, Joseph S. Lightner, Greg Vonnahme, Steven Chesnut, Nancy Ziegler, Nathan Nguyen, Christiana Sylvaine, Rian Snead, Jordan A. Carlson, Jannette Berkley-Patton, Amanda Grimes

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Public transportation can lead to increases in physical activity, access to jobs, healthcare, and healthy food, and may improve overall health. Funding for public transit is essential for a sustainable transportation system. However, most health studies have not focused on voting behavior as a mechanism for sustaining public transportation. This study employs a cross-sectional, in-person, exit poll of voters at 10 randomly selected polling locations during a local election in 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. The voter ballot included a question to extend an existing 3/8 cent sales tax for public transportation. Participants (N = 649) overwhelmingly supported (90.6 %) …

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation For Post-Spinal Fusion Sacroiliac Joint Pain, Changho Yi, Evgeny Bulat, Oranicha Jumreornvong, Sravya Madabhushi, Sudhir Diwan, Alan David Kaye

School of Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Rectosigmoid Intussusception Due To A Nonmalignant Etiology: An Extremely Rare Cause Of Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding In An Elderly Patient, Kashif Ali, Samra Sohail, Grecia Dominguez Rivera, Valeska Balderas

School of Medicine Publications

An intussusception at the rectosigmoid junction with acute gastrointestinal bleeding is exceedingly rare. We present a case of an 88-year-old man who presented in the emergency department with bilateral lower quadrant abdominal pain and frank rectal bleeding for 2 days. A computed tomography abdomen pelvis angiogram with contrast showed a target sign, and a flexible sigmoidoscopy showed congested bowel, ischemia, frank blood, and intussusception at the rectosigmoid junction. He underwent an exploratory laparotomy with the removal of the affected part. The pathology and the peritoneal fluid cytology results came out negative for dysplasia and malignancy.

Evidence For Distal Bolide Impact And Tsunami Deposits In The Upper Atlantic Coastal Plain Of Moore County (North Carolina, Usa) Generated By The Eocene Chesapeake Bay Bolide Impact, G. Robert Ganis, Ralph H. Willoughby, David J. Cicimurri, G. Richard Whittecar, Steven J. Hageman

OES Faculty Publications

Beds interpreted as Eocene bolide-generated impact and tsunami deposits occur at Paint Hill in the Upper Atlantic Coastal Plain of Moore County, North Carolina, USA. These strata, herein named the Mount Helicon Formation, consist of four distinct beds comprising about one meter of total section. Bed 1 (the basal bed) is approximately 43 cm thick and consists of sandy carbonaceous clay with carbon glass and rock fragments and contains 14-18 parts per billion (ppb) iridium (interpreted as bolide impact ejecta). Bed 2 is approximately 9 cm thick and consists of non-cohesive silt-size particles and loosely bound sand-size accretionary lapilli-like masses …

Mi Testimonio: The Beginning Of My Healing Journey, Maria A. Vega

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

My testimonio, presented as my dissertation, is a deep and personal reflection on my experiences as an immigrant and multilingual student. I share my story by trenzando—braiding—lived experiences, critical analysis, and relevant research on immigration and trauma, language and identity, and the links between multilingualism and academic success. Through deep reflection and analysis, I draw on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (1943), Giles and Johnson’s Ethnolinguistic Identity Theory (1981), and García’s (2009) translanguaging framework to explore the following questions:

1. How does the oppression of one’s linguistic and cultural practices affect identity development?
2. How does my story—my testimonio—empower the mother, …

Exploring The Contributing Factors To College Completion Among Csec Former Foster Youth, Xandra Vaughn

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: While 33% of the general population earns a college degree, only 3% of foster youth who age out of the child welfare system achieve this milestone. This percentage may be even lower among former foster youths who were commercially sexually exploited. Understanding the factors contributing to the lower educational attainment in this population is a critical step toward addressing this disparity. Objective: The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine whether social capital is a contributing factor to college completion among former foster youths who were commercially sexually exploited in San Bernardino County. Methods: This …

Explaining The Long-Term Mental Health Impacts Of Childhood Exposure To Domestic Violence: A Mixed-Methods Study, Sabrina A. Medel

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Domestic violence (DV) is a social phenomenon that occurs when an individual perpetuates violent and aggressive behavior toward their significant other in the form of financial, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Adversely, children may be exposed to DV, which can result in lasting impacts on their mental health. Although scholars have previously explored this social phenomenon, their studies overlooked the experiences of diverse populations.

Objective: This research study aims to bridge this gap of knowledge by explaining the relationship between childhood exposure to DV and the long-term mental health impacts of BIPOC college students. Methods: This …

Autism Spectrum Disorder And Its Effects On Parent Relationships, Christopher Berrun, Arturo Alegre Jr.

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This proposed study aims to explore the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on parental relationships. ASD is defined as a neurological developmental disorder that significantly affects individuals' social communication, behavior, and interests. The study will focus on the Parents of children with (ASD) and the heightened stress due to financial strain, increased caregiving responsibilities, and disagreements over parenting strategies. This can lead to lower marital satisfaction and overall relationship strain, as parents struggle to balance their personal relationship with the challenges of raising a child with complex needs.

Without proper support and resources, these issues may worsen over …

The Outcomes Of School-Based Mental Health Services At A Southern California School District A Proposed Pilot Study, Amanda Smith, Ashley Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In this proposed project we intend to explore and identify empirical evidence-based research on outcomes of school-based mental health provided by a Southern California school district. This study will highlight evidence-based research on the growing concern for school-based mental health. A relevant extraction tool that can be utilized for further research, and a study design to explore existing literature regarding programs and student participation to gauge outcomes.

School-based mental health supports mental well-being and promotes positive protective factors. These include social and cultural connections, resilience, coping strategies, problem-solving abilities, positive development, and a supportive school environment where students feel safe. …

Mental Health Impact Of Student Loan Debt On College Students, Melissa Diaz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This is a proposed study regarding student loan debt and mental health. This study would impact social work practice and education by understanding the mental health status of those continuing to pay off student loan debt. Student loan debt has become an enormous issue in the United States, with the average student carrying $37,000 in debt. Students are impacted financially and emotionally, and their overall well-being is compromised because higher education has become unaffordable for many without the assistance of student loans. Students need to understand the short and long-term implications of student loan debt, such as mental health issues …

Effectiveness Of A Southern California School District’S Wellness Center Evidenced-Based Practices On Push Factors In Latinx Students, Leslie Abarea, Yeraldin Ismerio

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This scoping literature review proposal explores the effectiveness of a Southern California School District’s wellness center evidenced-based practices on push factors that impact Latinx students. Push factors such as low grades, low test scores, poor behavior, absenteeism, and suspensions/expulsions expose Latinx youth to mental health issues that influence academic success. By analyzing existing research on wellness center approaches, evidenced-based practices, culturally responsive practices, and academic support, this scoping literature review proposal would aim to assess the impact these practices have on student academic success. This proposed study would have the intent of assisting this school district to create an evaluation …

Follow Through Since The Implementation Of Katie A V. Bonta, Alleena Parchment

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research proposal aims to explore how well Los Angeles County has followed through with the guidelines that Katie A. v Bonta has set. This paper will suggest ways to effectively carry out the research through a systematic literature review. Foster children are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Katie, a young 4-year-old girl, went through 37 placements and received no mental health services. As a result, a class action lawsuit came about with Los Angeles County. Based on the lawsuit, policies were made to provide mental health services to foster …

Female Veteran With Ptsd From Military Sexual Assault, And Effective Treatments: A Qualitative Research, Debora Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This proposed research study contributes qualitative insights aimed at addressing the lack of research on effective interventions for underserved female veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the military sexual assault population. Research data show female veterans are at higher risk for MSA than their male counterparts. The proposed study would use a qualitative descriptive structure and semi-structured interviews with female veterans and their healthcare providers. The primary goals are identifying effective interventions and comprehensively understanding these women's experiences. The study will utilize theoretical frameworks related to trauma and recovery to conceptualize themes and categories. In the context of …

Bridging The Gap For Parents Seeking Mental Health Services For Children, Emmary Yolanda Taylor

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The rising statistics of adolescents suffering from concerns of mental health in all its various diagnosis, is an increasing problem for the community. The understanding of mental health in adolescents is now continuously being explored due to the rise of concerns. Although professionals continue to research and address the rise of mental health, parental literacy regarding addressing mental health concerns constitutes as one of the number one factors in prevention. The research presented in this paper uses a qualitative approach to study parental literacy and culture regarding mental health in adolescents within the San Bernardino County community. The qualitative research …

Domestic Violence Among African American Women, Tamika Palmer

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explored how well social service providers understood barriers and racial differences in domestic violence among African American women. This study raised the need to examine further social service providers' knowledge of cultural competency and systemic challenges. This study consisted of a qualitative study that gathered seven social service provider's perspective through an interview guide. Thematic analysis data gathered during interviews was used in this study to identify the adverse effects within this population. The findings of this research study contribute to social work practice by providing insight into racial challenges within the support systems that may affect African …

A Whole Person Care Approach To Ending The Hiv Epidemic In The Inland Empire, Roberto Daniel Gonzalez Coronado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In the last 40 years, the United States has seen remarkable progress in the field of HIV treatment; however, the virus continues to burden the most vulnerable members of society, such as Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Intravenous Drug Users (IVDU). Unfortunately, these vulnerable members of society continue to lack stable social conditions to get into proper HIV treatment. These social conditions are referred to as social determinants of health, which are non-medical factors that influence whole-person care. With these members of society continuing to face greater social disparities, their linkage to care and retention to care …

A Qualitative Study Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv) Within American Indigenous Communities, Jaclyn Caldwell

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the causes of increased rates of IPV within Indigenous communities, what services have best served Indigenous communities in the past, and what types of IPV services Tribal communities would like to see in the future. Using a qualitative research design, the researcher interviewed professionals who had worked with Tribes or Tribal members within the last three years. The study utilized a snowball sampling method to interview and obtain participants’ observations on the needs for IPV services with Indigenous communities. Through data analysis, the research identified five themes: demographics, service availability, Tribal …

The Effects Of Aces On Substance Abuse In California: A Secondary Data Analysis Using Chis Data, Ashley J. Brounstein

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of long-term health and behavioral outcomes. Using data from 19,771 adults in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), this study examines the relationship between ACEs and substance use in adulthood, emphasizing the role of childhood trauma in shaping later-life health behaviors. Participants reported their ACE exposure through a 10-item ACE scale titled Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Questionnaire developed by Vincent Felitti and Robert Anda. The study assesses the use of various substances, including (a) marijuana, (b) e-cigarettes, (c) CBD, (d) cigarettes, (e) alcohol, and (f) illicit drugs, measured by past …

The Impact Of Attachment Education On Families With Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Proposed Workshop, Sabrina S. Stone-Smith

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

For young children with autism spectrum disorder, one important determinant of later social and emotional functioning is the development of a secure attachment. While there is extensive literature outlining the benefits of attachment security, there is a limited number of studies specifically examining programs intended to increase attachment security in this population. This project aims to create a four-session workshop designed to provide caregivers of children in this population with information about attachment theory and parental sensitivity in order to increase the amount of positive and emotionally validating experiences in child-caregiver interactions while reducing parental stress. Future research is necessary …