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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 %) …

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 …

A Phenomenological Study: African American Female Millennial Church Attendance And The Implications Of Spiritual Formation, Licia Williams-Hawthorne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a quiet exodus from the church amongst African American female millennials. In church, Christians gather for corporate worship, a renewal of faith through sermons and songs, and to strengthen spiritual formation. This study aimed to highlight the lived experiences to connect church leadership with raw data from a subpopulation that the church cannot leave behind. The theory guiding this study is the Phenomenological Theory as defined by Husserl (1859-1938) and supported by Peoples (2021) as it allows the researcher to uncover the experiences that shaped this population's decision to no longer regularly attend church. Three research questions defined …

The Shared Experiences Of Mental Health Providers Delivering Faith-Accommodated Interventions In A Public-School Setting In Rural Central Texas, Thomas Andrew Lolley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experience of counselors around providing faith-accommodated counseling interventions in a school-based mental health setting in rural Central Texas. The theory guiding this study was Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) bioecological systems theory (EST) as it gives a framework for illustrating the impact of graduate academic institutions and governing bodies on faith-accommodated counseling in a public-school setting. Data was collected and analyzed using the conceptual mapping task (CMT) protocol. The CMT protocol is a four-phase transtheoretical interview process with built-in-member-checking features. Member checking is a qualitative technique using participant feedback on the data …

Does Institutional Response Matter? A Qualitative Study Of Child Sexual Abuse Within Southern Baptist Convention-Affiliated Churches, Bonnie Colleen Wetzel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Child sexual abuse (CSA) affects approximately one in four girls and one in 20 boys in the US, with 91% of perpetrators being known to the child (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). This instrumental case study explored how adult female CSA survivors (N=9) perceive their experiences and institutional responses within Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)- affiliated churches. Data collection involved Zoom interviews, journal prompts, and focus groups. Two research questions guided the study: How do adult survivors perceive their experiences of abuse within SBC-affiliated churches? And how do they perceive the church's response following disclosure? Betrayal Trauma Theory (Freyd, …

Attachment Barriers To A Relationship With God; A Phenomenological Study Of Women With The Lived Experience Of Adolescent Sexual Assault, Celeste M. Caballero

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Among victims of sexual assault, it is significantly common for maladaptive attachment behaviors to manifest from this type of trauma which can transcend not just human relationships but their relationship with God as well. The problem is that sexual assault brutally attacks the core of a woman’s worth and value creating barriers that drastically affect her ability to develop healthy attachment with others which subsequently affects her ability to form and develop a positive relationship with God. The resulting attachment behaviors of sexual assault victims are important to study to be able to understand the root components of this trauma …

Identity Restored: High School Students Overcoming Social Media’S Influence To Embrace Their Identity As Sons And Servants Of God, Daniel M. Christiaans

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research question for this action research project relates to the impact of social media on the identity formation of believers through their high school years. As a youth pastor of 20 years and father of four teenagers, I’ve noticed that high school students maintain many of the social media habits and addictions seen in the secular world. This regular interaction with social media is detrimental to their identity formation; they are not adopting the identity provided for them in Christ as communicated by the Word of God. This project will discuss the roles and responsibilities of the believer's identity …

Citizenship Christian Values Education Empowerment In Papua New Guinea Through Integration Of Curriculum, Funding, And Professional Training, Timothy Hawes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since 2018, the Papua New Guinea Education Department has opened the door for Christian Citizenship Value Education, but previously, no organization has successfully addressed this opportunity. The problem is that the CCVE program in PNG does not integrate curriculum, funding, and professional training. The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to develop and deploy the CCVE Empowerment plan. Through a survey given to CCVE teachers and multiple focus groups with six different CCVE leaders, the CCVE Empowerment plan was developed. The plan included a new organizational structure, the prayer model, the self-teaching student journals, sufficient funding, and applied …

Developing Divine Love Into Christoform Obedience: Understanding And Applying The Theological Framework Of Divine Love In A Measurable Growth Praxis, Jayson Pengra Derowitsch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze the growth outcomes of participants from a curriculum intervention on divine love with the goal of Christoform obedience. The point of the curriculum was to define divine love properly by using synthesized vantage points derived from precedent literature. These vantage points were developed into a four-step praxis of transformation in divine love. This praxis was the capstone of the curriculum. Three methods of data retrieval were used throughout the intervention process to target intellectual concept improvement, self-assessment improvement, and praxis improvement. As a result of the data, it was determined that fifty …

The Spartan Mirage; A Study Into Spartan Women, Maya Rose Sharon

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

A myth has been perpetuated about the Greek city-state of Sparta which has shrouded it in a mirage. This mirage can make it difficult to determine what Sparta was truly like, which includes the reality of its women. Scholars tend to present Spartan women within extremes that either showcase them as no different from other women or as the ones holding all the power. Spartan women were key in passing on important values to their children such as to die bravely in battle or not come home at all. By looking into Spartan women, we can find strong evidence that …

Causes And Contributing Factors In General Aviation Fixed-Wing Stall And Spin Accidents, Lauren Westfall

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

General Aviation operations are all civil aviation operations excluding commercial airline operations and cargo transport. General Aviation accidents comprise approximately 94% of all aviation accidents in the United States annually. Stall and spin accidents are the third most common causes of fatal General Aviation accidents, accounting for 7.28% of such accidents in 2013–2022. The National Transportation Safety Board investigates and records all General Aviation accidents in the United States. Using the National Transportation Safety Board’s accident database, I investigated stall and spin accidents between 2013 and 2022 to find (1) the most common phases of flight where stall and spin …