Digital Commons Network^™

Breaking Barriers: Exploring Collaboration Between Ot And Aba, Grace Elizabeth Hayworth

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project examines the collaborative relationship between occupational therapists (OTs) and behavior analysts (BAs) at an Autism and Child Development Center. Through a mixed-methods approach, pre- and post-surveys assessed changes in perceptions of collaboration, communication, and role clarity among OTs, BAs, and registered behavior technicians (RBTs). The project included lunch-and-learn presentations designed to promote interdisciplinary understanding and teamwork. Results showed significant improvements in participants' confidence and knowledge regarding collaborative practices. Qualitative feedback emphasized the value of shared learning experiences in fostering mutual respect and reducing barriers. This project highlights the importance of interprofessional education in advancing collaborative care models …

Limitless: Transforming Lives Through Adaptive Sports, Virtual Reality, And Occupational Therapy, Justin R. Kooiman

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Although it is known that physical activity and engagement in meaningful occupations lead to numerous positive physical and mental health outcomes, individuals with neurological conditions are often unable to participate in these activities. This capstone experience focused on adaptive sports, assistive technology, and the implementation of virtual reality at a Veterans Affairs hospital. This capstone project consisted of three primary goals: the development of clinical skills and knowledge in assistive technology used in neurorehabilitation, the development of skills and experience in adaptive sports as it relates to occupational therapy, and the exploration of feasibility for expanding adaptive sports opportunities and …

Beyond The Flames: Occupational Therapy Approaches To Address Pain Management, Mental Health, And Occupational Engagement In Burn Patients, Mackenzie Mertz

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project centered around gaining advanced clinical skills and knowledge, advocating for occupational therapy’s role in burn rehabilitation, and creating education on topics such as pain management and mental health. This project was completed at the Medical University of South Carolina Burn Center with a diverse population throughout the continuum of care and various functional and psychosocial needs. The theoretical framework supporting this project was the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement. Assessment tools included range of motion, manual muscle testing, sensation, a pain analogue scale, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Clinical skills were gained throughout the …

Mealtime Mastery: A Quality Improvement Project For Pediatric Feeding Therapy, Jada D. Cunningham

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Among the pediatric population, feeding problems are common. Feeding challenges can be addressed by several professions including occupational therapists. The purpose of this capstone is to conduct a quality improvement project of feeding evaluation forms while also gaining clinical practice skills at Piller Child Development in Phoenix, Arizona. A needs assessment determined the feeding evaluation form, feeding parent questionnaire, and feeding report template would benefit from being updated. A thorough literature review was completed to analyze current feeding assessments being used across multiple fields of healthcare. To determine the validity of the feeding evaluation, interviews were conducted with practitioners employed …

Implementing An Art-Based Occupational Therapy Program To Enhance Mental Health And Well-Being For Domestic Violence Survivors, Kameron A. Sievert

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Domestic violence significantly impacts the mental health and well-being of survivors and their children, often leading to disruptions in engagement and performance of occupations. This capstone project aimed to address these challenges by developing a therapeutic craft-based occupational therapy program at a domestic violence shelter. The program was guided by the following theories: Person-Environment-Occupation Model, Recovery Framework, and Trauma-Informed Care Distinct to Occupational Therapy. Current literature and a needs assessment at the site revealed gaps in therapeutic programming and child-related resources. Adult-specific and family-oriented program sessions were designed to facilitate opportunities for self-expression and building coping skills, with modifications made …

Occupational Therapy Intervention Program Addressing Mental Health For Student Athletes Navigating Transition And Recovery, Taylor K. Pfrommer

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to develop and evaluate an occupation-based mental health program for student-athletes navigating the transitions in and out of sports. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), Occupational Adaptation (OA), and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), intervention sessions contained six one-on-one sessions focused on identity reformation, building adaptive responses, and restructuring a meaningful routine. A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate outcomes from two participants using the Brief-COPE, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), satisfaction surveys, and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback. Results indicated growth in self-awareness and emotional expression for both participants. Participant …

Front Matter Connecticut Law Review Volume 57 Issue 3

Connecticut Law Review

No abstract provided.

Gilead: Municipal Liability For Punitive Damages Under The Fair Housing Act, Robert G. Schwemm

Connecticut Law Review

The 1968 Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) has always been understood to apply to local governments, which have proved to be among the most frequent and significant violators of this law, especially in their opposition to housing of particular value to racial minorities and persons with disabilities. Yet not until the Second Circuit’s decision last year in Gilead Community Services, Inc. v. Town of Cromwell did an appellate court approve an FHA-based punitive-damage award against a municipality. Before Gilead, district courts had generally blocked such awards, applying § 1983’s immunities to protect local governments and their officials from the FHA’s full …

Connecticut Law Review Cover 57-3

Connecticut Law Review

No abstract provided.

Investigation Into The Microbiome Of Blow Fly Eggs Using Microseqtm Id, Samantha S. Davis, Drusilla Sheridan, Jennifer Rosati

Undergraduate Research

There is little published research characterizing the microbiome associated with blow fly eggs and how they may affect the colonization behaviors of certain blow fly species. Once deposited, blow fly eggs are rapidly introduced to a diverse range of microorganisms, which can vary depending on the species of blow fly, the environment, and the decomposition stage of the substrate (Junqueira et al., 2017). Since blow flies are among the first insects to colonize decomposing remains, the microbial communities present on their eggs could serve as key indicators of the decomposition stage at the time of egg-laying, thus providing a potential …

Deleting Values May Either Increase Or Decrease Variance, David L. Farnsworth

Articles

The impact upon variance when a value is deleted is addressed. It is shown that the cutoff for the deleted value yielding an increase or a decrease in variance is approximately one standard deviation from the mean for a univariate random variable with equally distributed probability on a finite set of elements and for a univariate set of observations. The influence of truncation of the domain for such a discrete random variable and for observations is considered.

Improving Workflows For Filling Provider Contractor Needs - Sw Region, Erika Lamb, Kristi Patterson

Nursing Posters

An interdisciplinary team was brought together to solve for the following problems:

• The process for filling contractor needs in Willmar was unclear. Willmar has high contractor utilization which is expected to continue into the foreseeable future.
• Turnaround Times: "Regular" provider hires: 90 days. Contractor hires: 120 days. At times, contractor needs at RMH were asked to be filled within 60 days.
• There were gaps in communication across roles regarding the progress, contractor onboarding, perceived challenges, and potential red flags.

Improving Patient Outcomes & Decreasing Cost Of Care, Kate Fischer, Christine Wiles

Nursing Posters

Increase patient's self-management of their chronic conditions while decreasing hospitalizations, avoidable ED visits and cost of care.

Identification Of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The Impact Of A Nurse Led Screening Tool Utilizing The Ottawa Rule, Chandra Brower, Shannon Krumvieda, Shalana Bolton

Nursing Posters

The ETC lacked a formal tirage process for identification of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), which can lead to delayed treatment and suboptimal patient outcomes. Data showed SAH patients who presented to the Emergency Trauma Center (ETC) with headache (HA) and hypertension frequently had long wait times before evaluation by a provider.

Improving Monticello Emergency Department Stroke Door To Drug Time, Andrew Winter Eppa, Alea Stanger, Jessica Miller, Naomi Schneider, Kristi Patterson

Nursing Posters

The aim of this project is to decrease the Monticello ED Stroke Door to Drug measure performance from the baseline of 67 minutes in CY2024 to < 60 minutes by September 30, 2025.

2025 May 1 - From My Notepads Newsletter, Office Of The President, East Tennessee State University, Brian Noland

From My Notepads: A Newsletter from President Brian Noland

No abstract provided.

Comparative Analysis Of Legal Systems: Unraveling The Key Distinctions Between The United States And Spain, Lucy Vanover

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper explores the key differences between self-defense laws in the United States and Spain, two countries with distinct legal frameworks. In the U.S., self-defense is governed by a variety of laws that discuss the scope of reasonable force and apply this framework on the basis of precedent. In contrast, Spain, under the Civil Code, applies a more unified approach to self- defense.

A 360 Perspective About Corporate Finance, Braden C. Fancher

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis provides a comprehensive reflection on the author's experience in the “Finance 360” rotational internship program at Burns & McDonnell, a program designed to expose interns to the diverse functions within a corporate finance and accounting department. Over the course of 10 weeks, the author completed 12 different rotations, gaining hands-on experience across various financial disciplines. This paper highlights five rotations—Operational Financial Analysts, Financial Analytics, Internal Audit, Project Accounting, and Investments—that had the greatest impact on reshaping the author’s understanding of corporate finance. These experiences revealed the deep integration of finance with accounting, analytics, and strategic decision-making, far beyond …

Small Business Development In The Tourism Industry In Dangriga, Belize, Jonathan R. Kasper

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

The thesis, Small Business Development in the Tourism Industry in Dangriga, Belize, examines efforts to bolster economic opportunities and entrepreneurial resilience in a culturally rich but economically underserved town. The project focused on addressing the underperformance of Dangriga’s tourism sector relative to other Belizean destinations, despite its potential. By engaging directly with local entrepreneurs and organizations, the initiative aimed to improve marketing practices, digital presence, and long-term business viability through practical interventions.

Major accomplishments included the development of a reservation-capable website for the Bonefish Hotel, social media and marketing consultations for various small businesses, and advisory work for the …

Comparative Analysis Of The Community Reinvestment Act And The B Impact Assessment, Ella G. Claborn

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis presents a comparative analysis of the Community Reinvestment (CRA) and the B Corp Certification through the B-Impact Assessment (BIA). The CRA was enacted in 1977 and is a mandatory regulatory measure aimed at addressing discriminatory lending practices and encouraging equitable credit distribution in underserved communities. In contrast, the BIA is a voluntary assessment developed by the nonprofit B Lab to evaluate a company’s social, environmental and governance practices, which lead to B Corp Certification. This analysis explores the historical background, mission, methodology, success metrics and financial costs associated with each framework. Ultimately, this thesis highlights how both models, …

The Price Of Profit: A Literature Review On Private Equity's Impact On Patient Care And Healthcare Costs, Sahil Shrimankar

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

In healthcare, private equity (PE) firms have rapidly expanded their presence across sectors, acquiring and consolidating providers. They typically operate on short investment cycles and employ strategies like heavy debt financing, roll-ups of fragmented practices, and aggressive cost-cutting to maximize returns. This expansion has sparked debate: supporters argue PE provides needed capital and efficiency to struggling providers, while critics contend that profit-driven ownership risks compromising care quality and access. This literature review synthesizes current evidence on how PE’s profit-driven approach affects patient care and healthcare costs. Overall, the findings suggest that PE ownership often raises costs—through higher prices and increased …

The Role Of Social Media In Shaping Investment Trends Among College Students, Catherine C. Hammer

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

Social media has become an increasingly influential force in shaping financial behaviors, particularly among younger generations. This study examines the role of digital platforms in financial education, investment decision-making, and market participation among Gen Z and Millennials. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, case studies, and survey data, this research explores the benefits and risks associated with relying on social media for financial guidance. While social media provides unprecedented access to financial knowledge, empowering young investors with real-time market insights and investment strategies, it also presents challenges such as misinformation, speculative trading behaviors, and the rise of unregulated "finfluencers." …

Decoding Oncology-Focused Biotechnology Firms: Lifecycle Analysis And Predictive Insights For Valuation From A Junior Associate's Perspective, Kesav P. Chandrasekhar

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

Oncology-focused biotechnology firms present unique valuation challenges due to high R&D costs, long development timelines, and uncertain clinical outcomes. This thesis addresses such challenges by integrating the clinical development lifecycle with financial valuation models to provide predictive insights into company value. A structured framework is developed that primarily focuses on stage-specific probabilities of success (PoS) for drug candidates and their impact on firm valuation, embedded in techniques such sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) analysis. By quantitatively linking clinical trial phases and likelihoods of approval to cash flow projections, the model enables a more realistic, risk-adjusted estimation of a biotech firm's worth. Through lifecycle …

Identifying Novel Molecular Targets To Induce Ferroptosis In Drug-Tolerant Cancer Cells Through Computational Modeling, Haris J. Rana

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven form of regulated cell death in which the cell membrane is degraded by lipid peroxidation. It is regulated by multiple enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which prevents membrane degradation by reducing lipid peroxides and protecting cells from oxidative damage. When inhibitors like RSL3 target GPX4, lipid peroxides build up, and toxic ROS compromises membrane integrity. Traditional anticancer treatments, such as most chemotherapies, aim to eliminate tumor cells by damaging DNA and triggering apoptosis. However, resistance to apoptosis is a “hallmark of cancer,” often resulting in treatment failure. As a distinct …

Minimizing Uncovered Triples: An Integer Programming Approach To College Football Conference Scheduling, Caleb Mallett

Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Collegiate football teams often compete in groups of 8-20 teams known as conferences. One such conference, the Atlantic Coastal Conference (ACC), added three new schools for the 2024-25 season, bringing their total to 17 teams. Currently, each ACC team plays eight games against others within the ACC. At the season’s conclusion, the two ACC teams with the best intraconference record compete in a conference championship game. With 17 total teams each playing eight games, the ACC could have a three-way tie for the best record where none of top the three teams play one another. To avoid this situation, we …

Developing 3d-Printed Packaging To Protect Biodegradable Sensors Used For Large-Scale, Efficient Water Quality Monitoring, Han L. Siew

Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Freshwater degradation due to human activities costs the United States over $2.2 billion annually, highlighting the urgent need for improved water quality monitoring methods. Traditional water sampling techniques are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and reliant on single-use plastics that contribute to environmental pollution. This research aims to address these issues by developing 3D-printed biodegradable sensor packaging for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted water sampling. By utilizing biodegradable materials, the research seeks to create an eco-friendly solution that ensures sensor durability while reducing negative environmental impact. The study will involve adjusting the packaging design to withstand UAV deployment by testing and improving the resistance …

Asia Pacific Business School Librarians Group Highlights, Sumita Govindan

Research Collection Library

Summary of new initiatives that have been undertaken, challenges faced and emerging opportunities from the APBSLG Member Institutions. This presentation is part of updates from the Chairs of the respective groups.

To Lead Or Not To Lead? How Smu Libraries’ Ellssa Program Can Help Develop Leaders For The Future, Rajendra Munoo, Sumita Govindan

Research Collection Library

Digital libraries exist symbiotically with traditional physical libraries creating an ecosystem of hybrid services built around innovation and creativity. Leading the digital library requires the ambidexterity to keep up to date with trends and developments and be a catalyst to lead change management. With the pandemic, academic libraries learnt to become champions of agility in transforming their services to meet the new demands and needs of the community they serve. Libraries are now facing new challenges; the disbanding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the United States, the rising threats of censorship, and the gradual erosion of …

The Church, Transportation, And Race: Education, Involvement, And Advocacy In The Transportation Industry By Churches For The Benefit Of Dallas’ Black Community, Vonciel J. Hill

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

The American transportation industry is an amalgamation of policy, planning, infrastructure, funding, contracting, employment, economic development, legislative enactments, modes [transit, rail air], and roads, highways, and bridges. Each of these components affects the daily lives of ordinary people in multiple ways, including, but not limited to, employment, education, health care, recreation, and finances. Historically, the industry has ignored, jeopardized, and adversely affected Black people, neighborhoods, and communities. Quality of life, as related to transportation, in Black communities has not been and is not now on par with that in white communities. Nevertheless, if one observes the industry, one is hard …

‘Alpha’ As A Tool Of Evangelism For Creating Christian Community In The Horizon Texas Conference Of The United Methodist Church Among South Asian Indians Living In Coppell, Texas: Challenges And Recommendations, Sumesh Jacob

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

Alpha is a tool of evangelism that has been popular in its current form in the West, especially in the United Kingdom where it originated and moreover in the United States, after its global launch in 1993. It has been used by churches of various traditions and denominations over several decades to reach the ‘unchurched,’ has been translated into different languages, and over time the content has been repackaged for a modern and postmodern generation. However, it is found that Alpha is not an effective tool of evangelism to invite those of faith backgrounds and worldviews other than Christian to …