Digital Commons Network^™

Postpartum Fall Prevention Is Key! Let's Take A Look And See How To Be Fall Free, Katherine Martinez, Elise Poelking, Bryn Adams, Yvonne Renick

Nursing

No abstract provided.

Less Is More: Exploring A Two-To-One Preceptorship Model, Megan Hanson, Nicole Guyer, Sheryl-Lyn Quijano

Nursing

Background/Significance: In a post pandemic state of nursing, experienced preceptors are in limited supply, and those that remain are at risk for burnout. A newly expanded unit hiring large volumes of new graduate nurses (NGNs) needed to redesign orientation to accommodate NGNs with resources available.

Purpose of Project or Study: Project aimed to utilize preceptors more efficiently without lengthening orientation, diminishing orientation experiences, or postponing hiring. Implemented a two orientee to one preceptor (2:1) pilot for two NGN cohorts.

Lit Review: Limited literature is available evaluating nursing preceptorships outside of traditional one-to-one approaches. Other healthcare disciplines demonstrated benefits utilizing a …

Prescribing The “Right Dose” Of Education For Practice Changes, Alisha Updike, Julie Dobbs, Jacqueline Dolatowski, Lillian Jensen, Megan Suszek

Nursing

The sky is falling! In effect, this was how subject matter experts in a multi-state organization responded to new or changing policies, procedures, or guidelines (PPGs), often regardless of a nursing-specific impact analysis. Minor PPG changes sometimes led to an over-the-top response such as full-blast marketing campaigns and required learning. Simultaneously, nurses often reported feeling uninformed of critical changes impacting care delivery, while also voicing education overload. The regional Nursing Education and Professional Development (NEPD) team sought a way to provide a consistent standard for determining and providing the right dose of education based on criticality. A review of the …

All Leader Rounding Approach To Improve Patient Experience, Jessica Yates, Wendy Lundeen-Nelson, Allison Klein

Nursing

The importance of patient experience has been heightened since the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, which included Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) performance into the value-based payment program (CMS, n.d.). Essentially, this means hospitals must meet or exceed patient experience benchmarks to receive the highest payments for the services provided. In an effort to exceed these patient experience benchmarks, a southeastern Wisconsin hospital implemented an all leader rounding program in April 2023 with an aim to round on all patients at least once during their stay. This hospital was consistently …

Adt Nurse: Impact On Nursing Satisfaction, Throughput And Practice, Elizabeth Mounir, Jen Sartin, Matthew Lemke, Sue Harvey

Nursing

Background: Nurses are faced with the complex needs both of their patients and the hospital system itself. There are increased levels of stress within the nursing profession, packed emergency departments along with a larger focus on quality care (Kurtzman et al., 2022). An admission, discharge, transfer (ADT) nurse is a resource that has quality, cost, and nursing satisfaction implications (Perry, 2017).

Purpose: The purpose of the ADT nurse pilot was to implement an innovative nursing role to see its impact on the hospital staff, patients, and the hospital itself.

Methods: The ADT Nurse was implemented within an urban, mid-sized hospital …

Clinical Operations Tech: Off-Loading The Bedside Staff's To-Do List, Matthew Lemke, Jennifer Sartin, Elizabeth Mounir, Sue Harvey

Nursing

Background: Inefficiencies and vacancies in support roles exist between non-nursing disciplines (environmental services, transport, central supply, facilities, biomed, dietary, etc.) and nursing. This results in additional strain on nursing staff, negatively impacting nurse satisfaction patient care and throughput/length of stay. Inconsistencies and lack of standardization across departments creates opportunities for process failures.Purpose: The clinical operations tech (COT) pilot position was developed to reduce the impact of non-clinical tasks from the bedside staff workflow, provide regulatory compliance support, unit standardization, and increase throughput. Nursing spends up to one third of their time on non-nursing tasks which leads to decreased nursing satisfaction, …

A Research Proposal Investigating The Geopolitical And Economic Impact Resulting From The Development Of Artificial General Intelligence (Agi), Tobia Donadon, Kristen Migliano

Student Publications and Presentations

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) represents the next step in the development of AI, a huge step in the quest for artificial intelligence. AGI aims to create machines capable of understanding, learning, and applying knowledge across various tasks, much like humans.

This research proposal focuses on advancements and potential effects, with an objective to bridge the gap between narrow AI applications and the broader cognitive capabilities of AGI. This study explores the transformative potential of AGI while addressing the societal impacts. The research looks into the relationship between the development of AGI and geopolitical affairs.

Drawing on recent discoveries in mathematical …

Analyzing The Effect Of Targeted Activities On Linear Concept Understanding, Jenae Rogers

Honors Theses

Despite previously showing mastery of all test topics in ALEKS, Andrews’ remedial math students continue to struggle with some of them on the paper tests. After previous research, additional teaching activities, including one targeting word problems, were implemented to address student misconceptions about linear equations. My current research compares student performance on the paper tests before and after these activities on questions regarding linear relationship word problems. My findings show no statistically significant difference in student performance after these activities. These results will lead to further curriculum changes, in an attempt to increase students’ long-term conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.

Investigating A Family Of Fungal Pseudopeptidases With Bioinformatics Tools, Andy Zhao

Honors Theses

Enzymes catalyze chemical reactions; however, some proteins related to enzymes lack enzyme activity. To investigate changes that occur as enzymes becomes pseudoenzymes, I studied a unique family of fungal carboxypeptidases. I identified all fungal carboxypeptidase protein sequences in the NCBI database, constructed an alignment and phylogenetic tree for sequence comparison, and used Alphafold2 for 3D modeling of representative proteins. Fourteen unique groups were identified. All fungal proteins selected are separated into 3 categories, predicted to be active, intermediate, and inactive, respectively. Proteins predicted to be pseudoenzymes contained additional loops in mutation hotspots not found in predicted active enzymes. This research …

Extending Natural Mates In Euclidean 3-Space And Applications To Bertrand Pairs, Alexander Navarro

Honors Theses

In Euclidean 3-space, a family of curves, the co-successor, is motivated and then introduced in relation to the natural mate. A complete characterization of co-successors is proved, followed by an application of the co-successor towards describing Bertrand curves and their mates.

Synthesis And Characterization Of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets, Josiah J. Deonarine

Honors Theses

Certain defects within the hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) lattice are a promising source of quantum mechanical states for quantum computing. It is difficult to produce layers of hBN that are thin enough for these quantum states to be studied. We investigate ultrasonic liquid exfoliation and hydrothermal synthesis as methods of synthesizing hBN nanosheets. Samples were analyzed through light scattering spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Our results show that liquid exfoliation can produce hBN nanosheets that range in between 0.35nm - 20nm in thickness. We also show hydrothermal synthesis reactions, between boric acid and nitrogen sources, that can produce hBN nanosheets.

Induction And Modulation Of Apoptosis In Breast Cancer Cells Mda-Mb-157 And 93b By Chinese Medicinal Herbs Oldenlandia Diffusa And Bryophyllum Pinnatum, Sarah Wolf

Honors Theses

Chinese medicinal herbs have been found to contain bioactive phytochemicals with anti-cancer properties. Herbal extracts induce apoptosis in cancer cells by modulating levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. A previous study showed that a commonly used herb, Scutellaria barbata, significantly induced apoptosis in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-157 and the therapy-resistant breast cancer cell line 93B. However, the effects of two different Chinese herbs, Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) and Bryophyllum pinnatum (BP) on these breast cancer cells are not known. This project indicates the influence of the herbs OD and BP on apoptosis of breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-157 in …

An Ethnography Of Permaculture In Southwest Michigan, Lily Burke

Honors Theses

Permaculture is a holistic design system for meeting human and environmental needs in a sustainable way, using local conditions and circumstances to shape land use and food production practices. My project questions what it means to practice permaculture in southwest Michigan, and how environmental ideological commitments can translate into action and practice. Ethnographically investigating these questions through semi-structured interviews and participant observation with individuals in the permaculture community, along with extensive reading of permaculture materials, my study adds to research on applications and adoptions of permaculture in suburban contexts, and sheds light on how ecological ideological commitments can translate into …

Sign-A-Mander: A Mobile App That Enhances Asl Learning With Computer Vision, Sandrine Adap

Honors Theses

Several machine learning researchers have developed algorithms recognizing American Sign Language (ASL), but few have applied the algorithms to real-world situations, such as with portable ASL learning applications. This project develops a beta version of a mobile application designed to allow beginner ASL learners to practice basic ASL vocabulary and receive feedback about their signing accuracy. Building on Dongxu Li et al.’s I3D sign language recognition algorithm and 2000-word dataset, the app seeks to determine whether the I3D algorithm can sufficiently recognize a user’s motions when recorded from a mobile device and accurately classify whether or not the user signed …

Skidmore Air Vent: Understanding Vent Characteristics To Propose Redesign Solutions, Christopher Inae, Shane Gaban

Honors Theses

Skidmore Pump is a company that manufactures air vents for the purpose of automatically relieving air from steam main lines. Steam vents are a vital part to any steam distribution system, as they are able to vent out air in the midst of a steady flow of steam. The presence of air can pose a problem in steam systems, as it is a non-condensable gas. In some systems, a neglect to remove air will reduce the efficiency of heat transfer, as the air will cause a stagnant film to reside around critical locations of heat transfer. In Skidmore’s Main Vent …

Reading Resistance Into The Transformed Hero: An Excavation Of Race And Gender Identity In The Aeneid And Its Adaptations, Grace Song No

Honors Theses

Mythology pervades numerous areas of our everyday lives whether we recognize it or not, providing material for the language of power that controls our society today. This calls for an interrogation into the racial and gender dynamics of a key classical Roman text, Vergil’s Aeneid, and its utility for alt-right and white supremacist political agenda in the contemporary era. Regardless of how we view classical literature and history and their relevance to our modern day political and social sphere, it is undeniably a dominant figure in conversations about race and gender, especially for alt-right movements of America and Europe who …

Bone Marrow Donor Recruitment Drive And Registry, Elizabeth R. Dovich

Honors Theses

Bone marrow transplants are vital for those with blood cancers and disorders, but not every ethnic group has an equal chance of finding a match. Some of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) cell markers used to match donors and recipients are unique to certain ethnic groups, making it harder for members of those groups to find a match. This project worked to address this inequality by organizing a bone marrow registry recruitment drive on the campus of Andrews University in partnership with the NMDP registry. It encompassed the planning, promotion, and execution of the drive which took place March 5-7, …

Induction And Modulation Of Apoptosis In Breast Cancer Cells 93a And Mda-Mb-157 By Chinese Medicinal Herbs Oldenlandia Diffusa And Bryophyllum Pinnatum, Rekha Isaac

Honors Theses

Chinese medicinal herbs, such as Oldenlandia diffusa, contain phytochemicals that exhibit antitumor, chemopreventive, and antiangiogenic effects in cancer cells. In this study, both Oldenlandia diffusa and Bryophyllum pinnatum (a lesser-studied herb) were tested on breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-157 and 93A by administering an aqueous extract. The effectiveness between cell lines was also compared. The apoptotic effect both herbs showed was quantified by the levels of pro and anti-apoptotic proteins expressed in each cell line. Both cell lines treated with Oldenlandia diffusa and Bryophyllum pinnatum showed significant differences in their levels of both pro and anti-apoptotic proteins when compared to …

Synthesis Of Novel Temozolomide Amides As Potential Anti-Glioblastoma Agents, Sion Kim

Honors Theses

Glioblastoma is treated with Temozolomide (TMZ), a lipophilic alkylating drug that can cross the brain-blood barrier. To confront drug resistance, this research aimed to synthesize novel TMZ amide hybrids by using the acid chloride method, replacing an amino group with a primary amine. These novel hybrids were tested on U87-MG cells to determine if the primary amines with greater anticancer properties and lipophilicity have enhanced the drug's anticancer activity and bioavailability. The calculated lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of the hybrids ranged from 0.005 mg/mL to 0.2258 mg/mL, with some demonstrating greater anticancer effects than TMZ itself.

The Effects Of Age And Type Of Rearing On Contrafreeloading Behavior In Female Goats, Carly Weems

Honors Theses

Contrafreeloading (CFL) is the willingness of an animal to work for food. This study continues the 2022 pilot study, in which thirteen female goats from the Andrews University Sustainable Agriculture Department were tested to see if there was any correlation between age and contrafreeload in goats, and additionally investigates whether or not there is any correlation between type of rearing and contrafreeloading behavior in female goats. The pilot study found no direct correlation between age and contrafreeloading, therefore early life feeding techniques were also considered for this study.

Eighteen female goats representing three different age groups and three types of …

The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act And The Increase Of Stock Buybacks, Ruben Colon

Honors Theses

In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) decreased the corporate tax rate from thirty-five (35) percent to twenty-one (21) percent. In addition, the TCJA imposed a one-time tax on liquid and fixed assets held off-shore at fifteen-point five (15.5) percent and eight (8) percent, respectively, paid over eight (8) years, by awarding essentially an interest-free loan, creating an incentive for corporations in the United States to repatriate their offshore cash. This research investigates how the TCJA impacted corporate government tax revenue (CGTR), how corporations used the cash gained from the corporate tax rate decrease, whether the decrease in …

Green Solutions: A Smart Strategy For Recycling Electronics In Ghana, Yodit Fitsum

Honors Theses

Electronic waste (e-waste) presents a significant environmental challenge, particularly in developing nations like Ghana. This study examines the opportunities and challenges associated with e-waste recycling in Ghana, focusing on the Agbogbloshie dumpsite. In Ghana, the informal e-waste sector plays a crucial role, providing employment to marginalized individuals who dismantle and process e-waste using basic methods. However, these practices raise concerns due to hazardous working conditions and environmental pollution. Conversely, certified recycling companies adhere to strict safety and environmental standards. Key challenges include recycling contaminated e-plastics and declining precious metal content in modern electronics, highlighting the need for improved recycling infrastructure. …

Does Kinesiology Taping Support Lateral Ankle Sprains And Provide Stability To The Injured Ankle?, Lilianna Giacalone

Honors Theses

Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are prevalent among athletes and can lead to chronic instability and re-injury. Kinesiology taping (KT) is a treatment modality aimed at providing support, pain management, and prevention of further injury. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of KT in supporting lateral ankle sprains and providing stability to the injured ankle. A comprehensive search yielded seven studies, including randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and case-control studies. The studies investigated the immediate effects of KT on injuries, compared KT with other treatment modalities, and assessed the long-term outcomes of KT use. The findings from the reviewed …

Personal Insights: Navigating Informal Networks, Catherine Jordan

Honors Theses

As a non-traditional student, my journey through college has been anything but conventional. Unlike the typical high school-to-college transition, I embarked on my educational adventure later in life, balancing coursework with familial responsibilities and career aspirations. Within this paper, I will share my insights, my triumphs, my challenges, and the interactions that have shaped my experience. Join me as I unravel the unseen and intricate ties that link us together through learning and growth.

Women In Business Marketing: An Analysis Of The Glass Ceiling, Hailey Hornberger

Honors Theses

The glass ceiling phenomenon continues to be a widespread barrier affecting women in various professional fields, including business marketing. While female representation in business marketing is witnessing a significant increase, persistent barriers prevent successful women from advancing any further in their careers. The purpose of this research study was to understand the perspectives and experiences of women in business marketing professions. The key issues highlighted throughout this study include microaggressions in group settings, sexual harassment, balance of work and life, leadership dynamics, confidence and self-doubt, lack of support, and the gender pay gap. Secondary research was used as an initial …

The International Lens Of Western Michigan University, Tesha Nowak

Honors Theses

The international students highlighted in this documentary have different stories with the same experience of studying in the United States. Some international students are at Western with family, making the transition easier for them whereas some are here alone, still trying to find the community that fits their identity. In this documentary, Western Michigan University’s (WMU) international students, will discuss their study abroad experience in the United States such as culture shock, negotiating native and new cultures and managing assumptions that Americans have about them or their cultures. Their stories will bring to light the reality of the study abroad …

Fleet Renewal Proposal, Siba Al Ghailani

Honors Theses

Our organization, Wings Consulting, is proud to propose an extensive proposal that aims to improve the training fleet and advance aviation education in response to the changing demands of Western Michigan University's Aviation College. Our firm is dedicated to providing WMU with an aircraft fleet that is adequate to the institution and will enable future pilots to achieve prosperity while also possessing a deep grasp of the aviation industry and a dedication to perfection.

The purpose of this proposal is to introduce our company's profile, clarify our recommended course of action, and lay out a methodical plan for helping WMU …

Acceptability Of Virtual Psychiatric Consultations For Routine Follow-Ups Post Covid-19 Pandemic For People With Intellectual Disabilities: Cross-Sectional Study, Samuel Tromans, Sarah Rybczynska-Bunt, Sarah Mitchell, Susan Cummins, David Cox, Jennifer Downing, Paul H. Lee, Lucy Teece, Tony Marson, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

Background After the rapid implementation of digital health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, a paucity of research exists about the suitability of remote consulting in people with intellectual disabilities and their carers, particularly for neuropsychiatric reviews. Aim This study examines when remote neuropsychiatric routine consulting is suitable for this population. Method A survey was conducted of people with intellectual disabilities and their carers, examining their preference between face-to-face and video consultations for ongoing neuropsychiatric reviews within a rural countywide intellectual disability service in Cornwall, England (population: 538 000). The survey was sent to all adults with intellectual disabilities open to …

Healing Right Way Randomised Control Trial Enhancing Rehabilitation Services For Aboriginal People With Brain Injury In Western Australia: Translation Principles And Activities, Neil Drew, Meaghan Mcallister, Juli Coffin, Melanie Robinson, Judith Katzenellenbogen, Elizabeth Armstrong

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: This report provides the theory, method and practice of culturally secure translation and knowledge exchange in the Healing Right Way Clinical Trial (2017–2022), outlining activities to date. Healing Right Way was a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial conducted in Western Australia, aimed at enhancing rehabilitation services and quality of life for Aboriginal Australians following acquired brain injury. The trial translation plan was aspirational and action-oriented, with its implementation iterative and ongoing. Translational activities aimed to inform service and research planning for Aboriginal people with brain injury. Situated in the intercultural space, the work guards against undertaking activities that …

Analyzing Stakeholder Feedback Using Ai, Nancy Susan Manoj

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this research paper is to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing stakeholder feedback analysis in urban planning. This study aims to determine whether artificial intelligence can be used to increase stakeholder feedback analysis efficiency in urban planning projects. Additionally, the study will examine whether urban planning professionals are ready to adopt artificial intelligence into their practices. This study uses a structured quantitative research methodology, consisting of an online survey with Likert-scale questions to collect insights.

Based on the results of the survey, it appears that Boomers and older Gen X are more open to …