Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Coulomb Blockade-Mediated Field Emission Sources Using Ultra-Nanocrystalline Diamond, Jevin Jensen

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Coulomb Blockade effects in field emission provide interesting means of achieving brighter electron sources for numerous applications, ranging from vacuum electronics to the next generation of electron beam technology. Microelectronics cleanroom methods are presented in this thesis for production of field emission sources moderated by the Coulomb Blockade. The use of common processes is an essential step toward widespread experimentation with Coulomb Blockade-mediated field emission apparatuses. The main feature to be explored is the use of nano-diamond films for their potential applicability for this desired outcome. Ultra-Nanocrystalline Diamond is used in two different ways to achieve this, both as a …

A Single-Case Alternating Treatments Design Utilzing Quantitative Electroencephalography To Observe And Measure Mental State Trends During Individual Participant Non-Nature-Based Small Initiative Adventure Therapy Experiences, Patrick Lane Robert Mcmillion

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This single-case alternating-treatments design research study observed and measured mental state trends during the counseling approach known as Adventure Therapy (AT) using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). Participants wore a qEEG headset while participating in a multi-stage AT experience. Two problems were addressed in this study. The first was the lack of research in AT utilizing other empirical measures beyond subjective report surveys and the outcomes of specific programs. The second was the lack of neuroscientific measurement of counseling approaches and interventions within the field of counseling in general. There is a need for empirical evidence supporting AT to address access barriers …

Well-Being In Graduate Health Professions Education: Exploration Of Programmatic Interventions, The Student Experience, And Students’ Support Preferences, Katherine Schultz

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Healthcare provider well-being is a growing area of professional concern. Beyond the negative impacts on the clinicians’ health, stress, burnout, and other manifestations of decreased clinician well-being can directly affect the quality of patient care. Research suggests that well-being concerns begin in graduate health professions education programs, during which students undergo rigorous academic and clinical training for future careers as clinicians. The aim of this study was to explore programmatic interventions to promote well-being in graduate health professions education and the students’ experiences of well-being while enrolled in graduate health professions programs.

This study was conducted across three phases. Phase …

Self-Reported Tea Consumption And Age-Related Macular Degeneration In U.S. Adults, Lindsey Halasz Shaffer

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: Age-related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifaceted disease of aging that is currently one of the leading causes of blindness in the US. As aging populations continue to turn to alternatives to prevent age-related diseases, the use of tea antioxidants has been suggested as potential protectors against cellular degradation and oxidation within the retina. To date, no epidemiologic or cross-sectional studies have been conducted regarding the correlation between tea intake and AMD, as it has for other diseases of with antioxidant mitigation potential, such as cancer. Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the correlation between …

Physical Therapy And Caregiver Burden: A Mixed Methods Design, Jamie S. Way

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation explores the value and impact of physical therapists working with caregiver-care recipient dyads. A convergent mixed methods design was used to assess the impact physical therapy can have on burden experienced by the primary caregiver, caring for a loved one with a chronic neurological condition. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of physical therapy on caregiver burden by answering the following research questions: 1) Does caregiver burden as measured by the Zarit Burden Interview change over time when the care recipient receives physical therapy services? 2) Does patient function improve over time in individuals …

Does The Degree Matter? Understanding Employer Hiring Perspectives On Community College Health Information Technology Program Graduates, Tricia L. Broughton

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Health Information Technology (HIT) is an in-demand occupation across Illinois and as such community colleges offer related preparation programs in the form of one-two semester Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certificates and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees. Community college applied programs aim to meet the needs of local employers and the interest of students to obtain employment within their communities. Research suggests that employability as perceived by employers goes beyond the technical skill requirements of the job. This dissertation project aimed to better understand employer’s hiring perspectives on community college health information technology (HIT) program graduates and ultimately whether …

Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologists’ Knowledge, Beliefs, And Practices Surrounding Culturally And Linguistically Responsive Assessment Practices For Dual Language Learners, Rebecca Lynne Jarzynski

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Early intervention (EI) speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are required to provide culturally and linguistically responsive assessments for dual language learners (DLLs) within an increasingly diverse population. Previous research has documented gaps between SLPs’ beliefs related to assessments for DLLs and their implementation of best practices within school-based and pediatric outpatient settings. The purpose of this present research study was to better understand the current knowledge, beliefs, and practices of EI SLPs in relation to the use of culturally and linguistically responsive assessment practices within the context of EI programs. A total of 134 EI SLPs completed a nationwide survey in which …

Alignment And Range Verification In Proton Therapy Using Proton Radiography And Proton Ct, Joseph Piet

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Protons are used in radiation therapy to lower doses to healthy tissues by utilizing their Bragg peak. Protons can be used both in imaging and treatment. One of the uses of protons in imaging we tested is its use to align patients using a single beam's eye proton radiograph (pRad). By using a beam's eye pRad, and comparing the water equivalent thickness (WET) to proton digitally reconstructed radiographs (pDRRs), we show that we can measure the best alignment on six axes, three translational and three rotational. This is done by defining a cost function, chi squared, which quantifies the misalignment …

An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Physical Therapists’ Pyschological Characteristics And Feedback Methods, Dustin Cox

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Providing treatment interventions to clients with chronic pain is a complex task for any professional. Research suggests that clients with chronic pain experience declines in physical, emotional, and psychological quality of life. Client’s that have chronic pain have complex effects from dealing with this condition in their lives. Hashmi and colleagues found that clients with chronic pain (i.e., pain lasting > three months) process pain through the emotional and reward circuitry in the brain. The literature base provides evidence that clients with chronic pain who receive psychologically based interventions along with physical rehabilitation have better outcomes than individuals with chronic pain …

The Relationship Between Attributes Of Mhealth App Acceptability And The Likelihood Of Mhealth App Adoption In The 18–19-Year-Old College Freshman, Celeste Rochelle

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Achieving the recommended amount of physical activity (PA) is linked to improved cognitive function, overall physical health, and protection against non-communicable diseases. However, most people surveyed in the United States do not meet the recommendations for PA; especially adolescents between the ages of 17-19. Evidence suggests that interventions for increasing PA must be considered acceptable before the individual will use them. This study explored the relationships between the attributes of acceptability of mHealth apps and adoption intention of mHealth apps in a sample of adolescents (n = 287). Participants completed a survey with 24 total items: 19 from the Acceptability …

A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Factors Associated With Burnout Among Early Childhood Education And Care Providers, Lee Wells

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Burnout among the early childhood workforce has gained widespread attention in research and policy due to greater awareness of the negative impacts on children, providers, and organizations. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers create supportive and nurturing environments that facilitate early learning and development for young children. Accordingly, ECEC providers are the connective tissue between program intentions and outcomes. Despite the critical nature of the field, early childhood providers continue to be underpaid, under-resourced, and undervalued, leading to a high risk of burnout. With turnover rates of ECEC providers higher than ever, the link between burnout and attrition has …

Effectiveness Of The Catch (Coordinated Approach To Child’S Health) Rainbow Program In Elementary Schools For Change In Fruit And Vegetable Intake, Ashley M. Valinskas

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: There is currently a lack of nutrition education programs that effectively increase fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among children. Not meeting the recommendations for fruits and vegetables increases the risk for poor academic achievement, obesity, and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, asthma, and more. Nutrition, cooking, and gardening lessons individually and together have shown to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in school-aged children.Methods: Two-Hundred Twenty-five 4th and 5th graders participated in six cooking and six gardening lessons between September 2021 and May 2022 at Genoa Elementary school. Each nutrition education session was 25-minutes long, …

The Impact Of Race On Quality Of Life Of The Aged After Heart Transplant Or Long-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support, Jerian Dixon-Evans

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The prevalence of heart failure is on the rise, with projections indicating that nearly 3% of the American population will be affected by 2030. This condition is particularly prevalent in adults, with a disproportionate impact on minority communities. The US population is aging, and the lifetime risk of heart failure increases with age. Patients with Stage D heart failure may need advanced surgical therapies, such as a heart transplantation (HT) or long-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS), if ineligible for HT. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) may differ by race in patients who undergo these advanced surgical therapies. While there have …

Modeling Spatial Access To Healthcare, Yaxiong Shao

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Health disparity has been a persistent concern in the United States, and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought more attention to this ongoing challenge. Improving access to healthcare is a crucial step toward achieving health equity and starts with accurately measuring and portraying the existing landscape of access to healthcare. Even though numerous spatial accessibility models have been proposed to measure the spatial accessibility to healthcare, many gaps still exist. The main purpose of this dissertation is to develop novel models and leverage recently available datasets for a more accurate portrayal of true spatial accessibility. Three models were developed to address …

Evaluation Of A Math And Medication Administration Proficiency Program In A Pre-Licensure Nursing Program, Dianne J. Hoekstra

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Calculation of the correct dosages is a key factor for safe patient medication administration. For decades nurse educators have aimed to improve the knowledge and skills of the pre-licensure nursing students for medication administration. In a midwestern pre-licensure nursing school, a program was implemented using a curriculum wide approach for the teaching, remediation, and assessment of the math skills required for safe medication administration; known as the Math and Medication Administration Proficiency (MMAP) program. This dissertation evaluates the MMAP program using a logic model and mixed methods approach. Results indicated improvement in the pre-licensure nursing students’ success with the testing …

The Relationship Between Loneliness And Experiential Avoidance After Implementation Of A Self-Compassion Intervention, Alyssa Mielock

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

An individual’s perception of a social relationship is distinct from an individual’s difficulty forming and maintaining social relationships. Loneliness is defined as an individual’s distress resulting from the discrepancy between perceived and desired social relationship quality. In the short term, loneliness may act as a motivator for an individual to seek social support to minimize distress. However, long-term loneliness is associated with physical and psychological impairments. There have been several risk factors identified that contribute to chronic loneliness, such as social isolation, psychopathology, and ineffective coping strategies. Ineffective coping may be one mechanism by which loneliness is associated with psychopathology …

Examining Measurement Invariance Of The Pios And Pios-R Across Christian, Jewish, And Muslim Groups, Johanna Anita Younce

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The Penn Inventory of Scrupulosity (PIOS) was developed in a sample of primarily Christian participants. Since scrupulosity is intertwined with religion, it is important to establish that the PIOS and its revised version (PIOS-R) are invariant across the religions with which the measure is primarily utilized: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Additionally, there was inconsistency in the literature as to the factor structure of the PIOS/PIOS-R, so three of the models in the literature each were examined and compared for the PIOS and the PIOS-R. 718 participants were recruited through MTurk and reported affiliation with either Christianity (n = 274), Islam …

Does Where You Meet Your Partner Influence Relationship Satisfaction? An Investigation Of Online Dating In The Lgbtq+ Community, Brooke M. Fornetti

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

There has been a multitude of research conducted on the impact of online dating and relationship satisfaction for heterosexual couples. However, little research has been done on how utilizing online dating methods as a way to meet potential partners can impact LGBTQ+ relationships. The purpose of the current study is to explore the potential relationship between meeting a romantic partner through online methods – such as utilizing dating applications or websites – and relationship satisfaction for LGBTQ+ couples. Data from 115 participants with ages ranging from 18 to 64 years were analyzed to determine if meeting a romantic partner online …

Verification Of Proton Range Predictions In Proton Treatment Planning Using X-Ray Ct Or Proton Ct Imaging, Nicholas S. Yee

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this paper is to compare the range errors for two treatment plans; one using x-ray CT and the other using proton CT for calculating dose distributions in an animal tissue phantom. We shot 150 MeV proton beam through a meat phantom to a film stack to measure the exponential drop of dose at the Bragg peak until zero dose remained. Plotting the depth dose curves and performing gamma analyses are two ways to quantify the proton range errors when comparing them to depth dose curves from film measurements in the phantom. The depth dose curves give us …

Young Adolescents’ And Parents’ Attitudes And Perspective Taking About Appropriate Mobile Phone Use, Stephanie Jean Cleary

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This study explored whether young adolescents and their parents have similar attitudes about appropriate mobile phone use, and whether those attitudes vary depending upon adolescent or parent phone user, the mobile phone use context (i.e., family dinner table, party, or homework/ work), and their self-perspective or other’s perspective. Fifty-two adolescents in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade (age range 11 years to 14 years and 5 months; 26 males, 23 females, 3 non-binaries) and their parent or guardian participated. Adolescents identified as white/European American (82.7%), multiple races (5.8%), Asian (5.8%), black/African American (1.9%), and Hispanic/Latinx/Spanish (1.9%), or did not respond (1.9%). …

Interactions Of Sexuality Training, Sexual Awareness, And Comfort With Sexual Discourse In Counselors-In-Training, Katie Adeline Rodenkirch

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Since the initial call to action nearly half a century ago, sexuality training has not been made a core component of counselor education. Despite this, upon graduation counselors are expected to be able to handle diverse client needs, some of which are likely to be sexual in nature. Nevertheless, there is limited research regarding counselor sexuality education or factors influencing counselor-in-training comfort with sexual discourse. The purpose of this research study was to determine the relationship(s) and interaction(s) between counselor-in-training sexuality training experience, sexual awareness, and comfort with sexual discourse. The study also explored group differences based on gender and …

Factors Leading To Satisfaction Following A Total Knee Arthroplasty, Scot Bauman

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

One of the most common surgical treatment options for knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which utilizes a combination of metal and plastic to resurface the damaged cartilage surfaces of the knee, leading to decreased pain and improved function for the patient. However, despite fairly good subjective scores following surgery, up to 20% of patients report being dissatisfied with their outcome. Previous research has assessed reasons for this high dissatisfaction rate including postoperative range of motion (ROM), preoperative education, and postoperative strength. Nevertheless, there continues to be a paucity in the literature regarding how preoperative function affects …

The Relationship Between Fully Online Gateway Science Courses And Student Academic Performance In Health Career Associate Degree Programs At Regional Community College, Mukesh George

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The severe shortage of healthcare professionals creates an increased demand for new graduates in Allied health and Nursing programs. Gateway science courses to HCAD programs such as A&P are often considered predictors of student success in Allied health and Nursing programs. A&P courses have been traditionally taught face-to-face, and the COVID pandemic has forced institutions to switch these courses to a fully online format. Despite its increased popularity, the impact of fully online gateway courses on student academic performance in HCAD programs needed to be clarified. This quantitative study examined the relationship between fully online gateway science courses and student …

Feasibility, Acceptability, And Clinical Effectiveness Of Advanced Practice Nurse-Led Virtual Clinically Integrated Practice Model For The Management Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease In An Outpatient Setting: A Comparative Study (Face Study), Simi Jesto Joseph

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

In GERD management, PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) represent a significant discovery in gastroenterology medicine and have become widely overused in the United States. For GERD management in outpatient settings, a new, feasible, acceptable approach is needed to diagnose earlier, phenotype the disease accurately, and have structured follow-up to reduce PPI overuse. This study aims to evaluate and compare the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical effectiveness of the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)- led virtual Clinically Integrated Practice (CIP) model against the traditional office-based model among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. A comparative between-group study design was used to compare the feasibility and …

The Efficacy And Acceptability Of A Virtual Versus Hybrid Wellness Program On Health Outcomes Among Faculty And Staff At A Northeastern University During Covid-19, Elizabeth Tenison

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

According to American Psychological Association Work and Well-being Survey of 1,501 U.S. adult workers, 79% of employees reported negative impacts of work-related stress, including lack of interest (26%) and effort (19%) at work. Workplace wellness programs offer a means to alleviate stress among employees. The research explored the perceived acceptability and efficacy of a virtual versus hybrid wellness program and some specific health outcomes, total cholesterol, BP, and BMI, perceived well-being and stress among faculty and staff at a northeastern university. Participants (n=61) included women (77%), 30-50 years of age (67.7%), and staff (30%) vs. faculty (70%) enrolled in the …

Nutritional Considerations In The Care Of Transgender And Gender-Diverse Individuals: Exploring The Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, And Roles Of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists And Nutrition Professionals, Jennifer Madeleine Waters

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Within the past few years, various nutrition-relevant considerations related to the care of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals have been emphasized. However, the preparedness of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to provide nutrition care to this highly marginalized group with unique health concerns is unknown. Available research on the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of RDNs as it relates to the care of the TGD community is scarce. It is unknown how frequently transgender-specific health and nutrition topics are being taught to emerging RDNs and nutrition professionals. Further, the potential barriers that nutrition and dietetics educators perceive or face as it relates …

The Impact Of Community Violence Exposure On The Health Behaviors And Health Service Utilization Among High-Risk Black Men, Paris Willis

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the lived experience of high-risk Black men exposed to community violence in hopes of understanding their health challenges and behaviors in highly violent communities. Eleven Black men considered high-risk participated in the study through individual semi-structured interviews addressing the research questions below:1. How do high-risk Black men perceive community violence? 2. How do high-risk Black men maintain their health residing in high violent communities? 3. How do high-risk Black men in high violent communities utilize healthcare? 4. Do high-risk Black men exposed to community violence trust healthcare providers? Community violence exposure is a complex multilayered topic …

Exploring The Intersection Of Nursing Home Culture, Improvement, And Documentation-Related Attitudes, Hannah Joy Baker

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: Documentation of patient care and characteristics is an important part of nursing home operations, because it affects financial aspects, quality improvement efforts, inter-provider communication, and potential for dangerous medical errors. However, little is known about the relationships between workplace culture, quality improvement, and documentation-related attitudes. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore perspectives of a total of 10 nursinghome staff and administrators on these variables within 8 Wisconsin facilities, based on a composite framework of Schein’s organizational culture typology and Shortell’s Quality Improvement Implementation Survey concepts. Methods: This qualitative interview study examined participant perspectives and emotions related …

Leadership Styles Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program Directors, Dawn Sunshine Brown

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education requires Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program directors to have the necessary academic and professional qualifications to lead their programs, but many directors lack awareness of their leadership styles. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive correlational study was to examine the leadership styles of current DPT program directors within the United States, analyze the relationship between DPT program directors’ self-perceptions of their leadership style and effectiveness, and understand a relationship between leadership styles with race and ethnicity.Methods: Data were collected using the 45-item Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire 5X Short Leader Form developed by …

Breast Cancer Knowledge, Attitude, And Screening Practices In African American College Students, Shubhagata Das

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Breast cancer is a significant public health problem. Globally, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. African American women population has a higher mortality rate due to breast cancer when compared to non-Hispanic White women. Additionally, breast cancer incidence rates are also relatively higher in young African American women compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Early detection remains the most important strategy for combatting breast cancer that can significantly reduce the mortality rate. It has been observed that breast cancer has a more devastating effect on younger African …