Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Cellular Metabolism Is A Viable Therapeutic Target For Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis, Josly Pierre-Louis Odoom

Theses and Dissertations

Herein, we provide evidence for cellular metabolic reprogramming as a driver of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF). We are the first to identify a distinct metabolic signature for RIPF in a cohort of patients with radiographic sequela. We also used a RIPF mouse model to detect the metabolic pathways that enrich during pathogenesis. Our previous work highlighted the importance of lactate, a derivative of the glycolysis end-product pyruvate. Consequently, we took a special interest in the effects of radiation on the glycolysis pathway. We learned that radiation accelerates and reprograms glycolysis to an anabolic state in a pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)-dependent …

Life After Discharge: Predicting Longitudinal Trajectories Of Community Integration And Global Functioning In Black Individual With Traumatic Brain Injury, Chimdindu Ohayagha

Theses and Dissertations

The onset of traumatic brain injury (TBI) begins a chronic health pathway that contributes to various impairments and comorbidities across the lifespan. Common consequences of TBI include mental health issues, cognitive impairments, and reduced functional independence, all of which impact how an individual integrates into their community. Community integration is a primary goal for rehabilitation after TBI. Studies show that racially/ethnically minoritized individuals have a higher incidence of TBI, higher rates of mortality, and report poorer functional and community integration outcomes. Limited studies have explored longitudinal outcomes of community integration in a Black-only sample of individuals with TBI. Additionally, no …

The Patient Experience Of Language Discordance And Interpreter Services In The Emergency Department, Keri L. Baker

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Clear communication is critical to the interaction of a patient and medical provider. For non-English speaking patients, language discordance, described as the lack of proficiency in a shared language, with the medical team results in a poor patient experience and poor patient outcomes. The predominant solution to language discordance is the use of interpreter services, however these services are underused in the emergency department (ED). Studies examining underuse of interpreter services have primarily focused on the clinician and little is known about the patient’s influence on the use of interpreter services.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Spanish-speaking …

Polyvictimization In Context: Identifying Patterns Of Peer, Dating, And Community Violence Among Black Early Adolescents, Carine Leslie

Theses and Dissertations

Early adolescents exposed to multiple forms of victimization (“polyvictimization”) may experience a number of detrimental psychosocial outcomes. Some person-centered research has identified victimization subgroups among adolescents but have not examined the overlap of peer, dating, and community victimization among Black early adolescents living in economically disadvantaged urban communities. Thus, this study empirically identifies victimization profiles in a sample of Black early adolescents to ascertain the patterns and correlates of polyvictimization. The present study aimed to (a) identify subgroups of Black early adolescents based on their frequency of peer, dating, and community victimization using latent profile analyses, and (b) evaluate the …

Repeated-Measures Latent Profile Analyses Of Intervention Fidelity To A Teacher-Delivered Intervention Program For Children At Elevated Risk For Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Katrina A. Markowicz

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers have difficulty delivering Tier-2 intervention programs for preschoolers at elevated risk for socioemotional and behavioral disorders with high intervention fidelity (Durlak, 2010; Sutherland et al., 2018). Several proximal factors that impact program fidelity have been identified, which may undermine program effects (Domitrovich et al., 2008; McLeod et al., 2022; Sutherland et al., 2018). Therefore, researchers have identified strategies, such as practice-based coaching, to improve intervention fidelity and support teachers (Hemmeter et al., 2015; Synder et al., 2015). Most of the field's knowledge of these topics is limited to variable-centered approaches (Fettig et al., 2022; Low et al., 2016). However, …

Correlates Of Coffee And Energy Drink Use Among Individuals With Severe Alcohol Use Disorder, Enkelejda Ngjelina

Theses and Dissertations

Research on caffeine consumption among college students and young adults has primarily focused on caffeinated energy drinks (EDs) and their combination with alcohol, demonstrating a strong association with heavy and problematic alcohol use. However, little attention has been directed toward older adults. Furthermore, studies have shown that regular ED consumers are more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol dependence compared to their peers. Despite this association, little is known about ED consumption among individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), particularly those undergoing treatment, and even less is understood about other caffeine sources such as coffee. This study aimed to …

Systemic Contributors To Health Equity: A Conceptual Framework And Moderation Analysis, Rachel Regal

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a line of research exploring systemic factors that influence health and health equity across the lifespan. A linking document prefaces two-manuscripts as follows. Manuscript 1, A Model for Enhanced Trauma-Informed Care: An Asset-Based, Transdisciplinary Approach to Health Equity, presents a synthesis of literature on multisystem resilience, social determinants of health, and adverse / positive childhood experiences to build an alternative framework to promote healing and health equity using an asset-based approach within enhanced trauma-informed systems of care and educational models. By adopting this enhanced framework, the counseling field and others can be responsive to emerging trends and …

Putting The “Proof” In The Pudding: Ingredients To Consider In Executing An Effective And Sustainable Diversity Management Strategy Within Esg Conscious Organizations, Diamond D. Dubose

Theses and Dissertations

ESG exchange-trade fund inflows increased to a total of 22 billion dollars in 2020; three times their amount as compared to 2019, reflecting increasing capital market prominence (Wagner & Ballentine, 2020). Many organizations have since engaged in DEI practices because of the appeal Environment, Social, and Governance (also known as ESG) investment ratings provide (Henisz et al., 2019). However, companies must go beyond publishing organizational commitments to diversity to ‘check the box’ if they want to remain in the good graces of their internal and external stakeholders, ultimately validating their financial performance (S. J. Singh, 2021). An obstacle also emerged …

A Quantitative Analysis Of Empathy Trait As A Moderator Of Leadership Behavior, Barbara N. Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

There are indications that empathic concern for others has been declining around the world (Konrath et al., 2014). Empathy has long been recognized as a component of social functioning that significantly influences behavior that impacts relationships with others on both personal and societal levels (Batson, 2009; Davis, 2017; M. L. Hoffman, 2000; Stilwell, 2001). Leaders who apply empathy in their leadership can promote stronger connections with others (Gentry & Sadri, 2007), and foster social closeness and well-being (Morelli et al., 2015). While traits and behaviors are helpful predictors of effective leadership (Judge & Piccolo, 2004; Mumford et al., 2000), there …

Certified Impact: Organization Design For Zero Waste Certification And Its Impact On Organizational Identity, Sumner Byrne

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study examined how organizations, primarily in the manufacturing and distribution industries, approached the change process to achieve a third-party verified zero waste certification. It investigated how the change process impacted employees’ sense of organizational identity, and what challenges they faced in pursuing certification. Sixteen participants from seven recently certified organizations agreed to be interviewed about their experience. Challenges stemmed most consistently from fiscal misalignment with leadership’s priorities, capacity struggles, and employee disconnection to the certification’s purpose. Participants reported that the most impactful organizational change strategies included clear, positive messaging, investment in employee empowerment and leadership, and consistency throughout …

Exploring Communication Preferences And Experiences Of First-Generation Students: Bridging Psychological Distance With Librarians In Online, Hybrid, And In-Person Library Environments—An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Sabine Jean Dantus

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation explored the preferred communication methods for reducing the psychological distance between librarians and 17 first-generation students (FG004 – FG020), including graduate and undergraduate participants in the University Libraries’ online, hybrid, and in-person environments. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis, eight themes emerged, illustrating how participants' communication preferences, cultural and linguistic demands, financial obstacles, and early library experiences affected their communication expectations with librarians.

The findings revealed a dichotomy between in-person and online communication preferences, with participants valuing both the immediacy and social presence of face-to-face interactions and the convenience of online tools like chat services. Cultural and linguistic familiarity …

Exploring Mental Health Stigma Among Law Enforcement Officers, Nicholas David Chestnut

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation investigates the prevalence and impact of mental health stigma among law enforcement officers (LEOs) in the United States. Despite growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the law enforcement community, stigma surrounding mental illness remains a significant barrier to help-seeking behaviors among officers. The study employed a research design that examined attitudes, perceptions, and experiences related to mental health stigma among LEOs.

Through online self-assessment surveys administered via a secure portal, participants provided insights into their attitudes toward mental illness, perceptions of stigma, and willingness to seek help for mental health concerns.

Data analysis revealed …

A Qualitative Study: Sex Offenders’ Perceptions Of The State’S Sex Offender Registry, Ann Marie Elliott

Theses and Dissertations

Sex offender registries (SOR) were created because of gruesome crimes committed against minors and the vulnerable, and they serve as a punishment. Empirically, SORs have become more functional over the years, so providing accurate information should be fundamental. It is the topic of discussion in many conversations, specifically during holidays and events involving minors, and it is used for background searches and ongoing investigations. Consequently, society expects the information displayed to be precise. Inaccurate information can potentially be harmful, especially to sex offenders. Nevertheless, when SOR is mentioned, rightfully so, society, including law enforcement, immediately exhibits sympathetic emotions for the …

Victim Advocates' Experiences In The Provision Of Domestic Violence Services For Jewish Women, Michael Sue Jenefsky

Theses and Dissertations

Domestic violence is a serious, dangerous global epidemic and does not discriminate. Domestic violence has no limitations happening in all communities, religions, and cultures. There are many types of abuse, and it is not always physical; however, the underlying threat of violence is perceived by victims. Abusers use manipulative and coercive tactics to gain and maintain power and control of victims. It is deliberate and a choice. Feelings of shame, guilt, blame, failure, helplessness, and being trapped with no means to escape are prevalent among victims. Jewish women have specific feelings and fears that are associated with halakha, Jewish law, …

Female Genital Cutting In Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya: A Qualitative Interview Study, Melon Jepchumba Tanui

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study focuses on women from Elgeyo-Marakwet county in Kenya, several of whom have undergone what has come to be referred to by the Western world as “female genital mutilation” (FGM). This procedure “involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia” or inflicting any other damaging injury on “the female genital organs for non-medical reasons” (WHO 2022: para. 1). The residents of this county are Kalenjin speakers of Keiyo and Marakwet sub-dialects. The ceremonial process, which lasts from days to a month, is called Tumdop Tibiik, meaning the initiation of girls. (For definitions of Kalenjin …

Terror And Time: Analyzing Homegrown Terrorism In The United States, Kyser Daniels-Baessler

Theses and Dissertations

The events of September 11th, 2001, prompted a global reckoning with the threat of international terrorism, leading to intensified awareness and policy responses worldwide. However, amidst this heightened global focus, the United States has faced a concerning rise in politically motivated violence on its soil. Against this backdrop, this thesis delves into the phenomenon of homegrown terrorism within the United States from 2000 to 2020. By employing advanced geospatial techniques, this study seeks to pinpoint areas nationwide with elevated rates of homegrown terrorist incidents. Moreover, it endeavors to uncover potential temporal correlations between these acts of violence and significant events, …

Spouse Violence In Case Of Police Officers In Puerto Rico: Violence In Police Families, Jorge Ismael Suarez

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to explore the relationship between factors related to police work and whether these factors help predict domestic violence in a sample of officers of the Puerto Rico Police. The following factors were explored in this study: external burnout, alcohol abuse, department withdrawal, and authoritarian spillover. This study was based on a previous study by Johnson et al. (2005), which revealed that violence exposure and domestic violence among police officers are linked according to four mediation chains. The mediation chain was a model implemented by the authors to determine the influence of burnout, authoritarian spillover, alcohol …

Examining The Intersection Of Policing And Mental Health: Analyzing Baker Act Admissions In Davie, Florida, Matthew Goodnow

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the Police Department of the City of Davie, Florida. It analyzed the rate of involuntary admissions under the Florida Mental Health Act, commonly known as the Baker Act, focusing on factors such as officer experience, training, demographics, and other variables. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, the research provides insights into Baker Act admissions to inform policies and interventions to improve mental health services and relieve strain on law enforcement resources.

Key findings indicate that Crisis Intervention Team training significantly increases the likelihood of officers performing Baker Acts. In contrast, more experienced officers tend to perform fewer …

The School Of SharīʿA Judges: SharīʿA Courts’ Reform And Legal Modernization In Egypt (1907-1927), Yamen Nouh

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis studied the history of the school of sharīʿa judges (1907-1927) as an essential episode of the reform of Sharīʿa courts in Egypt in the early 20th century. The thesis studied the school in connection with the broader context of legal modernization of the Egyptian legal system. The study explored the institutional, pedagogical, and legal aspects of the reform that the school advocated. The study analyzed the impact of the school’s pedagogy on the practice of the Islamic judiciary and the theoretical conception of Sharīʿa. The study used a significant yet understudied historical source: the judicial press. A comparative …

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Among Racial And Ethnic Minority Groups: A Content Analysis, Tyson William Lovell

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, racial and ethnic minority (REM) communities have faced reduced access to resources for mental and emotional health issues. While research has placed a greater emphasis on REM experiences, there is still a need to further understand the unique contextual factors surrounding mental health challenges among these marginalized groups. Research on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) among REM communities is one area in need of further evaluation. Therefore, this study is a content analysis of literature analyzing the current research focused on the intersection of REM communities and OCD experiences. The purpose of the study is to analyze OCD research among …

The Association Between Adolescent Mindfulness, Sexual Mindfulness, And Sexual Consent: Does Parent-Child Open Or Controlling Sexual Communication Moderate?, Whitney Lenna Mcewan

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, I investigated how mindfulness and sexual mindfulness (i.e. awareness and non-judgment) related to sexual consent beliefs among adolescents, and how these relationships were influenced by mothers' and fathers' communication about sex. My approach was grounded in Self-Determination Theory, which posits that healthy sexuality is best achieved when self-determined sexual relationships meet the fundamental human needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Previous research has suggested a positive link between mindfulness and sexual mindfulness and sexual consent beliefs among teenagers. On one hand, effective open communication between parents and children, especially regarding sensitive topics such as sexuality, can enhance …

Is This My Thing, Or Your Thing?: Differentiation Of Self As A Moderator Between Pornography Use And Marital Outcomes, Naomi Mcallister Noorda

Theses and Dissertations

Pornography use is fairly common in today's society, which suggests that one or even both partners of many couple relationships may use pornography. Persons with high or low levels of differentiation of self may experience relationship attachment and sexual satisfaction differently depending on their partner's pornography use. On one hand, those with high differentiation may view a partner's pornography use as the partner's issue. On the other hand, those with low differentiation may view their partner's pornography use as something they are responsible for or need to change. Using data from 1,665 couples across the United States from Wave 6 …

Age At First Marriage And Marital Success In The Context Of Stress Theory: An Updated Investigation With A Longitudinal, Nationally Representative Sample, Anne Marie Wright Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to use family stress theory to examine the relationship between age at first marriage and marital quality and divorce. Age at marriage continues to increase and the demographics keep changing. Past research suggests that early age at marriage has been a contributing factor to divorce risk. Marital quality outcomes can also give us an idea of how well couples are faring in their marriages. This study employs a sample from a longitudinal, nationally representative investigation (CREATE), which has followed newlywed couples since 2016. The sub-sample for this study comes from wave one and includes …

Drawing About Writing: Exploring Egyptian Middle School Students’ Writing Motivation And Perceptions, Maryam Elbayady

Theses and Dissertations

The principal aim of this study is to explore Egyptian middle school students’ perceptions of their writing experiences using artistic expression, specifically drawings. It also aims to understand their levels of writing motivation using the Self-Beliefs, Writing-Beliefs, and Attitude Survey (SWAS) (Wright et al., 2019). Finally, it examines the relationships among participants’ perceptions, motivation, and their narrative writing performance. The view that students’ voices are valuable to research geared towards school improvement has largely propelled this study (Bland, 2018; Zumbrunn et al., 2017). In addition, due to the limited literature about middle school students enrolled at private Egyptian schools, this …

Exploring Policies & Practices For The Private Sector To Advance Women’S Economic Empowerment And Prevent Gender Based Violence In Post-Conflict Countries, Amina Helal

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to investigate the role of the private sector in advancing women’s economic empowerment and gender-based violence prevention with a focus on post-conflict countries. It explores challenges facing them, and opportunities to be seized by governments and other stakeholders in this regard. The study also sheds light on the gap in the private sector’s awareness and commitment to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to implement the UN Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in post-conflict countries. It explores the different possible engagements of the private sector in response to the research question. The thesis also …

An Assessment Of Sentencing Disparities By Race In The State Of Arkansas, Viola Schaeffer

Theses and Dissertations

Past research has found that there are often disparities in sentencing outcomes due to extralegal factors such as race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, education level, and geographic location. The most prominent and widely studied of these factors, however, is race. Specifically, studies have shown that minority offenders (e.g., African Americans) were more likely to receive a lengthier sentence than their White peers. The purpose of this thesis is thus to examine if there is racial bias in sentences levied to violent offenders in Arkansas. This is be done by analyzing sentencing data from the Arkansas Office of the Courts between …

We Built This Country For Free – Using A Phenomenological Approach For (Re) Imagining Mississippi Black Small-Scale Farmers, Destiny Denise Crockett

Theses and Dissertations

By the early 20th century, in 1920, Black farmers owned 14% of US farmland. Today, in the 21st century, Black farmers own less than 2% of US farmland. The demise of Black farmers and Black farmland in US Agriculture is a direct result of social, political, and racial weaponization against their foodways, culture, and livelihoods. The history concerning the plight of Black farmers goes beyond USDA's historical discrimination but enters a position where racism is embedded and perpetuated within the structure of US agriculture. In effect, Black small-scale farmers have reaped the downfall of this system, enduring racial biases and …

Once Upon A Time, Again: Exploring The Function Of Fairy Tale Retellings, Mackenzie A. Parsons

Theses and Dissertations

With the invention of the printing press, fairy tales became limited by the idea of an "original" (Pettitt, 2009; Blamires, 2003). However, in the past century, the retelling and changing of fairy tales has become incredibly popular in all forms of media, such as print, film, ballet, musicals, etc. Despite Western populations' familiarity with these tales, the demand for such retellings continues to rise, with the storytellers finding great financial success with each "new" version they provide. Researchers have many varying opinions on the reasons for such intense responses to retold fairy tales, but there is a gap of research …

“I Tell It Like It Is, Then How It Could Be”: Public Discourse And Public Administration In Popular American Music Since The 1990s, Kristen Dechert

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an analysis of lyrics from popular American music albums since the 1990s to understand public discourse about and experience with public administration. Albums included in the study came from two prominent sources: Billboard and Pitchfork decade-end lists. The study is framed by critical, postmodern, and responsiveness theories, methodologically grounded in critical discourse analysis, and technically approached using standard qualitative methods, including especially qualitative content analysis and iterative, inductive coding techniques. Findings from the qualitative study demonstrate public discourse on the themes of institutional and systemic racism and violence within and perpetuated by public administration and public institutions. …

Geospatial Integrated Urban Flood Mapping And Vulnerability Assessment, Md Tazmul Islam, Md Tazmul Islam

Theses and Dissertations

Natural disasters like flooding have always been a big problem for countries around the world, but as the global climate changes and the number of people living in cities keeps growing, the threat of flooding has become a lot worse. Even though many studies have been conducted on flood mapping and vulnerability assessment in urban areas, this research addresses a significant knowledge gap in this domain. First, we used a flood depth estimation approach has been used to address the overestimation of urban flood mapping areas using Sentinel-1 images. Ten different combinations of the two initial VH and VV polarizations …