bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Third Time is the Charm
Authors:   , Baird Nicole Yvette , Phillips Joy C.
Published: July 2021

Community colleges are more likely to serve student populations commonly categorized as at-risk, including students attending part-time, students from lower-income groups, or underprepared students. Each year, over 2,000,000 community college students are considered underprepared and enroll in remedial or developmental education courses. Furthermore, students who require remediation in math drop out of college at higher rates than students who do not require remediation. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine the relationship between the academic achievement and persistence of 286 students who (a) enrolled in a developmental education math course for the third time or more due to prior unsuccessful attempts and (b) participated in an academic coaching program at a community college. Students' academic achievement and persistence were examined through analyzing the final developmental education math course grade, completion of college-level math, and completion of a credential. The data analysis controlled for variables such as gender, age, ethnicity, enrollment status, Pell grant eligibility, and math level. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software was used to analyze the study data. Findings indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between students enrolled in the upper level of developmental education math and the recommended number of academic coaching sessions attended. The study indicated that the disaggregated demographic variables relative to race, gender, enrollment status, and Pell grant eligibility were not statistically significant in examining the relationship between academic coaching and academic achievement and persistence.
Exploring Managers' Perceptions of Workforce Readiness of Recent College Graduates
Authors:   , Gehman Nicholas Robert , Levine Bruce A.
Published: July 2021

The knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in today's workforce are evolving in response to continuing automation and computerization. The evolving labor market has challenged the efficacy of higher education institutions to prepare graduates for the workforce. Colleges and universities have instituted several strategies for successfully equipping graduates for the workforce; still, research has shown that many employers are dissatisfied with the "hard" and "soft" skills exhibited by recent college graduates in the workplace. This parallel convergent mixed-methods study was designed to explore the extent to which recent college graduates are prepared with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that current research indicates are essential for success in the workforce. This study reviewed numerous demographic variables associated with recent college graduates, as well as their perceptions of their own workforce readiness. Utilizing purposeful sampling to survey recent college graduates, surveys were designed to gain insight into the efficacy of respondents' undergraduate program of study to prepare respondents for the workforce. Additionally, nine semi-structured interviews with individuals who had at least two years of experience since 2015 managing or supervising recent college graduates at their place of employment were conducted. Interviews were conducted to gain insight into the extent to which employers considered recent college graduates prepared for the workforce. Maximal variation sampling was utilized to ensure the nine semi-structured interviewees were drawn from several different sectors or industries of the economy. The cross-sectional survey for the study fielded a total of five responses and provided very little insight into the study's research questions; therefore, qualitative semi-structured interviews were the sole source of data for analysis, findings, results, and interpretations. Three major themes and their respective subthemes emerged from the data: (1) Few relevant skill and attitudinal proficiencies were reported to exist in recent college graduates; (2) Several skill and attitudinal deficiencies were reported to exist among recent college graduates; and (3) Managerial considerations in the workplace, some unique to recent college graduates, existed. Two results emerged following data analysis: (1) Recent college graduates in the workplace do not fully exhibit the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that employers prefer; and (2) Upskilling recent college graduates for the workplace remains a task of employers, as institutions of higher education continue to produce graduates ill-prepared for the workforce.
A Qualitative Study Leading to the Development of an Intervention to Promote Ongoing Paternal Participation in the Women, Infants, and Children's Nutrition Program
Authors:   , Dychtwald Dana , Milliron Brandy-Joe
Published: July 2021

Background: Despite marked improvements in maternal and child health, preterm and low birthweight births among WIC-recipients continue to exceed United States averages. Research has shown that fathers may impact maternal health behaviors which may contribute to poor birth outcomes including the initiation of prenatal care, nutrition, smoking, stress, drug, and alcohol use. At the national level, WIC has no specific protocols for the inclusion of men although some states have made strides in incorporating men. However, the question of what a national intervention to include men in WIC remains. Methods: This qualitative study used focus groups discussions (FGD) conducted with four distinct populations (WIC staff, WIC-recipients, fathers, and community stakeholders) representing the primary levels of the Social Ecological Model. The FGDs used a semi-structured approach built around five primary research questions. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively and deductively via thematic analysis. Results: Nine focus groups were conducted with groups ranging from two to nine participants. Inductive themes included the overarching theme of paternal involvement as a societal concern not exclusive to WIC along with the primary themes of relationship status between mother and father, maternal gatekeeping and the mother's use of permissions, and the conflicting paternal roles of provider versus nurturer. Secondary themes were derived both inductively and deductively, all in support of the primary themes. Deductively derived themes were aligned with the five primary research questions. All themes paralleled the Social Ecological Model backbone of the research. Discussion: While the focus of this work was to design an intervention targeting WIC, any intervention derived will need to take a societal approach to truly be successful. This would include specific provisions addressing the relationships status between mother and father, as well as the role of maternal gatekeeping and its impact on the permissions granted by the mother. In addition, any intervention should parallel the Social Ecological Model. Future research would test individually derived intervention components for development of a multi-component approach.
Community College Professors' Perceptions of Open Educational Resources and Their Impact on Student Success and Social Justice in Education
Authors:   , Kauffman Sharon Moskowitz , Phillips Joy C.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this instrumental qualitative case study was to address the challenges that community college professors face when curating or creating high-quality and low- or no-cost open educational resources (OERs), the accessibility of the resources, and the impact OER has on student success and social justice in education. The goal of this instrumental qualitative case study was to examine faculty's perceptions of OERs and explore whether and how the professors thought use of OERs helps to improve student engagement and student success in the classroom. In seeking to explore community college professors' perceptions of OER and their impact on student engagement and student success, the researcher used an instrumental qualitative case study. The target population for this study was full- and part-time faculty members who have created, curated, or have taught at least one semester (in the face-to-face, blended, or distance learning formats) using OER course content. This study utilized purposeful sampling and an additional participant was identified, invited and accepted the invitation as a result of the snowballing approach to selecting participants. The researcher conducted 12 semistructured interviews using open-ended questions to collect the data for this study. Analysis of the interviews led to the development of 5 themes and 10 subthemes associated with the data. The researcher's interpretations led to three results. Based on the data and research findings, the researcher concluded that social justice in education emerged as being implied and woven through all participants' responses. A comprehensive discussion on social justice in education is a subject for further research. There were three recommendations for practice covering these topic areas: (a) continue to foster the development and curation of OER, working collaboratively with partners internal and external to the institution; and (b) develop and promote OEP that allow students to acquire skills and knowledge, learning from their own and each other's experiences; (c) create flexible and sustainable course design for the post-pandemic environment. There were two recommendations for future research as follows: (a) broaden the approach to work toward social justice in education; and (b) recognize students as producers and creators of content and provide them with interactive learning environments in which to learn and become agents of change. Keywords: open educational resources (OER), social justice in education community college, student engagement, student success, faculty perceptions, benefits to students, inclusive learning environment, student creators of content, OER quality
It's All A Simulation
Authors:   , Warshawsky Natasha Makie , Mathe Nathalie , Jushchyshyn Nicholas E
Published: July 2021

Reality capture technology is an emergent field within computer graphics, which includes techniques such as 3D scanning, performance capture, and photo sampling. My creative research thesis work explores emerging reality capture technologies and how they impact our perception and representations of reality. I mainly focus on Photogrammetry, a type of low cost 3D scanning, which is becoming more widely used in games and animation. My research sets out to explore these tools with the goal of finding ways they can be adopted into an experimental creative practice.
Developing Students' Skills for the 21st Century
Authors:   , Cohen Debra Matell , Phillips Joy C.
Published: July 2021

Today's students must engage in programs and activities to help them build skills for the future that go beyond traditional academics. National History Day (NHD) is a year-long intensive research program that provides students the opportunity to participate in historical research and then creatively express their analysis and interpretation of their research. The program has demonstrated results not only for students with identified gifts and talents but also for students in "general education" classes, as well as for students with special needs. The purpose of this case study was to explore the ways students who participated in the NHD program at one middle school developed and enhanced the skills identified by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) as the 4 Cs: creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. These skills were enumerated through the exploration of students' NHD experiences. Literature pertaining to the importance of teaching 21st century skills, students' acquisition of skills through NHD participation, and an examination of the current curricula for NHD instruction served as the research foundation for this study. The case that was studied was the production of an NHD project. The researcher collected and examined data from various stakeholders about their interactions with this experience. Documentation and artifacts from the NHD program were also analyzed. This instrumental case study included a focus group and one-on-one interviews with current high school students who participated in NHD at the middle school level, one-on-one interviews with parents of student participants, and one-on-one interviews with teachers who have experience working with these participants. The researcher used first cycle coding and thematic analysis to analyze the data. Findings from study participant groups confirmed students' participation in NHD helped them develop and enhance skills that will be valuable to them in school, career, and life. The results suggest the benefits of the NHD approach to teaching and learning for all students and inform practices that can be adapted by teachers, parents and administrators to design future middle school programs that help students develop and enhance 21st century skills. Recommendations that emerged from this research include bringing the NHD approach to all levels of learners across multiple curriculum areas, intentional teaching of 21st century skills, a shift in NHD teaching to focus on skills rather than on content, and professional development for teachers facilitating this model of inquiry-based learning.
The Dance of Attachment
Authors:   , Post Genevieve Lauren , Devereaux Christina , Branco Susan
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this capstone thesis was to write a journal article manuscript that could be submitted for publishing to the American Journal of Dance Therapy or another academic journal. The article written for submission explores the intersections between international and transracial adoption, attachment theory, and dance/movement therapy, with a particular focus on how dance/movement therapy might help to strengthen the attachment relationship between adoptive caregivers and adoptees. Previous research that highlights the connection between relational trauma and attachment patterns people form, in addition to attachment pattern concerns present among those who are adopted, serve as the foundational base for the article. The article's main emphasis focuses on how the creative arts therapies and specifically how dance/movement therapy may serve as a way to help strengthen attachment patterns based on past research looking at the effectiveness these therapies have when working with those who have relational trauma. As proposed by the author, dance/movement therapy may help to foster a secure attachment between adoptive caregiver and adoptee through breath work, being mindful of space, mirroring and attuning to one another, and addressing implicit body memory. Reflections and future considerations for further exploration are also discussed.
Conceptualizations of Learning in the Learning Sciences and STEM Education
Authors:   , Donaldson Jonan Phillip , Smith Brian K.
Published: July 2021

Investigating the nature of our conceptualizations of learning is a crucial step towards reducing the research-to-practice gap and developing strategies toward adoption of powerful practices in teaching and learning based on educational and Learning Sciences research. The purpose of this study was to develop robust characterizations of the conceptualizations of learning among a group of learning scientists and a comparison group of professors in STEM fields. This study described differences between conceptualizations of learning and related beliefs regarding educational practices. Analysis using the Iceberg Framework for Conceptualization Analysis found two conceptualizations of learning. In the "Transfer/Acquisition" conceptualization of learning experiences, analogies, and surface metaphors interact over time leading to the emergence of an "Acquisition and Object Manipulation" conceptual metaphor and an "Object Possession" conceptual story, which interact with an "Individualist/Competition" worldview and a "Positivist/Post-Positivist" paradigm. Practices aligned with this conceptualization include exams, grading, student-teacher interaction, cooperative learning, textbooks, clickers, and lectures. The "Construction/Becoming" conceptualization of learning involves interactions between elements including a "Construction, Becoming, and Apprenticeship" conceptual metaphor, a "Situated Becoming" conceptual story, a "Collaborative/Cooperative" worldview, and an "Interpretivist/ Constructivist" paradigm from which practices emerge including interest-based learning, learner agency, real-world impact work, participation in a community of practice, collaboration, reflection, self-evaluation, making and design work. Comparative case study analysis found that the Construction/Becoming conceptualization of learning was dominant in the Learning Sciences group and the Transfer/Acquisition conceptualization was dominant in the STEM Professors group. The "high-impact" practices from the literature were more associated with the Construction/ Becoming conceptualization, and the practices the literature suggests should be minimized were most associated with the Transfer/Acquisition conceptualization.
Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Progressive Mobilization Plan among Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors:   , Jennings Jessey P. , Wilson Linda , Okupniak Carol
Published: July 2021

Extended time spent in bed is prevalent among hospitalized older adults thus leading to mobility decline. The published literature documents deleterious effects of immobilization during hospitalization. These effects include nosocomial infection, injurious falls, pressure ulcers, institutionalization, increased healthcare costs, and extended length of stay. Current evidence supports early mobilization to reduce functional deterioration, falls, prolonged length of stay, and readmission. This project implemented a nurse-driven progressive mobilization plan and evaluated the effect of progressive mobilization plan on the percentage of older adults ambulates within 48-72 hours of hospitalization and the length of hospital stay. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted three weeks before and three weeks after implementation of the progressive mobilization plan. Descriptive statistics analyzed the demographic data and the percentage of older adults ambulated in the unit. Inferential statistics examined the significance of the length of stay. Three weeks after implementation of the progressive mobilization plan, the percentage of older adults ambulated in the unit improved from 18% (9 of 50) to 68% (34 of 50) within 72 hours of hospitalization. However, the mean length of stay of older adults was not significantly different between the pre and post implementation groups (t (97) = -0.59, p = .560). Nurse-driven mobilization plan had an impact on early ambulation of the older adults in the unit and decreased the time spent lying in bed. Early progressive mobilization should be a standard of care in all inpatient units to prevent mobility decline during hospitalization.
Breaking Through the Challenges of Operating a Haitian Media Outlet in the United States
Authors:   , Parisot Christalie , Tedesco Albert S.
Published: July 2021

Haitian media outlets have evolved in a struggling manner in the United States, as many factors have created substantial challenges and limitations to their advancement. The purpose of this research is to conduct a thorough structural analysis of Haitian-owned media outlets, to uncover the current challenges and limitations faced by these minority businesses in growing within and piercing the existing competitive media industry in the United States of America, and to explore possible solutions to the survival and growth of these outlets. To fulfill the purpose of this study, first, a general overview of the ethnic media industry in the United States is provided; this is followed by a series of applied research methodologies from which valuable quantitative and qualitative data have been extracted and interpreted. The acquisition and interpretation of this data have led to the final phases of this study where conclusions are discussed, and recommendations are proposed based on the researcher's study findings.
Implementation of an Incident-based Nurse Peer Review Program
Authors:   , Allen Christina M. , Zuzelo Patti Rager
Published: July 2021

Nurse peer review has long been recognized as a method of ensuring competence, safety, and quality patient care. There are currently no guidelines as to how to conduct nurse peer review and many hospitals struggle to implement an effective nurse peer review program. Many parallel quality review methods exist, including Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Serious Event Review (SER), but these mechanisms allow other disciplines to review and evaluate nursing practice, something they are not trained in nor competent to do. Nurses need their own venue for reviewing and evaluating nursing practice. The literature supports the use of nurse peer review, reporting positive benefits for nurses, patients, and organizations. This quality improvement project used a pilot study and Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) model to develop an incident-based nurse peer review program. The pilot study occurred over a three-week period during which clinical nurses attended three peer review sessions to evaluate nine cases of near misses and adverse events. Evaluation and feedback were sought at the end of each session. The resulting feedback was overwhelming positive, with clinical nurses reporting increased satisfaction with the peer review process and believing that the program would lead to improved nursing practice. The pilot study also resulted in the identification of several educational opportunities which were referred to the appropriate committees and departments. Minor revisions were made over the three sessions, resulting in a program to be implemented at the organizational level.
An Examination of Broadway's Interactions with the Secondary Ticketing Market
Authors:   , Terry Jeremy L. , Brody Jean
Published: July 2021

The secondary ticketing market impacts many parts of Broadway. The lack of regulations on unauthorized resale has led to brokers scooping up tickets and reselling the tickets for inflated prices before consumers can purchase them. Producers claim it is unfair for other parties to profit from their work, while brokers claim they are fulfilling an economic necessity. Too often, it is the consumer that is harmed by unauthorized resale, whether it is because of inflated prices, misinformation, or the fraud that can thrive in an unprotected marketplace. This case study examines the approaches Broadway theatres take to interact with the secondary market. Through interviews with producers, theatre owners, and ticketing departments from nonprofit and commercial theatres, the study examines the current state of Broadway ticketing and its interactions with the secondary market. Many in theatre focus on enacting legislation to restrict unauthorized resale or implementing policies to restrict this themselves. However, the method that could see the most benefits for all parties involved (including the consumer) is partnerships to create authorized resellers. Authorized secondary sellers already exist, and the benefits they provide make the case for a future ticketing market where authorized resellers work in conjunction with primary sellers.
Solution Processing and Optical Properties of 2D Transition Metal Carbides (MXenes)
Authors:   , Maleski Kathleen , Gogotsi Yury
Published: July 2021

Potentially the largest family of 2D materials, known as transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes), have a chemical formula of Mn+1XnTx, where M represents a transition metal (Ti, Mo, Nb, V, Cr, etc.), X is either carbon and/or nitrogen, and Tx represents surface terminations. The diversity in composition offers a plethora of structures and chemistries to investigate. The first discovered MXene, titanium carbide, has shown unique light-matter interactions enabling applications such as electromagnetic interference shielding, wireless communication, photothermal therapy, and as a transparent conducting electrode. Combining the optical properties with ease in processing, high electronic conductivity and mechanical strength, MXenes have the characteristics necessary to develop as optical materials, however the solution processing routes to achieve controlled nanoparticle dispersions and quality thin films are not optimized and only a few compositions have been explored. This dissertation focuses on the development of colloidal solution processing approaches, including size selection, and stability control, of carbide MXenes in various solvents, fabrication of MXene films of optical quality, and characterization of the optical properties of MXenes in the colloidal and solid state. Control of the MXene dispersion allowed for the preparation of a range of MXene compositions, varying M and n, exhibiting an unusually broad and visually striking color spectrum. The origin of the color variation, spectroscopic information from the ultraviolet to the near infrared, and a relationship between the optical spectra and the electronic properties is examined. Under the assumption that it is possible to change the optical features, optical property tuning is explored by the change in surface chemistry, modification of the composition by alloying, and the application of an electric charge through electrochemical charge injection. Using the spectroscopic details provided throughout this dissertation, a few optoelectronic applications of MXenes are demonstrated, expanding the opportunities for research on this family of optically active materials.
Nutrient Regulation of Proliferation and Autophagy Determines Follicle Stem Cell Lifespan
Authors:   , Longo Sheila Mary , O'Reilly Alana M. , Reginato Mauricio J
Published: July 2021

A balanced diet is fundamental to promote health, longevity and delay aging. The impact of diet on health is mediated to a large degree through translation by adult stem cell populations that modulate tissue repair and maintenance throughout an organism's life. While research has uncovered some immediate effects of diet on stem cell activity, less is known about how specific nutrients balance the long-term survival of stem cells. Here, I investigated how dietary restriction (DR), cholesterol, glucose and essential amino acids (EAAs) modulate epithelial follicle stem cell (FSC) function and lifespan in the fly ovary. I show that DR, cholesterol, and glucose disrupt the functional balance between proliferation and autophagy in FSCs, with a direct impact on their lifespan. In contrast, EAAs restore this functional balance in FSCs to improve their retention with age. I demonstrate that deregulated nutrient signaling disrupts the diet-dependent effects on FSC lifespan in part via altering levels of insulin-like peptide (Ilp2) and target of rapamycin (Tor). Overall, these findings advance our understanding of the distinct mechanisms of action for individual nutrients in controlling somatic stem cell maintenance and female reproductive lifetime. These mechanisms will likely have important implications for understanding the meaning of dietary balance and how to achieve it at the cellular level in order to prevent reproductive aging.
An Investigation of the Distorted Geometries of Copper(II), Nickel(II), and Cobalt(II) Complexes Induced by 1,3-Bis(pyridylimino)isoindoline Derivatives
Authors:   , Robinson Amanda Courtney , Addison Anthony William
Published: July 2021

Biomimetic properties of copper, nickel, and cobalt coordination compounds have been studied extensively as these metals are found in the active sites of numerous proteins. Coordinating ligands with nitrogen donor atoms are especially of interest because nitrogen is also extremely common at these active sites. By changing the structure of the ligand, the complexes can be modified to mimic a wide array of enzymes. Studying these complexes has led researchers to propose mechanisms for many enzymes. In this work, tridentate ligands with nitrogen donor atoms were complexed with Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) to form tetracoordinate and pentacoordinate systems. Syntheses and characterizations will be presented including X-ray crystallographic data, electron spin resonance, and electronic absorption data. [phi]t, [omega], and [tau] parameters will be given to describe the distorted geometries of the metal-ligand complexes.
Improving Self-Efficacy of the Rapid Response Team in Fluid Resuscitation During Septic Shock
Authors:   , Mendez Alvaro F. , Wilson Linda , Cornelius Frances H. , Huertas-Savino Nancy
Published: July 2021

Abstract Purpose: This educational project focused on developing clinical skills and knowledge through the improvement of self-efficacy of the rapid response team (RRT) in the management of fluid resuscitation in septic shock. Problem: Despite evidence that a large amount of fluid administration is necessary in the process of resuscitation in sepsis/septic shock to reduce morbidity and mortality, quite a few caregivers are apprehensive to initiate the large amount of fluids indicated in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines (30ml/kg of crystalloids within 3 hours). Method: This evidence-based quality improvement project using the CETEP model involved an educational program comprised of a lecture component, followed by a skill demonstration by the RRT members in the simulation laboratory utilizing high-fidelity human simulation (HFHS) including training on the use of the EV1000 hemodynamic monitor. Bandura's theory of self-efficacy and the application of the theory to nursing by Resnick provided a framework for the project. The General Self-Efficacy Scale survey was used to compare pre and post intervention results. Results: Self-efficacy of the members of the RRT with the management of fluid resuscitation in the presence of septic shock had a significant increase after the educational offering. Advance nurse practitioners' satisfaction responses were overwhelmingly positive regarding the educational offering, especially the HFHS experience. Conclusion: This study supports the use of an educational offering comprised of a didactical component and HFHS to improve self-efficacy in knowledge and skills of the RRT in the management of fluid resuscitation in septic shock.
Bringing Connection through Movement for Latinos with Dementia
Authors:   , Kostichka Jacklyn Luzmarie , Goodill Sherry W. , Devereaux Christina , Newman-Bluestein Donna
Published: July 2021

There is an increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia with the increased life expectancy within the United States. While the growing Latino population in the United States, there is a need to provide culturally competent therapeutic services to those in need. The United Community Center has been serving the Latino population in Milwaukee, Wisconsin since 1970. As one of their services, they provide respite to caregivers of older adults with dementia through an adult day care. The purpose of this capstone project was to learn about the cultural influences and proposer methods for developing a dance/movement therapy program at the United Community Center: Adult Day Center. The literature review included the cultural trends in healthcare, caregiver education on dementia, different theoretical approaches and creative approaches to working in dementia care. The literature review helped formulate a need fore the population, develop methods and goals, and inform how to implement a new dance/movement therapy program. The aim of the program is to incorporate a psychosocial approach, educate caregivers on nonverbal communication, and help increase the sense of vitality in the lives of older adults with dementia. The grant proposal was tailored to fit the requirements for the Wisconsin Arts Board: Creative Communities grant.
Neighborhood Business Improvement District Planning
Authors:   , Stratton-Rayner Joshua M. , Dilworth Richardson
Published: July 2021

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are an increasingly popular format for sustainably providing supplemental services and enhancements to neighborhood-scale commercial corridors and their surrounds. Some have argued that they are a neoliberal mechanism for privatization of community production that ought to be commonly held, an antidemocratic institution that favors an elite marginal class of property owners. In contrast, others view BIDs as instruments for effective and representative commons management, devices that create opportunities for participative citizenship and collectively pool resources for the benefit of many. This thesis describes the processes of planning and establishing BIDs in the Philadelphia neighborhoods of Northern Liberties and Fishtown. It sites them in the context of Pennsylvania's unique BID legislation and employs theories of the commons to evaluate the collaborative community definition that they underwent. Their cases qualitatively demonstrate that neighborhood BID planning can produce truly representative BIDs. Part I contains an introductory statement of purpose and methodology. In Part II, I situate this project in the literature on BIDs and their controversies, and cover the particular history of Pennsylvania's legislative basis and how it impacts BIDs in Philadelphia. I also suggest that the urban implications of certain theories of the commons can form a basis for optimal neighborhood BID planning. Part III contains my case studies, fronted by a contextualization of the two neighborhoods. Lastly, in Part IV I present my analysis, evaluating these neighborhood planning processes as considerations of unique community contexts and the particular BID scales and forms that followed.
The Impact of Autism Traits and Psychosis Traits on Mentalizing in Individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors:   , Bradstreet Lauren , Schultheis Maria T. , Robins Diana L.
Published: July 2021

Disruptions in social processes cause significant impairment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and psychotic spectrum disorders (PSDs; Chisholm, Lin, Abu-Akel, & Wood, 2015). These conditions share aspects of behavioral expressions and genetic and environmental risk factors. Furthermore, the behaviors and cognitive styles that characterize ASD and PSDs are conceptualized as dimensional traits (autism traits and psychosis traits, respectively) present in the general population at non-clinical levels (i.e., levels that do not cause impairments in everyday functioning). One specific social cognitive process disrupted in ASD and PSDs is mentalizing - an ability that is important for the perception and understanding of others (Crespi & Badcock, 2008). Relative levels of autism traits and psychosis traits within individuals are potentially useful for understanding intact and impaired mentalizing. In individuals without clinical diagnoses, high levels of both autism traits and psychosis traits produce a "normalizing" effect on mentalizing performance, such that individuals with high levels of both sets of traits performed similarly to individuals with low levels of traits (Abu-Akel, Wood, Hansen, & Apperly, 2015). However, it is unknown whether this normalizing effect extends to individuals with clinical conditions, and such knowledge will be useful for understanding the nature of social functioning across conditions. The current study embraced a dimensional transdiagnostic approach by examining self-reported autism traits, psychosis traits, and mentalizing accuracy and levels of mentalizing in 76 adolescents and young adults with (n = 32) and without (n = 44) ASD. We hypothesized that each set of traits would negatively affect performance on the mentalizing tasks (i.e., high levels of either autism traits or psychosis traits would be related to less accurate mental state attributions and more atypical levels of mentalizing) and that concordant levels of both sets of traits (i.e., both low or both high) would be associated with a normalizing effect on mentalizing. Results showed a negative main effect of autism traits on mentalizing accuracy but not on mentalizing levels. Psychosis traits were not associated with either mentalizing accuracy or levels. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found an enhancing negative effect of concordant high levels of autism traits and psychosis traits on mentalizing levels, such that as levels of both sets of traits increased, mentalizing levels decreased. We found a similar enhancing negative effect of traits on mentalizing accuracy; however, this result did not reach statistical significance. Results from this study contribute to the conceptualization of psychopathology as arising from combinations of dimensional traits within individuals and may inform the personalization of social cognition interventions for individuals with distinct profiles of traits.
Maintaining Sense of Self in Dementia through Music Therapy
Authors:   , Painter Jonathan , Culligan Joanna , Ierardi Florence
Published: July 2021

Music provides a link to our personal identity, as well as community and cultural dimensions of our lives. While people with dementia may gradually experience loss of personal identity, music has been shown to assist in accessing autobiographical and episodic memory. Musical preferences, most apparent in adolescence and early adulthood, have been linked to age, musical training, culture, cognition, and social groups. Music therapy offers opportunities for active/expressive and passive/listening experiences, providing a vehicle for recall of defining life events that helped to shape identity and sense of self. Utilizing preferred music may assist the person with dementia in reconnecting with social and cultural identity, as musical preferences develop contextually. Music therapy literature and clinical vignettes describe a basis for theoretically informed clinical approaches based upon human development, sense of self through the lifespan, and relevance to quality of life for persons with dementia. Recommendations will be made for culturally sensitive music therapy assessment, treatment planning, and implementation for recall of personal and sociocultural life events in the preservation of sense of self.
Trait Mindfulness, Social Problem-solving, and Post-trauma Symptoms
Authors:   , Jones Louis , Nezu Christine M.
Published: July 2021

A sizeable portion of the population has experienced at least one potentially traumatic event in their lifetime. In the U.S., researchers have found that 89.7% of a representative sample had experienced at least one lifetime trauma (Kilpatrick et al., 2013). While some individuals may be resilient, it is possible for one to develop post-trauma symptoms (PTS) in the wake of such events. In psychological research, as mindfulness theories have gained more attention, a significant connection between mindfulness and PTS has been observed. Mindfulness-based treatments have also amassed empirical support for successfully alleviating PTS (Vujanovic, Niles, & Abrams, 2016). Social problem-solving (SPS), a process whereby an individual identifies and overcomes barriers to goals, is a small but growing body of research concerning PTS. Lack of problem-solving construct definition consistency, mixed results of problem-solving inspired therapeutic outcomes, and a general dearth of correlational studies warrant further research investigating SPS and PTS. SPS and mindfulness share conceptual similarities, but investigating their differential associations with PTS is necessary, as both show promise in providing alternative theories relating to, and interventions for, PTSD and similar disorders. The current study recruited participants using Amazon Mechanical Turk, a crowdsourcing tool with which participants were able to remotely complete self-report measures of demographic information, the Social Problem-Solving Inventory: Revised - Short Form (SPSI:R-S), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15), the Life Events Checklist (LEC-5), and PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5). Using data collected from these self-report measures, the current study demonstrated that scores of trait mindfulness and PTS are correlated, SPS and PTS are correlated, and trait mindfulness and SPS are correlated through Pearson product-moment correlations. The present study also utilized hierarchical regression modeling to demonstrate that trait mindfulness predicted PTS severity, SPS predicted PTS severity, and SPS adds to the predictive ability of trait mindfulness on PTS severity above what was achieved by trait mindfulness alone. Results show that trait mindfulness and social problem-solving subscales predict unique variance in PTS severity in trauma-exposed individuals. Future studies are necessary to uncover more about the relationship between specific symptom clusters of PTSD symptoms, specific social problem-solving domains, and individual facets of trait mindfulness. Results from the current study my help to contribute to developing more integrated and comprehensive intervention strategies aimed at treating individuals suffering from PTS.
Examining the Effects of a Hi-Fidelity Simulation on Sepsis Identification, Compliance with the Sepsis Bundle and Documentation of a Warning Score
Authors:   , Filippelli Anthony , Wilson Linda
Published: July 2021

One of the most critical points of a patient's visit to the Emergency Department (ED) is the initial triage process in which a Registered Nurse will sort the patient into acuity levels to determine which patients will require the resources of the department by priority, so optimal outcomes are achieved. Identifying sepsis at ED triage is challenging due to the subtle physiological cues being missed, over-reliance on intuition, and lack of appropriate warning scores or tools for the triage nurse to identify these subtle clues (Yurkova & Wolf, 2011). Under-triage or non-recognition of the septic patient causes a delay in proper sepsis management and longer ED length of stay (LOS). This evidenced-based practice project examined the effects of a hi-fidelity simulated event on the under triaging of septic patients, sepsis identification, compliance with the sepsis bundle and utilization compliance of a national early warning score on septic patients. Identifying how early recognition, accurate triage, the use of an early warning score, impacts the critical septic patient in the ED is important to potentially decrease the mortality in the identified population. A retrospective chart review was conducted on ED charts with the diagnosis of sepsis from the dates of 4/8/2018 to 4/15/2018. The following de-identified data was collected: age, gender, ED arrival time, National Early Warning Score (NEWS) upon triage, ESI triage level, antibiotic administration order, antibiotic administration time, IV fluid administration order, IV fluid administration start time, mortality, and ED discharge time. A high-fidelity simulation was conducted with the ED staff focusing on sepsis identification, implementation of the sepsis bundle and completion of the warning score. Two weeks after the high fidelity simulation another retrospective chart review was conducted analyzing the same variables.
The Impacts of Kindergarten Transition
Authors:   , Simala Brad , Phillips Joy C.
Published: July 2021

Current national practices demand that public educators demonstrate accountability for academic achievement for all PK through 12th grade students. These high demands make it necessary for children to enter kindergarten prepared for the social, emotional, and academic requirements placed on them. The purpose of this qualitative research descriptive case study was to determine how kindergarten transition and screening assessments are used to help serve children's academic needs as they enter kindergarten. This study examined the importance of kindergarten readiness and how the kindergarten transition process prepares children for kindergarten. This research study explored the value of, and uses for, pre-kindergarten screening assessments. This research is important to parents, teachers, administrators, pre-school providers and policy-makers as it informs the benefits and challenges of providing a quality pre-school experience for all four-year-old children as preparation to more formal schooling. This research study answered the following questions: 1) How do parents use information from kindergarten transition activities and screening assessments to help prepare their children for kindergarten? 2) What transition activities do teachers believe are most beneficial in preparing children for kindergarten? 3) How is information from kindergarten screening exams used to help children attain academic success in kindergarten? 4) What challenges do parents, teachers, and administrators overcome in order to help children prepare for kindergarten? This qualitative research descriptive case study highlights the need for kindergarten readiness. The study demonstrates how activities designed to increase kindergarten readiness help children become more successful in the academic setting. This study focuses on the question of what factors influence kindergarten readiness. This research gives teachers and administrators ideas for interventions for students who experience difficulty with academic material upon entering school. This research provides information on how to interpret the results of kindergarten screening assessments. This study provides educators and parents many different best practices for applying the knowledge gained from kindergarten screening assessments at home and in the classroom. The findings from this qualitative research study demonstrate that parents, teachers and administrators value the variety of transition activities offered to their children. The results suggest that transition events and the screening assessment help children become prepared for the academic, social, and emotional demands of kindergarten. The findings demonstrate the need to provide quality opportunities for transition of children entering school for the first time.
Plasma Transfer Processes in Medical and Agricultural Applications
Authors:   , Ranieri Pietro Joseph , Miller Vandana , Fridman Alexander A.
Published: July 2021

Atmospheric pressure plasmas are being investigated for medical and agricultural applications. Examples include cancer treatment, inactivation of microbial organisms, stimulation of the immune system, treatment of chronic wounds to promote wound healing, and treatment of water to enhance plant growth. Plasma is considered a surface treatment; thus, it is a transport limited process when considering treatment through tissue or large volumes of liquid for the disinfection of produce. In this study, we examine physical, chemical and biochemical methods to enhance the transport of plasma effects for these applications. We consider plasma treatment of micron-sized droplets to enhance the diffusion of plasma-generated species into liquid when compared with bulk water treatment. Additionally, we investigate the stabilization of nitric oxide for the inactivation of microbes suspended in liquids with high chemical oxygen demand. Furthermore, we demonstrate how intercellular signaling enhances the depth of penetration of plasma effects. These results will provide insight on how to enhance transport of plasma-generated species and plasma-induced effects in biological systems.