bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the molecular genetics for the diagnosis of early mycosis fungoides
Authors: Olisova Olga Yu. , Grekova Ekaterina V. , Alekseeva Ekaterina A. , Zaletaev Dmitry V.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common disease among the cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (8590%). The accuracy of the diagnosis of MF, which is confirmed only by clinical, histological and immunohistochemical signs, is 5075%. AIMS: To investigate genetic marker STAT4 for early diagnosis of mycosis fungoides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study involving 42 patients with MF and chronic benign dermatoses (CBD) was performed. The analysis of gene expression STAT4 was carried out by TaqMan Real time-PCR. The objects of the study were lesional skin samples of patients. A group with MF consisted of 29 patients, a group with CBD consisted of 13 patients, a control group included 10 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The study revealed that the level of STAT4 gene expression showed a significant (9 times) increase in the expression of gene STAT4 in patients with MF (168.2) compared with patients with CBD (18.5; p 0.001) and 561 times with healthy volunteers (0.3; p 0.001). CONCLUSION: For early diagnosis of MF the level of expression STAT4 is of great importance. Inclusion of STAT4 in the list of diagnostic algorithm increases the accuracy of differential diagnosis of MF and CBD from 59.1 to 92.2%.
Surgical treatment of liver echinococcosis
Authors: Zarivchatskiy M. F. , Mugatarov I. N. , Kamenskikh E. D. , Kolyvanova M. V. , Teplykh N. S.
Published: July 2021

Objective. To improve the results of treatment of patients with liver echinococcosis and carry out a comparative assessment of techniques of surgical treatment depending on the nature of postoperative complications, hospital stay and antirecurrent efficacy.

Materials and methods. The experience of complex examination and treatment of 65 patients with liver echinococcosis for the period of 1999-2019 was analyzed. Open echinococectomy was performed in 21 patients, atypical liver resection in 18 patients, anatomical liver resection in 14 patients, pericystectomy in 10, laparoscopic echinococectomy in 1, percutaneous puncture of an echinococcal cyst under ultrasound control in 1 patient.

Results. The time of inpatient treatment of patients after open echinococectomy was 23.5 4.3 days, after pericystectomy 19.8 1.4 days, after liver resection 14.4 2.7 days, after laparoscopic echinococcectomy 6, after percutaneous puncture echinococcal cyst 7 days. Postoperative complications were observed in 52.4 % of patients who underwent open echinococectomy, in 20 % of patients after pericystectomy, and in 15.6 % after liver resection. There were no relapses of liver echinococcosis in all the groups. Mortality was 1.5 % and was recorded after open echinococectomy.

Conclusions. The most effective techniques for preventing postoperative complications are pericystectomy and liver resection. The duration of surgery and the average length of hospital stay with minimally invasive methods of treatment are shorter. However, the use of these methods of treatment remains controversial due to the possibility of intra-abdominal spread of the parasite. Patients with parasitic liver cysts after surgical treatment are subjected to dynamic follow-up observation (ultrasound examination of the liver, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, computed tomography of the abdominal organs) after 3-6 months for at least 5 years.
Self-guided Music-assisted Relaxation for Cancer Pain Management
Authors:   , Shao Wenjun , Ierardi Florence M
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this literature Capstone Project is to systematically review the literature to develop a collaborative method for cancer patients to independently address cancer pain that occurs secondary to cancer treatment. In this literature review project, a comprehensive review of the literature has been conducted covering the following topics: 1) types of cancer pain treatment; 2) mental health effects; 3) pain associated with diagnosis and treatment; 4) Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM); 5) music interventions for pain; 6) music therapy interventions for cancer pain; 7) self-guided music-assisted pain management.
Music Therapy and Counseling for LGBTQ+ Adolescents and their Families
Authors:   , Shulbank-Smith Sarah H. , Ierardi Florence M
Published: July 2021

LGBTQ+ young people and their families experience unique challenges in forming and maintaining supportive familial relationships. Research shows that caregiver reactions to their LGBTQ+ children directly impacts current and future mental health risks. Clinicians thus have the responsibility to support families in building relationships that serve as a protective factor for the adolescent's mental health. Using music therapy to work with this population presents opportunities for improved self-expression, communication, and social skills. In this paper, the author presents research supporting the need for further education for clinicians to work with this community and proposes a workshop to provide this training. The 3-hour workshop will educate practitioners about their own biases, identify appropriate language to use with LGBTQ+ clients, and explore multiple intervention ideas to use with the population. In creating this workshop, considerations included relevant music and family therapy literature, and best practices for working with LGBTQ+ young people with mental health challenges. This paper provides a reflective, in-depth exploration of the creation of a training to equip music therapists to work with LGBTQ+ young people and their families.
Supporting the Development of Emotional Regulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Movement
Authors:   , Mohan Rosa Ciara , Morningstar Dawn
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this culminating project was to develop resources for The Center for Autism (CFA) staff to implement into programming movement activities with their clients to support the development of emotional regulation. It is commonly discussed the challenges children with ASD face concerning social and communication skills, however the conversation has lacked in attention to how this disorder can impair the development of emotional regulation. For this project I researched the construct of emotional regulation, the intrinsic and extrinsic influences on the development of emotional regulation, and how ASD can impair a child's ability to utilize skills necessary for emotional regulation. The literature review highlights this issue and demonstrates the need for further research into this subject. Literature regarding DMT emphasizes the unique ability dance/movement therapists have to attend to children with ASD who struggle with emotional regulation. Using the body of knowledge dance/movement therapists hold, regarding movement and emotional regulation, this project aimed to translate this information in a practical format to benefit the work of CFA staff and their client's treatment.
Considerations for Music Therapists Working Across a Language Barrier
Authors:   , Maeda Natalie Olivia , Horowitz Scott A
Published: July 2021

Immigrants and refugees experience higher rates of mental health issues than non-migrant populations, and contextual factors, such as culture, social circumstances, and migration experiences, all interact with migrant mental health. However, migrants, especially migrants with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), do not always receive mental health treatment that meets their cultural and linguistic needs. This project examined sociocultural, linguistic, and musical factors relevant to migrant mental health to create sets of guidelines for music therapists working with migrant clients with LEP. The author synthesized music therapy and psychotherapy literature to create guidelines for multilingual music therapists and music therapists working with and without interpreters. The guidelines highlight the importance of considering one's linguistic limitation and developing a culturally centered practice, offering music therapists guidance and strategies for how to better meet a client's clinical, cultural, musical, and linguistic needs, depending on the circumstances and resources of the music therapist.
A Music Therapy Prisoner Reentry Program
Authors:   , Jenkins Nicole T. , Ierardi Florence M
Published: July 2021

This capstone thesis project is a development of a model based upon an extensive literature review that examines literature from numerous sources on the history of incarceration, current incarceration rates, the evolution of mass incarceration, psychological needs of offenders and ex-offenders as well as reentry programs. It also exams music therapy literature on incarceration and interventions used with this population. Reentry literature indicates ex-offenders who have received treatment before, during and after incarceration have a higher chance of being successful in their reentry efforts (Gill & Wilson, 2017). The literature also indicates those who receive assistance with housing, substance abuse treatment, employment opportunities, social support and mental health treatment have greater numbers of success (Gill & Wilson, 2017). This writer seeks to blend literature from all sources into a music therapy reentry program with evidenced- and practice-based interventions that can guide ex-offenders into becoming valued members of a society that has historically ostracized them.
Evaluation of the Adoption of a New Course Template for Blackboard at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University
Authors:   , Kaufman Melissa Jean , Sikorski Bernadine C.
Published: July 2021

All change processes have their champions and detractors. Lewin (1951) explains that for all change processes, there are both positive forces driving people towards the change, and negative forces driving people away from the change. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the process of moving to a new course template at the Dornsife School of Public Health and in particular to look at which forces drove faculty towards making this change versus the forces that drove them away. At the end of this paper, I will present suggestions to continue to help increase the forces driving faculty towards adopting the new course template.
Creating Response Art and Its Role in Developing Professional Identity
Authors:   , Caldaro Ashley Nicole , Rattigan Michele D
Published: July 2021

An exploration of how creating response art can aid in developing professional identity during a graduate students final quarters of school.
Functionally Graded Thin-walled Structural Systems Under Extreme Loading
Authors:   , Ali Elias , Zerva Aspasia , Bartoli Ivan , Bayleyegn Yared S
Published: July 2021

With increasing fire accidents in buildings, explosions on critical infrastructures accompanied by increasing development in technology, manufacturing and construction process, the biggest challenge the construction industry, material science, and civil engineering community face these days is the selection of appropriate materials and the study of their responses for extreme loading environment. One of a new class of advanced composite materials recently developed is functionally graded materials (FGMs). FGMs are advanced composite materials characterized by a non-homogeneous material system with a gradual gradation of material property within a given dimension in which two or more materials are mixed with a graded interface. Even though FGMs have been used in the last three decades for aerospace, medicine, defense, energy and optoelectronics, their application in structural components and infrastructures is still in its research stage and in recent years, it has attracted researchers and manufacturers for its potential application under extreme environments such as fire accident and blast.
Building Multisensory Awareness in Arts Participation
Authors:   , Hertneky Cara Elise , Carlton Natalie Rae
Published: July 2021

This culminating project explores multisensory engagement in the creation and observation of art, as a means to deconstruct the visual dominance that art portrays in Western culture. Through a series of self-directed arts-based experientials the author, who identifies from a Western-based culture and through an art therapy framework, explored her own sensory dependencies and biases and challenged them by focusing on highlighting other sensory modalities and integrating new systems of perception through creative tasks. This author argues that through the multisensory participation of creating and observing art, one is able to build awareness of their self, their relationships, and their environment. The author argues that this built awareness grows opportunity to engage in one's creative expression through a more competent and inclusive art therapy approach, and allows for more holistic stimulation to one's social and psychological health. This culminating project includes a review of the literature that focuses on multisensory perceptions of art from biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives including the Western paradigm of sensory hierarchy in which vision is centered. In addition to critiquing the perceived dominance of the visual sense in Western art, the literature review also studied the qualities of multimodal and synesthetic sensory engagement in interdisciplinary studies and theories including those within the fields of neuroscience, philosophy, anthropology, art history, arth exhibition, art education, and art therapy.
The Impact of Immediate Bedding on Throughput in the Emergency Department
Authors:   , James Scott Eugene , Zuzelo Patti R
Published: July 2021

Patient overcrowding in emergency departments (ED) is a problem that leads to extended wait times, higher left-without-being-seen rates (LWBS), and increased morbidity and mortality of patients. Numerous strategies to reduce door-to-provider time (DTP) are represented in the literature and have proven effective in lowering LWBS rates thus, also reducing patient morbidity and mortality. This project focused on one such strategy, immediate bedding, in which patients were expeditiously placed in an ED treatment space to begin care. An immediate bedding intervention was implemented between the hours of 06:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for 7 consecutive days in a high volume, urban, academic medical center. LWBS rates and door-to-bed times during the intervention period were compared to LWBS rates and door-to-bed times during a similar 7-day control period that did not offer an intentional immediate bedding intervention. Numerous challenges and barriers were discovered during the project. Of the patients who were immediately bedded (N=28) during the intervention period, none of them LWBS. Of the patients who were immediately bedded during the control period (N=20), 5% LWBS. Door-to-bed times were lower in the intervention group with 48% of patients bedded within 30 minutes of arrival compared to 39% of patients in the control group. Statistical analysis of LWBS outcomes showed no evidence of significance between the independent groups using a chi-squared test. These results cannot be applied to all high volume, urban, academic medical center EDs and additional study is needed to more fully understand the operational limitations to immediate bedding that were encountered during the project. Keywords: emergency department, overcrowding, left-without-being-seen, immediate bedding, pull-until-full, triage
Pediatric Pain Management via Breathing Exercises, Guided Imagery, & Art Therapy Approaches
Authors:   , Wagner Emma Jane , Carlton Natalie Rae
Published: July 2021

This thesis capstone project paper describes the development and then implementation of a pain management approach using a combination of deep breathing and guided imagery exercises as well as reflective art therapy interventions for hospitalized children and adolescents experiencing acute or chronic pain. The purpose of this hybrid art therapy and guided imagery approach was to help hospitalized children and adolescents understand their pain in new ways through creative thinking, and then work towards developing positive coping skills to find inner calm and comfort during pain experiences. The inclusion of an art response after participating in guided imagery and breathing exercises allowed the patients to externalize their ideas and imagined visualizations. This writer observed that common themes of safety, relaxation, mastery and control, somatic self-awareness, and empathetic witnessing of suffering were present throughout the implementation of this capstone approach in the individual art therapy sessions where guided imagery and creative art making were utilized. Based on observations from five total sessions utilizing this pain management method, the combination of guided imagery and art therapy interventions with hospitalized adolescents is appropriate and feasible. Further research exploring the receptivity of guided imagery and art therapy techniques with younger children is needed to expand the range of ages within the population.
Integrating Midwifery Services into a Physician-Only Practice
Authors:   , Wilks Denise , Zuzelo Patti R
Published: July 2021

Background: Prior to implementation of the risk assessment scheduling tool, antenatal scheduling assignments for new obstetrical patients and return obstetrical patients were random. The only criterion for scheduling was provider availability. Purpose: The aim of this quality improvement project was to incorporate an antenatal risk assessment scheduling tool at each prenatal visit in order to ensure proper scheduling with the appropriate provider (i.e., for low-risk pregnancies, a midwife; for high-risk pregnancies, an obstetrician). PICO: Does implementation of an antenatal risk assessment scheduling tool result in scheduling patients with the risk appropriate obstetrical provider compared to the current practice of antenatal scheduling based on provider availability? Methods: Implementation of this evidence-based project used a plan-do-check-act cycle. To derive data for comparison, the risk assessment scheduling tool was applied to data obtained from past obstetrical appointments with the certified nurse-midwife and obstetricians; these prior data had been compiled during the 4 weeks preceding the intervention.
An Electrical-Thermal Circuit Framework for Utilizing Buildings as Controllable Power System Loads
Authors:   , Muthalib Mohammed Kader , Miu Karen Nan
Published: July 2021

The primary goal of this thesis is to provide a framework for utilizing buildings as controllable load resources for the electrical grid. Specifically, this thesis focuses on identifying thermostatic control capabilities of buildings and the consequent impact of building load variations on electric grid operation. Space conditioning of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings represents a significant portion of the electrical demand. Consequently, the electrical-thermal characteristics of these HVAC loads can be exploited to yield a significant load resource. As a consequence of the smart grid initiative, many building managers now have the opportunity to participate in electric energy markets. Under demand response (DR) programs buildings are able to bid spare capacity as controllable load resources for electric grid operation, a privilege formerly reserved for generators. The present research presents a framework to investigate the impacts of such DR actions as well as possibilities for buildings to adopt more active roles in building-grid operation. To this end, an electrical-thermal building model is developed, model-based control capabilities are evaluated, and the building model is integrated into power system analysis. The overarching goal is to facilitate better understanding of integrated building-grid behavior and to promote active coordination between building managers and electric grid operators.
Polymer Brushes Derived from Polymer Single Crystals
Authors:   , Mei Shan , Li Christopher Y.
Published: July 2021

Polymer brushes are polymer chains densely tethered to substrates or interfaces. Different from free polymer chains, these tethered brushes exhibit unique chain conformations and behaviors, and can be widely used for different applications due to their special properties. Traditional methods for polymer brush synthesis include "grafting-to" and "grafting-from", both with intrinsic limitations. In this dissertation, polymer single crystals (PSCs) were used as templates to synthesize polymer brushes. Polymer brushes can be obtained on single crystal surface by crystallization of block copolymers, or by coupling PSCs with functional chain ends onto a substrate. Due to the regular chain packing in PSCs and the programmable crystal growth, polymer brushes derived from PSCs can possess controllable grafting density, tethering points, and brush architectures. In this dissertation, a series of polymer brushes with various chain compositions/architectures were synthesized via the PSC-templating method. The first example is the synthesis of patterned poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) gradient brushes. The grafting density of PEO brushes was precisely tuned by co-crystallization of end dissimilar PEO polymers, and various gradient patterns were obtained by programming the PEO crystal growth. Block-copolymer brushes using poly(L-lactic acid)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PLLA-b-PEO) were synthesized by using PSCs of a triblock copolymer with a long tethering segment to obtain a high grafting efficiency. Binary poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) / polystyrene (PS) mixed brushes were synthesized using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) stereocomplex single crystals as the templates. Stereocomplex structure prevented the formation of macrophase separation of the two immiscible polymers, and resulted in a homogeneous mixing of two polymer brushes. The resulting mixed PEO/PS brushes exhibited the characteristic ripple and dimple phase structures in response to different solvents. Lastly, patterned poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) brushes on PEO single crystals were used to assemble gold nano particles (AuNPs) into free standing frame structure with precisely tunable sizes. The synthesized AuNP frames exhibited special optical property, which was observed only in gold nano rods but not AuNPs, indicating the importance of a controlled assembly structure in discovering new properties of NPs. Keywords: polymer, polymer brush, polymer crystallization, polymer single crystal
Public Urban Boarding (PUB) Program
Authors:   , Ajayi-Bridges Elizabeth , Phillips Joy C.
Published: July 2021

This mixed-methods program evaluation set out to determine if one Public Urban Boarding (PUB) program had value as a school choice for at-promise urban youth to aid in their becoming successful global citizens. This study was done by evaluating one PUB summer program on its effects and impacts on the at-promise urban youth that attended. The study used Robert O. Brinkerhoff's (2003) Success Case Method (SCM) design to address the fundamental questions through a distributed survey, interviews conducted, and document review. The (SCM) design was used to triangulate evaluation data from other sources, provide vivid examples that give insight into the stories behind the numbers, and educate program planners about how the intervention did or did not function as anticipated. The study findings increased the program's capacity to design and implement effective interventions.
Temperature Dependent Transmission Line Modeling and Power Flow
Authors:   , Murphy Shaun R. , Miu Karen Nan , Niebur Dagmar
Published: July 2021

Modern electric grids are made up of complex networks of variable system loads, large traditional generation resources, as well as intermittent renewable generation resources, and vastly complex transmission networks. These transmission networks perform an irreplaceable role in the uninterrupted delivery of electricity to consumers, and the safe, reliable, and economic operation of these assets is of paramount importance. The impact made by ambient weather conditions on a transmission line's thermal limit and the impact made by a changing conductor temperature on its electrical impedance are treated as two independent problems. Without monitoring the exact weather conditions surrounding a transmission conductor, utility companies often make conservative assumptions when estimating the line's thermal state. Similarly, a constant operating conductor temperature is assumed when modeling the electrical impedance of a transmission line. It is shown in this work that such assumptions can be costly and will adversely affect the accuracy of real-time monitoring applications that rely on these transmission models. It is the goal of this thesis to formulate static and dynamic electrothermal transmission line models that relate the complex interaction between a conductor's electrical and thermal states. These models consider the intersection of electrical circuitry and fluid dynamics, and are first developed theoretically. Then, empirical validation of the static electrothermal models is discussed using measurement data from three large transmission lines in North America. Measurement error present in typical electric telemetry measurement systems is explored and demonstrated. To remedy this error, algorithmic mitigation techniques and field device modifications are proposed to achieve higher accuracy impedance estimates using end-point electrical measurements. Lastly, static electrothermal transmission models are incorporated into the nonlinear power flow algorithm, where system-wide electrical and thermal states are calculated using an input set of system generation and load power flow data, as well as ambient weather data for each network line segment.
Analysis and Simulation of a Pulsed Power System
Authors:   , Northrup Alex , Peters Christopher W.
Published: July 2021

The United States Naval Research Lab has a pulsed power system known as MERCURY. A pulsed power system is a system in which a relatively large amount of power is dissipated over a short period of time, typically on the order of milliseconds or less. The result of this process is that, while the average power may be relatively low, the peak power can be substantially higher. The United States Naval Research Laboratory conducts experiments with MERCURY, a 2.2 TW pulsed power inductive voltage adding system. During usage of this system, it was observed that the coating on the inductive cells was damaged. To better understand the characteristics of this pulsed power system, the model was scaled down substantially and data was collected from thousands of trials to observe if similar component degradation occurred. Signal analysis techniques were applied such as cross-correlation and singular value decomposition to determine if these same degradation issues occurred on small-scale models.
Directing Biomimetic Morphology and Mineralization of Nanofiber Shish-Kebabs
Authors:   , Gleeson Sarah Emily , Li Christopher Y.
Published: July 2021

Human bone has an innate ability to heal itself, except in cases of large-scale injury to the bone tissue. In order to facilitate bone healing after substantial damage, synthetic bone grafts are promising options for temporarily replicating the function of bone while encouraging new tissue to form. To be an effective bone substitute, materials should be able to mimic bone's robust mechanical and biological properties originating from its nanoscale composite structure. By understanding more about how bone forms, new materials can be developed that not only have enhanced orthopedic healing capacity, but can function as mechanically robust composites. In this dissertation, polymeric hierarchical nanostructures called nanofiber shish-kebabs (NFSKs) are evaluated for their potential to recruit and control the development of a calcium phosphate mineral phase. The morphology of the shish-kebab nanostructures is shown to be controlled through electrospinning parameters and controlled crystallization conditions. A variety of NFSKs are formed with homopolymer or multi-polymer compositions in order to increase the chemical versatility and functionality of the fibrous polymer structures. Although much research has been conducted on designing bio-inspired artificial bone, the role that biological macromolecules play in influencing the formation of biominerals is not fully understood. To study this, materials were designed containing charged functional groups, with the goal of gaining insight into how these synthetic polymers can guide bio-mimetic composite formation. Poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) was selected as an anionic polymer which can recruit calcium cations from an ion-rich mineralization solution. Bio-mimicking synthetic scaffolds were fabricated with a variety of PAA architectures to study its effect on mineral formation. PAA within kebab crystals has the effect of promoting mineral formation within the PAA domains of the scaffold, forming a bone-mimicking, rapidly-forming composite material. This is found to contrast with PAA homopolymer chains in the mineralization solution, which have an inhibitory effect on mineral nucleation and growth. PAA can be used to carefully design the location and formation of materials, and an increased understanding of this process can lead to composites with precisely controlled nanostructures and properties.
Quaternary Solid Solutions in the (M_[1-x]M'_x)₂AlB₂ and (Mo_[1-x]M'_x)AlB Systems
Authors:   , Hanner Luke Austin , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: July 2021

The MAB phases are layered ternary transition metal borides (TMB), with atomically laminated crystal structures comprised of transition metal, M, boride layers (M-B) interleaved by single or double layers of A, typically Al. Quenching studies were performed on Cr₂AlB₂, Cr₃AlB₄, and Fe₂AlB₂ to investigate the exact reaction mechanism for MAB formation. It was determined that during formation, all MABs undergo a topotactic transformation, retaining the structure of the MB building blocks in the final MAB form. Using the reaction mechanism determined from these quenching studies, (M_[1-x]M'_x)₂AlB₂ solid solutions were synthesized via pressureless sintering along a two-step reaction process, first by synthesizing the M_[1-x]M'_xB binary boride solid solutions, then reacting them with Al. For the (Mo_[1-x]M'_x)AlB solid solutions, two-part single-step synthesis was employed. A range of solid solutions between existing MABs and 3d and group 5-6 transition metals were attempted. Powder X-ray diffraction of select systems show lattice parameter shifts and unit cell expansions indicative of successful solid solution formations. In this work, a full range of (Fe_[1-x]Mn_x)₂AlB₂ solid solutions were synthesized, and their magnetic properties were characterized. It was determined that over the entire range of Mn loading, solid solutions exist as ferromagnetic, canted antiferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic. Increased Mn loading leads to a reduction in T_c, however during evaluation of the magnetocaloric effect, it was found that a Mn loading of x = 0.2 has a slightly greater relative cooling power than Fe₂AlB₂ between 0 - 20 °C. Polycrystalline (Mn_[1-x]Cr_x)₂AlB₂ solid solutions were synthesized for the first time and are found to be continuous over the entire range of substitution. Bulk synthesis of these solid solutions was also attempted via vacuum hot pressing in single and two step reactions. For (Mn_[1-x]Cr_x)₂AlB₂, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to confirm single phase bulk solid solutions. Overall, the only successful quaternary MAB solid solutions produced via pressureless sintering were between atomic nearest neighbors of existing MAB phases. A full range of solubility (x = 0 - 1) exists between MABs of the same structure (MoAlB and WAlB in M₂A₂B₂; Fe₂AlB₂, Mn₂AlB₂ and Cr₂AlB₂ in M₂AlB₂). Keywords: Fe₂AlB₂, MAB Phases, Magnetic materials, Phase diagrams, Ternary, Solutions, Solid, Magnetocaloric, Transition metal borides
MXene-Polymer Nanocomposites via Thiol-Based "Click" Chemistry
Authors:   , McDaniel Riki , Magenau Andrew J. D. , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: July 2021

A process for easily fabricating thiol-acrylate and thiol-isocyanate based nanocomposites with well-dispersed two-dimensional titanium carbide (Ti₃C₂T_z) was explored. Ti₃C₂T_z produced using the LiF/HCl "clay" method and multilayer Ti₃C₂T_z etched with 10wt. % HF were dispersed in monomer solutions, which were then cured with highly efficient thiol "click" reactions to form composites. A method for treating HF-etched MXene with isocyanates to improve the dispersion of MXene in the polymer matrix was developed. The efficacy of the surface treatment was measured using diffractive and spectroscopic methods. Synthesized MXene-polymer nanocomposites were investigated for their mechanical and thermal properties over a range of filler concentrations. Keywords: Composites, MXenes, Nanocomposites, Nanomaterials, Surface modification, Thiol click chemistry
Conversion of Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Carbides into Oxides for Energy Storage Applications
Authors:   , Ridley Phillip , May Steven J. , Pomerantseva Ekaterina
Published: July 2021

To address the existential threat of climate change and to meet the clean energy demands of modern society, energy storage research, particularly lithium-ion systems, have emerged as a key technology that must be developed and employed to meet these needs. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, transition metal carbides and layered vanadium oxides have emerged as strong candidates for high-performing and next-generation battery technologies due to their extraordinary properties conferred by their low dimensionality. Transition metal carbides, known as MXenes, first discovered in 2011, have positioned themselves as ideal anode materials in both lithium-ion and beyond lithium systems. However, in order to further improve state-of-the-art batteries, new cathode materials with increased lithium insertion capacities must be synthesized via novel methods. Over the past few decades bilayered vanadium oxide nanomaterials have quickly become the subject of many academic studies due to their expandable layered structure and possession of vanadium atoms in high oxidation state, allowing this phase to have very high theorical capacity. Here, in this thesis, for the first time, the transformation of vanadium carbide MXene into bilayered vanadium oxide using a chemical oxidant is shown. A new synthetic approach is developed, and the materials characterization and electrochemistry results presented. Interlayer spacings ranging between 9.79 - 13.71 Å are observed, with excellent rate capability and cycling stability demonstrated by Li- and Mg-preintercalated phases. Additionally, to further demonstrate the versatility of this synthesis approach, it was applied to a titanium carbide MXene system to yield a novel and highly ordered layered lithium titanate phase. This thesis lays the groundwork for future studies focused on the transformation of carbide to oxide and the formation of novel MXene-oxide composites and heterostructures. Keywords: energy storage, lithium-ion, MXene, nanomaterials, sol-gel synthesis, Two-dimensional. 为了应对气候变化带来的生存威胁以及满足现代社会对于清洁能源的需求，以锂离子系统为代表的储能技术急需得到深入研发和应用。二维(2D)纳米材料因其低维度带来的非凡特性而受到重点关注，已成为下一代高性能电池技术的候选者，如石墨烯、过渡金属硫化物(TMDs)、过渡金属碳化物(MXenes)和层状钒氧化物。在2011年被首次发现的过渡金属碳化物在锂离子系统和非锂离子系统中都被看作理想的负极材料。但是，要想研发出更先进和优化的电池，我们必须合成出锂离子储存性能更高的新型正极材料。在过去的几十年里，双层钒氧化物(五氧化二钒)纳米材料因其可延展的层状结构和钒的高价态而赢得学术界的广泛兴趣，让我们看到了它在理论上成为高性能正极材料的潜质。本篇论文首次演示和验证了用化学氧化剂将钒碳化物转化为双层钒氧化物的过程。本文提供了新的合成方法并表述了材料特性及电化学实验成果。层间间距呈9.79 – 13.71 埃格斯特朗(Å)，锂-和镁-嵌入态展现出高倍率性能和循环稳定性。另外，为了展现其广泛用途，本文将以上合成方法用于钛碳化物MXene系统并产出一种新型的、高度有序的钛酸锂。本篇论文为从碳化物到氧化物的转化研究和MXene-氧化物异质结构合成物的形成奠定基础。
A Qualitative Instrumental Case Study of Tacit Knowledge Sharing in Nurse Preceptor Relationships
Authors:   , Novak Adam Charles , Phillips Joy C.
Published: July 2021

This qualitative instrumental case study investigates the process of tacit knowledge sharing that occurs within a nurse preceptor program. Tacit knowledge is implicit knowledge that is based on lived experience and cannot be codified. Many organizations have struggled with how to successfully manage tacit knowledge that is important and valuable to their firm. The field of nursing has developed a professional practice called preceptorship: When a nurse progresses in their career, their duties expand from solely providing patient care to include the mentoring of junior, less experienced nurses. This preceptorship model is built upon the foundation of sharing tacit knowledge in the organization, yet little research can be found in the literature about why this activity provides value as a learning tool. This instrumental case study was driven by the research questions of how preceptors determine the most appropriate organizational "know-how" to be shared; how less experienced nurses value or not value the knowledge they receive from their preceptor; and how the junior nurses choose to accept, modify, or not accept the knowledge to add to their own existing lived experience. This research includes an investigation of the literature via the conceptual framework: expert research on the topic of tacit knowledge, research into the organizational value of tacit knowledge, and a study of various educational methods for tacit knowledge management. Findings from this research demonstrate that while the preceptorship process is a standard learning process within nursing, the sharing of tacit knowledge is still relatively informal. The study suggests methods in which learning and development can incorporate simple tools, such as checklists and reflection guides, that can be leveraged within both clinical and non-clinical organizations as a way to ensure critical tacit knowledge is shared appropriately. This research will add to the limited existing literature on tacit knowledge sharing in organizations to investigate ways in which this phenomenon can be incorporated into employee educational practices that focus on managing critical organizational tacit knowledge. KEYWORDS: Tacit knowledge, organizational knowledge, lived experience, preceptorship, nursing knowledge
Choose Your Own Adventure
Authors:   , Meirson Rachel E. , Tedesco Albert S.
Published: July 2021

Before the advent of technology, the term "interactive" did not exist in the same way it does today. All forms of entertainment from theatre to sports were inherently interactive. The introduction of technology to the world became the catalyst for defining interactivity. As technology has advanced, interactivity has been reproduced in traditionally passive media such as radio, film, and television to varying degrees of success. These attempts have relied on technological advancements to redefine what "interactive" means. In the next few years, new technologies such as ATSC 3.0, WiFi 6, and 5G will roll out affecting the production and distribution of new content. This thesis sets out to determine how these technologies and the data gathered from interactive experiences will affect the future of interactive media.
New Creations
Authors:   , Foxx Laura Marie , Nolan Paul
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this community engagement capstone thesis project is to report on a seven-week music group facilitated to encourage creative processes among fourth graders at an after-school Program, and offer recommendations for implementing future programs. This thesis reviews relevant literature in order to suggest the importance of creative thinking skills and the potential future benefits of developing divergent thought processes. Detailed project reports are provided to illuminate session plans, observations, and significant events throughout the course of the group. Furthermore, pertinent themes regarding the group's process are discussed in addition to reviewing pre-test and post-test data. Findings reflect that creative growth resulted from safe and predictable experiences within music. Comfort and safety led to group members' growth in flexibility, confidence, bravery, and experiencing positive mood states. Finally, suggestions are made for the implementation of creative music groups in schools to encourage self-expression, self-awareness, and divergent thought processes.
A Re-Storied Account of C.S. Lewis, Intergenerational Spiritual Leaders, and Their Transformational Leadership Journey
Authors:   , Brooks Tamara N. S. , Phillips Joy C.
Published: July 2021

Certain phenomena such as spirituality and leadership fail to exist in isolation, but rather flourish in tandem and dependent upon the things in which they are a part. This narrative study sought to create meaning through retold stories of the lived experiences of three intergenerational spiritual leaders from distinct generational cohorts (Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials) whose lives were influenced by the literary works and leadership of writer, poet, scholar, Christian apologist, Oxford professor, and translator of Higher Truths, C. S. Lewis (C. S. Lewis Foundation, 2019). The three streams of theory, research, and practice that informed this study include, spiritual leadership through the lens of transformational leadership, the emergence of spiritual leadership development, and intergenerational relationships between leaders and followers. The research sought to answer three overarching questions: (a) How do C. S. Lewis' literary works and teachings influence spiritual leaders in the 21st century who self-identify as Christian and transformational leaders across three generational cohorts? (b) How do intergenerational spiritual leaders describe their transition into transformational leadership? (c) How, if at all, do intergenerational spiritual leaders' stories of their spirituality and transformational leadership journey reflect the legacy of C. S. Lewis? A qualitative narrative method was used; the data collection included one-on-one structured interviews, a reflection journal, and artifact collection. The themes that emerged from this narrative inquiry indicated that the participants of the study were most influenced by C. S. Lewis through their (a) early childhood experiences, (b) young adulthood experiences, and (c) a spiritual transformation. This study informs future research by exploring the experiences of intergenerational spiritual leaders and the influence C. S. Lewis had on their leadership development as they currently lead people and organizations in the 21st century.
An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Single Intrinsic Case Study
Authors:   , Harris Shereese , Phillips Joy C.
Published: July 2021

For the last five years, over 60 percent (1.2 million) of federal workers have reported they are dissatisfied with their opportunity to promote in their organization (OPM, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019). Despite these findings that advocate for further qualitative study, the literature focuses on the quantitative results of the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) and not on what is causing federal employees to have these perceptions. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to gain a deeper understanding into the complexities embedded in employees' perceptions regarding their opportunity to promote within their work units and the overall influence this has on the organization and employee morale and overall engagement. Through a pragmatic conceptual framework, this study examined the perceptions of 10 former federal employees once employed at one federal agency in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, to gain a deeper understanding of what factors impact their perceptions about their opportunity to promote within their work units. This study focused on the following research questions: 1. How do federal employees perceive not having an opportunity to promote relates to their engagement? 2. How do the FEVS results compare with the perceptions of federal employees regarding lack of opportunity for promotion within unit? 3. What factors influence these perceptions of non-opportunity for promotion within their work unit and levels of engagement? 4. How do federal employees describe how lack of opportunity for promotion affects their engagement? Individual semi-structured interviews and observations were used for data collection. Data were analyzed for emergent themes, trends, and comparison with FEVS. The findings of the study revealed that there are no demographic predictors for perceptions on merit promotion or engagement levels, but there are factors that influence how an employee perceives their opportunity for promotion like leadership support, sponsorships, transparency, clear expectations, meaningful training, and less complex HR structures. The results confirm that negative perceptions regarding promotion exist for federal employees, and these perceptions do have a negative impact on their overall engagement. The study concluded that while there are no demographic predictors for how an employee perceives their opportunity for promotion or their levels of engagement, there are complex factors involved in how a federal employee views their opportunity for merit promotion and how these views impact their overall engagement. Some recommendations to address these complex factors are formal mentorship programs to support employees in their promotion pursuits and restructuring of Human Resources systems to be more transparent in the selection process. Key words: federal engagement, employee satisfaction, employee perceptions, merit promotion, opportunities for promotion, Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey.
A Unified Model of Fatigue in a Cognitive Architecture
Authors:   , Baradaran Khosroshahi Ehsan , Salvucci Dario D.
Published: July 2021

Capturing the effects of fatigue and, more generally, the effects of physical and mental states on human performance has been a topic of research for many years. Recent models, especially those developed in a cognitive architecture, have shown great promise in capturing these effects by providing insight into the specific cognitive and other components involved in task performance (like perception and motor movement). In particular, separate models have been developed to account for both time-of-day (sleep deprivation, sleep restriction, and circadian rhythms) and time-on-task effects related to fatigue. Unfortunately, a unified model to capture these aspects of fatigue has been elusive. This dissertation presents a novel unified model, developed in the ACT-R cognitive architecture, that captures both time-of-day and time-on-task effects with a single set of mechanisms and parameters. The thesis demonstrates how this unified model accounts for quantitative and qualitative aspects of fatigued performance from a number of experimental studies. First, the thesis shows how the model captures behavior in the common psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), examining time-on-task effects under conditions of moderate fatigue as well as time-of-day effects under conditions of severe long-term (88-hour) sleep deprivation. Second, the thesis demonstrates how the model accounts for behavior when combining PVT with the more complex task of driving, using recent studies: one that focuses on driving under conditions of moderate fatigue, caused by repeated periods of nighttime driving, in a simulated environment; and another four-hour driving experiment in a real driving scenario focused on time-on-task effects on driving. Overall, the thesis demonstrates that the unified model can, with the same mechanisms and set of parameters, account for a range of effects of fatigue that shows promise to generalizing to other cognitive tasks.