The University of Texas at Tyler
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Domestic Migration in the Post-Pandemic Era–Net Gain or Loss?
Get PDFIn this issue of the Hibbs Brief, we explore population mobility trends (domestic migration) in the United States during the post-pandemic era. We also examine how these changes in population trends can impact regional economies such as Smith County
Is Our Population Aging? Why Does It Matter?
Get PDFIn this issue of the Hibbs Brief, we examine changes in some demographic indicators over the past decades and discuss their impact in the context of an aging population in the United States, Texas and Tyler Area, as well as some economic implications of this situation
Deciphering microbiota of acute upper respiratory infections: A comparative analysis of PCR and mNGS methods for lower respiratory trafficking potential
Get PDFAlthough it is clinically important for acute respiratory tract (co)infections to have a rapid and accurate diagnosis, it is critical that respiratory medicine understands the advantages of current laboratory methods. In this study, we tested nasopharyngeal samples (n = 29) with a commercially available PCR assay and compared the results with those of a hybridization-capture-based mNGS workflow. Detection criteria for positive PCR samples was Ct \u3c 35 and for mNGS samples it was \u3e40% target coverage, median depth of 1X and RPKM \u3e 10. A high degree of concordance (98.33% PPA and 100% NPA) was recorded. However, mNGS yielded positively 29 additional microorganisms (23 bacteria, 4 viruses, and 2 fungi) beyond PCR. We then characterized the microorganisms of each method into three phenotypic categories using the IDbyDNA Explify® Platform (Illumina® Inc, San Diego, CA, USA) for consideration of infectivity and trafficking potential to the lower respiratory region. The findings are significant for providing a comprehensive yet clinically relevant microbiology profile of acute upper respiratory infection, especially important in immunocompromised or immunocompetent with comorbidity respiratory cases or where traditional syndromic approaches fail to identify pathogenicity. Accordingly, this technology can be used to supplement current syndrome-based tests, and data can quickly and effectively be phenotypically characterized for trafficking potential, clinical (co)infection, and comorbid consideration—with promise to reduce morbidity and mortality
COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN OF FIBER-OPTIC PROBES FOR BIOSENSING
Get PDFThis thesis presents a study on the optical characteristics of hollow-core photonic crystal fibers (HC-PCFs) with a band gap cladding structure and their applications in optical fiber sensing. This 800B HC-PCF exhibited excellent optical properties and has a flexible structure, which makes them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Finite element simulations and structural optimization designs were conducted using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique to determine the optimal performance parameters of the 800B HC-PCF. The fiber was further modified using the SPR technique to improve its practical detection capabilities. The performance of the modified fiber was observed at different stages of excitation with gold nanoparticles in the near-infrared range (NIR), where the power fraction and relative sensitivity were determined. The HC-PCF-based SPR sensor was found to be highly sensitive to glucose analytes, with maximum relative sensitivities of 96.5%, 96.2%, and 94.1% for analytes of different refractive indices and concentrations. The proposed fiber has the potential to be used in sensing applications for unknown analytes in both medical and industrial sectors and can be considered a significant tool for analyte detection due to its high sensitivity
INVESTIGATION OF MAGNETIC BISTABILITY FOR A WIDER BANDWIDTH IN VIBRO-IMPACT TRIBOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTERS
Get PDFMechanical energy from vibrations is widespread in the ambient environment. It may be harvested efficiently using triboelectric generators. Nevertheless, the harvesters\u27 effectiveness is restricted because of the limited bandwidth. This thesis proposed a comprehensive theoretical and experimental investigation of a variable frequency energy harvester, which integrates a Vibro-impact triboelectric-based harvester and magnetic nonlinearity to increase the operation bandwidth and improve the efficiency of conventional triboelectric harvesters. A cantilever beam with a tip magnet is aligned with another fixed magnet at the same polarity to induce a nonlinear magnetic repulsive force. A triboelectric harvester is integrated into the system by utilizing the lower surface of the tip magnet to serve as the top electrode of the harvester, while the bottom electrode with an attached Polydimethylsiloxane insulator is placed underneath. Numerical simulations are performed to examine the impact of the potential wells formed by the magnets. The structure\u27s static and dynamic behavior at varying excitation levels, separation distance, and surface charge density are all discussed. In order to develop a variable frequency system with wide bandwidth, the system\u27s natural frequency varies by changing the distance between the two magnets to reduce or magnify the magnetic force to achieve monostable or bistable oscillations. When the system is excited by vibrations, the beams will vibrate, which will cause an impact between the triboelectric layers. This impact will produce an alternating electrical signal through periodic contact-separation motions between the harvester\u27s electrodes. Theoretical findings were experimentally validated. The findings of this research have the potential to pave the way for developing an effective energy harvester capable of scavenging energy from ambient vibrations across a broad range of excitation frequencies. We enhanced the frequency bandwidth by 110.41 % compared to the conventional energy harvester. Combining magnetic nonlinearity and Vibro-impact can effectively broaden the operational frequency bandwidth and enhance the harvested energy for triboelectric energy harvesters
Combination Thromboembolism Prevention Prophylaxis
Get PDFVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of preventable hospital death in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). The correct selection of VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized patients is critical in stopping increased length of stays, incurring extra costs, and preventing deaths. Currently, the single modality of pneumatic compression sleeves (ICD) are often utilized for inpatient deep vein thrombosis prevention. ICDs are an easy, quick way for physicians to meet the requirement for VTE prevention in both general medical patients and those in the critical care unit. However, patients may remove or refuse this type of prevention due to discomfort or safety concerns with falling. Resultant hospital acquired VTE can incur added length of stays and extra hospital costs of up to $15,000 per occurrence (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Evidence based practice studies in this area have been researched and analyzed for accuracy in order to introduce a potential policy upgrade for VTE prevention in our patient population.
Best-evidence shows the use of combination prophylaxis measures using pharmacologic and pneumatic compression offer the best prevention of hospital acquired VTE.
A proposed change of the current policy regarding venous thromboembolism would only benefit our patient population and help prevent poor patient outcomes and/or added costs to the facility. An educational presentation should be done for the nurse leaders, physicians, and administrative staff to educate on the importance of combination prophylactic VTE therapy. A subsequent three-month evaluation of combination prophylaxis can then be done to provide further proof of the best-evidence in that combination therapy is a benefit in our facility for prevention of hospital acquired VTE
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Plan
Get PDFDiabetes affects more than 34 million Americans, with approximately 90-95 percent of them having type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is primarily managed by the patient with assistance from their healthcare team (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Diabetes is a costly disease that affects individuals, healthcare systems, economies, and entire societies globally. Based on the knowledge, lifestyle interventions have shown to be effective in the management of type 2 diabetes (Garcia, 2020), a more holistic approach to disease management was pursued. Garcia (2020) conducted a study in which lifestyle intervention data for treatment of diabetes was compared to pharmaceutical management of diabetes. Diabetes is a common topic worldwide, and there is much discussion when it comes to the prevention and overall management of the disease. In a study Advika (2017) concluded that physical activity improves glycemic control and insulin action along with weight loss. It was stated that at least one-hundred-and-fifty-minute walk total weekly was recommended for best outcome. Another study mentioned that adequate levels of physical activity reduced the risk by 8- 30% for diabetes (Galaviz et al., 2018). Metformin is primarily used for the treatment of type 2 However, metformin can cause side effects such as lactic acidosis and nephrotoxicity (Nasri & Rafieian-Kopaei, 2014). Lifestyle modifications has been proven to lower hemoglobin A1c and does not have harmful side effects. A new and more holistic type of treatment for this disease is imperative for these patients
Peer Support Buddy System to Reduce Nurse Burnout Benchmark Study
Get PDFThis paper is a Benchmark project to introduce the use of a Buddy System program as peer support for acute care nurses, in the attempt to reduce nurse burnout
DNP Final Report: MEDICATION ADHERENCE: EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTIONS FOR PARKINSON\u27S DISEASE
Get PDFParkinson\u27s disease (PD) is a challenging, progressive neurodegenerative process projected to affect greater than one million patients in the United States over the next decade. Pharmacological interventions are the hallmark of treatment and are used for symptom management; there is no cure for this lifelong disease. Once-daily preparations are typically inadequate as a sole treatment or contraindicated related to comorbid or drug-induced psychiatric symptoms or behaviors. In addition, multiple medications and a variety of dosing times have an increasingly negative effect on medication adherence. The literature contains many resources to measure and understand what medication non-adherence is, who is at risk, and some novel ways to improve the outcomes. Being a chronic disease, PD follows similar consequences caused by inconsistent medication self-management. The scales imported from hypertension and kidney transplant patient education make it essential to know that no one scale will do it all. Comparatively, intervention strategies were also imported and seen throughout the literature, including time-tested patient education, newer ideas using technology like electronic pill dispensers, smartphone timers or reminders, simplified doses, telephone call follow-up, and support groups. The care of PD patients has come a long way. However, we must implement more effective interventions until the evidence shows higher medication adherence. This project aimed to illustrate how to recover PD patients’ quality of life through symptom management using evidenced-based interventions to improve medication non-adherence
Resilience, Moral Courage, and Leadership Self-Efficacy Among Nurses
No full textProblem: Leadership is a fundamental position within nursing creating positive and efficient work environments. Leadership has been shown to effect turnover rates and burnout of staff nurses, therefore, necessitating further research to ensure good future nursing leaders.
Purpose: The purpose of this body of work was to identify a relationship between leadership self-efficacy, resilience, and moral courage among nurses.
Research Question: What are the relationships among resilience, moral courage, and leadership self-efficacy in nurses?
Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted. The University of Texas at Tyler graduate nursing school and a Texas Nurse group were the pool of study participants. Data were collected via a Qualtrics survey link to the instruments which included: Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Moral Courage Scale for Physicians, and the Leadership Self-Efficacy Scale.
Analysis: Multiple regression analysis and Pearson r correlation were conducted to determine the relationships among the independent and dependent variables.
Results: Data indicated that the models were not statistically significant: R2 = .20; F(1, 37) = 1.30; p = .261. It was found that CD-RISC-10 and MCSP did not significantly predict LSE. The Pearson r correlation found a statistically significant positive relationship between LSE and CDRISC- 10, but no significant relationships between LSE and MCSP or MCSP and CD-RISC-10.
Conclusion: There was no significant relationship found between all three variables in this study. The research question is still pertinent to nursing. It is suggested that further study be conducted with a larger sample size and different eligibility criteria for leaders