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DNP Final Report: IMPROVING UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS\u27 SELF-EFFICACY WITH DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: AN EVIDENCE-BASED QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Full text linkNursing students have minimal preparation and a lack of self-efficacy when engaging in difficult conversations with patients, especially those in end-of-life care. This project aimed to improve nursing students\u27 self-efficacy by implementing an end-of-life scenario during a communication simulation. The following PICOT question guided the systematic search for evidence: Will undergraduate nursing students (P) who participate in communication simulations that engage students in difficult conversations (I), compared to not having communication simulations that engage students in difficult conversations (C), have improved self-efficacy in difficult conversations (O) during the Spring semester of 2024 through the Spring semester of 2025 (T)? After a database search, fifteen articles were selected for the BOE related to simulation-based learning (SBL), face-to-face or online in combination with standardized patients (SPs), team-based learning (TBL), traditional didactic, or video recordings. The New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSE), an eight-question Likert scale, was administered to the students (n=51) before and after the communication simulation. There was a notable difference between the pre-mean of 34.05 (SD 3.78) and the post-mean of 36.52 (SD 4.30), with an increase of 7.2% in the student\u27s self-efficacy after the simulation. The 2 nd PDSA cycle resulted in a similar result as the pilot did, indicating the pre-mean of 33.41 (SD 4.40) and the post-mean of 35.76 (SD 4.19), with an increase of 7.03%. This project showed that hospice communication simulations improve nursing students’ self-efficacy
DNP Final Report: STRESS LESS, TEACH MORE: A STRESS REDUCTION INITIATIVE UTILIZING A MINDFULNESS-BASED APPROACH FOR NURSING FACULTY
Full text linkThis paper explores the pervasive issue of stress among nursing faculty, particularly within the context of the Central Texas two-year college. Analyzing the nature, causes, and effects of stress experienced by nursing educators, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project emphasizes the important elements contributing to this phenomenon, including workload, administrative duties, and the most recent difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic. The initiative emphasizes the need for efficient stress management strategies to improve faculty well-being and job satisfaction by utilizing internal and external evidence. The DNP Scholarly project aims to reduce stress levels among nursing faculty by implementing a systematic stress-relief program, specifically Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The project employs the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to guide its implementation and evaluation. Preliminary findings suggest that MBSR interventions can significantly reduce perceived stress, improve mental health, and enhance job performance among nursing educators. The project concludes with recommendations for sustaining these interventions and disseminating the findings to broader academic and healthcare communities
DNP Final Report: IMPROVING FACULTY ATTITUDES AND KNOWLEDGE OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN INSTRUCTION: AN EVIDENCE-BASED QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
No full textWith an increasing number of nursing students with disabilities and persistently high student attrition rates, it is essential for faculty to adopt teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of a growing student population. Faculty, however, often lack the necessary knowledge to implement such strategies. This quality improvement project explores the effectiveness of a multimodal faculty education workshop in improving the perceptions and knowledge of Universal Design Instruction (UDI) among Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) faculty in a Southern U.S. state university. The Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory (ITSI) (Lombardi et al., 2011) was utilized as a valid and reliable measurement tool of UDI and disabilities knowledge and attitudes. The findings of this project were positive, and supported the evidence, with a 15.96% increase in faculty perception and knowledge of UDI, which was above the expected outcome. Faculty participant feedback was collected which provided valuable insight as well. Continued development of faculty training programs support students with disabilities. This, in turn, could help reduce nursing student attrition rates, and address the nursing shortage by preparing faculty to deliver inclusive, effective education to diverse nursing cohorts
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SLC7A5/SLC3A2 AMINO ACID TRANSPORTER IN HUMAN PLEURAL MESOTHELIAL CELLS
Full text linkThe SLC7A5/SLC3A2 amino acid transporter moves essential amino acids, such as leucine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan, across the cellular plasma membrane. SLC7A5 overexpression was identified in diverse cancers, suggesting a role in tumorigenesis and cancer cell proliferation. However, the role of SLC7A5/SLC3A2 in other aggressive cellular phenotypes, including mesothelial mesenchymal transition (MesoMT), remains unexplored. RNA sequencing analyses identified SLC7A5 as one of three highly upregulated SLCs in mesothelial cell derived myofibroblasts. This sodium independent transporter exhibits a high affinity for branched chain amino acids such as leucine; however, what role, if any, this channel plays in MesoMT is unclear. SLC7A5 knockdown using targeting siRNA and siRNAs inhibited MesoMT induction as indicated by the reduced expression of aSMA and Col-1, markers of MesoMT. Similar results were found in SLC3A2 downregulated cells. Inhibition studies using specific SLC7A5 inhibitors, JPH203 and Compound #5, likewise significantly blunted induction of MesoMT. Paradoxically, the expression of SLC7A5 and its ancillary subunit SLC3A2 were increased when high concentrations of SLC7A5 inhibitor were used. These findings suggest a potential compensatory mechanism in response to reduced amino acid availability. Hence, we hypothesize that SLC7A5/SLC3A2 transporters are functionally active in HPMCs and may represent a therapeutic target for the treatment of pleural fibrosis
A Preliminary Scoping Review Examining the Relationship between Congenital Syphilis and Access to Care in the United States
No full textPresented at the Great Plains Honors Council (GPHC), Great Plains Greater Possibilities at The University of North Texas, Denton, TX,https://scholarworks.uttyler.edu/honors_nursing_posters/1005/thumbnail.jp
A Deep Learning Approach to Accent Conversion Using Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficient-Based Generative Adversarial Networks (MFCCGAN)
No full textAccents are an integral aspect of speech which reflects the cultural, regional, and linguistic diversity. However, differences in accent can make conversation and speech communication difficult, and in global contexts like language learning and human computer interaction. Accent conversion tends to tackle these problems by converting the accent of a speaker into the one of other speakers while preserving original linguistic content and speaker identity. Accent conversion involves various steps such as speech analysis, feature extraction, feature mapping, and speech synthesis. In this study, we present a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art technologies in accent conversion, from traditional statistical models to modern deep learning approaches. Additionally, we propose a deep learning approach towards accent conversion based on Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients Generative Adversarial Networks (MFCCGAN). Using MFCC as a feature, a feedforward neural network is used to convert the source MFCCs into target MFCCs and a GAN-based vocoder (MFCCGAN) for speech reconstruction. The accent conversion task is applied on Indian English and Scottish English speech using American English speech as target. The evaluation results demonstrated that the converted speech was very much similar to target American English speech, and the identity of source speaker was preserved. The Indian to US English conversion was slightly better than the Scottish to US English conversion. Future improvements will focus on using multiple speakers (with different accents), incorporating different features (pitch, energy, formants) of speech signal, exploring advanced neural network techniques, and development of real-time accent conversion system
FEASIBILITY STUDY OF A SMART INSOLE WITH TRIBOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTERS FOR EARLY FLATFOOT DETECTION
Full text linkThis study introduces a self-powered smart insole system designed for real-time monitoring of foot health, with a specific focus on detecting flatfoot conditions. The insole integrates multiple triboelectric energy harvesters strategically positioned to capture electrical signals generated from ground reaction forces during daily activities such as walking, jogging, and running. Proof-of-concept testing was conducted on a single participant under two conditions: a healthy foot and a simulated flatfoot created by reducing the medial arch height by approximately 70\. In the healthy foot trials, the system demonstrated consistent and reliable performance, with negligible electrical output from the medial arch sensor, as expected due to minimal ground contact in this region. In contrast, the simulated flatfoot condition produced a significant increase in voltage output from the medial arch sensor, successfully identifying the abnormal foot mechanics associated with arch collapse. Additionally, a neural network was implemented to classify healthy and flatfoot conditions from the collected data, achieving an accuracy of 86% and a precision of 96%, demonstrating the feasibility of machine learning integration for automated flatfoot detection. Overall, the findings validate the smart insole\u27s capability as a promising tool for continuous foot health monitoring, early diagnosis of flatfoot, and future applications in personalized rehabilitation and preventative car
DNP Final Report: ADVANCE CARE PLANNING: HONORING A PATIENT’S WISHES
No full textAdvanced care planning (ACP) and documentation are essential in healthcare to honor patients’ wishes when they can no longer communicate their treatment preferences. There are several barriers to completing ACP conversations and documentation that organizations need to overcome to enhance quality care, reduce emotional and financial burdens, and reduce unnecessary medical interventions. An organization in the Southern U.S. used the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice (JHEBP) and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) models to systematically identify the significance of the problem, search for evidence-based interventions, appraise the level and quality of evidence, select an intervention most feasible and pilot on a small scale, analyze project results, and discuss project implications and sustainability.
A structured ACP training program was implemented in a primary care setting to increase the licensed independent practitioners’ knowledge of ACP topics and ACP documentation. ACP knowledge increased by 30% amongst the primary care LIPs, and there was a significant increase in ACP documentation. A post-training questionnaire showed that 85% of the training participants were satisfied or strongly satisfied with the training. The ACP training pilot was successful and will be implemented in other areas of the organization
MAGNETIC FIELD PROFILES UNDER HIGH VOLTAGE OVERHEAD POWER TRANSMISSIONS WITH UNDERBUILT DISTRIBUTION CIRCUITS
No full textThe increasing use of underbuilt lines in recent transmission projects addresses right-of-way (ROW) challenges. By assessing magnetic field intensity in these transmission and distribution network configurations, the study identifies regions with high magnetic fields that may exceed standard exposure limits, posing potential risks. This study utilizes a current-driven numerical simulation approach based on the Charge Simulation Method (CSM) and image theory, where the Biot–Savart law is adapted to compute magnetic field distributions beneath high-voltage transmission lines with underbuilt distribution systems. The approach ensures accurate evaluation of the root-mean-square (RMS) magnetic field components at conductor surfaces and at various heights above ground. Key objectives include calculating the magnetic fields at 1 meter above ground and evaluating the field at conductor surfaces. The study considers transmission line current of 500 to 1000 A and distribution line currents of 200 A, 300 A, and 400 A, respectively. The magnetic field is calculated when the underbuilt distribution line is energized and when it is de-energized and grounded. The study also examines the impact of varying distribution line heights and multiple distribution lines on magnetic field intensity. Results reveal changes in field profiles and reductions in magnetic field intensity when underbuilt distribution lines are present beneath high-voltage transmission lines. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the complex current-based simulation method and image theory in analyzing magnetic field effects and emphasize the importance of incorporating underbuilt distribution lines in high-voltage transmission system design
THE INFLUENCE OF MYOCARDIN EFFECTOR GENES ON THE TGF-BETA SMAD3 SIGNALING PATHWAY IN HUMAN PLEURAL MESOTHELIAL CELLS
Full text linkPleural Fibrosis (PF) involves excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, mainly by myofibroblasts, leading to pleural thickening and impaired lung function. Pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) contribute via mesothelial and mesenchymal transition (MesoMT), triggered by cytokines like TGF-β. Our lab identified Myocardin (MyoCD), a transcriptional co-activator of cardiac and smooth muscle, is a master regulator of pleural fibrosis through interactions with serum response factor (SRF) and Smad2/3 transcription factors which initiate fibrosis signaling. RNA sequencing and qPCR analysis revealed that silencing MyoCD decreased the expression of CTNNB1, MDFI, and Tspan2. MDFI emerged as a potent candidate, as this gene affecting the expression of Fibrosis markers. Silencing MDFI reduced α-SMA, PAI-1, CNN-1 and MyoCD expression, while increasing the FN-1 and COL-1 mRNA levels. Protein analysis revealed increased expression of COL-1, FN-1, along with enhanced secretion of COL-1, FN-1 and PAI-1, with minimal intracellular changes. These findings suggest that MDFI knockdown influences gene expression and affects the secretion of ECM proteins. Immunocytochemistry revealed enhanced stress fiber formation. These findings suggest that MDFI regulates TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation, through cytoskeletal reorganization in HPMCs via the MyoCD/Smad3 signaling axis, contributing to the pathogenesis of pleural fibrosis