203435 research outputs found
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Improving Hospital Discharge Readiness Among Caregivers of Children with Complex Medical Needs
No full textAdvancements in medicine and technologies have led to an increase in the population of children living with complex and chronic health conditions. Children with medical complexities (CMCs) and their caregivers frequently have challenges navigating home life after transitioning from hospital to home-based care. A 14-week doctoral capstone project was conducted at Dayton Children’s Hospital to improve caregiver readiness for hospital discharge. Project participants included caregivers of CMCs (n = 6) admitted to the hospital and pediatric acute care occupational therapists (n = 4). The Pediatric Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale – Long Form (Peds-RHDS) was used as a pre-and post-intervention measure to evaluate changes in caregiver perceptions of discharge readiness after receiving caregiver education interventions. A post-occupational therapy in-service survey assessed therapists’ perceptions of the impact the resources developed in this project will have on their caregiver education interventions. Resources were developed to aid caregiver education interventions. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test were conducted on the total scores of the Peds-RHDS and Peds-RHDS subscales. Results indicate statistically significant (p \u3c .05) differences between pre- and post-Peds-RHDS total assessment scores and in the Child Personal Status and Knowledge subscales. The results show a significant increase in hospital discharge readiness for caregivers of CMCs after delivering caregiver education interventions and highlights the role of the occupational therapy profession in utilizing a patient and family centered care model to deliver appropriate caregiver education interventions to prepare them for assuming responsibility of the occupations and activities associated with transitioning CMCs to home-based care
The Effect of Facial Phenotypes on Differential Performance of Facial Recognition
No full textFacial recognition technology is utilized in many facets of life. As the use has become more widespread these systems have improved in reliability and performance approaching the level of human accuracy. With these improvements the problem of bias still remains as a persistent problem. Efforts have been made to minimize the bias prevalent in the systems via studies into various demographic factors, creating training datasets that have a more uniform distribution of subjects, and other methods. As facial recognition is one of the most utilized forms of biometric recognition it is vital to analyze potential causes of bias to help mitigate impacts on the performance of the systems. Examining results based on facial phenotypes is a unique feature analysis that has not been the focus of studies. As models typically grab the facial features associated with facial phenotypes they could add bias to a system.
This work consists of creating a dataset of facial phenotype annotation values based on facial images. The selected annotations are based on features that are examined by forensic experts for facial identification. A variety of publicly available facial recognition matchers are used to produce match score results that are then used for the purpose of creating receiver operating characteristic curves and the associated area under the curve, detection error tradeoff curves and the associated equal error rates. Other analysis is based on the 99th percentile non-mated score differential performance to analyze trends in imposter images that had the highest similarity to gallery images. The results indicate that the facial measurements of certain phenotypes have an impact on match scores and vary based on demographic groups
Overhead and Nonprofit Impact; Empirical Evidence from the United Way
No full textThis research examines the relationship between nonprofit overhead ratios and performance, specifically focusing on United Way affiliates. The study analyzes Form 990 data from 2010 to 2022, employing fixed effect regression models to examine the potential circular relationship between overhead spending and total revenue. The findings suggest that while current overhead rates are positively correlated with revenue, they may yield diminishing returns. Furthermore, population subgroups are examined by assets, overhead rate, and revenues spectrums to provide more nuanced insight. Interestingly, while not statistically significant within the overall population, increases in overhead rates may positively or negatively impact subsequent year revenue at statistically significant levels for subgroups. Directionally opposite coefficients were found at opposing ends of these subgroup spectrums suggesting a nonmonotonic relationship. This analysis also highlights the need for more suitable modeling to consider revenue as independent variable. Collectively, these findings largely corroborate existing theory and challenge the prevailing notion that overhead spending detracts from nonprofit performance. In expanding upon relatively limited empirical evidence, this study contributes to the discourse on nonprofit financial management, offering insights that could inform both managerial practices and future research methodologies within the sector
Photocarrier Dynamics in Dielectric and Metal-Dielectric Nanocatalysts in Ambient and Operando Conditions
No full textPhotocatalysis, a promising method for solar-to-chemical energy conversion, relies on sunlight to generate excited charge carriers in catalysts with sufficient lifetimes and mobilities to drive photoreactions. Thin-film semiconductors are essential for reducing charge recombination and enhancing mobility but suffer from a low surface-to-volume ratio problems, resulting in a reduced absorption coefficient and limiting solar-energy-conversion efficiency. Nanostructures address these limitations by enhancing light absorption and surface reactivity. However, efficient photocatalysis also requires that the semiconductor’s band edges align with the redox potential of the desired photoreaction, limiting light absorption to just some of the whole solar spectrum. In hybrid and composite photocatalysts utilizing noble plasmonic metal nanostructures (PMNs) and metal oxides, PMNs facilitate plasmonic resonance, while the semiconductor component enables band-gap-assisted redox reactions. However, the high expense and scarcity of noble metals presents significant cost issues for the process. Alternatively, dielectric Mie resonance-enhanced photocatalysts employ a single metal oxide (non-toxic and abundant in nature) that supports both dielectric resonance behavior and band-gap-assisted redox reactions, significantly enhancing light matter interactions. These Mie resonance effects are highly shape- and size-dependent and arise due to electromagnetic dipole and higher-order multipole coupling. This dissertation investigates the ultrafast charge-carrier dynamics in Cuprous Oxide (Cu₂O) nanoparticles (NPs), exhibiting Mie resonances, using transient absorption (TA). The observed protracted negative delay time signal in the TAS data, associated with perturbed free induction decay (PFI), highlights coherent effects in Cu₂O NPs. We examine the influence of size- and shape dependent PFI contributions on photocatalytic performance and analyze how the clustering induced scattering effects of Cu₂O nanocatalysts impact photocarrier concentration estimations, recombination, and relaxation dynamics. Further, this thesis explores the photocarrier dynamics in Palladium (Pd)-coated Cu₂O nanocatalysts, forming a Cu₂O-Pd heterostructure. The Schottky barrier at the Pd-Cu₂O junction facilitates charge separation and reduces recombination, significantly enhancing carbon-carbon coupling reactions under ambient conditions—reactions that typically require high-energy conditions. This phenomenon is characterized through transient reflection (TR) and analyzed using rate equation inversion, band alignment calculations, two-temperature model to assess Fermi smearing, and rate transfer calculations. Finally, we present an operando study of photocarrier dynamics in Cu₂O nanocatalysts during active reverse water-gas shift reactions using TR. This novel approach captures nanocatalyst behavior under real reaction conditions. Detailed descriptions of the experimental setups and methodologies are included to provide a comprehensive framework for advancing photocatalysis research
Accuracy of implants placed using stackable static surgical guides for full-arch implant-supported fixed dental prostheses: A retrospective study.
No full textAbstract
Accuracy of implants placed using stackable static surgical guides for full-arch implant-supported fixed dental prostheses: A retrospective study.
Thomas Palmer Stanley, D.D.S., M.S.
Aim: The primary objective is to investigate the accuracy of implants placed with stackable static surgical guides of Synergy Guided Workflow® (Absolute Dental Services, Inc., Durham, NC, USA) for the purpose of full-arch rehabilitation with implant-supported screw-retained fixed dental prostheses. The secondary objectives are to evaluate the implant and prosthesis survival rates, and prosthetic maintenance needs.
Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent Synergy Guided Workflow® for 1 or more arches from January 2020 – March 2025. Post-operative CBCTs were be uploaded to coDiagnostiX® (Dental Wings Inc., Montreal, Canada) Treatment Evaluation module and superimposed with the pre-operative CBCT containing the surgical and prosthetic plan. The planned dental implant was superimposed to the final position using tangential, cross-sectional, and axial views. Global angular deviation, 3D offset (base), and 3D offset (tip) was collected for each implant.
Results: 24 were identified utilizing Synergy Guided Workflow® stackable static surgical guides. 11 patients (17 arches with 73 implants) met the inclusion criteria for the study. The mean total angular global deviation was 4.23±2.80°, 3D offset at the base 1.40±0.86 mm and 3D offset at the tip was 1.60±0.89 mm. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.49, 0.52, and 0.49 was calculated for comparison between individual surgical guides in global deviation, 3D offset (base) and (tip), respectively, indicating moderate reliability.
Conclusion: Stackable static surgical guides streamline restorative procedures and have similar accuracy of static guides in total global angular deviation, 3D offset at the base and tip as static guides. Accepted standard 2 mm safety margin should still be considered when using the Synergy Guided Workflow® stackable static surgical guides
A Spatial Analysis of Carbon Sequestration on Reclaimed Mine Lands
Full text linkThis study evaluates the carbon sequestration potential of C₄ grasses, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), on mine-impacted lands in West Virginia. This work addresses the urgent need for scalable, nature-based solutions to reclaim degraded lands and meet global climate mitigation targets. Conducted on a 160-hectare (ha) reclaimed mine land (RML) near Alton, the research assessed soil organic carbon (SOC) and root zone biomass organic carbon (BOC) accumulation over a single growing season. By integrating study site field sampling data, laboratory analysis, and statewide and regional geospatial modeling, the study aimed to determine the feasibility of repurposing mine lands for climate mitigation and sustainable biofuel production. The results reveal distinct carbon sequestration dynamics between switchgrass and miscanthus. BOC, primarily stored in root-zone biomass, dominated the sequestration profile. Switchgrass demonstrated a more rapid SOC accumulation rate, achieving a 20.41% increase over the growing season compared to miscanthus\u27s 8.48%. Additionally, miscanthus exhibited higher total organic carbon (TOC) yields, estimated at 339,792 metric tons (Mg) of carbon statewide, equivalent to 1,246,805 Mg CO₂e, substantially outperforming switchgrass\u27s 108,424 Mg carbon (397,916 Mg CO₂e). The Landscape Suitability Analysis model identified Rank 3 and Rank 4 out of a 0-5 suitability classification for former mine lands (FML) as optimal for carbon sequestration, attributed to their larger land areas and better soil conditions. These high-suitability sites were responsible for the majority of TOC yields. On Rank 3 FML sites alone, switchgrass contributed 93,273 Mg of TOC, while miscanthus yielded 292,172 Mg, highlighting the performance of miscanthus under favorable conditions. Spatial analysis revealed carbon dynamics, with miscanthus creating distinct SOC hotspots characterized by post-season stabilization and moderate carbon gains, particularly in miscanthus dominated plots. The combined TOC yield of 448,153 Mg (1,644,721 Mg CO₂e) across suitable sites demonstrates the transformative potential of mine lands in West Virginia as carbon sinks and biofuel production zones. The study highlights the feasibility of repurposing marginalized lands for environmental restoration and economic revitalization. By leveraging the strengths of switchgrass and miscanthus, mine lands can contribute significantly to state and national climate mitigation ii strategies. Future research should focus on integrating targeted land management practices, such as soil amendments and further site-specific analysis, to further enhance SOC accumulation and biomass yields
Understanding Implementation of Engineering Practices in Primary Grades through Practitioner Literature
No full textThis document analysis of elementary science education practitioner literature, namely Science Activities and Science and Children, between the years of 2009-2022 was completed to gain an understanding of the ways in which engineering practices have been implemented in primary grade classrooms over time. The Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS) were released in 2013 and provided national standards that integrated engineering into the structure of science education. One justification for this inclusion was to help students solve major societal and environmental challenges of the future. The research divided the years into three time periods in order to provide a look into engineering implementation prior to the release of the NGSS (2009-2012), during a transition period surrounding the release (2013-2016), and following this transition in a post period (2017-2022) to identify trends within the practitioner literature concerning engineering in general and specific focus articles selected for the detailed description of the inclusion of engineering in a primary grade classrooms in the United States.
Research found that examples of inclusion of engineering within the primary grades science classroom appeared in practitioner literature throughout the time periods with no statistically significant variance, demonstrating a longstanding connection between science and engineering instruction in the primary grades. Using the Framework for Quality K-12 Engineering Education (Moore et al., 2014), analysis was conducted on focus articles and determined limited variance in how often each component of the framework was represented over time. Trends were identified including a strong representation in the areas of Problem and Background, Plan and Implement, Test and Evaluate, and Apply Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Knowledge. The areas of Ethics and Issues, Solutions, and Impacts were seen as weakly represented throughout all time periods. Looking past the framework, analysis showed engineering most connected to the physical sciences with some connections made to life science and earth and space science in all time periods. Connections between engineering and mathematics and literacy skills, including authentic writing experiences, were evident. Evidence of a specific Engineering Design Process usage began appearing in the transition period but a specific prescribed process was not the norm. The framework’s Complete Process of Design was only evident in 69% of focus articles and while Test and Evaluate was high, returning to the design after analysis of the complete design test was rare and found only in 32% of post period examples. The idea of play found a place in the experiences with a mention in 44% of the articles.
These findings suggest engineering has a natural connection to science instruction in the primary grades. However, there have been limited changes in the way engineering practices are implemented within the primary classroom over the time period of this document analysis. If the goal is truly to help prepare future problem solvers, further work is necessary to elevate engineering instruction to better incorporate the areas of ethics and understanding issues, solutions, and impacts with experiences that include more analysis of final products which lead to redesign and further testing
Are AI-Assisted Drug Technologies Addressing or Aggravating the Opioid Crisis in the United States?
No full textThe opioid crisis is a significant public health emergency, intensified by the rise of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Lawmakers have described fentanyl as “terroristic in nature” due to its often-fatal properties. According to the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”), an estimated 107,543 people died from drug overdoses in the United States in 2023. As fentanyl use has surged, it has increasingly shaped public health policy through harm reduction initiatives, expanded addiction treatment resources, and legislative reforms aimed at curbing overdose deaths. Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) now plays a dual role in this evolving crisis. While AI technologies offer valuable tools for overdose prevention, prescription monitoring, and drug enforcement, they have also been weaponized by illicit manufacturers to optimize fentanyl production and distribution. This potential for misuse complicates regulatory oversight and challenges traditional notions of liability. This Note examines how AI both mitigates and magnifies the opioid crisis, arguing that the same innovations capable of saving lives can also cause harm when exploited. This Note further highlights the difficulty in placing liability for the negative consequences arising from the misuse of AI-assisted technologies in drug synthesis. It calls for enhanced regulatory frameworks, more transparent legal accountability for AI developers and illicit manufacturers, and stronger international cooperation to prevent AI from further intensifying the already devastating fentanyl epidemic
Privatized Medicaid: An Incentivized System of Constant Denials
Full text linkThe Medicaid Program was created to fill the gap of what private insurance would not do—provide vulnerable populations with meaningful access to quality health care—but now it has been thrown into the pitfalls of private insurance. Over the last two decades, there has been a significant rise in states contracting with private Managed Care Organizations (“MCOs”) to provide services to a percentage of their Medicaid enrollees. MCOs now make decisions each year to approve or deny millions of requests for Medicaid coverage of health care services using prior authorization. Until now, the criticisms and fears surrounding privatized Medicaid have largely been theoretical. However, the Office of Inspector General’s recent report brought the issue of Medicaid managed care denials to a larger audience than it has ever seen before. This Note argues that Medicaid managed care plans are setting up a system of constant denials by using narrow coverage standards, like medical necessity, as rationing tools. First, this Note examines the ways that this cost-cutting system incentivizes MCOs to arbitrarily deny requests for coverage of medically necessary services. Second, this Note analyzes how the insufficiency of the current regulations and government oversight of MCOs facilitates leeway for arbitrary denials. This Note proposes potential policy solutions and legal remedies as approaches to protecting Medicaid enrollees from arbitrary denials. To ensure that the Medicaid Program remains true to its purpose of serving the public interest, it is imperative that we begin mandating comprehensive reporting of denial rates, records, and prior authorization standards by states and MCOs to the federal government. These reports should be publicly accessible as they concern the accountability for and administration of a publicly funded program. Further, when state Medicaid agencies exceed the bounds of their authority by adopting unreasonable review standards or failing to provide required services, aggrieved Medicaid enrollees may have recourse in court