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“We’re more than just kielbasa and pierogi”: generational language shift and maintenance in children of Polish immigrants
No full textThis dissertation examined generational language shift and maintenance among different age cohorts of American-born children of Polish immigrants in the greater New York City metropolitan area through a phenomenological study using life histories. This study aimed to understand the experiences of individuals in an ethnolinguistic minority group that is part of the racial majority in the United States, which is important, as most of the literature focused on immigrants is irrelevant to subsequent generations. Moreover, the existing research in the United States has primarily focused on immigrants from countries in Central and South America and Asia. The current study aimed to answer the following questions: What is the experience of generational language shift for children of Polish immigrants? What is the experience of generational language maintenance for this group? How are these experiences different or the same across different generations? This qualitative research was conducted via semi-structured interviews with 13 participants who were divided into three age cohorts: 25–39, 40–59, and 60–83 years old. The interviews were initially coded in vivo, after which descriptive and value coding was used to synthesize the data. Four themes were identified: language maintenance/shift and bilingualism, family dynamics, Polish American identity, and policy environment. The participants maintained varying levels of Polish-language fluency through similar methods. Formal Polish instruction on weekends or after school was important for the younger two cohorts. For all age cohorts, the almost-exclusive use of the Polish language at home during their formative years was key. Dynamic shifts in language use occurred throughout the lives of all participants for different reasons. In particular, language shifts occurred due to loss of community, family members, access to Polish cultural events or traditions, and cross-cultural marriages.Ed.D.Includes bibliographical reference
The beauty performances of Black college women: a narrative inquiry study exploring the realities of race, respectability, and beauty standards on a historically white campus
No full textBeauty is a concept that is socially constructed. Although superficial, beauty is a form of currency that can add value and provide opportunities. The problem with beauty construction is that it is rooted in hegemonic European beauty ideals that negatively rejects Black features and shapes the perceptions of Black women’s appearance and the judgement of their capabilities. For Black women and girls to obtain various levels of success, they are expected to self-manage their perceptions through hair, behavior, and clothing styling, including in educational settings. The purpose of this narrative inquiry study was to learn how a sample of 14 Black college women enrolled at a historically White university were culturally groomed via respectability politics to navigate racialized White academic spaces. This study explored the realities of racial and gendered socialization practices associated with respectability politics as well as beauty performances as a valid navigation tool for young Black women in an academic setting. This narrative inquiry design amplified the experiences of the participants through the theoretical frameworks of Black Feminist Thought and Critical Race Feminism.
This narrative inquiry study utilized purposeful sampling, semi-structured interviews, and photographic artifacts to collect and analyze the data. Narrative and clustering analysis techniques were employed to retell accurate and comprehensive accounts of the participant's collective beauty performance and collegiate experiences. The findings denoted engagement in beautification practices generated both empowerment through affirming identities resistant to erasure, as well as pressures compounding the participants' need to juggle performing for multiple audiences and mental burdens associated with progressing in a White academic environment.Ed.D.Includes bibliographical reference
Implementing standardized training for ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter placement in difficult IV access patients in critical care
No full textPurpose of Project: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to create a policy to identify difficult IV access (DIVA) patients in critical care and implement a standardized ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (USGPIV) catheter insertion protocol to increase reported first-attempt success rates in PIV placement, influence insertion rates or prolonged use of midlines and central venous catheters (CVCs) and decrease unit costs. Methods: This quality improvement project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) practice change model to create and implement an evidence-based policy to identify DIVA patients in critical care with indications for USGPIV catheter placement and provide training to MICU patient care coordinator RNs in utilizing USG to obtain peripheral venous access on this patient population. Proficient team members assessed all MICU admissions for DIVA criteria and utilized USG for vascular access placement when necessary.
Results: Nine critical care patient care coordinator registered nurses completed the education and training program (n=9). In total, 21 charts were reviewed and analyzed, nine from the pre-intervention monitoring period and 11 from the post-implementation period. A total of 30 lines were placed throughout the two monitoring periods: 14 midlines (n=14), eight central venous catheters (n=8), and eight USGPIVs (n=8). The shift in use of USGPIV placement from 0 to eight in the post-intervention period was a statistically significant finding (X2=7.639, p=.006).
Implications: The implementation of a nurse-driven USGPIV placement program in DIVA critical care patients may increase the likelihood of first attempt success rates, decreases unit costs, and may prevent prolonged use of midlines and CVCs.
Keywords: Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous, USGPIV, Difficult Intravenous Access, DIVA, Nurse Knowledge, DNP ProjectD.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference
Intraoperative in-situ cardiac arrest simulation to improve technical and non-technical skills in operating room staff
No full textPurpose of Project: This quality improvement project was designed to improve technical and non-technical skills of operating room staff in the management of intraoperative cardiac arrests at a large academic medical center in New jersey. Methodology: The initial simulation took place on October 25th, 2023. Participants (40) were divided into two rooms with identical equipment to take part in an intraoperative cardiac arrest simulation. Key action items were timed and noted to measure technical skills. Teamwork performance was assessed and rated. A 15 minute debriefing and education session was held post-simulations. On December 13th, 2023, a subsequent simulation day occurred. Results from day 1 and day 2 were compared and analyzed. Results: A time decrease was found in 5 out of 6 key action items, from day 1 to day 2 of the simulations. The p-value (<0.001) was statistically significant and proved that the simulation was most likely the case of the time decrease. The key action item that resulted in the greatest time improvement was “first defibrillation shock,” with a decrease of 123 seconds. The assessment of teamwork performance between day 1 and day 2 did not produce consistent results. Implications for Practice: The time improvement of key action items demonstrated better performance of the participants in the management of cardiac arrests. The time to “first defibrillation shock” decreased by approximately two minutes, equating to neuronal tissue preservation and better patient outcomes in a real-life scenario.D.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference
Implementation of the evidenced-based PEN-FAST screening tool to help identify patients with low- risk penicillin allergies to increase the administration of cephalosporin antimicrobial therapy and improve patient outcomes in the peri-operative setting.
No full textPurpose of Project: To increase antimicrobial stewardship through the utilization of the PEN-FAST screening tool in patients with low-risk, self-reported penicillin allergies with the goal of improving patient outcomes in the perioperative setting. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 160 patients with self-reported low-risk penicillin allergies who underwent surgical intervention from October 01, 2023, to January 01, 2024, at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. A pre- and post-implementation in-service was first provided to members of the Anesthesia, Pre-Admission Testing (PAT), Clinical Pharmacy and the Antimicrobial Stewardship department to explain advantages of the PEN-FAST tool. Patient data results was analyzed using an Excel spreadsheet. This data was then utilized to formulate a site-specific PEN-FAST policy/ protocol to guide staff on appropriate, safe, and effective utilization of the risk stratification tool. Inclusion criteria for the study included all patients scheduled for surgical intervention over the age of years. Exclusion criteria included all high-risk populations such as pediatric and obstetric patient.
Results: Only approximately 21 % of the study’s population received Cefazolin with the highest frequency of antibiotic administration being Clindamycin at 42%. 5% received Vancomycin, 5% received Flagyl, 3% received Levaquin, 2% received Cefepime, 2% received Meropenem and 3% received unknown therapy. Post-survey data indicated that 95 % of anesthesia staff agreed that the education in-service increased their knowledge of the PEN-FAST tool with 100 % stating that they would be likely to utilize the PEN-FAST clinical tool after the in-service.
Implications: Providers can help to facilitate antimicrobial stewardship through the appropriate utilization of the PEN-FAST screening tool to decrease surgical site infection rates, improve surgical patient health outcomes and lower hospital costs.D.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference
Increasing the use of low flow anesthesia
No full textPurpose of Project: A research study performed decades ago revealed a nephrotoxic substance, compound A, in rats. In this particular study, compound A was said to be the result of running Sevoflurane (a volatile agent) with a fresh gas flow below 2L/min. Therefore, anesthesia providers often will not allow their fresh gas flow to fall below 2L. However, in recent years several research studies have proven that not only is compound A not plausible in humans but lowering fresh gas flow below 2L can benefit the patient, the environment as well as the economic status of the hospital. The purpose of our project is to educate anesthesia staff at Jersey City Medical Center about the benefits of using low flow anesthesia, thus allowing greater patient outcomes, lower hospital costs and improved environmental status. Methodology: The methodology for this project includes two educational sessions with staff, followed by several posters re-explaining the purpose of the project/benefits and small visual aids of a “Sevo snail” placed on each anesthesia machine encouraging staff to keep their fresh gas flows below 2L. Data was collected prior to our visual aid to assess how providers originally ran their flows. During implementation, spot checks were done to assess flow rate. After 8 weeks, we reviewed results. Results: After 8 weeks of implementation, we have concluded that our interventions of educational sessions and visual aids have been successful; several providers kept their flows below 2L. However it is important to note that our results are not particularly significant. Although we have seen an overall reduction in fresh gas flows, many providers are still keeping their fresh gas flows at 2L. Implications for Practice: Therefore, for further practice, it can be concluded that more educational sessions in addition to reminders during weekly anesthesia grand rounds and longer placement of visual aids will likely lead to more significant outcomes.D.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference
Improving Healthcare Outcomes for Mentally Ill Children and Adolescents Through Psychoeducation of Parents Utilizing a Mental Health Toolkit
No full textPurpose of the Project: Children and adolescents’ caregivers have very little knowledge ofmental health prior to presenting to an emergency room for psychiatric evaluation. Currently,
there is no standardized tool for the psychoeducation of caregivers at the project site, nor from
any practice guiding organization. The purpose of this project is to create a standardized
education tool and to survey the confidence among caregivers to provide psychoeducation about
mental health treatment. Methodology: A toolkit was created with a QR code linking to a
website including information regarding mental health symptoms, psychiatric screening,
treatment, and medication. The toolkit was administered by emergency room staff. The website
included a pre and post survey to assess the confidence of caregivers before and after the
psychoeducation. These surveys utilized a modified Assessment of Psychoeducation of Carers
(APEC) questionnaire with twelve Likert-type questions assessing the confidence of
medications, symptoms, treatment, and screening process scored from zero (not confident) to
four (highly confident). Results: Twenty-three (23) caregivers participated and completed pre
and post surveys. Pre and post survey scores were compared via a paired t-test. The scores
indicated a significant increase in confidence (p<0.001) after receiving the implemented
psychoeducation via the toolkit showing the psychoeducation to have a positive effect.
Implication for Practice: Providing a psychoeducation toolkit to caregivers demonstrated a
positive effect on caregiver confidence on mental health care. After receiving psychoeducation,
an increase of caregiver confidence can improve a caregiver’s ability to make decisions
regarding their child’s treatment. A toolkit can be a cost-effective means of providing a
standardized psychoeducation and improving caregiver confidence.D.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference
Sensor and behavior frameworks for implementing backseat driver on a slocum glider
No full textThe Slocum glider’s long-duration and cost-effective oceanographic data collection capability, coupled with remote operation from shore, makes them ideal platforms for oceanographic research. However, once submerged in standard operation, instrument control, waypoints, behaviors, and more are set until the vehicle resurfaces. This lack of underwater adaptive control can lead to limitations in scientific sampling, limiting the glider’s ability to meet the mission’s scientific goals. Such goals could be oil spill detection or processing large data files from onboard sensors. Both require either optimizing the autonomous underwater vehicle’s (AUVs) flight path intelligently and adaptively, which allows more data collection in scientifically rich areas, or an increase in onboard computing power for an increase in data processing capability. Due to the need for enhanced control capability while underwater, the Slocum glider Backseat Driver (BSD) architecture has been in development for over ten years, but its utilization has been limited by the availability of resources and expertise on the subject, resulting in limited end-user implementation.
In this work, I present a manual for using the Slocum BSD architecture on a G3S Slocum glider. It contains examples for setting up an external controller (a Raspberry Pi 4), managing file transfers, incorporating real-time sensor data for decision-making, and advancing the ocean simulation capability of a glider simulator using a Slocum Fleet Mission Control (SFMC) script. I also demonstrate two Slocum BSD architecture test cases to autonomously navigate with a ninety-degree offset from the depth-averaged current (DAC), then on a heading calculated to minimize deflection distance while crossing a large-scale current.
Four simulations were run, two with the standard industry practice of using a distant waypoint to control the heading when crossing large-scale fast-moving currents, and two with the Slocum BSD architecture use-case examples. The missions utilizing the BSD architecture updated the heading less frequently and did so with a more optimal average heading. All examples listed previously, and more, are explained in far greater depth in the accompanying manual titled: Implementing the Backseat Driver Architecture on a G3S Slocum Glider: A Manual for Operators.
Through using the Slocum BSD architecture, we can fully realize the glider’s true capability for long-duration and cost-effective persistent oceanographic sampling presence in challenging regions throughout the globe. This research and accompanying manual provide a starting point for glider pilots, technicians, scientists, and others when working through how to use the Slocum glider’s BSD architecture. The ability to use this incredibly powerful way to enhance the Slocum glider’s capability and data collection is only limited by our imagination and ingenuity.M.S.Includes bibliographical reference
Understanding agricultural direct marketing and consumer behavior in the Mid-Atlantic United States
No full textDirect marketing, encompassing various strategies and techniques, has played both an important and useful role. This study examines the prospects of direct marketing as a strategy for farmers in the food market, using data collected from a survey of 1,167 consumers from New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Virginia who shopped at direct (farmer-to-consumer) markets, with on-farm markets as an example. The factors influencing participation in direct marketing sectors, consumers' willingness to purchase products from direct markets, and the consumption of value-added agricultural products were estimated. The analysis includes socio-demographic factors, consumer preferences and behaviors, and travel and accessibility. It has been noticed that young people are inclined towards direct marketing activities. People with awareness on such as nature tourism, giving tips and sustainability both willing to pay for agricultural premium and spending money for value-added products. The results of this study aim to illustrate the potential market for direct marketing segmentation, with a focus on on-farm markets, to help small and medium-sized farmers better understand the potential demand.M.S.Includes bibliographical reference
How conscientiousness and extraversion influence leadership emergence within virtual teams: investigating the role of virtuality across different communication approaches.
No full textThe leadership literature presents limited evidence regarding the relationship between personality traits, notably extraversion and conscientiousness, and the emergence of leadership in virtual team settings. This is particularly noteworthy given the increasing prevalence of virtual team environments in contemporary organizations. This longitudinal study, drawing from the leadership emergence research and communication literature on media richness, investigates how the degree of virtuality, the extent of using various virtual communication approaches (e.g., messages, phone, meetings) moderate this relationship. Using data from the X-Culture project, an international collaborative project in which students from different countries work together virtually, I found that the relationship between conscientiousness and leadership assessments increased over time, while the extraversion-leadership relationship did not. Moreover, the degree of virtuality moderates the conscientiousness-leadership emergence relationship, but not for extraversion. I also distinguish between team members’ overall assessments after a longer period of information gathering and cognitive processing (i.e., “retrospective assessments”) and their more real-time impressions (i.e., “immediate assessments”) of leader emergence. I found that the moderating effect of the degree of virtuality is more pronounced for retrospective leadership assessments. Yet, extraversion correlates more strongly with immediate assessments than with assessments that evolve through overtime. This distinction highlights the dynamic nature of leadership perceptions evolvement. The study offers theoretical and practical implications for nurturing and recognizing leadership potential in increasingly virtual workplaces.M.S.Includes bibliographical reference