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Influence of Cognitive Measures on Social Perception in Parkinson's Disease
No full textParkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impacts an individual’s mobility, cognition, and overall quality of life. In addition to motor impairments, non-motor symptoms such as cognitive and communicative impairments significantly affect social interactions for individuals with PD. The current study analyzes the effects of PD on perceiving social interactions and how that relates to cognitive skills. A series of dynamic language and cognitive tests are utilized to observe aspects of non-literal language perception in individuals with PD. Neuropsychological testing of PD participants was conducted using the Cognitive Linguistic Quick Test (CLQT) to assess general cognitive skills, in relation to accuracy on the RISC social perception task. The social communication task consisted of video stimuli pulled from the Relational Inference in Social Communication (RISC) database (Rothermich & Pell, 2015). The participants were to identify the speaker’s intent, including whether the speaker was sincere or insincere. The results show that all participants, both participants with PD and healthy controls (HC), had more difficulties in identifying nonliteral statements compared to literal statements. Participants with PD had a harder time recognizing social intent compared to the HC, which may be due to changes in cognitive abilities. For the PD group, analyses showed positive correlations between many cognitive domains and the social communication task. In summary, our study emphasizes the relationship between cognitive skills and social perception impairments in patients with PD and highlights the need to develop diagnostic tools and ways to treat these impairments
Prevention and Treatment of Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity: A DNP Project
No full textLocal anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is an adverse event after the administration of local
anesthetics that can lead to seizures, cardiac arrest, and death. While rare, this potentially
catastrophic event requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this Doctor of
Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project is to assess CRNA perceptions of the
adequacy of a LAST Quick Reference Guide designed to assist in identifying high-risk patients
to quickly diagnose and appropriately treat LAST should it occur. A presentation and visual aids
were given to the participating CRNAs, along with pre- and post-implementation surveys via
anonymous Qualtrics links. The survey responses were collected and analyzed, showing mixed
results. The results showed a net increase in the CRNA awareness of LAST (n=4). However, the
overall confidence in maximum dosages of local anesthetics showed a decrease in confidence in
the post-implementation responses. These results could be due to an immense amount of
information on the QRG, a discrepancy between previous knowledge and what was learned from
the QRG, or the possibility of having different participants in the pre- versus post-
implementation surveys. The sample size from this project was small, so it is not possible to
generalize the findings and further research is recommended. It is anticipated that knowledge
gained from this project can be used in future quality improvement projects aimed at improving
this rare but potentially catastrophic perioperative event at this facility
Assessing CRNA Perceptions of a Cognitive Aid Regarding Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity: A DNP Quality Improvement Project
No full textLocal anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a rare but potentially catastrophic complication of local anesthetic administration in the perioperative and operative setting. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project is to assess CRNA perceptions of the adequacy of a LAST Quality Reference Guide designed to assist in identifying high-risk patients to quickly diagnose and appropriately treat LAST should it occur. The setting of this QI project was an outpatient surgery center located in the southeastern United States. Five of seven CRNAs participated in this quality improvement project over a two-week implementation period. Key components of the project were the creation, implementation, and evaluation of CRNAs’ perceptions of the LAST Quality Reference Guide (QRG). The guide summarizes current evidence-based guidelines for LAST management and was introduced through a narrated PowerPoint Presentation to participants via email. A pre-implementation survey and a post-implementation survey were administered to participants. The results of this quality improvement project were positive. All participants who responded to the surveys agreed that the QRG and project implementation increased their awareness of LAST. No recommendations were made to improve the QRG. A major limitation of this project was the small sample size. Subsequent iterations of this quality improvement project should include a larger sample size for a longer implementation period to obtain data that may be generalizable in a larger hospital setting.D.N.P
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No full textReflecting on my visits to sculptural exhibitions worldwide, I often observe a portrayal of a specific population characterized by features like pointed noses, straight hair, and predominantly pink or beige skin tones. While undeniably lovely, I question whether there exists a broader spectrum of beauty that could be showcased in these displays—a form of Non-traditional Beauty. My concept of beauty transcends conventional norms and embraces what is typically viewed as different, unattractive, or even awkward by societal standards—the "Uns." I challenge the perception that pink skin is the epitome of beauty and ponder why unique characteristics like crooked teeth, distinctive scars, colored skin, and unconventional body shapes are not celebrated in art. True artistry lies in the willingness to take risks and explore the unconventional. In my thesis, I cultivate a space where diverse forms of beauty are celebrated through a dynamic allure of authenticity and especially children, should see themselves reflected in museum settings. I hope to awaken a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted beauty that exists in every individual—the awakening of true beauty in the eye of the beholder
Morphodynamic evolution of Bogue Inlet, NC, USA: an annual-to decadal-scale geophysical, hydrodynamic, sedimentological, and microfossil analysis
No full textTidal inlets are the most dynamic and complex sedimentary environments in the coastal zone. The morphologic and hydrodynamic processes acting on the ebb-tidal and flood-tidal deltas aided by the tidal prism allow the transport of sand throughout the complex to drive evolution in correlation with ebb-tidal delta volume. By better understanding these morphodynamic relationships in response to the increase in magnitude and frequency of storms, we can understand the future of coastal siliciclastic systems. This study focused on Bogue Inlet, located on a sediment-starved cuspate embayment, Onslow Bay, on the southeastern coast of North Carolina. The study used a multifaceted approach implementing geospatial, geophysical, sedimentological, micropaleontological, hydrodynamic modeling and a novel stratigraphic model methodology. Geospatial data show that this micro-tidal inlet exhibited migration to the northeast. Furthermore, hydrodynamic and geospatial data suggest the migration pattern is most likely due to the main tidal channel responding to hydraulic changes, forced by back-barrier migration of tidal channels, and the flood tidal delta as the tidal prism changed through time. The hydraulic changes were a function of sediment influx from (natural and unnatural actions), transported by wave and current interactions from varying atmospheric events, with the most extensive morphologic changes observed in the most highly energetic states, hurricanes, and extratropical-like storms. Specific meteorologic events with varying wind direction and magnitude induced the reversal of tidal and longshore currents, leading to a confluence of currents within the inlet, which supported deposition in specific locations on the flood-tidal delta, middle shoals, and ebb-tidal delta. These meteorologic events led to changes in volumetric discharge through the inlet, causing other erosion areas (inlet thalweg). Sedimentological and foraminiferal data show that important parameters of sediment and foraminiferal transport are storm track, size, and magnitude, which can result in the forcing of heightened sea states, causing onshore transport. The digital stratigraphic model and geophysical data moderately agreed on general locations of relict geomorphic features that suggest similar morphodynamic evolution to what is observed in the geospatial data, corroborated by the hydrodynamic data. However, the novel stratigraphic model and the acoustic sub-bottom data were not expected to agree entirely due to one year, five months, and five days between the data used in creating the stratigraphic model and the data collected with the sub-bottom profiler. The geophysical data and stratigraphic modeling also suggest hydrologic conditions that would transport a specific grain size to the deposition locations, creating the features observed in corresponding locations. The results together help constrain the inlet's evolution through time, varying atmospheric conditions, and human influences
EVALUATING THE CORE OF CORE SELF-EVALUATION: A REVIEW OF THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE CONSTRUCT
No full textThis dissertation examined the conceptualization, measurement, and predictive validity of Core Self-Evaluations (CSE) as a higher-order construct in relation to job and life satisfaction. Through analyses including usefulness analysis, relative weights analysis, and structural equation modeling, the study demonstrated that CSE provides incremental and relative importance over its components—self-esteem, generalized self-efficacy, locus of control, and neuroticism—when predicting satisfaction outcomes. Structural comparisons supported an aggregate, formative model where each component contributes uniquely, challenging traditional reflective approaches and advancing our understanding of personality and self-concept. These findings have important implications for theory and practice, offering a refined framework for assessing and applying CSE to predict satisfaction and well-being. By conceptualizing CSE as an aggregate construct, future research can focus on improving its measurement by expanding item content, addressing compensatory scoring, and ensuring its validity across cultures and diverse settings, such as remote work environments and broader life domains beyond the workplace
Exploring the Maritime Structure of Castle Island: A Historical and Archaeological Study of an Offshore Island Near Washington, North Carolina
No full textNorth Carolina’s long history is often overlooked in comparison to that of surrounding states,
as the lands were not as fertile, nor were the cities as industrialized during colonial and postcolonial
periods. Through the expansion and utilization of waterways, however, the state
became a priority to local, regional, and international trade of lumber and naval stores.
Harbors and ports served as a link to the economic prosperity of North Carolina’s maritime
activities. With the formation of waterfronts and usage of wharves, eastern North Carolina
became an asset to commercial services, and particularly the city of Washington played a
vital role in the development of waterborne commerce. Settled on the Tar-Pamlico River,
Washington became one of the largest mercantilist centers in the eastern region, trading not
only nationally, but internationally as well. The early expansion of Washington’s maritime
infrastructure, such as that established around Castle Island, remains an unexplored aspect.
Integrating historical and archaeological findings, this thesis considers the role of Castle
Island and its development from the eighteenth to mid-nineteenth century through an analysis
of its wharf structure
Difference in Brain Connectivity and Working Memory in College StudentsBefore and After a Silent Rest Using EEG
No full textThis pilot study investigated the effects of a silent rest period on neural connectivity and working memory in college students using EEG analysis. Participants completed a series of Backwards Corsi Tasks before and after a five-minute rest while brain activity was monitored. The results showed consistent engagement of the occipital lobe across all trials and notable shifts in parietal and frontal lobe activation after the rest. Post-rest performance showed an increase in working memory scores along with signs of increased cognitive control and decreased mental fatigue in early trials. These findings suggest that short periods of silent rest may enhance cognitive performance and could inform future educational and neurological research
Art as a Language: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities for English Language Learner Support in Elementary Art Classrooms
No full textArt education provides a powerful and unique platform for supporting English Language Learner (ELL) students in developing language skills through creative and engaging instruction. The visual, experiential, and collaborative nature of art offers significant opportunities to facilitate vocabulary acquisition and comprehension. However, elementary art teachers often face substantial challenges in maximizing this potential due to gaps in professional development (PD) and systemic barriers that hinder their ability to meet ELL students’ needs effectively. This study investigates these challenges by examining the PD opportunities available to elementary art teachers, the systemic obstacles they encounter, and the resources they require to better support ELL students in their classrooms. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and interviews with elementary art teachers across North Carolina, providing a comprehensive analysis of their experiences, perceptions, and strategies. Results reveal a critical lack of targeted PD that equips art educators with the tools to implement language acquisition strategies. Additional systemic barriers, such as limited access to resources, insufficient collaboration time with ESL specialists, and inadequate institutional support, further compound these challenges. Despite these obstacles, findings underscore the immense potential of art instruction to enhance language learning through its inherently visual and interactive processes
Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity: A DNP Project
No full textnoneThe incidence of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is approximately two out of 1,000 peripheral nerve blocks and approximately one out of 1,000 epidurals. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to assess Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs’) perceptions of the adequacy of a LAST Quick Reference Guide (QRG) designed to assist in identifying high-risk patients to quickly diagnose and appropriately treat LAST should it occur. The project site does not currently have a LAST QRG or policy in place. After formulating a PICOT question, a team of student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) developed a QRG and presentation to be individually presented and implemented at different project sites. Each student having individual data and analysis points. This paper discusses this author’s plan, implementation, data results, and analysis. After utilizing the QRG for two weeks. CRNAs reported improved awareness of LAST and improved confidence level in diagnosing and treating a LAST crisis, should it occur. The majority of participants are in favor of the use and implementation of a QRG at the project site. These results show that QRG on LAST would be beneficial to implement in the clinical setting at the project site. This project could be a steppingstone for this project site or other facilities to implement a QRG on LAST at their location. Limitations include a small sample size, locum staff, and lack of this author’s physical presence at one of the two project sites.noneD.N.P