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The Experiences of Counselors Working with Mixed-Orientation Couples
No full text2024Mixed-orientation couples are relationships where one or both partners have a mixed sexual orientation. These couples face distinctive challenges that result in high relational distress and low relationship satisfaction. There is a significant lack of understanding of how counselors work with mixed-orientation couples, and little research on their experiences in couple therapy. Understanding their experiences is necessary to advance effective clinical practices due to the unique challenges these couples face. This qualitative study utilized Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to interview 6 independently licensed mental health providers who have worked with at least one mixed-orientation couple in couple therapy. The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of counselors working with couples who present with issues of mixed sexual orientation in therapy.Wilkinson, TylerLane, DavidLabarta, AdrianaDowns, AlanD.Phil
Determination of Optimum Volumetric Area Projection for Cannulated Screw Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fractures in Porcine Animal Models
No full text2024Femoral neck fractures not only carry a higher mortality rate amongst elderly individuals, they also pose a significant social and economic burden as a result of perioperative and postoperative costs. Depending on the severity of fracture and patient candidacy, orthopedic surgeons may opt for joint arthroplasty or open reduction internal fixation methods such as percutaneous cannulated screw fixation (PCSF). There is currently no general consensus on the optimum screw configuration for femoral neck internal fixation using the PCSF method. This research aims to investigate the biomechanical stability of three-screw and four-screw configurations of either prismatic or pyramidal volumetric projections in porcine animal models, evaluating the maximum axial load and shear stress sustained prior to failure of bone as a material to provide conclusive data to improve fracture fixation longevity and patient quality of life following surgery. Thirty two porcine femora were cleaned of soft tissue, measured, and potted in epoxy resin prior to fracture generation and fixation. Testing protocols involved ramp, cyclic fatigue, and failure testing to obtain data on maximum axial force and failure shear forces. Rectangular base pyramids configurations sustained the highest maximum axial force on average prior to failure, followed by rectangular base prism, triangular base prism, and triangular base pyramid configurations. Shear stress data revealed that the rectangular base prism configuration sustained the most shear stress prior to failure, followed in descending order by the rectangular base pyramid, triangular base prism, and triangular base pyramid configurations. Single factor ANOVA analysis of the maximum axial force and maximum shear stress found a p value of p < 0.119 and p < 0.256, respectively, and unpaired t test data for the same parameters revealed no statistical significance between any sets of the groups. For future studies, it should be expected that a control group is established to provide baseline data for comparison, experimental groups have a sample size of at least 30 specimens, and analysis of failure rate of each configuration to make definitive conclusions regarding the biomechanical stability of triangular base pyramid, triangular base prism, rectangular base pyramid, and rectangular base prism percutaneous cannulated screw fixation methods.Vo, Ha VHill, StephenKirera, FrancisM.Sc.Eng
After-School Reading Comprehension Program
No full textFinal report of a Service Scholars project "to determine the effects of an after-school reading comprehension program on the Renaissance STAR Assessment reading scores for Springdale Elementary students who are English Language Learners.
RECOGNIZE MY HUMANITY: CREATING AN INSTITUTIONAL CULTURE OF EMPATHY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
No full text2024As colleges and universities seek to ensure accommodating academic experiences for all students, it is becoming increasingly clear that the concepts of diversity and disability extend beyond easily identifiable conditions but must also include invisible differences. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of college students with nonidentifiable diversities to determine the extent to which institutions are meeting the full spectrum of students’ needs. Further, the study sought to determine ways in which institutional practices enhance or hinder the academic progress and success of students with nonidentifiable diversities. The research question that guided the study was, “What are the lived experiences of students with nonidentifiable diversities in higher education?” The study was conducted using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The researcher created an informational video outlining the specifics of the study, including the criteria of being at least 18 years of age and having an invisible diversity. From that video, the participants were able to scan a QR code which led them to a prequestionnaire, which signified their interest in the study. Through semi-structured interviews, eight participants revealed memories, perceptions, and insights into their educational experiences in higher education.
Following the steps of interpretive phenomenological analysis, the researcher discovered four emergent themes: (a) Managing Invisible Differences, (b) Extrinsic Rejection of Invisible Differences, (c) The Scars of Invisibility, and (d) Creating a Sense of Belonging, which provided insight into how the participants navigated their invisible differences during their higher education experiences.
A key implication of this research was the importance of creating an institutional culture rooted in empathy through building relationships and developing positive service quality experiences for students with nonidentifiable diversities. Creating an institutional culture not only enhances the overall educational experience but fosters a sense of belonging and improves academic success measures for students.
Additionally, there exist a few gaps in research from the findings that would benefit from further research, including a need for greater comprehension of self-advocacy for students with nonidentifiable diversities along with a need to understand more about campus services and how those services can help promote equity and self-advocacy for students.Boggs, OliviaIsaac, CarolWells, ChristianD.Phil
Quantifying Cancer Equity: A Novel Index for Measurement, Planning, and Action
No full text2024Within the United States a wide variety of deep and entrenched health inequities persist. These inequities are deeply rooted and have been documented extensively in the literature with notable disparities based on race, ethnicity, income, education, gender, and geography among others. These same disparities are apparent when looking at cancer care and outcomes. While efforts to affect change in these areas are ongoing, significant work remains to improve equity while addressing the second leading cause of death in the United States. Progress is dependent on reliable measurement strategies sensitive to the unique constellation of factors influencing cancer equity. The solution is the development of a Cancer Equity Index. Consisting of four unique domains addressing the constructs of risk factors, estimates of disparity, structural factors, and access factors, the Index provides a measure that sufficiently captures the broad factors contributing to equity. Using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, we developed an Index for measuring cancer equity. Following a stringent design, testing, and revision process, the resulting Index demonstrated good performance. The Index represents a new tool to inform planning and decision making at a time where cancer inequities have garnered extensive attention. As such, the Cancer Equity Index represents a compelling step forward in the field of social epidemiology, applying a rigorous approach to better characterize the influence of equity in cancer, and outline paths toward a more equitable future.Turner, NannetteMontgomery, AnneSmith, BetsyDr.P.H
PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL PASTORAL CARE IN A TIME OF COVID
No full text2023ABSTRACT
DAVID MARK WEATHERSPOON
PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL PASTORAL CARE IN A TIME OF COVID
Under the direction of Graham B. Walker Jr.
Spiritual care providers encountered the challenge of trying to provide pastoral care in a time of COVID. The context for this project involved a collection of pediatric hospitals within the United States where pediatric chaplains adjusted the way they serve patients, families, and staff following the onset of COVID-19. Having served as an ordained chaplain for eighteen years and a pediatric hospital chaplain for seven of those years, I interviewed pediatric hospital chaplains to learn what best practices were being cultivated among spiritual care providers in order to provide quality pastoral care rituals for patients, families, and staff.
It was a primary goal of this project to identify the main ways pediatric chaplains altered their best practices of pastoral care rituals to comply with safety protocols through interviews from a cross section of 5-8 pediatric chaplains. From these conversations, I hoped to provide a summary of the innovative ways chaplains created structured experiences, from here forward known as “pastoral care rituals,” that established a focused sense of presence, security, safety, and at times, a self-identifiable change by patients, families, and/or staff. I looked for ways technological changes were effectively utilized by pediatric chaplains in being able to provide a professional standard of care. I assessed the ways pastoral care rituals were adapted to meet the challenges of social distancing and other safety protocols.
Pediatric hospital chaplaincy distinguishes itself in the ways pastoral care rituals are provided to meet the scope of needs of children who are patients in need of care; their families who are assisting in the care of their children while in the hospital; and the staff who are uniquely trained to handle the nuances of caring for the health of children while also being sensitive to the needs of family members. This project utilized semi-structured interviews to capture the experiences of pediatric chaplains and how they adjusted their pastoral care ritual best practices during the pandemic. The project narrowed further as it focused specifically upon the positive developments realized by pediatric chaplains in their practice of pediatric pastoral care rituals during the pandemic. The primary themes concerning the innovations in pastoral care rituals that developed following the interviews with the pediatric chaplains were the following:
1. A marked increase and usage of technology: Pediatric chaplains confirmed their increase in technology to provide pastoral care rituals.
2. Creative innovations to pastoral care rituals: Pediatric chaplains were very innovative in how they provided pastoral care rituals post-pandemic.
3. Intensified focus on staff: Interviewed pediatric chaplains shared that staff had heightened spiritual care needs due to the pandemic.
4. Collaborative efforts increased: pediatric chaplains worked much more closely with other departments and outside clergy.
5. Advocacy for needs of self, profession, patients, families and staff: Participants sensed a heightened need to advocate and voice concerns for all layers of their hospital interactions.
6. Pediatric chaplains confronted systemic racism: Participants demonstrated a focused awareness of issues of race and the need and willingness to speak openly about racism and systemic racism within the hospital work environment.Walker, Jr., Graham B.Walker, Graham B.Miller, Heidi A.Walker, MimiD.Min
DIRECTED BY DISCIPLESHIP: UNTANGLING OUR DESIRES AND LOVES
No full text2023ABSTRACT
NATHAN RICHARD LASHOTO
DIRECTED BY DISCIPLESHIP: UNTANGLING OUR DESIRES AND LOVES
Under the direction of Graham B. Walker, Jr. Ph.D., Supervisor
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ final words on Earth were an instruction to go and make more disciples. In the book of John, Jesus defines a disciple as one who loves as Christ loves. While some in the church consider discipleship to Jesus to be head knowledge, Christ defines discipleship as a type of heart knowledge. This heart knowledge knows the proper things to love, desire, and pursue. In modern America we are told many things to love, desire, and pursue through advertisements, social media, and political campaigns. If discipleship to Jesus Christ is the goal of Christians, then the church must learn how to interact and compete with a variety of desires and models presented and help reorient congregations back on the path of discipleship.
The thesis entangles with the claims of Luke Burgis’ Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire and James K.A. Smith’s You Are What You Love to offer a better way to connect discipleship to Christ to the lived-experiences and identities of church congregations. Six participants were chosen to join in this project and participated in an introductory meeting to inform them of the structure and requirements for participation. Three times, over the course of five sermons, participants met for a semi-structured interview. During this time, the group was asked specific questions about the sermon and how effective it was in providing a discipleship orientation for their week.
After introducing the problem in detail, this thesis explores the biblical, theological, philosophical, and psychological foundations for why discipleship to Jesus Christ involves a reorienting of our desires and loves. It then details the central finding of the project, which concerns how desires and loves are shaped and formed. The primary themes that emerged are how sermons interact with desire, the importance of models for desire, and the importance of providing space to wrestle with competing desires. Finally, this thesis concludes with ideas for future development, which include how sermons can more intentionally interact with discipleship through connections with desire.Walker, Graham BWalker, Graham BDortch, DougMassey, Denise MMiller, Heidi ADeLoach, GregoryD.Min
THE PRICE OF THE TICKET: THE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF STUDENT LOAN DEBT ON BLACK AMERICAN FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS
No full text2023While the completion of a baccalaureate degree is the gateway to a greater quality of life in areas of employment, health, housing, civic engagement, mortality, and economic wealth, the college experience for Black American students is typically coupled with the accumulation of a disproportionately high amount of student loan debt. While the most significant enrollment growth of Black American college students is found in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Black American college graduates hold the highest rate of defaults on student loan repayments. The study explores the mental and emotional implications of student debt on Black American first-generation graduates of HBCUs.
This study sought to fill the dearth of research on the borrowing behavior patterns, levels of financial literacy, and the psychological impact of said debt experienced by Black American college students and graduates. Specifically, the limited research on why inequities persist in student loan borrowing behaviors led to a desire to better understand, from a historical context, the impact of collective trauma on this financial dilemma. Using the lens of intergenerational cultural trauma theory, the study sought to better understand the possible link between horrific historical ordeals and contemporary behaviors as it relates to struggles of Black students with student loan debt. The foundational use of this theory draws a parallel between the multi-century system of enslavement which provided no opportunity for early generations to earn money, manage debt, or sustain wealth and the crippling socioeconomic and psychological impact student loan debt has on Black American college graduates today. The researcher used a biographical narrative inquiry approach, purposeful sampling to select the participants and conducted semi-structured, virtual interviews with each of the eight first-generation graduates of HBCUs.
The findings of this study indicate that each participant leaned into his or her individual understanding of learned survival strategies to persist to graduation but encountered unexpected psychological challenges when faced with loan repayment. Within the context of intergenerational trauma theory, the researcher was able to relate possible patterns of the themes with codes and events of antebellum enslavement.
Recommendations for future research include a deliberate focus on the borrowing behavior patterns of Black American students, access to quality and sustainable financial literacy and mental health resources on college campuses, and the opportunities to create equitable access to such resources to help improve academic, financial, and psychological outcomes for the most vulnerable student populations.Boggs, OliviaHelfenbein, RobertScott-Simmons, WynettaD.Phil
DIRECT VASODILATORY EFFECTS OF SODIUM GLUCOSE CO-TRANSPORTER 2 INHIBITORS (SGLT2is) AND THE UNDERLYING MOLECULAR MECHANISMS IN RESISTANCE MESENTERIC ARTERIES
No full text2023Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a novel class of oral glucose-lowering drugs. In the USA, the FDA has authorized canagliflozin (Cana), dapagliflozin (Dapa), empagliflozin (Empa), ertugliflozin (Ertu), and bexagliflozin (Bexa) for use to treat type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). Recent cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) indicated cardio-reno protection due to SGLT2is' blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects. Even though numerous long-term processes have been implicated to lower BP, issues still remain to explain the immediate BP-lowering effects of SGLT2is as revealed in recent CVOTs trials. One plausible mechanism may be direct modulation of contractility of resistance arteries which regulate peripheral resistance (R) and thus, blood pressure. Hence, we investigated SGLT2is Empa, Dapa, and Cana's ability to relax resistance mesenteric arteries and the underlying molecular mechanism (s). Pressurized arterial myography and pharmacological inhibitors were utilized to study the direct effect of SGLT2is on the contractility of freshly isolated, resistant mesenteric arteries from rats. We discovered that acute administration of SGLT2is (Empa, Dapa, and Cana) causes concentration-dependent vasodilation in myogenic and phenylephrine (PE)-preconstricted resistant mesenteric arteries, irrespective of SGLT2 inhibition. SGLT2is-evoked vasodilation was blocked by non-selective inhibition of smooth muscle cell voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels. However, the SGLT2is' KV channel specificity varies as Empa targeted KV1.5 and KV7, Dapa targeted KV7, and Cana targeted KV1.5, KV2.1, and KV7. In contrast, KV1.3, ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, SERCA pump, and small-, intermediate-, and large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SKCa, IKCa, and BKCa) did not reduce SGLT2is-induced vasodilation. Furthermore, vasodilation was unaffected by NO-sGC-PKG and prostacyclin (PGI2) inhibition. Besides, SGLT2is-evoked vasodilation was unchanged by endothelium denudation. Overall, our results suggest that the vasodilatory action of SGLT2is like Empa, Dapa, and Cana may be independent of SGLT2 inhibition and mediated by its action on other molecular targets such as smooth muscle cell KV channels with varying specificity. Our findings reveal for the first time SGLT2is' direct vasodilatory activity in resistance arteries, which may explain their blood pressure lowering effects as demonstrated in CVOTs studies and their cardio-reno protective effects. The reported vasodilatory effects may lower blood pressure in vivo, but more research is needed.Hasan, Raquibul RHHasan, RaquibulD'Souza, Martin J.Moniri, NaderChougule, MahavirLeo, Dennis M.D.Phil
God, Life and the Universe. Possibilities of life in other worlds: Theological Implications
No full text2023ABSTRACT
HERNAN OCAMPO SOLARTE
GOD, LIFE AND THE UNIVERSE
POSSIBILITIES OF LIFE IN OTHER WORLDS: THEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
Under the direction of COMMITTEE CHAIR GRAHAM WALKER Ph. D in theology
Finding life in other worlds it's an idea as old as the solar system when it was conceived back in the 1500s. However, the scientific data that has been collected since the 1960s when humankind on earth started the space programs does not support the hypothesis of finding life in other worlds.
The more we discover about the Universe with the Kepler, Hubble and now the sophisticated James Webb Space telescope the more questions we have about the size of it, the age of it, and undoubtedly about life in other planets. More variables are being added to the requirements for finding life making it an almost impossible task.
From the religious perspective if we examine the biblical texts, we find evidence of how unique and special, the creation of life in our world is. This led me to believe that life is only present in our world and henceforth that God’s creation and His redemption-salvation plan is unique and only one of a kind. I accept thus, the possibility of not finding life in the rest of the universe and therefore I review the theological implications that this hypothesis has for Creation, Revelation, and the redemption-salvation process. The duties and responsibilities of humanity towards the world become more obligatory and of great transcendence for the future of the well-being of all creation.
We experience the same in our souls in relation to the son of God and his extraordinary sacrifice to redeem and save us from eternal death. The relevance of these issues is magnified when we are convinced that we are an exclusive creation of God. How that affects our understanding of God and his love, acquires unprecedented levels in our mind and spirit.Walker, GrahamParker, AngelaDeloach, C. GregoryM.T.S