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FROM CONTROL TO LIBERATION : A GENEALOGY OF IMAGES DEPICTING RACIALIZED VIOLENCE IN BRAZILIAN MEDIA
Full text linkThesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Information and Media - Doctor of Philosophy, 2025This dissertation examines how Brazil\u2019s hegemonic media perpetuates racial violence by producing and naturalizing stereotypical imagery of Blackness and violence. Through a historical comparison of Black and mainstream media from the 19th to the 21st century, the study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Critical Race Theory (CRT) to interrogate media representations across key periods. It pursues two central aims: (a) to demonstrate how hegemonic media have systematically normalized anti-Black violence through recurrent dehumanizing archetypes, and (b) to illuminate counter-narratives of resistance forged by Black media as acts of communal self-defense. This study concludes by proposing frameworks for engaging with Black media through the lens of Critical Race Media Literacy (CRML). It outlines actionable pathways for CRML initiatives to center Black media consumption as both a form of self-defense and a strategy for harm reduction.Description based on online resource. Title from PDF t.p. (Michigan State University Fedora Repository, viewed ).Includes bibliographical references
Human immunodeficiency viruses prevention and pre-exposure prophylaxis : a doctoral evidence-based practice project
No full textThis doctoral evidence-based practice project aimed to assess the impact of educational handouts on increasing healthcare provider comfortability with prescribing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a mobile health clinic. Despite the availability of PrEP, previous literature indicates that providers often refrain from prescribing the treatment due to a lack of confidence and insufficient resources to guide their practice. To address this gap, we implemented a quality improvement initiative by providing a concise, one-page educational tool to healthcare providers. Over a three-month period, the intervention aimed to enhance provider knowledge and comfort with PrEP prescribing protocols. The results showed a significant increase in provider confidence and a greater willingness to prescribe PrEP to qualifying patients. This study highlights the effectiveness of targeted educational interventions in improving clinical practices and suggests that the integration of practical resources can positively influence healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in HIV prevention.Thesis (D.N.P.)--Michigan State University. Family nurse practitioner, 2025Includes bibliographical references (pages 26-28
Evaluating the effectiveness of a baby-friendly breastfeeding course in enhancing confidence among registered nurses in maternal-child health
No full textProgram Focus: The Baby-Friendly Breastfeeding Initiative is a global program focused on improving breastfeeding rates through evidence-based nurse training. This evaluation assesses whether a hospital-based education program, aligned with the Ten Steps, effectively increases confidence among maternal child health nurses. Target population: The education program is designed to serve maternal child health nurses providing breastfeeding education in the hospital setting. Evaluation objectives: The new education program, led by the hospital's lactation consultants, combines didactic instruction with hands-on skills stations. Nurse competency in all 70 Baby-Friendly performance indicators will be assessed through teach-backs, scenarios, quizzes, and role-playing, with an expectation of 100% competency by the end of the course. Methods: Confidence and beliefs of maternal child health nurses were measured using a 4-point Likert scale at three time points: before, immediately after, and 30 days post-education. Composite scores were calculated, and a t-test was used to determine statistical significance. Key findings: Data analysis revealed a statistically significant association between confidence levels and the awareness and beliefs of maternal-child nurses following the education course. Implications/Conclusion: This program evaluation demonstrated a measurable increase in nurse confidence following the education course, effectively achieving its objective. Future emphasis should be placed on individual nurse perception as a barrier to breastfeeding education. Ongoing monitoring of long-term outcomes is also recommended to assess the sustained impact of this education course on nurse confidence and breastfeeding rates.Thesis (D.N.P.)--Michigan State University. Family nurse practitioner, 2025Includes bibliographical references (pages 37-41
Implementation of a standardized lung cancer screening protocol at a central Michigan internal medicine practice : a DNP project
No full textBackground: Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with more than 234,580 new cases anticipated to be diagnosed in 2024. Despite this, only an estimated five percent of eligible patients will be assessed. This underscores the importance of provider-led smoking cessation and early detection via low-dose CT scan to reduce mortality. Despite a larger, more diverse screening population specified in the 2014 USPSTF guidelines for lung cancer detection, utilization of standardized guidelines is inconsistent and varied amongst primary care providers, even within the same practice setting. This evidence-based project aimed to establish a lung cancer screening protocol with a central Michigan internal medicine practice using provider education, standardized patient screening tools, and shared decision-making. Research question: In adult patients aged 50-80 who are current or former smokers, what is the effect of implementing a lung cancer screening program at an outpatient internal medicine clinic on lung cancer screening rates, within twelve weeks? Methods: A standardized screening tool was created and distributed to providers and staff with an in-service program, and data was collected from the electronic health record over 12 weeks. Following the intervention period, patient data was reviewed to assess rates of scans ordered, completed, rejected, or otherwise deferred. Results: In the 12-week implementation phase, 37 patients were identified as current or former smokers. Of this group, 24 patients were determined to be eligible for ordering an LDCT. 16 scans were ordered and 16 patients (43.2%) completed LDCT scans for screening. Six (16.2%) declined to complete imaging, and two (5.4%) had already completed scans within the previous 12-month period. Interpretation: Establishment of a LDCT Lung Cancer Screening Protocol is associated with increased rates of lung cancer screenings being ordered and completed. However, limitations around EHR incorporation, provider and practice communication, reasons for patient participation decline, and rates of lung cancer detection warrant further research. Keywords: lung cancer screening; shared decision-making, low dose computed tomography, internal medicine practice, United States Preventative Task Force recommendationsThesis (D.N.P.)--Michigan State University. Family nurse practitioner, 2025Includes bibliographical references (pages 29-34
Improving confidence utilizing interpreters through a webinar training modality
No full textProblem: Language barriers in the U.S. contribute to health disparities, while professional interpreters improve outcomes. Inefficient interpreter use, however, may negatively impact care. Enhancing midwestern Cooperative Extension's employees' confidence in interpreter use may improve education delivery. This study examines whether webinar training on effective interpreter use improves educators' confidence compared to standard practice without training. Purpose: This Quality Improvement project addresses insufficient standardized interpreter training among Extension staff. Employees report low confidence in interpreter use, impacting education delivery. The goal is to enhance staff confidence and prioritize language access and cultural competency in policies. Methods: A 15-minute educational webinar covering interpretation modes, evidence-based resources, and best practices was developed and shared via email with Extension staff. A recruitment flyer encouraged participation, and quick response codes linked to pre- and post-surveys. Results: The webinar had a positive impact, with most participants demonstrating improvement. Of 39 attendees, 29 completed both pre- and post-surveys, while 10 had missing responses. A focus group (n = 15) was conducted two months later. A paired t-test showed significant improvement (t (56) = -3.79, p < 0.001), with mean scores increasing from 8.69 (SD = \u2078\u301\u208d13.29) to 11.76 (SD = \u2078\u301\u208d5.76). Key focus group themes included resources, diversity, communication, interpreter access, dialects, cultural competency, and training methods. Conclusions: Integrating interpreter training into professional development and prioritizing language access in policies can enhance Extension's outreach, improving communication and equitable services for Michigan's refugee and immigrant populations.Thesis (D.N.P.)--Michigan State University. Family nurse practitioner, 2025Includes bibliographical references (pages 27-31
Increasing Black Student Success In Community Colleges : Institutional Change that Makes The Difference
No full textThesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education - Doctor of Philosophy, 2025This qualitative case study aimed to understand how change is implemented and sustained within a community college interested in improving its student success outcomes for Black students. I conducted a case study with an institution that had undergone organizational change to increase its Black student success outcomes. Through interviews with 15 faculty, staff, and administrators, analyzing organizational documents, and observation, I learned that cultivating a coordinated ecosystem of validation, also known as ecological validation (Kitchen et al., 2021), was the driving force behind their change efforts. In addition, the college employed five strategic approaches to change: structural, human resources, political, symbolic, and collaborative in pursuit of ecological validation. Finally, plans for sustainability were embedded into the college\u2019s change initiatives, helping to improve the likelihood that the changes could be long-lasting. Based on these findings, I offer a change-oriented framework that can be used to implement change designed to increase Black student success outcomes in community colleges but also used to pursue other institutional change goals. Implications for future research and practice are also addressed.Description based on online resource. Title from PDF t.p. (Michigan State University Fedora Repository, viewed ).Includes bibliographical references
AHL QUORUM SENSING SYSTEMS UTILIZATION IN S. ELONGATUS PCC 7942
No full textThesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Microbiology and Molecular Genetics - Doctor of Philosophy, 2025Quorum sensing (QS), a cell-density-dependent gene regulation mechanism has been extensively characterized in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. This system enables bacteria to synchronize behaviors such as virulence, biofilm formation, and metabolite production, making it a focal point for biotechnological applications. Researchers have leveraged QS pathways heterologously in diverse host organisms to engineer circuits for bioproduction, drug delivery, and population dynamics studies. Despite their advantages in carbon fixation and minimal nutrient requirements, scaling cyanobacterial cultivation has been hindered by poor adaptation to industrial conditions and a lack of traits enabling efficient biomass growth/harvesting. This gap is particularly notable given cyanobacteria\u2019s potential as sustainable bioproduction platforms QS systems could provide one potential solution to the aforementioned problems as it could couple gene expression with cyanobacterial mass density. This would enable use of more advanced genetic circuits without the requirement to add expensive chemical inducers; however there is a lack of research of expressing QS systems in cyanobacteria. My dissertation research focusses on exploring the use of acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) QS systems in the model cyanobacterium, Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. In chapter 2 I heterologously expressed three LuxR families from Vibrio fischeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Agrobacterium tumefaciens in both S. elongatus and E. coli W. We reveal that there seems to be a dose-response behavior in the QS system activation as well as E. coli W is able to export sufficient amount of AHL molecules. Additionally, we developed an interspecies QS communication system between S. elongatus (receiver) and E. coli W (sender) that cyanobacterial cells were able to perceive the signal when co-cultured together. In chapter 3 I characterized three full QS pathways in S .elongatus and each QS had different sensitivity, dynamic range and activation. The hybrid QS system combination of synthesis enzyme from P. aeruginosa with the transcription factor receiver from Vibrio fischeri provided an ideal dynamic range minimizing the toxicity from the Las system. As a proof of concept, we coupled expression of a cell division inhibitory gene, cdv3, to QS signaling, facilitating late-phase cell elongation, cell sedimentation, and improved biomass recovery. Finally in chapter 4, I review the outcomes and conclusions of my research and describe potential future prospects for the topic areas central to my dissertation.Description based on online resource. Title from PDF t.p. (Michigan State University Fedora Repository, viewed ).Includes bibliographical references
EMOTIONS AND PAYMENT DECISIONS : THE ROLE OF MATH ANXIETY AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN RECURRING PAYMENTS
No full textThesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Business Administration-Marketing-Doctor of Philosophy, 2025Inherent to consumers\u2019 purchasing behavior are decisions about how (and when) to pay. Marketing scholars have sought to understand these decisions through a variety of lenses so far including financial well-being, risk perceptions, numerical ability, and promotion preferences. This dissertation presents two essays aimed at addressing questions of emotions and feelings in payment decisions, specifically in the context of recurring payments. The first essay considers the effect of math anxiety on consumers\u2019 preferences toward periodic payment formats. It demonstrates that highly math anxious consumers prefer low-magnitude/high-frequency payments (versus high-magnitude/low-frequency payments), even when this choice requires paying more in the long run. Payment threat is shown as the underlying mechanism, while a practical boundary intervention is also tested. The second essay explores gender differences in loan repayments. It shows that women (versus men) are more likely to choose longer loan terms with lower recurrent payments. It also demonstrates the role of financial (in)security feelings as a mediator. The findings from both essays should be influential for researchers and practitioners alike. Theoretically, this research contributes to the literature in emotions and payment decisions by offering novel antecedents and mechanisms, along with new contexts for the areas of gender differences and affective information. Practically, this research demonstrates specific constructs marketers can use in their pricing, segmentation, and targeting strategies.Description based on online resource. Title from PDF t.p. (Michigan State University Fedora Repository, viewed ).Includes bibliographical references
Relative Invasion Risk and Burrowing Ecology of Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in Michigan
No full textThesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Fisheries and Wildlife - Master of Science, 2025Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are the most widespread invasive crayfish in the world. P. clarkii are of high concern due to their extensive burrowing behavior, which can damage human infrastructure through bank erosion and decrease bank stability. My research aimed to investigate how soil and environmental characteristics of pond banks relate to P. clarkii burrow density. I measured key soil characteristics and potentially influential environmental variables from July to August of 2024 at 74 sites invaded by P. clarkii in Southeast Michigan to quantify which physical properties influence variations in burrow density within a waterbody and across multiple waterbodies. Calculated burrow density was based on surveys conducted during the 2023 and 2024 field seasons and ranged from 0 to 8.42 burrows per square meter across sample sites and targeted waterbodies. I found that P. clarkii burrow density is positively correlated with fine substrate and organic matter, and is also influenced by other soil characteristics and waterbody-wide factors. By identifying increased fine sediment and high organic matter as soil characteristics in increased burrow density areas, proposed habitat manipulation efforts can avoid these conditions as a preventative management strategy against P. clarkii burrowing. To further assist managers, I developed a risk assessment model to determine the relative risk of P. clarkii introduction across Michigan. I calculated the relative introduction risk within catchments across the state using presumed introduction vectors. I found that suburban Detroit has the highest risk for P. clarkii introduction, and other urban areas like Grand Rapids and Lansing are at moderate risk. By identifying these high-risk areas, managers can conduct targeted surveillance efforts with an aim to detect any future invasions quickly and implement removal strategies at an earlier stage of invasion.Description based on online resource. Title from PDF t.p. (Michigan State University Fedora Repository, viewed ).Includes bibliographical references
A BLACK RURALITY OF EDUCATION : THE INTERSECTIONS OF STORY, LIFE, AND EDUCATION IN A BLACK RURAL SCHOOL COMMUNITY
No full textThesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education - Doctor of Philosophy, 2025This dissertation examines the intersections of race, place, and education within a Black rural school community in the Mississippi Delta, challenging dominant narratives that render rural Black life invisible or placeless. Drawing on the conceptual frameworks of Black geographies (McKittrick, 2006), Black rurality (Baker & Howard, 2024), and Black livingness (McKittrick, 2021; Quashie, 2021), the study explores how community members\u2019 knowledges, practices, and stories shape a distinctly Black sense of place. The research is situated in a historically Black rural community, pseudonymously named Rock of Waters, and utilizes a critical qualitative design that incorporates composite counter-storytelling and narrative visual analysis to illuminate the lived geographies of Black educational and communal life. Through an analysis of community narratives and photographs, this dissertation articulates how memory, embodiment, and spatial practices cultivate placefulness\u2014an intimate, generational connection to land, people, and identity. The counter-stories presented challenge the framing of Black rural communities as \u201cnowhere\u201d and assert instead that these are profoundly placeful sites of survival, resistance, and joy. This work contributes to rural education research by centering Black communities as agents of educational and spatial transformation. It asserts that education in Black rural school communities is not merely formal instruction, but an intergenerational practice of liberation, care, and rootedness. By conceptualizing Black rural placefulness, this dissertation offers a spatial framework for understanding Black life as geographically meaningful and pedagogically powerful, recasting rural Black communities as vital to both educational justice and geographic scholarship (Azano & Means, 2022).Description based on online resource. Title from PDF t.p. (Michigan State University Fedora Repository, viewed ).Includes bibliographical references