MSU Libraries Digital Repository (Michigan State University)
Not a member yet
106711 research outputs found
Sort by
IMPACT OF EQUIVALENT AXLE LOADING FREQUENCIES ON CRITICAL STRAINS AND DISTRESS PREDICTIONS IN ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENTS
No full textThesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Civil Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy, 2024Accurately predicting strain responses under axle loadings is crucial for the design of flexible pavements using the mechanistic-empirical approach, especially within the prevalent Pavement ME methodology. These strains are directly used in pavement damage calculation and predicting distresses. The stiffness of the top layer of flexible pavement, asphalt concrete (AC), is influenced by both loading frequency and temperature due to its viscoelastic nature. Typically, the mechanistic behavior of AC is characterized by the dynamic modulus (E*) master curve, derived from laboratory tests under uniaxial sinusoidal loadings. While a full dynamic viscoelastic analysis can precisely predict critical strains, it is computationally demanding. Consequently, Pavement ME employs a layered linear-elastic analysis, relying on the concept of "equivalent loading frequency" to determine the elastic modulus of the AC layer under specific axle loadings. However, this method has limitations in accurately predicting critical strains within the AC layer.This thesis introduces two novel frequency calculation methods: the "centroid of PSD" and the "equivalent frequency." The former computes frequency based on the weighted center of Power Spectral Density (PSD) of vertical stress pulses induced by axle loadings, while the latter iteratively adjusts frequency until it matches strains computed by dynamic viscoelastic analysis under moving loads. The accuracy of these methods, alongside the Pavement ME method, is evaluated against dynamic viscoelastic analysis results under moving loads. Findings reveal that while Pavement ME underestimates surface strains, it provides reasonable predictions with increasing depth for single and multiple axle configurations. Differences in loading frequencies between axle configurations are highlighted, and a correction method based on pulse width and equivalent frequency is proposed. Finally, both the original and corrected frequencies are implemented in MEAPA software to predict long-term pavement distress for real projects in Michigan. The results show that the difference between bottom-up fatigue cracking predicted by the original and corrected Pavement ME frequencies is negligible. The corrected frequency yields higher rutting predictions compared to the original Pavement ME method, ranging from approximately 15% to over 20% for AC rutting and 5% to 10% for total rutting, depending on pavement structures and traffic volumes.Description based on online resource. Title from PDF t.p. (Michigan State University Fedora Repository, viewed ).Includes bibliographical references
The newsletter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England, Inc. (2024 March/April)
No full text
Improving stroke care with depression screening
Get PDFStroke and depression are two of the leading causes of death and disability, with post-stroke depression being the result. Post-stroke depression can lead to increased stay length, decreased rehabilitation engagement, increased morbidity, and decreased quality of life. Depression screening is a critical component of post-stroke care, as it enables the identification and intervention of depressive symptoms among stroke patients. This evidence-based project's purpose is to enhance stroke care through depression screening and raising awareness of depression among patients who have suffered a stroke. The project was implemented in a neurological unit at a midwestern trauma 2 Hospital, on a 34-bed unit. All patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cerebrovascular accident with a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of four or greater were included in post-stroke depression screening. A comparison before and after nursing education will be measured, which will include (Patient Health Questionnaire) PHQ-9 screening of patients who survived a stroke with an NIHSS score of four or greater, patients with a PHQ-9 score, and referrals to the Neurology clinic, percentage of nursing staff on unit who completed education, and documentation of patient education about depression.Thesis (D.N.P.)--Michigan State University. Clinical nurse specialist, 2024Includes bibliographical references (pages 23-26
Improving enrollment in outpatient group therapy at a federally qualified health center : a quality improvement project
Get PDFBackground: An increase in demand for psychotherapy and a mental health provider shortage have created limited access to psychotherapy services. Group therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy modality that improves access to psychotherapy but is often underutilized. Local Problem: An FQHC in Battle Creek, Michigan attempted to initiate a group therapy program to improve access to psychotherapy and provide the benefits of group therapy. The program was unsuccessful due to low enrollment. Methods: This evidence-based quality improvement project aims to increase enrollment in a group therapy program at an FQHC by structuring the enrollment process using evidence synthesized in a literature review. The enrollment process was implemented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework. The outcomes were evaluated based on the referrals received, the number of patients enrolled in group therapy, and patient feedback during the enrollment process. Interventions: Implementation of a structured enrollment process included written education for referring providers, educational flyers for patients, referral screening, verbal education for patients, and pre-screening/pre-training sessions provided by a therapist. Results: Enrollment in group therapy increased by 50% and was maintained throughout the sessions, sustaining the program. With the implementation of the interventions, the enrollment rate of patients meeting minimum criteria increased from 8% to about 21%. Conclusions: A structured group therapy enrollment process that increases appropriate referrals, addresses attitudes towards group therapy, ensures appropriate patient selection, and provides pre-screening/pre-training sessions may improve enrollment in group therapy.Thesis (D.N.P.)--Michigan State University. Psychiatric mental health practitioner, 2024Includes bibliographical references (pages 40-45
Identification and treatment of opioid use disorder in the emergency department
Get PDFBackground: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a common comorbidity in emergency department (ED) settings. This study aimed to introduce a standard of care that incorporates medication-assisted treatment and facilitates referrals for continuous therapy among individuals with OUD seeking assistance in the ED. Methods: A search was conducted on the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) (62), PsycINFO (20), and PubMed (49) using keywords in the title "ED" or "emergency room" and "OUD" with other keywords of treatment, intervention, therapy, or management. The project involved developing, implementing, and assessing a new OUD treatment standard and incorporating an interdisciplinary team approach to ensure precision and triumph. Results: Implementing the OUD care standard in the ED successfully increased access to treatment and improved patient outcomes. The findings of this project have significant implications for future practice and research on the treatment of OUD in emergency department settings. Conclusions: This project provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of introducing a Standard of Care for treating OUD in EDs. By emphasizing the importance of early intervention, evidence-based treatment, and comprehensive staff training, the project offers a roadmap for enhancing OUD management practices in emergency healthcare settings.Thesis (D.N.P.)--Michigan State University. Clinical nurse specialist, 2024Includes bibliographical references (pages 33-37
Improving pediatric oral health in children under five with fluoride varnish application : an evidence-based practice project
Get PDFPurpose: The United States Preventive Services Task Force has described dental caries as being the leading chronic disease in children in the US. The purpose of this project is to introduce preventative pediatric fluoride varnish in a family practice setting. Analysis and Synthesis of Support: Recommendations expressed in the literature included the following: proper education for providers, frequent clinical reminders, and education for patients and families. Project Implementation: The evidence-based practice project was implemented in a low-income safety net family practice during a three-month period. Primary care providers and medical staff were educated on the workflow and given resources by doctoral students throughout the implementation phase. Evaluation Criteria: Progress of the implementation was measured by compliance with proper documentation of oral health assessment and billed diagnostic and procedural codes. Outcomes: After twelve weeks, 61.9% of children ages 12, 18, 24 and 30 months had documentation of fluoride varnish application. This met the project's initial goal of 50% of children receiving preventative fluoride varnish application. Recommendations: This project showed feasibility and sustainability within the family practice setting. Sustainability of implementation was displayed through buy-in from providers, medical and dental office staff and through financial reimbursement for fluoride varnish application. Based on the outcomes of the project it is recommended that a larger sample size be considered. Limitations included parental buy-in and lack of knowledge regarding fluoride varnish application.Thesis (D.N.P.)--Michigan State University. Family nurse practitioner, 2024Includes bibliographical references (pags 22-25
CELL ENVELOPE REGULATORY TWO-COMPONENT SYSTEMS IN BRUCELLA OVIS
No full textThesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Microbiology and Molecular Genetics - Doctor of Philosophy, 2024The bacterial cell envelope is a multi-layered structure that serves as a barrier between the interior of cells and the exterior environment. Accordingly, the envelope protects the cells from different physical and chemical stressors in the environment. Two-component signal transduction systems (TCS) are a common regulatory mechanism that bacteria use to control expression of genes that determine the cell envelope structure and function. A typical TCS consist of a histidine kinase that can sense certain signals from the environment and a response regulator that can bind to DNA and regulate gene expression. To identify TCS genes that are important for cell envelope regulation in the intracellular ovine pathogen, Brucella ovis, I generated a library of TCS mutants where I made in-frame deletions of all non-essential TCS genes and subjected the mutant library to several cell envelope stressors. Through this initial screen, I identified 9 TCS genes that are important for different aspects of cell envelope regulation. Three of these TCS genes had similar phenotypes on all stress conditions tested. Through genetic, biochemical, and multi-omics analyses, I determined that CenR, a known cell envelope regulator, and EssR-EssS, a previously uncharacterized TCS pair, function in the same pathway and depend on one another for function and protein stability to regulate cell envelope integrity and support B. ovis replication in the intracellular niche. The two response regulators, CenR and EssR, interact via their receiver domains. This interaction is important for the protein stability of both proteins and serves to regulate the phosphorylation of EssR by its cognate histidine kinase, EssS. This is a novel regulatory mechanism for cross-regulation between TCSs. My TCS mutant screen further revealed an uncharacterized HWE histidine kinase \u2013 BOV_1602 \u2013 that strongly impacted resistance to the detergent, SDS. Though, the cognate response regulator(s) of this kinase are unknown, RNA-seq studies and proteomic analysis of outer membrane protein fractions revealed that BOV_1602 regulates many genes with cell envelope functions and influences the outer membrane protein composition of B. ovis. I have further shown that BOV_1602 deletion influences cell shape and size. Combining genetics with proteomics, I further present evidence that genes encoding the type IV secretion system and an SPFH protein, which are commonly found in lipid rafts, are regulated by BOV_1602 in a post-transcriptional manner and that both classes of these proteins contribute to detergent resistance.Description based on online resource. Title from PDF t.p. (Michigan State University Fedora Repository, viewed ).Includes bibliographical references
Essays on the Economics of Water Scarcity
No full textThesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics - Doctor of Philosophy, 2024Understanding how to manage water scarcity effectively is critical for current and future generations, as competition for this vital resource is only expected to intensify. This dissertation explores two key aspects of water scarcity: the potential of cloud seeding as a tool to increase water availability and the decision-making processes of smallholder farmers facing water constraints.In the first chapter, I examine the economic impact of cloud seeding programs on both target and downwind areas, through a theoretical framework of welfare economics and spatial externalities. I use state-of-the-art causal inference methods to estimate the effects of 12 long-running cloud seeding projects in California on precipitation. I find that cloud seeding increases monthly precipitation totals by 57% in the target areas, with significant differences in effectiveness between projects, ranging from 30% to 140%. The additional surface water costs between 24.5 per ac-ft, depending on the project. Perhaps more importantly, I find that cloud seeding has a significant negative effect on downwind areas. I estimate an 8% decrease in monthly precipitation, generating a possible loss of 6.5 per acre-foot. I further differentiate between ground-based and aerial seeding methods, providing valuable insights into their relative effectiveness within thesame program. This underscores the importance of operational details when considering cloud seeding as a water management strategy.In the third chapter, I shift focus to agricultural decision-making in developing countries facing resource constraints. I examine the effects of agricultural extension and irrigation schemes on the joint choices of irrigation adoption and crop selection by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. I develop a theoretical framework that incorporates both profit maximization and subsistence needs. Using household survey data, I find that subsistence needs significantly influence crop choice, with farmers prioritizing crops for household consumption. While extension services encourage cash crops, they may discourage riskier options like fruits. Irrigation adoption is limited, despite its potential to mitigate rainfall variability. These findings highlight the complex decision-making processes of smallholder farmers in water-scarce environments and emphasize the need for policies that consider both food security and economic opportunities.Description based on online resource. Title from PDF t.p. (Michigan State University Fedora Repository, viewed ).Includes bibliographical references