University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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Constructing gender with a bag of sand, two swords, and some rocks : trans mutable embodiment in The Sandman, The Witcher, and Broken Earth
Full text linkDue to the limits of Euro-American conceptions of gender, bodies are seen as static representations of a person’s interiority. Attempts to change one’s physical form, as in the case of gender-affirming medical care, have been met with increasing resistance in the political structures of the United States and the United Kingdom. Even the most common pro-trans narrative, of someone “born in the wrong body” perpetuates notions of interiority and exteriority that must sometimes be made to match but are otherwise fixed. Speculative creative works such as the Broken Earth trilogy, The Sandman, and The Witcher, however, present realities in which interiority and exteriority are fluid and dynamic, and mutable bodies are naturalized (whether or not those mutations occur through ‘natural’ means). Using a trans analytic, this project interrogates the racialized and (dis)abled dynamics of trans mutable embodiment to explore the limitations of medicalized and social transition and the possibilities of other kinds of being-in- the-world that rely on intersubjectivity rather than individuation
Online resources for lesson planning : perspectives of students, faculty, and teachers
Full text linkThe growth of online resources for lesson planning in education is becoming readily apparent, however, there is not much information about whether these resources are used in early childhood educational contexts. This exploratory mixed-methods study sought insight on preservice teachers, faculty, and current in-service teachers' perspectives regarding the use of online resources for lesson planning. Preservice teachers in a Birth to Kindergarten practicum course completed a survey. Preservice teachers and faculty from the same university and inservice teachers from a private childcare center were interviewed about this topic. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and interview data used an inductive thematic analysis approach. Survey data showed that the majority of preservice teachers reported using online resources from a variety of sources, support from their teacher preparation program is important, preservice teachers have confidence in evaluating online resources, and will use online resources for lesson planning in the future. Findings from the interview data revealed six main themes. Preservice teachers, faculty, and in-service teachers had two main themes each, in addition to subthemes that will be discussed. From these perspectives, early childhood educators and teacher preparation programs could begin thinking about ways to discuss and evaluate online resources for lesson planning that supports preservice teachers and teachers’ professional development
Mechanical evaluation of various geometrical designs in additive manufacturing for future knee brace harness
Full text linkAdditive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, revolutionizes the realization of computer-aided designs (CAD) by layer-by-layer printing of prototypes or objects, emulating traditional modeling techniques. Also, according to ASTM standards, additively manufactured prototypes using plastics must undergo the tensile strength testing using the ASTM D638 - 14 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics. The objective was to fabricate and analyze the effects of different geometries on the mechanical properties of the produced meshes. I also determined the differences in mechanical properties when it comes to materials used in printing. Three different geometries (simple grid with holes, hexagonal grid, and zig-zag patterns) were printed using five different photopolymer resin types, and their tensile modulus (Young’s Modulus, YM, of Elasticity) and tensile strength were examined using a mechanical strength analyzer. Simple grid with holes (Mean YM ˜ 1.255 MPa) showed higher strength whilst the hexagonal grid pattern showed the least strength mechanically (Mean YM ˜ 0.346 MPa) Translucent photopolymer resin with average YM of 0.0.231 MPa had the highest level of flexibility but less strength. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how geometric design and resin characteristics impact the mechanical performance of 3D-printed prototypes. By showing these relationships, this study provides valuable insights for optimizing material selection and geometric design to meet specific application needs, ultimately advancing the field of additive manufacturing
Mejante locas [semejante locas]
Full text linkI'm making a conscious effort to disregard what should be expected of me. Saving face at the expense of myself and in fear of what others may see or say. My exhibition is a declaration of my own narrative and my expression of acceptance as a queer and quirky effeminate boy. Through the language of painting, music, crochet, and costuming, I am taking control of my own story and alleviating the hard-to-talk-about topics of being an individual with multifaceted identities in a world that is not all that accepting. Through color, play, love, and clowning, I can show what I'm really feeling without the use of difficult-to-source wording and academic jargon. I honor myself and my culture by being unapologetically authentic. I hope that authenticity resonates with others who unapologetically stand by their truth and power. My show is for those who may be outcast, othered, or weird; for people who seek visibility and love. For those that get it and for those that don't, I hope the message will resonate with all. What a lovely idea it is to be a person. To dance among others and to participate in the choir. Not to stand in the shadows and wait their turn
Framing protests in Peru : the resistance to terruqueo on Twitter during Dina Boluarte’s presidency, 2022-2023
Full text linkThis thesis investigates how everyday people responded to the frames deployed by Peruvian elites during the protests against Dina Boluarte’s presidency at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023, with a particular focus on the reaction to terruqueo. This frame, utilized by economic and political elites, government agents and mass media, aims to demobilize, criminalize, and delegitimize protests by invoking the collective memory of the Peruvian internal warfare (1980-2000) to portrait protesters as violent. Through the analysis of Twitter replies to posts from the accounts of congressmen, La Republica and El Comercio newspapers, and government agencies, the content analysis reveals that terruqueo functioned as a counterframe, an official frame and a media frame during the protests. In that sense, everyday people resisted to terruqueo in two ways: by drawing upon elements of collective memory to redirect blame towards politicians, media and government agents; and by questioning the broader use of the frame, including its inconsistencies and efficacy in demobilizing people. The finding of this study suggests a more dynamic outlook on social mobilization in Peru highlighting the agency of everyday people in challenging elites’ narratives
Preventing Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity Associated with Liposomal Bupivacaine Use
Full text linkBackground: Local anesthetic administration has become an integral part of pain management in the perioperative setting. However, all local anesthetics have the potential for causing local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), a condition that may result in patient morbidity and mortality. Novel formulations of local anesthetics, such as long-acting liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel?), have the potential to cause or contribute to LAST development over 96 hours past administration. Anesthesia providers must be vigilant about the risks of administration of additional local anesthetics when a patient has received Exparel?. Purpose: To reduce the incidence of accidental LAST in patients treated with Exparel? at a southeastern urban hospital. Methods: Anesthesia providers at the study hospital received an educational presentation reviewing Exparel?’s pharmacology, LAST signs/symptoms, and LAST treatment. Results: Twenty-five (n = 25) anesthesia providers participated in a pre- and post-educational presentation test, with a statistically significant rise in test scores. Despite a measurable increase in provider knowledge regarding the risks and consequences of administration of additional local anesthetics following Exparel? administration, this did not result in a decrease in the administration of local anesthetics with Exparel?. Conclusion and Recommendations: Anesthesia providers should remain ever vigilant of LAST risks and an educational session about Exparel? and LAST can help providers review best practices in prevention and treatment. The implementation of an intraoperative alert in the electronic medical record to notify anesthesia providers of the prior administration of Exparel? could further reduce the incidence of local anesthetic administration during the period of increased risk of LAST. Further studies investigating Exparel? and other local anesthetic use should be conducted to advance our knowledge on their use and toxicities
Pluvial flooding and flood rescues in Rowan County, NC : an analysis of 9-1-1 call data for years 2011 - 2021
Full text linkFlooding is the most widespread and costly natural disaster worldwide. The effects of climate change and development are expected to significantly increase losses of life and property due to flooding over the next century. While coastal and riverine flooding are well understood and their attendant flood risk zones mapped, flash flooding events in urban areas are not as well understood or mapped. In the years 2018 and 2020, Rowan County Emergency Services responded to record numbers of flood rescue calls due to pluvial flooding. This paper examines 9-1-1 call data in Rowan County from 2011 through 2021. Patterns in call frequency, spatial distribution, meteorological conditions, and changes in land use patterns were analyzed to better understand the evolving nature of flood rescue calls in Rowan County in hopes of building community resilience and sustainability. A combination of record rainfall events and clearing of land for development were found to have contributed to the increase in call volume for flood rescues. The spatial distribution of calls was found to be much more dispersed in the later portion of the study period than observed in the earlier portion of the study. Additionally, the length of time from the when the first call was received to when the last call came in was longer in the later portions of the study. Greater rainfall increased impervious surface, and decreased evapotranspiration capacity may have contributed to flooding events that stretched over two and three days in the later portions of the study period
Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring: The Safest Practice
Full text linkBackground: The administration of neuromuscular blocking drugs often accompanies general anesthesia. Subjective neuromuscular monitoring techniques do not consistently detect residual neuromuscular blockade before tracheal extubation. The current recommendation is to achieve a train-of-four ratio (TOFr) of at least 0.9 before tracheal extubation. This can only be accomplished by using quantitative neuromuscular monitoring (QNM). Patients are at an increased risk of respiratory complications and increased length of stay in the PACU when QNM is not used. Methods: This DNP project was a quality improvement (QI) initiative to increase the usage of QNM and improve patient outcomes. A pre-intervention survey was administered to the staff before an educational intervention on the usage of QNM. One month later, a post-intervention survey was given to the staff. Knowledge, comfort level, perceptions, and barriers were measured with the surveys. De-identified patient chart reviews were also analyzed to evaluate patient outcomes. Results: A two-sample t-test compared pre-intervention PACU times to the post-intervention PACU times. There was no significant difference in PACU times between the two groups (p=0.81). Survey results did not reveal significant changes in knowledge, comfort level, or perceptions of QNM when comparing pre/post-survey responses. However, there was a significant increase in CRNAs who acknowledged existing barriers to using QNM after the intervention (pre-intervention - 46%; post-intervention - 69%). Conclusion: QNM is effective in preventing the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade which decreases the risk of respiratory complications postoperatively. However, barriers such as time constraints and surgical positioning prevent CRNAs at the site from routinely using QNM to monitor neuromuscular blockade
A Patient or Baton? Implementation of a Standardized Report Sheet in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit
Full text linkAnesthesia Provider to post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse handoff is a critical process for the safe transfer of care for a surgical patient. This process can be fraught with distractions, errors and omissions which jeopardize patient safety. Gaps within this process are due to an absence of clear communication (Gibney, 2017), which have resulted in sentinel events (Aronson et al., 2021) and errors (Rosenthal et al., 2018). Failures in communication have been primarily attributed to the handoff reporting procedure. The use of a standardized reporting process reduces errors and decreases the amount of time required for patient handoff to occur (Streelman & Staffileno, 2021; Briggs et al., 2022). Transfers of patient care often occur at a time that results in failures of communication. Errors can be compounded by verbal communication and a lack of standardization increases these chances significantly (Aronson et al., 2021). The timing of anesthesia provider to PACU nurse transfer, however, presents unique challenges. The anesthesia provider often has a subsequent case to prepare for, while the receiving PACU nurse may have other patient responsibilities and minimal preparation time in advance of receiving the patient. Upon transfer from the operating room (OR) to the PACU, a patient receives a new team of providers who assume the responsibility of providing safe and efficient care. The PACU nurse and anesthesia provider encounter environmental distractions, and potential human error when giving or receiving handoff report (Lambert, 2018; Steelman & Staffileno, 2021).The use of a standardized handoff process increases staff satisfaction, improves handoff efficiency, and improves provider satisfaction (Steelman & Staffileno, 2021; Arson et al., 2021; Gates, 2021). The use of a standardized handoff process also complies with recommendations from The Joint Commission (Gates, 2021).Patient safety is compromised when a standardized report sheet is not utilized (Arson et al., 2021). Despite the benefits of technology in healthcare and the Joint Commission’s recommendation for the use of a patient handoff tool during report, (Gates et al., 2021) standardized report sheets remain underutilized (Aronson et al., 2021). In using a standardized reporting process, adherence to the Joint Commission’s recommendations can be achieved, anesthesia provider satisfaction can be increased, and the amount of time for the patient to be transitioned to the PACU is reduced (Streelman & Staffileno, 2021; Briggs et al., 2022; Gates et al., 2021). Lastly, even PACU staff express that gaps exist between periods of patient transition (Gibney, 2017). Thus, the need for implementation of a standardized anesthesia provider to PACU nurse handoff template is now
Student engagement, student wellness, and sense of belonging: Race and gender differences
Full text linkStudent engagement operates as a mediator between supportive school environments and academic achievement. The developing interest in student engagement and its relation to students’ feelings of congruences with their academic success and wellbeing has become a focal point to enhance learning and teaching. Understanding the various factors that determine students’ degrees of engagement is pivotal in order to address the best practices to increase academic achievement. Student factors related to academic engagement have been identified as key components that are related to the effectiveness of student academic engagement. In addition to these factors, there are individual student variables that also have an influence on academic engagement. Individual students' variables such as gender, ethnicity and student wellness have been found to have an impact on their academic engagement. The association between teacher support and student engagement is possibly different for boys and girls. Females indicate more engagement than boys due to the types of activities provided and content being more feminine. In addition, research has found that minority students are at times alienated from the classroom due to the differences between patterns of home and school interaction, impacting their ability to be engaged and perform well academically. Lastly, research has found that integrating mental health supports and services in the school setting is an effective delivery system for student wellbeing. The focus of this research is to examine one aspect of student wellness which is sense of belonging and how it differs based on gender and ethnicity. In addition, this research will look at how this area of sense of belonging is related to other areas of student well-being