12230 research outputs found
Sort by
A Quasi-experimental Study on the Effectiveness of Neurofeedback on Anxiety, Supervisory Working Alliance, and Supervisory Nondisclosure of Counselors in Training
No full textAnxiety among counselors has been shown to hinder the supervisory relationship. High rates of counselor anxiety are correlated with decreased supervisory working alliance (SWA) and increased supervisory nondisclosure (SND). Current research on strategies to address counselor anxiety include, but are not limited to, mindfulness and biofeedback; two interventions that support decrease of sympathetic activation through mindful awareness. The results of these studies are mixed, and anxiety continues to be reported at high rates among counselors in training (CIT). Neurofeedback, another technique with the goal of developing mindful awareness to decrease sympathetic activation, has been shown to support to decrease anxiety among healthcare workers. However, there are no known studies assessing the effectiveness of neurofeedback on the development of CITs. This quasi-experimental study addresses this gap in current literature. The participants of this study included 20 CITs; 10 in the intervention group (receiving 8 neurofeedback sessions), and 10 in the control group (no neurofeedback). The findings revealed a decrease in anxiety and SND, as well as an increase in SWA among the intervention group participants. The results of this study identify neurofeedback as a strategy for supervisors and counselor educators to support the development of CITs. Furthermore, this strategy also supports developing CIT familiarity with neuro-counseling practices
The Cultivation and Integration of Cultural Humility and Cultural Competence in LGBTIQ+ Client Work: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Approach
Get PDFPrevious researchers have highlighted the lack of consistency and standards in LGBTIQ+ cultural competence trainings which may cause negative therapy experiences for LGBTIQ+ clients. This research empirically explored counselors’ (n = 12) process of the cultivation and integration of LGBTIQ+ cultural competence and cultural humility to inform training which leads to better services for LGBTIQ+ clients through constructivist grounded theory method. The theory of the life-long cultivation and integration of LGBTIQ+CC and cultural humility emerged with five categories: (1) motivation to do right by queer clients, (2) cultivating the right soil for queer folks, (3) walking the walk to integrate knowledge into practice, (4) the multifaceted application of LGBTIQ+CC and cultural humility, and (5) hardship, maintenance and self-care. The emerging theory offers a clear and organized blueprint for the process of cultivation, integration, and application of LGBTIQ+ cultural competence and cultural humility. The result of this study informs the training and practice towards betterment of counseling service for LGBTIQ+ clients and community
Implementation of Quantitative Blood Loss Following Cesarean Section Birth
Get PDFProblems: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a significant problem due to potential harm and is a main contributor to maternal morbidity (ACOG, 2019). According to ACOG, of maternal deaths in the United States, 11% are caused by PPH and 54-93% of the deaths related to PPH could be prevented (ACOG, 2019). When institutions adopt quantitative blood loss (QBL) protocols for improved accuracy in blood measurement, PPH can be identified sooner, allowing for earlier intervention. Inaccurate estimation of obstetric blood loss by health care providers is a primary cause of delayed staff response to PPH (ACOG, 2019).
Methods: This quality improvement (QI) project used a descriptive, observational design. A pre-post-test design was used to assess documentation of cesarean birth PPH, QBL documentation, and demographic data among female patients undergoing cesarean section between February and April of 2024. The setting was a Midwestern, suburban hospital. The labor and delivery unit performs approximately 3,400 deliveries yearly and 1,200 of those are cesarean sections. A convenience sample of women ages 18 to 49 years old undergoing cesarean birth was used.
Results: In the pre-intervention group, 40 of 283 patients were found to experience PPH. In the post-intervention group, 62 of 330 patients were found to experience PPH. The rate of detectable PPHs increased from 14.13% in the pre-intervention group to 18.79% in the post-intervention group. Compliance with QBL documentation improved by 59.39% in the post-intervention group. The Chi-square test was not significant based on an alpha value of .05, χ2(1) = 0.29, p = .592, suggesting that PPH in the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups could be independent of one another.
Implications: This QI project did not detect a statistically significant difference in PPH recognition in the pre- versus the post-intervention group. However, QBL remains the more accurate way of measuring blood loss after birth, and this may be supported by the data which showed a 4.66% increase in identified hemorrhage before and after implementation of QBL. This information indicates a clinically significant increase in identified hemorrhages following the intervention
Increasing Rates of Advance Directives in Primary Care
Get PDFAbstract Problem: Advance directives (ADs) are legal documents which outline one’s medical wishes if they are unable to make such decisions for themselves. ADs have been shown to reduce cost and improve quality-of-life (Starr et al., 2019), (Wright et al., 2008). Only 1/3 of adults in the United States have a completed advance directive (AD) or living will (Yadav et al., 2017). However, 90% of Americans feel it is important to have conversations about end of life, but only 30% have had this conversation (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2020). The Five Wishes document addresses decisions at end of life and has been shown to be more readable, understandable, and appealing when compared to similar documents
Methods: This quality improvement project selected patients aged 45-100 medical decision-making capacity without a completed AD. These patients participated in an advance care planning (ACP) conversation with their provider and were given the Five Wishes document. Patients were instructed to return to their next visit with the completed document. AD completion rates were compared through a retrospective chart review and compared to data pre-intervention.
Results: Following this QI project, the total number of patients included in this study was 20 (n=20). Ten patients were included in the control group and ten patients were included in the intervention group. This study did not show an increase in AD completion.
Conclusion: The Five Wishes document was not shown to increased AD completion in this population. However, this study did show that patients are receptive and interested in participating in advance care planning conversations.
Disclosures: This work was supported by a grant provided by the Aging with Dignity organization who provided the Five Wishes booklets which were utilized in this project
Cyclization of Diols Using Ferrocenium Cations & Other Iron-Based Catalysts
Get PDFOur research involves the study and improvement of iron-based catalysts. The Bauer group has recently found that the ferrocenium cation, along with other iron-based compounds, are catalytically active in the cyclization of various diols to obtain five-membered tetrahydrofuran derivatives. My research involved comparing the effect of 2 different counter-anions of the ferrocenium cation along with 2 other iron-based catalysts that were previously synthesized in the Bauer lab for their catalytic activity in the title reaction. Cyclization test reactions were performed by reacting three different types of diols with each of four different iron catalysts. The three diols used were 4-methyl-1-phenyl-1,4-pentanediol (I), 4-butyl-1-phenyl-1,4-octanediol (II) and 1,4,4-phenyl-1,4-butanediol (III). The four catalysts used were ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate (IV), ferrocenium tetrafluoroborate (V), [FeCl3(NNN)] (VI) (where NNN is a tridentate, nitrogen-based ligand) and [Fe(PA)2(OTf)2] (VII) (where PA is a picoyl acid derivative).
In each reaction, one of the three diols and one of the four catalysts were combined and heated at 45 °C using CH2Cl2 as a solvent. Reactions were stirred for 72 hours and catalysts were added at 10% catalytic load. The complexes were analyzed using 1H NMR and analyzed to see if cyclization occurred. Cyclization was observed for each of the diols with use of these catalysts. This research assists with increasing the efficiency of iron-based catalyst systems in the title reaction, which saves time, energy and resources for potential industrial applications
Puf Protein-Mediated Regulation of mRNAs from Yeast to Humans, and Characterization of a Dopaminergic SH-SY5Y Cell Model
No full textModulation of gene expression is essential for adapting cellular processes in response to external and internal cues. The Puf family of RNA binding proteins are critical post-transcriptional regulators of mRNA stability in eukaryotes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Puf3p is known to regulate nuclear-encoded mRNAs involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function in a carbon condition-specific manner. The first project of this dissertation investigates the mechanism of this regulation, with the findings providing evidence for a model whereby Yak1p interaction with Puf3p is carbon condition-dependent, which modulates Yak1p’s proximity to the Puf3p-bound mRNA and thus its ability to phosphorylate Pop2p in the vicinity. Consequently, phosphorylation of the decay factor Pop2p influences its ability to interact with Puf3p, resulting in altered Puf3p target stability in a carbon condition-dependent manner. Puf proteins are also known to regulate neuronal development and function. Recently, human Puf proteins PUM1/2 were confirmed as post-transcriptional regulators of two Parkinson’s disease-implicated genes. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that targets dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta. SH-SY5Y cells are a human neuronal-like cell line that is commonly used as an in vitro model for Parkinson’s disease-related work. This cell line is primarily employed in its undifferentiated cell state, representative of immature neuronal-like cells. However, chemical agents can induce SH-SY5Y cell differentiation to a more mature cell state and influence the neuronal identity of the cells. The research presented in this dissertation’s second project expands understanding of the molecular phenotype of RA/TPA-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and highlights transcriptomic changes that support the use of RA/TPA differentiation to generate a more mature dopaminergic-like SH-SY5Y model for Parkinson’s disease-related research. Finally, to examine the complexity of PUM1/2 regulation in human neurons and across neuronal differentiation, the last project in this dissertation knocks down PUM1/2 to globally explore the cellular functions that are indirectly and directly regulated by PUM1/2 in undifferentiated and RA/TPA-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. The role of RNA binding proteins has recently become a focus of interest in neurodegenerative disease research. This work contributes to this focus by supporting a role for PUM1/2 in multiple cellular processes and pathways implicated in Parkinson’s disease
Ugly and Wicked - A Fairy Tale Collection
No full textThis collection of nineteen stories is comprised of mostly fairy tale retellings, as well as retellings of Greek myth, classic literature, and nursery rhymes. It focuses on reimagining these source stories from the perspectives of women and girls, and attempts to give these characters more agency and nuance than they may have received in past versions and interpretations. For example, the title story “Ugly and Wicked” is an exploration of the Grimms’ version of Cinderella from the perspective of one of Cinderella’s stepsisters. Thematically, Ugly and Wicked explores feminism, female queerness, the power of names, and the power of storytelling.
Note: This thesis is under a author requested embargo until 2224, after which it will become available in accordance with end of expected copyright protection. This embargo year is intentional and not an error
Under The Surface of Perfectionism: A Qualitative Examination of Perfectionism in Women Leaders
Get PDFThis qualitative study explores the manifestations and management of perfectionism among women leaders, framed through the lens of conservation of resources (COR) theory. By examining the experiences of women across various industries, the research highlights how perfectionism can act both as a strength and a challenge, depending on resource availability and self-awareness. The findings emphasize the compounded pressures faced by women, particularly women of color, and the significant role of self-awareness, coping mechanisms and mitigation techniques. Participants revealed how resource depletion may contribute to heightened perfectionistic tendencies, which subsequently may impact career outcomes. Self-awareness emerged as a moderating factor that, when present, can help mitigate negative career impacts. Practical implications emphasize the need for tailored mentorship, organizational awareness, and leadership training to support women leaders in balancing perfectionism with well-being and balanced leadership. When managed well, perfectionism is a driver of career progression and may be a unique organizational asset
The Future of Physical Education and How Instructional Technology is Pivotal in Curriculum Design and Learner-Centered Instruction
Get PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered K-12 education, compelling physical education (PE) instructors to adapt swiftly to remote teaching. This dissertation explores the integration of instructional technology among Missouri PE teachers, analyzing practices before, during, and after the pandemic. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, the study surveyed 106 educators and conducted 12 in-depth interviews, revealing widespread use of technologies such as heart rate monitors, fitness apps, and platforms like Google Classroom.
Findings highlight that school climate, access to resources, and teacher training are pivotal in technology adoption. Veteran teachers demonstrated greater proficiency with advanced tools, while novices showed adaptability but required foundational support. Technology use positively impacted student engagement and activity levels, transforming PE instruction into a more interactive experience.
This study underscores the need for ongoing professional development and equitable resource distribution to sustain effective technology integration in PE. The findings offer valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and curriculum developers aiming to enhance PE through innovative digital tools
An Egalitarian Approach to Explanations in Mental Disorders
Get PDFExplanations of mental disorders come from a wide array of disciplines and epistemologies. How we conceive of and order these explanations has great importance for agency. Yet, psychiatry as a discipline has long suffered from the assumption that these explanations are multi-level. That is, some lower-level mechanism (i.e. neurobiology) constrains the information produced at a higher-level behavior. I argue that this approach is unsatisfying, and offer a new perspective: the egalitarian approach to mental disorders. The egalitarian model of mental disorders is non-hierarchical, dynamic, and cross-cultural. The paper begins by highlighting an inherent feature of psychiatry which I coin the hard-problem of psychiatry. I review ways in which multi-level approaches fail to account for this problem, and show how the egalitarian model accepts it. I conclude by addressing ways in which my model accounts for recent calls for nuance about agency in mental disorders