Mayberry or myth: An ethnography of family violence in a rural Arizona community

Kerns, Ronda (Roni) DeLaO The University of Arizona 2006 해외박사(DDOD)

Family violence is a tragedy in any community. The pastoral image of a quiet home in "Mayberry" is shattered by the reality of family violence. The literature reveals that family violence is a social health issue in rural communities, however it does not provide sufficient insight into the influential contextual factors. The goal of this research was to conduct an ethnography into relevant contextual factors in rural family violence to provide researchers with information on which to base decisions, develop effective programs and interventions, and influence policy. The purpose was to better understand this social health issue within the context of a rural community and to identify influential contextual factors useful in developing a praxis theory for addressing health issues in rural communities. Specific aims were. (1) to learn from rural residents how rural context affects family and community health; (2) to deepen understanding of family violence related to rurality; and (3) to propose a theoretical model of family violence for eventual practical use in informing, assessing, and intervening with a community. Methodology. Within a paradigm of social constructivism, interviews and focus groups provided data for this ethnographic study and a scholarly description of family violence in a rural community in southeastern Arizona. Findings. An iterative process of data analysis yielded five organizing themes and an emerging praxis theory. The organizing themes were substance abuse; lack of resources; lack of understanding and awareness of family violence; family and values; and strong sense of community. The emerging theory indicates it is necessary to consider the context, physical environment, and significant relationships of a person when developing and implementing a plan of care to achieve optimal outcomes. Conclusion. A constructionist view that undergirds ethnographic methodology allows for the voice of the community to express the local realities. The juxtaposition of knowledge of nursing and this constructionist view generates meaningful descriptions and understandings of the health problem of family violence. This new knowledge can be used to work with the community to identify intervention strategies. The issues of family violence are inseparably intertwined within a community, so are the solutions.

Nursing Faculty's Experiences Teaching Clinical Judgment to Prelicensure Nursing Students: A Qualitative Study

Kerns, Carolyn The University of Alabama ProQuest Dissertations & 2023 해외박사(DDOD)

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) tests nursing graduates' clinical judgment based on the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM). Faculty are facing challenges because based on Benner's Novice to Expert conceptual model, nursing students are novices and therefore do not possess intuitive clinical judgment due to lacking clinical experience. While research has revealed insights into how clinical judgment based on analytical reasoning can be taught to nursing students, there was no research describing the experiences of nursing faculty who were teaching it. This research gap presented a problem because students are required to pass the NGN to receive nursing licensure. The purpose of this study was to explore how nursing faculty were teaching clinical judgment compared to the conceptual models of Tanner's Clinical Judgment Model (CJM) and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's CJMM (NCSBN-CJMM).Sixteen qualitative interviews were conducted with full-time nursing faculty at seven universities from the Northeast and Southeast. Semi-structured interview data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed. Participants were teaching clinical judgment in the classroom, simulation, and clinical using the Tanner CJM, the NCSBN-CJMM, Caputi's clinical judgment framework, and without a conceptual model. There was one negative case in which the participant was not teaching clinical judgment.The findings provided insights into the lack of depth, inconsistencies, and omissions in participants' pedagogy in teaching students how to think and arrive at their clinical judgments. Since the Tanner CJM and the NCSBN-CJMM are conceptual models, they were too generally constructed to provide in-depth guidance on how faculty should teach clinical judgment. The study also provided the unexpected findings of program, student, and faculty factors affecting their teaching clinical judgment.The study has implications for policy makers because faculty are teaching the application of clinical judgment in a manner to support passing the NGN without teaching students how to think deeply, for educators because they lack pedagogical knowledge which necessitates the need for professional development, and for practitioners because staff nurses and preceptors lack clinical experience and professional development in clinical judgment to teach nursing students.

Executive functioning component processes and the causes of formal thought disorder in people with schizophrenia

Kerns, John Gerald University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2001 해외박사(DDOD)

Formal thought disorder (FTD) is a common symptom of schizophrenia. In a review of previous research, FTD was associated with impaired executive functioning. Executive functioning encompasses potentially distinct storage and processing components. The goal of this research was to test whether FTD is caused by deficits in two potentially distinct components of executive functioning: context memory and interference suppression. In two studies, one with people with schizophrenia and the other an analogue study with nonpsychiatric participants, context memory predicted FTD. In addition, in both studies, the effect of a context memory deficit was particularly pronounced when combined with an interference suppression deficit. The highest levels of FTD were associated with both impaired context memory and impaired interference suppression.

The Effectiveness of an Ignition Interlock Device in Reducing Alcohol-Impaired Driving Recidivism and Alcohol-Impaired Motor Vehicle Crashes in Maryland

Kerns, Timothy James University of Maryland, Baltimore ProQuest Dissert 2017 해외박사(DDOD)

Background: Multiple studies have shown that ignition interlock devices reduce alcohol impaired driving recidivism while the device is installed on the vehicle. However, many of these studies rely on convictions and have limited follow-up after the device has been removed from the vehicle. Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the characteristics of drivers who installed an ignition interlock device after receiving an alcohol impaired driving citation and a control group that did not install the device and to determine their risk of receiving a subsequent alcohol related citation or being involved in an alcohol related crash. Methods: A Cox proportional hazard test was used to compare the risk of a subsequent citation or motor vehicle crash between the study groups. Results: The interlock group had a lower proportion of females (22.2% interlock vs 24.2% control, p<0.05), and a higher mean age (36.5 years vs 34.3 years, p<0.05). Forty-six percent of those installing an ignition interlock device had a BAC above 0.15 g/dL as compared with 25% in the control group (p<0.05). The BAC test refusal rate was higher among interlock installers (41.4% vs 33.0%, p<0.05). While the device was installed on the subject's vehicle, drivers were 22% less likely to receive an impaired driving citation as compared to the time when the device was not installed (HR=0.78; 95% CI: 0.73-0.84). After removal, the interlock group was 32% more likely to receive an impaired driving citation versus controls (HR=1.32; 95% CI: 1.22-1.42). Similar patterns were observed with respect to motor vehicle crashes. Conclusion: Drivers who have installed an ignition device on their vehicle have a lower risk of receiving a subsequent alcohol involved driving citation and of being involved in an alcohol related motor vehicle crash while the device is on the vehicle as compared to the control group. Upon removal, the risk of both citations and crashes is higher for those who had an interlock device installed. Ignition interlock devices are effective for the time they are used but should not be the only tool to prevent future events of alcohol involved driving among those previously arrested for impaired driving.

Typical and atypical anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder

Kerns, Connor Morrow Temple University 2013 해외박사(DDOD)

<bold>Objective.</bold> There is confusion regarding the presentation and correct classification of anxiety symptoms in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as comorbid anxiety disorders, core ASD symptoms or a separate syndrome. The present study examined the degree to which Diagnostic Statistical Manual-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) anxiety disorders ("typical anxiety") can be reliably distinguished from atypical presentations in ASD ("atypical anxiety"). To inform their classification, the study also assessed how these typical and atypical presentations were differentially related to child characteristics (i.e. IQ, language ability) and features of anxiety disorders (i.e., anxious self-talk) and ASDs (i.e., ASD symptomology, sensory abnormalities). <bold>Method.</bold> Youth (N = 59; 7 - 17 years; IQ > 60) diagnosed with ASD and their parents completed a semi-structured diagnostic interview (ADIS-C/P) adapted to measure both typical and atypical presentations of anxiety as well as self- and parent-report measures. <bold>Results.</bold> Seventeen percent of the sample met criteria for a typical anxiety disorder, 15% for an atypical anxiety disorder and 31% for both typical and atypical disorder variants. Whereas IQ, language ability, anxious self-talk and sensory sensitivity significantly predicted typical anxiety, atypical anxiety was significantly associated with anxious self-talk and ASD symptomology. <bold>Conclusions.</bold> Results suggest that ASD youth display two, phenomenological distinct classes of anxiety. These typical and atypical presentations likely reflect comorbid anxiety and a novel variant of anxiety, which may be missed by current, unmodified anxiety measures. How these presentations differentially respond to interventions and contribute to the range of results regarding the prevalence and presentation of anxiety in ASD warrants investigation.

Dissecting mortality components for recreational fisheries with high rates of released fish

Kerns, Janice Annette University of Florida 2013 해외박사(DDOD)

The purpose of this study was to assess the components of mortality for Florida Bass Micropterus floridanus with high rates of angler release and to evaluate the potential impact of all sources of mortality on bass populations. My first objective was to estimate the total fishing mortality through direct estimates of harvest fishing mortality and indirect estimates of mortality associated with catch-and-release fishing across a large number of lakes. My second objective was to directly estimate all components of total mortality for a single lake: (a) natural mortality, and (b) fishing mortality due to harvest, catch-and-release and tournament components. My third objective was to investigate how seasonal trends in fishing and natural mortality influence mortality estimates derived from annual tag-return data. I used a passive tag reward study spread over one management regulation area within central Florida and then utilized a combined telemetry-tag return study on Lake Santa Fe, a fishery within north central Florida. All fish were tagged with either a $5, $100, or $200 total reward amount. The last objective was met by simulating a number of mortality scenarios using both theoretical and field-based seasonal estimates. Results of this study indicated that overall average fishing mortality for Florida bass in central Florida is relatively low, but much higher fishing mortality at Lake Santa Fe. Additionally, this study found simulated seasonal fluctuations in mortality could bias fishing mortality estimates derived from annual tag-return information. This was especially true for scenarios that simulated relatively high natural mortality rates. Thus, there is a need to evaluate fishing mortality at multiple spatial and temporal scales. For some fisheries this may be easy, as mortality rates remain relatively constant over time, but others may be more difficult. Thus, I suggest a two-tiered approach with 1) periodic (e.g., 5-10 year intervals) estimation of regional fishing mortality across lakes, and 2) site-specific estimates of mortality components when fishing mortality is suspected to be high, or when evaluating management regulations.

Moving from good to great: The evolution of learning information systems in Milford School District (Delaware)

Kerns, Gene M University of Delaware 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

School reform literature is rife with references to "data-driven decision-making," but the reality is that few schools have the data they need for data-driven decision-making to be meaningful. For most schools the problem is that they only have information that is too little and too late to make any impact. Milford School District of Delaware has worked hard to overcome this problem. Over the past several years this district has continually added information systems targeted at instruction to the point that the district now has an extensive body of information on student progress which is easily accessible and virtually real-time. This paper examines the Milford School District's use of "learning information systems" to support data-driven decision-making and makes recommendations to strengthen our capacity and culture in this area. The primary focus is on learning information systems produced by Renaissance Learning, Inc. including Accelerated Reader, Accelerated Math, and StandardsMaster. I present best practice criteria for implementing and using information systems and analyze Milford School District's systems in relation to these criteria. This analysis and my recommendations are based on current literature, surveys, and interviews. Finally, this paper recommends how the district can improve the use of these information systems. These recommendations include both program-specific and broader systemic and cultural recommendations.

Biology and management of Pythium root dysfunction in North Carolina

Kerns, James Patrick North Carolina State University 2008 해외공개박사

Pythium root dysfunction (PRD) has become an important disease of creeping bentgrass putting greens in the Southeastern U.S., yet very little is known about the etiology, epidemiology, and management of this disease. Seventy-five Pythium isolates were obtained from creeping bentgrass putting greens in NC, SC, GA, and VA. Using morphological and molecular identification techniques, 59 isolates were identified as Pythium volutum and 16 were identified as P. torulosum. A subsample of P. volutum and P. torulosum isolates were tested for pathogenicity in growth chamber experiments. All isolates of P. volutum examined were highly virulent toward creeping bentgrass roots, whereas isolates of P. torulosum were non-pathogenic. Isolates of P. volutum induced drastic reductions in creeping bentgrass root depth and root mass when infected plants were exposed to a four week high temperature regime. Growth chamber experiments were conducted to determine the impact of temperature on infection of creeping bentgrass roots by P. volutum. This was conducted by varying the temperature during a four week infection period, after which the plants were exposed to a four week heat treatment. Symptoms characteristic of PRD developed in the 12°C, 16°C, 20°C, and 24°C infection temperature treatments, but not in the 28°C and 32°C treatments. Root depth and root mass was reduced prior to heat exposure in only the 12°C, 16°C, and 20°C treatments. After a four week exposure to 32°C/26°C (day/night), considerable reductions in root depth and root mass were observed in all infection temperature treatments except for the 28°C and 32°C treatments. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate fungicides for preventative control of PRD. Applications of pyraclostrobin provided the best and longest lasting preventative suppression of PRD symptoms. Azoxystrobin and cyazofamid provided moderate levels of preventative suppression and the standard Pythium fungicides were not effective against PRD. In vitro assays were conducted to determine the sensitivity of P. volutum's to fungicides. Pythium volutum isolates were highly sensitive to pyraclostrobin and cyazofamid, moderately sensitive to azoxystrobin, and the least sensitive to mefenoxam. Growth chamber experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of creeping bentgrass cultivar, organic matter content, and irrigation frequency on development of PRD. 'Crenshaw', 'Syn-96', and 'G-6' were the least susceptible cultivars when compared to 'Penncross'. The popular cultivars 'A-1' and 'A-4' were moderately susceptible and 'LS-44', 'G-2' and 'Penncross' were the most susceptible cultivars. Organic matter added at the time of establishment did not have an effect on PRD development. Symptoms of PRD were most severe when creeping bentgrass was irrigated 6 times a week when environmental conditions were conducive for infection by P. volutum. When creeping bentgrass was irrigated 3 or 4 times a week, PRD symptoms were less severe and turf quality did not decline. Another series of growth chamber experiments were established to determine the effects of P. volutum infections on creeping bentgrass nitrate uptake, evapotranspiration, and photosynthesis. Nitrate uptake was elevated in creeping bentgrass plants that were infected with P. volutum when compared to the non-inoculated controls. Evapotranspiration was similar among inoculated and non-inoculated plants.

The genetics of pigmentation in the domestic dog

Kerns, Julie Ann Stanford University 2003 해외박사(DDOD)

In mammals, many of the striking pigmentary patterns are based on an underlying palette which consists of only two types of pigment: pheomelanin (red or yellow pigment) and eumelanin (black pigment). The regulation of the type of pigment that will be produced is controlled by an interaction between a paracrine signaling molecule, Agouti and a receptor on the surface of melanocytes, the Melanocortin-1 receptor (Mc1r). The domestic dog exhibits a variety of pigment patterns and encompasses a tremendous range of natural variation between different breeds. While extensive breeding experiments have contributed to the understanding of coat color genetics in dogs, and in some cases have even suggested different genetic interactions to those reported in other mammals, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern canine coat color patterning. In order to better understand the mechanisms of pigmentation in dogs, I have studied two phenotypes in dogs, dominant black and brindle, to determine the molecular basis for these coat colors. Based on sequence and linkage analysis, I have excluded Agouti and Mc1r as candidates for dominant black. In addition, I have completed a genome scan and found linkage to an 11.5 Mb region of canine chromosome 16, supporting the existence of a novel coat color locus in dogs. Further, I have identified a loss of function mutation in Agouti that causes a recessively inherited black coat in German Shepherds. These results refine our understanding of mammalian coat color inheritance and provide evidence for a novel pigmentation gene that causes dominant black coat color in dogs.

Polymerizable Peptide Monomers for the Targeted and Intracellular Delivery of Cancer Therapeutics

Kern, Hanna University of Washington ProQuest Dissertations & 2016 해외박사(DDOD)

For the treatment of cancer, peptides hold great potential as both targeting and therapeutic agents. One particularly promising anti-cancer strategy is peptides derived from the third Bcl-2 homology domain (BH3), which antagonize pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins and induce apoptosis. Unfortunately, before the clinical potential of peptides can be realized, a number of drug delivery barriers must be overcome. Namely, peptides have short circulation half-lives, are susceptible to degradation by extracellular proteases, and are unable to cross cell membranes and access intracellular targets. An antibody-targeted, pH-responsive polymeric system was recently developed and implemented for the intracellular delivery of the pro-apoptotic BH3 peptide BIM1. Unfortunately, the delivery properties of this system were limited by the poor stability of the disulfide-linkage used for conjugating BIM to the polymeric carrier. It was the objective of this thesis to develop highly stable polymer-peptide conjugates for the targeted and intracellular delivery cancer drugs. Initially, steric hindrance was investigated for enhancing the stability and delivery properties of disulfide-linked polymer-BIM conjugates. Two methyl groups were introduced onto the peptide's disulfide-adjacent carbon by substituting BIM's C-terminal cysteine with pencillamine and conjugating the peptide to the polymeric carrier via disulfide exchange. In a murine xenograft model of B-cell lymphoma, steric hindrance significantly enhanced conjugate stability, peptide half-life and peptide deposition into tumors. However, benefits were relatively minor with much left to be desired. Next an enzyme-labile peptide linker was developed that is highly stable in human serum and efficiently cleaved in cancer cells to release active BIM peptide. A methacrylamido-peptide macromonomer containing BIM capped with a four amino acid (FKFL) cathepsin B substrate was synthesized and directly integrated into the polymeric delivery vehicle via RAFT polymerization. The resulting cathepsin-B cleavable BIM prodrug system demonstrated potent apoptotic activity in ovarian cell cultures and is currently being investigated for apoptotic activity and therapeutic efficacy in intraperitoneal ovarian cancer xenograft model. Lastly, peptide monomer technology was alternatively implemented for tumor-specific targeting. A peptide monomer containing the EGFR-targeting sequence GE112 was polymerized into a hydrophilic polymeric drug delivery system in combination with an ester-linked camptothecin prodrug monomer. GE11 was shown to enhance targeting and activity of the polymeric prodrug in ovarian cancer cell cultures. [1] Berguig GY, Convertine AJ, Frayo S, Kern HB, Procko E, Roy D, Srinivasan S, Margineantu DH, Booth G, Palanca-Wessels MC, Baker D, Hockenbery D, Press OW, Stayton PS. Intracellular delivery system for antibody-Peptide drug conjugates. Mol Ther. 2015 May;23(5):907-17.. [2] Li Z, Zhao R, Wu X, Sun Y, Yao M, Li J, Xu Y, Gu J. Identification and characterization of a novel peptide ligand of epidermal growth factor receptor for targeted delivery of therapeutics. FASEB J. 2005 Dec;19(14):1978-85..