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Pages
- Title
- DON'T SEE, DON'T SPEAK: A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES.
- Creator
-
Kalfar, Jaroslav, Neal, Darlin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This short story collection follows diverse characters as they long to find their place in the chaos of modern world. As the trend of postmodern literature traces our failure to understand our lives and discover a larger context, we find that our reality is ever-changing and there is not a single constant to follow. We are disappointed by modern political systems, our lovers, and our own individual capabilities. The issue of belonging means finding a place that, both physically and mentally,...
Show moreThis short story collection follows diverse characters as they long to find their place in the chaos of modern world. As the trend of postmodern literature traces our failure to understand our lives and discover a larger context, we find that our reality is ever-changing and there is not a single constant to follow. We are disappointed by modern political systems, our lovers, and our own individual capabilities. The issue of belonging means finding a place that, both physically and mentally, provides context and meaning for our existence. The five short stories presented here examine social issues, such as immigration, political revolution, and social role of the media. At the same time, the subtleties of personal belonging - love, rejection, fear of the future, crisis of identity - are dissected under a looking glass, brought forward to emphasize the individual human element while the larger themes fade into the background. The main character of "Winter Velvet" speaks from the midst of the Velvet Revolution taking place in Prague, anxiously awaiting the outcome and attempting to understand the impact this revolution will have on his life. The narrator of "Metathesiophobia in Three Parts" possesses the kind of existential fears and anxieties we see in the eyes of American youth as they all face grim futures in a country without direction. "The Stage" explores the moments of terror an immigrant experiences when facing his first deportation scare. "El Pollo Negro" is the story of a Mexican man haunted by a black chicken as he attempts to build a life in America. Finally, "Jeremy Stock Live!" examines the role of morality in American reality TV shows ala Jerry Springer. What is it that fascinates us about pitting tragically flawed people against an audience of judges and a host/executor? In all of these stories the characters experience a longing to hold onto a single place, to find firm ground in the world and allow home, whatever and wherever it is, to pour over them and never let them go.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0004101, ucf:44876
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004101
- Title
- RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORS IN THE HOME: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW.
- Creator
-
Crescenzi, Maria M, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Regardless of the setting, medication errors are of great concern when associated with an individual's health outcomes, along with the increased costs to society, healthcare institutions, and providers. Current research focuses on medication error data primarily in acute and extended care facilities. However, there is a paucity of research examining the causes of medication errors that occur post hospital discharge when individuals transition to the home. The purpose of this integrative...
Show moreRegardless of the setting, medication errors are of great concern when associated with an individual's health outcomes, along with the increased costs to society, healthcare institutions, and providers. Current research focuses on medication error data primarily in acute and extended care facilities. However, there is a paucity of research examining the causes of medication errors that occur post hospital discharge when individuals transition to the home. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to examine risk factors for medication errors outside of these settings, specifically in the home. A systematic literature search was conducted using multiple databases for relevant articles in the English language between 2006 to 2017, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and PsycINFO. Search terms included 'medication errors', 'home care', 'post-discharge', 'hospital readmission', and 'medication error risks in the home'. Exclusion criteria included medication errors in acute and extended care settings. The integrative review involved reading, analyzing and selecting articles, and summarizing on a matrix. Findings on occurrences of medication errors in the home included impaired client mental status, confusion related to medication names, limited understanding of medication purpose in the care plan and its side effects, level of health literacy, and client-provider miscommunication in discharge planning. Consistent and conflicting findings are discussed along with gaps in the literature. Limitations and implications for nursing practice, policy, research, and education are also noted.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH0000223, ucf:44678
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0000223
- Title
- House vs. Home: Defining Place Through Identity.
- Creator
-
Gleason, Ryan, Buyssens, Ryan, Kovach, Keith, Kim, Joo, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A house is a place of safety. A home is a place of belonging. Though different a house always desires to become a home, but it can only be so through a connection to self. It is a home that is an extension of one's identity. Through the mirror, which is the home, and through an understanding of schema theory a person's being can be understood through one's ideas, place, self, family, rituals, memories, and feelings. Each of these factors act as a layer of brick building a strong foundation or...
Show moreA house is a place of safety. A home is a place of belonging. Though different a house always desires to become a home, but it can only be so through a connection to self. It is a home that is an extension of one's identity. Through the mirror, which is the home, and through an understanding of schema theory a person's being can be understood through one's ideas, place, self, family, rituals, memories, and feelings. Each of these factors act as a layer of brick building a strong foundation or a crackling fireplace adorned with family portraits making the rooms feel cozy for the image of the home as well as self. Exploring the melancholic drawings, paintings, sculptures, and installations the relationship of self and place become more evident thus separating what is a house from a home. It becomes clear that the definition of home does not come from its physical boundaries but from the thoughts and interactions that reside within its walls. A joyous person creates a joyous home and a melancholic home creates an artist that is inclined to create melancholic art in search of what they don't have. It is along this emotional journey the artist can truly understand what this sense of belonging means. Through his art the worn wallpaper and the cracked plaster of this darker world hold in the emotions of the artist showcasing the authenticity of self and opening a door for others in a similar search.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007006, ucf:52042
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007006
- Title
- THE EXPERIENCES OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS PROVIDING COMFORT FOR NURSING HOME PATIENTS AT THE END OF LIFE.
- Creator
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Baker, Herma, Rash, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Research shows that healthcare providers (HCPs) are not adequately prepared to provide comfort care for patients who are at the end of life. Since the 1990s, numerous legislative, research, and clinical initiatives have addressed concerns about improving care at the end of life. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of HCPs providing comfort for patients in the nursing home who are at the end of life. This study focused on physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and nurses...
Show moreResearch shows that healthcare providers (HCPs) are not adequately prepared to provide comfort care for patients who are at the end of life. Since the 1990s, numerous legislative, research, and clinical initiatives have addressed concerns about improving care at the end of life. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of HCPs providing comfort for patients in the nursing home who are at the end of life. This study focused on physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and nursesÂÂÂÂ' aides at a central Florida nursing home. A descriptive qualitative design was done utilizing a focus group discussion, individual interviews, and a self-administered questionnaire. The findings indicated that a lack of facility support, inadequate staffing, inadequate end of life care education, family and patient denial of prognosis, as well as decreased primary care physician involvement affect the delivery of comfort care for patients at the end of life in the nursing home. This study supports the need for end of life education to HCPs and the need for adjustments in staffing to meet the complex needs of patients in the nursing home who are at the end of life. A new finding of this study reflects the use of an angel cart to aid in the provision of comfort care for patients at the end of life. Recommendations for future research were made based on study results
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003305, ucf:48505
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003305
- Title
- FAMILY SUPPORT AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE QUALITY IN NURSING HOMES SERVING RESIDENTS WITH A MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY.
- Creator
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Frahm, Kathryn, Gammonley, Denise, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The prevalence of mental health disorders among the nursing home population is well recognized. However, providing adequate mental health services for nursing home residents who need them remains a challenging endeavor. The social support of family has long been recognized as a key resource for older adults with a mental health history and older adults residing in nursing homes. The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of mental health care provided for nursing home residents with...
Show moreThe prevalence of mental health disorders among the nursing home population is well recognized. However, providing adequate mental health services for nursing home residents who need them remains a challenging endeavor. The social support of family has long been recognized as a key resource for older adults with a mental health history and older adults residing in nursing homes. The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of mental health care provided for nursing home residents with a mental health history and to determine if family support influences the quality of their mental health care accounting for other facility resident and facility organizational characteristics. The study utilized a retrospective, cross-sectional design with 2003 national Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) facility data merged with the resident-level Minimum Data Set (MDS) resulting in N=2,499 nursing homes. Guided by the convoy model of social support and socioemotional selectivity theory, descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis were used to create a profile of facility level data of nursing home residents with a mental health history, explore the role of family support, and determine if items within the OSCAR and MDS databases could respectively be used to measure mental health care quality and family support. Overall, it was found that families have a positive relationship with their relatives and are involved in their lives. Additionally, items within the OSCAR and MDS databases could be used to measure mental health care quality and family support. Finally, facility organizational characteristics explained more variation in the quality of mental health care than did facility resident, family support, or market characteristics. In sum, to enhance the quality of mental health care in nursing homes, partnering with families may be an important tool to meet resident needs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002529, ucf:47670
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002529
- Title
- HOME SCHOOL VERSUS OTHER APPLICANTS TO POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS: ADMISSION POLICIES AND IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS.
- Creator
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Ashford, Rebecca, Pawlas, George, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In this study, 94 colleges and universities in Florida were surveyed to determine what their admission policies were for home school applicants. Forty-six colleges responded to the survey. The results of the survey were analyzed to determine if there was a pattern of acceptance based on institution type--public, private, or proprietary. Further, the admission policies were analyzed to determine the extent to which they complied with the National Center for Home Education's (NCHE) recommend...
Show moreIn this study, 94 colleges and universities in Florida were surveyed to determine what their admission policies were for home school applicants. Forty-six colleges responded to the survey. The results of the survey were analyzed to determine if there was a pattern of acceptance based on institution type--public, private, or proprietary. Further, the admission policies were analyzed to determine the extent to which they complied with the National Center for Home Education's (NCHE) recommend college admission policies for home school applicants. The researcher found that public colleges were more likely to accept home school students than were private colleges. Also, public colleges had less stringent admission requirements for home school students than did private colleges. Further, home school admission policies in place in Florida's public colleges were more likely to comply with the NCHE's recommended admission policies for home school applicants. In addition to reviewing college admission policies for home school students, the standardized test scores and grade point averages of home school and public school students enrolled in a Florida, public community college were compared. The standardized test scores compared were the College Placement Test (CPT) and the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT). The researcher found no difference in the mean grade point averages of home school and public school students enrolled in a Florida, public community college. Also, the researcher found no difference in the mean CPT algebra, CPT reading, or SAT mathematics scores of home school and public school students. There was, however, a significant difference in the CPT writing and SAT verbal scores for these two groups of students. Home school students scored significantly higher than public school students on the CPT writing and the SAT verbal tests.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000601, ucf:46536
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000601
- Title
- FARM WOMEN AS PRODUCERS AND CONSUMERS IN THE 20TH CENTURY U.S. SOUTH.
- Creator
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Kaminski, Joseph J, Lester, Connie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The intent of this thesis is to examine white, rural women of the South who were directly affected by home demonstration between 1920 - 1950 and to discuss their roles as producers and consumers in the expanding market economy. Home demonstration, a three-tiered bureaucratic agency that provided domestic education and production techniques to Southern women, played a major role in guiding women toward the expanding market economy. Agents often had to temper their programs in order to...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to examine white, rural women of the South who were directly affected by home demonstration between 1920 - 1950 and to discuss their roles as producers and consumers in the expanding market economy. Home demonstration, a three-tiered bureaucratic agency that provided domestic education and production techniques to Southern women, played a major role in guiding women toward the expanding market economy. Agents often had to temper their programs in order to compromise with the women they served to accommodate rural restrictions on capital, capability, and confidence. By integrating rural women into a more modernized, less isolated, and more urbanized environment, home demonstration hoped to improve the lives of women through its focus on sanitation, nutrition, and efficiency within household production.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000509, ucf:45653
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000509
- Title
- STUDY ON TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING.
- Creator
-
Bramwell, Jeremy, McConnell, Daniel S., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this research thesis is to investigate technologies effects on learning. Specifically the researchers studied the usability of intelligent personal assistant-enabled devices for learning assistance. It is assumed that using technology in educational context helps both students and educators because there is a positive effect on engagement which increases learning curves. Although, this is not always the case. The present study yielded results that were not consistent with the...
Show moreThe purpose of this research thesis is to investigate technologies effects on learning. Specifically the researchers studied the usability of intelligent personal assistant-enabled devices for learning assistance. It is assumed that using technology in educational context helps both students and educators because there is a positive effect on engagement which increases learning curves. Although, this is not always the case. The present study yielded results that were not consistent with the assumption that using any type of technology as an aid for learning has a positive effect. Further research will seek to investigate other intelligent personal assistant devices for classroom use.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000526, ucf:45642
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000526
- Title
- Organizational Complexity, Emergency Management Plan Adequacy, and Nursing Home Resiliency: A Contingency Perspective.
- Creator
-
Boyce, Cherie, Wan, Thomas, Zhang, Ning, Oetjen, Reid, Rivera, Fernando, Kapucu, Naim, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Some social and organizational behavior scientists measure resiliency through anecdotal qualitative research, i.e. personality analyses and stories of life experience. Empirical evidence remains limited for identifying measurable indicators of resiliency. Therefore, a testable contingency model was needed to clarify resiliency factors pertinent to organizational performance. Two essential resiliency factors were: 1) a written plan and 2) affiliation with a disaster network.This contingency...
Show moreSome social and organizational behavior scientists measure resiliency through anecdotal qualitative research, i.e. personality analyses and stories of life experience. Empirical evidence remains limited for identifying measurable indicators of resiliency. Therefore, a testable contingency model was needed to clarify resiliency factors pertinent to organizational performance. Two essential resiliency factors were: 1) a written plan and 2) affiliation with a disaster network.This contingency study demonstrated a quantifiable, correlational effect between organizational complexity, disaster plan adequacy and organizational resiliency. The unit of analysis, the skilled nursing facility proved vulnerable, therefore justifying the need for a written emergency management plan and affiliation with a disaster network. The main purpose of this research was to verify the significance of emergency management plans within a contingency framework of complexity theory, resource dependency, systems theory, and network theory. Distinct sample moments quantified causal relationships between organizational complexity (A), plan adequacy (B) and resiliency (C). Primary and secondary research data were collected from within the context of public health and emergency management sectors within the State of Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005929, ucf:50842
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005929
- Title
- 'Til Death Do I Wait: Experiences of Food Insecurity Among Elders on the Meals on Wheels Waiting List.
- Creator
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Gualtieri, Marie, Donley, Amy, Gay, David, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Food insecurity is not a new phenomenon experienced by elderly persons living in the United States. In a recent report by Feeding America, approximately 4.8 million Americans over the age of 60 are food insecure, which has doubled since 2001, and is 50% higher than in 2007. Due to lack of funding to the program, Meals on Wheels by Seniors First is unable to give meals to seniors in the Central Florida area who are food insecure. Through structured face-to-face interviews, this study examines...
Show moreFood insecurity is not a new phenomenon experienced by elderly persons living in the United States. In a recent report by Feeding America, approximately 4.8 million Americans over the age of 60 are food insecure, which has doubled since 2001, and is 50% higher than in 2007. Due to lack of funding to the program, Meals on Wheels by Seniors First is unable to give meals to seniors in the Central Florida area who are food insecure. Through structured face-to-face interviews, this study examines elders on the program's waiting list and explores how this population obtains food if they are not being served through the program. Findings suggest that seniors on the waiting list are in need of the resource for survival, not convenience. This study has strong implications in which additional funding is needed as the Baby Boomer population ages and the need for food programs increases.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005175, ucf:50667
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005175
- Title
- ADOLESCENT MOTHERS IN AN INTERVENTION STUDY: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF VARIABLES RELATING TO THEIR TEACHING INTERACTIONS WITH THEIR INFANTS.
- Creator
-
Guzman, Janisse, Culp, Anne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The intent of this thesis was to study, in depth, the experiences of four adolescent mothers who underwent a home intervention program. I studied two mothers who did well with teaching their 12-month old children during play, and two mothers who did not do as well. All four mothers received weekly intervention from the time of their child's birth through 12-months of age. I studied the following variables: 1) how much time the home visitors spent on selected child development and parenting...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis was to study, in depth, the experiences of four adolescent mothers who underwent a home intervention program. I studied two mothers who did well with teaching their 12-month old children during play, and two mothers who did not do as well. All four mothers received weekly intervention from the time of their child's birth through 12-months of age. I studied the following variables: 1) how much time the home visitors spent on selected child development and parenting topics; 2) the mother's perceived social support; 3) how many community resources the mother used; and 4) if the infant was healthy and within normal developmental range. All of the mothers struggled in their lives, yet varied in the quality and time of most of the variables. It was striking how different each one was from the other. The implications of the study are important for child development specialists who can use the qualitative data within this document to better understand first time adolescent mothers in order to improve the outcomes of the home visitation services that they provide to mothers and infants. After spending time studying these four adolescent mothers, I would recommend that adolescent women not get pregnant. Adolescence is a time that is meant for experiences and self-discovery and should be spent free from a dependent child who critically needs them. Future research and funding should be spent on preventing adolescent pregnancy and ensuring that flexible curriculum be utilized by the home visitors in order to meet the varying needs of adolescent mothers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004251, ucf:44934
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004251
- Title
- DOMESTIC PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION PROBLEMS AND WORKING MEMORY: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INATTENTIVE ADHD SYMPTOMS.
- Creator
-
Mohan, Svetha, Rapport, Mark, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The intent of this thesis is to explore the mediating effects of ADHD Inattentive symptoms on domestic parent-child interaction problems and working memory. Inattentive symptoms in children with ADHD are known to cause forgetfulness, slow processing speed, and negative parent-child interactions. Working memory deficits in phonological short term memory and the central executive are also well-established in children with ADHD. However, it is currently unknown to what extent inattentive...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to explore the mediating effects of ADHD Inattentive symptoms on domestic parent-child interaction problems and working memory. Inattentive symptoms in children with ADHD are known to cause forgetfulness, slow processing speed, and negative parent-child interactions. Working memory deficits in phonological short term memory and the central executive are also well-established in children with ADHD. However, it is currently unknown to what extent inattentive symptoms are responsible for home behavior problems in conjunction with phonological working memory deficits. The aims are tested using two validated, common clinical questionnaires: The Teacher Report Form and the Home Situations Questionnaire. Additionally, working memory and executive function are tested using a phonological letter-number sequencing task and a visuospatial dot-in-the-box task. Results show that inattentive symptoms mediate the relationship between working memory and parent-child interaction problems. Teacher reports of inattention affect the degree to which the child experiences behavior problems at home, and also affects the phonological working memory system implicated in this behavior. Future directions include using a more diverse sample, investigating a wider range of ADHD symptoms, investigating effects across multiple settings, and exploring possibilities of additional executive functioning mediators.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000161, ucf:45976
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000161
- Title
- DOUBLE DUTY: PROCESSING AND EXHIBITING THE CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY OF FLORIDA COLLECTION AS AN ARCHIVIST AND PUBLIC HISTORIAN.
- Creator
-
Anderson, April, White, Vibert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The Children's Home Society of Florida, often referred to as "Florida's Greatest Charity", is the state's oldest non profit welfare agency. Founded in 1902, the society was instrumental in creating and reforming child welfare laws as well as helping countless children in the state of Florida find loving homes. This paper focuses on the archival processing of the Children's Home Society of Florida Collection papers and the creation of a subsequent web exhibit. The role of...
Show moreThe Children's Home Society of Florida, often referred to as "Florida's Greatest Charity", is the state's oldest non profit welfare agency. Founded in 1902, the society was instrumental in creating and reforming child welfare laws as well as helping countless children in the state of Florida find loving homes. This paper focuses on the archival processing of the Children's Home Society of Florida Collection papers and the creation of a subsequent web exhibit. The role of archivist and public historian is examined to see how each profession works toward a common goal.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001613, ucf:47181
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001613
- Title
- CATCHING SATISFACTION: PERSONAL AND POLITICAL FRAMING IN THE HOMEBIRTH MOVEMENT.
- Creator
-
Pfaffl, Nasima, Huff-Corzine, Lin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis illuminates the experiences, motives, and framing process of a cohort of homebirthing women in Tucson, Arizona who embody the collective action frames of the national homebirth movement. A model of birth frame construction, alignment and adoption is presented that expands current theory on social movement framing processes, cognitive liberation, and life politics in health and self-help related movements. The study explores the evolution of homebirth midwifery nationally and...
Show moreThis thesis illuminates the experiences, motives, and framing process of a cohort of homebirthing women in Tucson, Arizona who embody the collective action frames of the national homebirth movement. A model of birth frame construction, alignment and adoption is presented that expands current theory on social movement framing processes, cognitive liberation, and life politics in health and self-help related movements. The study explores the evolution of homebirth midwifery nationally and locally. It articulates the main collective action frames that argue against standard maternity care and presents the alternatives proffered by the homebirth movement. It presents micro-level experiences of movement pioneers, macro-articulations of movement leaders, respondent's micro-level birth model framing processes; and how "life politics" have changed birth culture in America. Written materials augmented data obtained from in-depth interviews with (n=38) respondents who homebirthed in Tucson between 1970 and 2000. Content analysis was utilized and grounded theory was employed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001072, ucf:46785
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001072
- Title
- THE USE OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINTS AMONG NURSING HOME RESIDENTS: DO DISPARITIES EXIST?.
- Creator
-
Fashaw, Shekinah, Chisholm, Latarsha, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine how nursing home (NH) characteristics, specifically racial composition of nursing homes residents, influences the use of physical restraints. As the population ages and becomes more diverse, it is essential to mitigate/eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in quality care. Methods: This is cross-sectional study using a 2010 national data set from Brown University Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research. This study employs Donabedian's...
Show moreIntroduction: The purpose of this study is to examine how nursing home (NH) characteristics, specifically racial composition of nursing homes residents, influences the use of physical restraints. As the population ages and becomes more diverse, it is essential to mitigate/eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in quality care. Methods: This is cross-sectional study using a 2010 national data set from Brown University Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research. This study employs Donabedian's Structure-Process-Outcome (SPO) conceptual framework. Statistical analysis includes univariate, bivariate, and a logistic regression model. It is hypothesized that nursing homes with higher proportions of black residents, more Medicaid residents, and for-profit ownership status will be associated with higher prevalence of physical restraint use. Results: Findings show that nursing homes with high proportions of blacks have a lower likelihood of high physical restraint use. Nursing homes with a higher proportion of Medicaid-reliant residents have a higher likelihood of restraint use, as does for-profit nursing homes. Discussion: The findings indicate that there are no racial/ethnic disparities present in the use of physical restraints in nursing homes. There is indication of socio-economic disparities, since nursing homes with higher Medicaid-reliant residents are associated with greater restraint. There are policy implications associated with these findings, including raising Medicaid per diem or implementing a quality performance payment incentive. Further research will be needed to determine ways to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in nursing homes. This research, adds to the nursing home literature focused on socio-economic disparities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004700, ucf:45401
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004700
- Title
- Infection Control and Health Care Associated Infection (HCAI) in the Nursing Home: A Study to Determine the Impact of an Educational Video and Pamphlet About Infection Control on Knowledge and Perception of Hand Hygiene in Certified Nurse Assistants.
- Creator
-
Hypes, Kathe, Blackwell, Christopher, Covelli, Maureen, Winton, Mark, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The impact of an education program on perception, knowledge, and infection rate was evaluated in this study. The educational intervention consisted of a video on infection control and a World Health Organization (WHO) pamphlet for hand hygiene. The study was conducted in one nursing home in the Southeastern United States. The survey sample consisted of 66 certified nurse assistants (CNAs). A pre- and post-intervention design was employed using the WHO's Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire...
Show moreThe impact of an education program on perception, knowledge, and infection rate was evaluated in this study. The educational intervention consisted of a video on infection control and a World Health Organization (WHO) pamphlet for hand hygiene. The study was conducted in one nursing home in the Southeastern United States. The survey sample consisted of 66 certified nurse assistants (CNAs). A pre- and post-intervention design was employed using the WHO's Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire and the WHO Perception Survey. Friedman's test and central tendencies showed no statistical relationship between the educational intervention and the overall knowledge scores of the sample. There also were no statistical differences in perception of hand hygiene in the CNA sample. Infection frequency was reduced with a percent change of -42%. While results of knowledge and perception surveys were not statistically significant, multiple conclusions were derived to suggest that educational opportunities may impact hand hygiene practice in CNAs and lead to a decrease in infection.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004551, ucf:49239
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004551
- Title
- THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA HOME MOVIE ARCHIVE AND THE HARRIS ROSEN COLLECTION.
- Creator
-
Niedermeyer, Michael, Gordon, Fon, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Since the invention of the cinema, people have been taking home movies. The ever increasing popularity of this activity has produced a hundred years worth of amateur film culture which is in desperate need of preservation. As film archival and public history have coalesced in the past thirty years around the idea that every personÂÂ's history is important, home movies represent a way for those histories to be preserved and studied by communities and researchers alike....
Show moreSince the invention of the cinema, people have been taking home movies. The ever increasing popularity of this activity has produced a hundred years worth of amateur film culture which is in desperate need of preservation. As film archival and public history have coalesced in the past thirty years around the idea that every personÂÂ's history is important, home movies represent a way for those histories to be preserved and studied by communities and researchers alike. The University of Central Florida is in a perfect position to establish an archive of this nature, one that is specifically dedicated to acquiring, preserving, and presenting the home movies of Central Florida residents. This project has resulted in the establishment of The Central Florida Home Movie Archive, and the resulting analysis will show that the archive will be a benefit for researchers from all areas of academic study as well as the residents of Central Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003432, ucf:48410
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003432
- Title
- NURSING HOMES' COMPLIANCE WITH STATE NURSE STAFFING STANDARDS AND ITS RELATION TO QUALITY-OF-CARE DEFICIENCIES.
- Creator
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Paek, Seung Chun, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this dissertation is to examine nursing homes' compliance with state minimum nurse staffing standards and its relation to quality-of-care deficiencies. Specifically, this study, reviewing staffing standards from 50 states and the District of Columbia for the year 2007, proposes a unique algorithm to calculate the states' expected nurse staffing levels for individual nursing homes in order to investigate their compliance with the state nurse staffing standards. By using...
Show moreThe purpose of this dissertation is to examine nursing homes' compliance with state minimum nurse staffing standards and its relation to quality-of-care deficiencies. Specifically, this study, reviewing staffing standards from 50 states and the District of Columbia for the year 2007, proposes a unique algorithm to calculate the states' expected nurse staffing levels for individual nursing homes in order to investigate their compliance with the state nurse staffing standards. By using hierarchical linear modeling method, this study attempts to capture the impact of the staffing standards on actual nurse staffing levels under resource dependence perspectives. Path analysis using structural equation modeling was conducted to investigate both direct and indirect effects of the staffing standards on nurse staffing levels and quality-of-care deficiencies. The major findings were as follows: (1) nursing homes in states with higher state staffing standards for the categories of RN, LN, and total nurse were found to have higher RN, LN, and total staffing levels, respectively; (2) higher nurse staffing levels resulting from higher state staffing standards were significantly associated with better quality of care (less quality-of-care deficiencies cited) in nursing homes; and (3) state staffing standards were found to have much stronger contribution to nurse staffing levels than any other organizational or contextual factors while nurse staffing levels, particularly licensed staff, were found to have stronger contribution to quality-of-care deficiencies than any other organizational factors. The study findings suggest that if the goal is to increase nurse staffing levels for better quality, increasing the stringency of both federal and state nurse staffing standards would be the most effective way. However, the staffing standards first need technical changes to reduce their ambiguity and ensure their fairness. If the goal is to achieve better quality, merely increasing nurse staffing levels may not be effective since the variation of the quality-of-care deficiencies explained by exogenous variables was smaller than random variation 5%. If state Medicaid reimbursements can be utilized for financial incentives for better performing nursing homes, nursing homes may improve their productivity by efficiently managing organizational personnel or increasing job satisfaction among nursing practitioners. Lastly, longitudinal analysis, considering variation in length of state staffing policy implementations, is encouraged to investigate the long-term effects of state staffing standards on nurse staffing levels and quality of care.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003754, ucf:48781
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003754
- Title
- Behavioral and disease ecology of Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) post exclusion and relocation with a novel approach to homing determination.
- Creator
-
Napier, Johnathan, Savage, Anna, Moore, Sean, Vonkalm, Laurence, Fedorka, Kenneth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In the wake of human expansion, relocations and the loss of habitat can be stressful to an organism, plausibly leading to population declines. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species that constructs burrows it shares with 362 commensal species. Frequent exclusions and relocations and long generation times have contributed to G. polyphemus being State-designated as Threatened in Florida. Prior studies have indicated that G. polyphemus may possess homing behavior and...
Show moreIn the wake of human expansion, relocations and the loss of habitat can be stressful to an organism, plausibly leading to population declines. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species that constructs burrows it shares with 362 commensal species. Frequent exclusions and relocations and long generation times have contributed to G. polyphemus being State-designated as Threatened in Florida. Prior studies have indicated that G. polyphemus may possess homing behavior and thus be able to counteract stressors due to relocation and exclusion. I radiotracked a cohort of G. polyphemus for 11 months following excavation, relocation, and exclusion due to a pipeline construction project. In conjunction with analyzing G. polyphemus movement patterns post-release, I developed novel statistical methodologies with broad application for movement analysis and compared them to traditional analyses. I evaluated habitat usage, burrowing behavior, movements, growth, and disease signs among control versus relocated and excluded individuals and among sexes and size classes, forming predictors for behavior and disease risk. I found statistical support that my new methodology is superior to previous statistical tests for movement analyses. I also found that G. polyphemus engages in homing behavior, but only in males. Behavioral differences were also found between the sexes with respect to burrowing behavior. Overall health, disease prevalence, and immune response were unaffected by relocation and exclusion, nor were they statistically correlated. Signs were unreliable as etiological agents, outperformed by serological detection. I determined that the Sabal Trail pipeline as a potential stressor did not affect movement behavior, homing, nor the disease/immune profile of G. polyphemus in this study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007581, ucf:52581
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007581
- Title
- GETTING TO NET ZERO ENERGY BUILDINGS: A HOLISTIC TECHNO-ECOLOGICAL MODELING APPROACH.
- Creator
-
Alirezaei, Mehdi, Tatari, Omer, Oloufa, Amr, Nam, Boo Hyun, Xanthopoulos, Petros, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Buildings in the United States are responsible for more than 40% of the primary energy and 70% of electricity usage and greatly in CO2 emission by about 39%, more than any other sector including transportation and industry sectors. This energy consumption is expected to grow mainly due to increasing trends in new buildings construction. Rising energy prices alongside with energy independencies, limited resources, and climate change have made the current situation even worse. An Energy...
Show moreBuildings in the United States are responsible for more than 40% of the primary energy and 70% of electricity usage and greatly in CO2 emission by about 39%, more than any other sector including transportation and industry sectors. This energy consumption is expected to grow mainly due to increasing trends in new buildings construction. Rising energy prices alongside with energy independencies, limited resources, and climate change have made the current situation even worse. An Energy Efficient (EE) building is able to reduce the heating and cooling load significantly compared with a code compliant building. Furthermore, integrating renewable energy sources in the building energy portfolio could drive the building's grid reliance further down. Such buildings that are able to passively save and actively produce energy are called Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). Despite all new energy efficient technologies, reaching NZEB is challenging due to high first cost of super-efficient measures and renewable energy sources as well as integration of the newly on-site generated electricity to the grid. Achieving NZEB without looking at its surrounding environment may result in sub-optimal solutions. Currently, 95% of American households own a car, and with the help of newly introduced Vehicle to Home (V2H) technologies, building, vehicle, renewable energy sources, and ecological environment can work together as a techno-ecological system to fulfill the requirement of an NZEB ecosystem.Due to the great flexibility of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in interacting with the power grid, they will play a significant role in the future of the power system. In a large scale, an organized fleet of EVs can be considered as reliable and flexible power storage for a set of building blocks or in a smaller scale, individual EV owners can use their own vehicles as a source of power alongside with other sources of power. To this end, V2H technologies can utilize idle EV battery power as an electricity storage tool to mitigate fluctuations in renewable electric power supply, to provide electricity for the building during the peak time, and to help in supplying electricity during emergency situation and power outage. V2H is said to be the solution to a successful integration of renewables and at the same time maintaining the integrity of the grid. This happens through depleting the stored power in the battery of EV and then charging the battery when the demand is low, using the electricity provided by grid or renewables. Government incentives can play an important role in employing this technology by buying out the high first time cost request. According to Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. residential utility customers consume 29.95 kWh electricity on average per household-day. With the current technology, EV batteries could store up to 30 kWh electricity. As a result, even for a code compliant house, a family could use EV battery as a source of energy for one normal day operation. For an energy efficient home, there could even be a surplus of energy that could be transferred to the grid. In summary, Achieving NZEB is facing various obstacles and removing these barriers require a more holistic view on a greater system and environment, where a building interacts with on-site renewable energy sources, EV, and its surrounded ecological environment.This dissertation aims to utilize the application of Vehicle to Home technology to reach NZEB by developing two new models in two phases; the macro based excel model (NZEB-VBA) and agent based model (NZEB-ABM). Using these two models, homeowners can calculate the savings through implementing abovementioned technologies which can be considered as a motivation to move toward greener buildings. In the first step, an optimization analysis is performed first to select the best design alternatives for an energy-efficient building under the relevant economic and environmental constraints. Next, solar photovoltaic sources are used to supply the building's remaining energy demand and thereby minimize the building's grid reliance. Finally, Vehicle to Home technology is coupled with the renewable energy source as a substitute for power from the grid. The whole algorithm for this process will be running in the visual basic environment.In the second phase of the study, the focus is more on the dynamic interaction of different components of the system with each other. Although the general procedure is the same, the modeling will take place in a different environment. Showing the status of different parts of the system at any specific time, changing the values of different parameters of the system and observing the results, and investigating the impact of each parameter's on overall behavior of the system are among the advantages of the agent based model. Having real time data can greatly enhance the capabilities of this system. The results indicate that, with the help of energy-efficient design features and a properly developed algorithm to draw electricity from EV and solar energy, it is possible to reduce the required electricity from the power grid by 59% when compared to a standard energy-efficient building and by as much as 90% when compared to a typical code-compliant building. This thereby reduces the electricity cost by 1.55 times the cost of the conventional method of drawing grid electricity. This savings can compensate the installation costs of solar panels and other technologies necessary for a Net Zero Energy Building. In the last phase of the study, a regional analysis will be performed to investigate the effect of different weather conditions, traffic situation and driving behavior on the behavior of this system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006830, ucf:51797
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006830
