Digital Scholarship@UNLV Copyright (c) 2017 University of Nevada, Las Vegas All rights reserved. http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu Recent documents in Digital Scholarship@UNLV en-us Sun, 09 Jul 2017 01:32:56 PDT 3600 Comparison of two nicotine dependence measures for use with Korean American Women: The FTND and AUTOS http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/apin/vol2/iss2/2 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/apin/vol2/iss2/2 Fri, 30 Jun 2017 13:25:46 PDT This study compares psychometric properties of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and Autonomy over Tobacco Scale (AUTOS), which are measures of nicotine dependence. This study is a secondary analysis of data obtained from a smoking cessation study conducted with 49 Korean American women. We compared the FTND and AUTOS assessed at baseline regarding their internal consistency reliability and concurrent and predictive validities. The AUTOS outperformed the FTND in reliability and concurrent validity by yielding a higher Cronbach’s alpha and having significant relationships with smoking-related variables such as age at smoking onset, perceived risks of quitting, and self-efficacy in quitting. In contrast, there was no relationship between the FTND and any of the variables. Both measures had a significant relationship with post-quit nicotine withdrawal symptoms but failed to predict abstinence at follow-ups. The AUTOS seems to be a better assessment tool for Korean American women than the FTND. Before fully adopting the AUTOS as a measure of nicotine dependence for this group, factor structure of the scale should be tested with a larger sample of Korean American women.

]]> Sun S. Kim PhD, APRN-BC Concept development of "compassion fatigue" in clinical nurses: Application of Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's hybrid model http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/apin/vol2/iss1/5 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/apin/vol2/iss1/5 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 08:58:44 PDT Compassion fatigue is not a new concept in nursing; yet, it is not well known and there is no fixed clear definition of the term. The ambiguity surrounding how to define compassion fatigue has challenged its measurement and evaluation. Thus, any attempt to determine attributes of this underdeveloped concept and studying it in a new socio-cultural context requires concept development. The purpose of this study is to clarify the concept of compassion fatigue through concept development and to produce a vivid and tentative definition of this concept in clinical practice.

Concept development was conducted using a three-step hybrid concept analysis including theoretical, fieldwork, and final analysis phases according to Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's method. We reviewed and analyzed 48 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Following, the first author conducted 13 interviews with clinical nurses followed by an inductive content analysis. Finally, a comprehensive definition of compassion fatigue in nurses was attained.

Compassion fatigue in nurses can be explained as a cumulative and progressive process of absorption of the patient’s pain and suffering formed from the sympathetic and caring interactions with the patients and their families. The physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, and organizational consequences of compassion fatigue are so extensive that they threaten the existential integrity of the nurse. Context-based variables (culture, family, and community) such as personality features like devotion behaviors and commitment towards the patient, exposure to multiple stressors, organizational challenges, and lack of self-care are factors associated with an increased risk of compassion fatigue. Concept development of compassion fatigue is the first step in the protection of nurses against the destructive consequences of compassion fatigue and to improve quality of care.

]]> Mahdieh Sabery et al. Regulation of Cancer Stem Cells by Protein Post-Translational Modifications http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/aanapisi_posters/9 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/aanapisi_posters/9 Wed, 14 Jun 2017 09:40:27 PDT Various diseases are caused by defective genes or mutations within the DNA. These mutations can cause cancer cells, which are usually treated through chemotherapy and radiation. However, these methods have not completely effective towards cancer stem cells, a group of cancer cells that possess stem cell properties and are capable of initiating cancer. In order to discover new methods of targeting these specific cells, technology for genome engineering will enable researchers to further study genetic requirements within these cells. The method of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 will help cleave and alter genomic sequences to potentially correct the genomic mutations caused by the cancer stem cell. Using the technology of CRISPR-Cas9, studies of these cells and growth requirements can help discover new ways to target the cancer stem cell as a new method of therapy.

]]> Emily Khanh Pham et al. Proceedings of the 2017 Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association Conference: East Meets West in Global Health Nursing Research, Practice, and Leadership http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/apin/vol2/iss2/1 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/apin/vol2/iss2/1 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 10:53:13 PDT Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association, Inc. 2017 University Libraries Lance And Elena Calvert Undergraduate Research Awards http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/calvert_rec/1 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/calvert_rec/1 Tue, 06 Jun 2017 16:45:08 PDT 2017 Calvert Award Winners were:

Claudia Chiang-Lopez, "Barbie Doesn't Have Bruises: Gendered Images of Anxiety and Avoidant Attachment Relationships in Film." Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kendra Gage

Brianna K. Cotter, "Prescribing Change for Minority Students: Diagnosing Inequalities in Science Education in the Clark County School District." Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Tim Gauthier

Laura Benedict, "Polyandry around the World." Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Peter Gray

Kylie Johnson, "British Appeasement 1936-1939: The Debate between Parliament and the Public." Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Michelle Tusan

]]> Claudia Chiang-Lopez et al. Homelessness in the Valley http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/aanapisi_posters/8 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/aanapisi_posters/8 Mon, 05 Jun 2017 09:45:16 PDT
  • In today’s society, there is a common belief that homeless people are the problem and that they have services at their disposal to end their homelessness. Yet, there is little consideration given to how society has influenced this population.
  • Homelessness is a serious problem nationwide and is also a challenge to resolve once you have found yourself within the homeless community. It is important not to judge each homeless individual’s situation the same.
  • The demographics of the homeless population is just as diverse as the factors that led to their homelessness.
  • This paper examined the available literature on the contributing factors of homelessness in Las Vegas, specifically subpopulations such as veterans, victims of domestic violence, and LGBTQ youth.
  • The research conferred here shows that there is very little research conducted on the homeless population in Las Vegas.

]]> Termaine Turner II et al. “There is no such thing as single issue struggles”: UndocuQueer Students in Higher Education http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/mcnair_posters/83 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/mcnair_posters/83 Mon, 05 Jun 2017 09:36:58 PDT • Immigration remains a controversial topic dominating domestic and international conversations about borders, migrants, and human rights.

• The undocuqueer movement and identity evolved from the immigrant rights movement of the early 2000s

• Undocuqueer immigrants are those who identify as undocumented and queer

• According to the Perez (2014), approximately 80,000 undocumented teens turn 18 every year, with 65,000 graduating from high school (cited by the Department of Education 2015, p. 3).

• only 54% of undocumented teens earn a high school degree, compared to 82% of their peers who earn it. • Extant research on this topic is limited; most of the research conducted on undocumented students does not overtly mention gender and sexuality, even though sexuality and gender are important parts of social identities.

• Yang (n.d.) finds “prejudice and discrimination in schools creates a stigmatizing and stressful social environment for undocumented and for queer students” because the intersections of these two identities can compound the impact of this environment, resulting in an unmet need for support and nurturance as “one of the most poorly accounted for groups on campuses” (Yang, p. 2).

]]> Briceida Hernandez-Toledo et al. British Appeasement 1936-1939: The Debate between Parliament and the Public http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/award/31 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/award/31 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:06:32 PDT While it is now clear that appeasement of Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler did not prevent another war, there is a historical debate on whether British appeasement policies were shameful, a set of well-intentioned blunders, an attempt at keeping peace internationally, or a strategy to keep domestic resources focused on Britain. Within the debate between historians, lies a debate between the British public and Parliament, and even within Parliament itself. An important factor in the British decision to implement appeasement policy in the 1930s often underemphasized in the literature is the governmental prioritizing of domestic issues and national security over collective security. This is most prevalent in 1936-1939 and is accompanied by the divergence and convergence of public and parliamentary opinion. Analyzing this allows for a better understanding of the period and the relationship between people and their government, especially in times of crisis. To aid in the understanding of the struggles that Britain faced in this time, this research utilizes a collection of secondary sources from historians of appeasement, and primary sources such as articles from the London Times, the Chamberlain and Churchill papers, the HANSARD database of United Kingdom Parliamentary documents, and the UK Parliamentary papers. The Times articles represent the voice of the public, as these article best illustrate the wide range and changing opinions of the average British citizen. The HANSARD documents, as well as speeches and articles by members of Parliament, best represent the opinions and feelings of the varying members of British leadership.

]]> Kylie D. Johnson Prescribing Change for Minority Students: Diagnosing Inequalities in Science Education in the Clark County School District http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/award/30 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/award/30 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:06:29 PDT Promoting entry of underrepresented minority groups into the allied health professions is paramount to developing a balanced workforce that reflects the needs of an evolving populace. Currently, significant underrepresentation of racial minority groups in health and science related fields correlates with data showing an overrepresentation of black and Latino students in Title 1 (at-risk and low-income) schools. Data suggest that students who are exposed to “higher quality” science education, such as “hands on” experiences, have increased interest in pursuing a health or science related career. These findings prompt the hypothesis that Title 1 schools face inequalities in their science education when compared to Non-Title 1 schools. The study presented herein utilizes surveys targeted to Clark County School District high school science teachers to analyze variation in science education between Title 1 and Non-Title 1 high schools. These surveys reveal that Title 1 schools perform significantly fewer biology experiments than Non-Title 1 schools. In addition, this study indicates a correlation between lower socioeconomic status and the absence of a school science club. Science clubs are important outlets for mentorship and further exposure to science education, especially for minority students of low socioeconomic backgrounds. These results may provide the basis for legislative action to improve minority students’ access to health/science programs. Future retrospective and/or prospective studies may determine how secondary science education influences such factors as college acceptance rate, percentage of college matriculates declaring majors in science related fields, and ultimately, rates of entry into healthcare fields.

]]> Brianna K. Cotter Barbie Doesn't Have Bruises: Gendered Images of Anxiety and Avoidant Attachment Relationships in Film http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/award/29 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/award/29 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:06:26 PDT Viewers’ interpretations of romantic relationships portrayed between those with anxious and avoidant attachments can affect their opinions on what constitutes appropriate relationship behavior. I conducted a literature review on media impacts and offer an interpretation of the implications of the language used to describe characters, relationships and characters’ ends. The films studied - Sunset Boulevard, Sid and Nancy, and The Hustler - showed a pattern where in a relationship between an anxious and an avoidant character, the anxious character was punished, absorbed by their relationship, abandoned, trapped in their life, and cut off from the world. Viewers watch films to learn the norms of their community (Levy, 1990), and an idealization of avoidant behavior, coupled with negative portrayals of romantic anxiety could lead to harmful beliefs about love. Further studies using questionnaires and focus groups are recommended to better understand the impact of these messages, viewer awareness, and sources of exposure.

]]> Claudia G. Chiang-Lopez Polyandry around the World http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/award/28 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/award/28 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:06:23 PDT Polyandry is the umbrella term for one woman maintaining sexual access to more than one man. This work is a comparison of forty-three societies as examples of the six types of polyandry practiced around the world. In some types, the sexual acts are part of a marriage contract involving three or more people. In some types, the marriage involves only two people, but the sexual access of the wife extends beyond the marriage. In one type, the extra-marital sexual activity is expected, and not entirely voluntary by all parties. This survey is the first to describe all six types with examples of each.

]]> Laura A. Benedict Ballet Mecanique http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/music_chamber/155 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/music_chamber/155 Wed, 31 May 2017 03:48:14 PDT Timothy Jones Construction and Assembly of a Hyperdrive Recording Implant http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/aanapisi_posters/7 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/aanapisi_posters/7 Tue, 30 May 2017 16:42:32 PDT The ability to record neural activity from multiple brain areas is crucial for the understanding of how different areas of the brain function or interact. This poster will cover instructions on how to construct and assemble a hyperdrive recording implant that bilaterally targets the ACC and the hippocampus. Intriguingly, the design of the hyperdrive recording implant is flexible and can be constructed to target other brain areas. The implant consists of 32 twisted bundles of tetrodes with a total of 128 individual recording wires which are controlled by movable ‘drivers’ (Gray et al., 1995; McNaughton et al., 1983). All 128 recording wires are then connected to an electrode interface board that takes information from the brain and transfers it to online available open-source acquisition software platform running. Using this implant with targeted tetrodes, we are able to look at the neuronal waveforms of individual neurons or the population-level responses in specific brain areas.

]]> Andrew A. Ortiz et al. Effects of Microbiota on Starvation Resistant Drosophila Melanogaster http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/mcnair_posters/82 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/mcnair_posters/82 Wed, 24 May 2017 10:31:19 PDT Bacteria in modern society have often been perceived as having negative effects on humans with complications and potential death to their hosts. In recent years, the gut microbiota has shown that not all bacteria inhabiting a host cause negative side effects, but they instead can provide essential nutrients to their host and even directly impact growth rate and development. In this study, axenic Drosophila melanogaster were generated through egg dechorionation with 7% bleach to test the effects of the absence of commensal bacteria on the flies growth and development. Lipid content was recorded of control and axenic fruit flies from six different populations: FA, FB, FC, SA, SB, SC. On average, the axenic flies took approximately three days longer to development compared to the control. Starvation resistant axenic flies that survived had lower lipid content compared to their control counterparts.

]]> Andrea Darby et al. Analyzing Data of Thin-Film Photovoltaic Cells http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/aanapisi_posters/6 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/aanapisi_posters/6 Wed, 24 May 2017 09:55:42 PDT The purpose of this study is to determine the basic device characteristics from the Current-Voltage curve of perovskite photovoltaic cells. Martin Green’s “Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 45)” highlighted the accomplishments in photovoltaic cell research for the year 2015. One notable achievement was done by KRICT using perovskites to achieve a 20.1% efficiency. According to Wall Street Journal article “Perovskite Offers Shot at Cheaper Solar Energy”, Ulicia Wang (2014) reports that perovskites have “achieved a jump in efficiency to 20% from around 10% just two years ago.”

]]> Eric Ng et al. The Hall Memorial Lectures http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/econ_fac_articles/1 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/econ_fac_articles/1 Tue, 23 May 2017 13:25:08 PDT This publication is a record of the Hall Memorial Lectures in Economics delivered at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the 1980s.

Contents include:

Wallace C. Peterson, "Contemporary Macroeconomics: A House Divided" (Dec. 1, 1983)

Wallace C. Peterson, "Economic Stabilization and Inflation" (May 8, 1984)

Murray N. Rothbard, "The Five Faces of Reaganomics" (Nov. 27, 1984)

Murray N. Rothbard, "The Terrible Simplifiers: The Case Against the Flat Tax" (May 7, 1985)

Larry D. Singell, "Youth Unemployment: An American Crisis" (May 14, 1986)

Murray N. Rothbard, "Is There Life After Reaganomics?" (Oct. 22, 1987)

Murray N. Rothbard, "Deficits and Taxes: The Economics of the Next Four Years" (Jan. 11, 1989)

]]> Lewis Karstensson UNLV New Horizons Band http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/music_orchestra/78 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/music_orchestra/78 Thu, 18 May 2017 14:51:17 PDT David Irish The PR of CSR for the Casino Industry: A Review of Challenging Corporate Social Responsibility: Lessons for Public Relations from the Casino Industry http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/grrj/vol21/iss1/3 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/grrj/vol21/iss1/3 Thu, 18 May 2017 08:55:38 PDT This is a review of Jessalynn Strauss' recent book, Challenging Corporate Social Responsibility: Lessons for Public Relations from the Casino Industry. Through an analysis of Casino’s CSR practices, Strauss raises some serious concerns about this alignment between CSR and PR, and provides reasons to doubt whether SCR done for strategic bottom line interests rather than purely ethical reasons will consistently accomplish what the casinos set out to achieve.

]]> Andrew B. Gustafson A Qualitative Study on the Influence of Quality Systems in Meeting Performance Funding Criteria in Wisconsin Technical College System Institutions http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jrtc/vol1/iss1/5 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jrtc/vol1/iss1/5 Tue, 09 May 2017 11:51:12 PDT This case study investigated the influence of quality systems on meeting performance funding criteria in Wisconsin Technical College System institutions. Using qualitative text-analysis methodology, the case study identified the common processes, systems, values, and culture of three Wisconsin Forward Award-recognized technical colleges, looking for ways these characteristics were used for attaining performance-based funding goals. Sources analyzed included the colleges’ Wisconsin Forward Award application documents and evaluator feedback reports, and the transcripts of six interviews conducted with professionals with expertise in organizational effectiveness and performance funding at these institutions. Findings indicated that the entities shared quality, benchmarking, feedback, strategic planning, and budgeting processes and systems, as well as student-focused values and culture. The case study conclusions suggested that these commonalities were not aligned with performance-based funding goals. Interviewees felt that it was too early to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of these goals. The researcher recommends consideration of the processes, systems, values, and culture shared by these colleges by other technical colleges, and improved alignment of organizational practices with performance-based funding expectations. Suggestions also include improving the convergence of various state accountability and quality improvement initiatives to reduce leading institutions in divergent directions.

]]> Kinga N. Jacobson Bridging Technical Skills Gaps between High School Students and Local Employers http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jrtc/vol1/iss1/4 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jrtc/vol1/iss1/4 Tue, 09 May 2017 11:51:08 PDT The purpose of this study was to explore how technical skills taught and learned in Florida engineering and engineering technology-themed career academies fit technical skills desired by local employers in technology and manufacturing. The analysis utilized the narratives of 70 students and four teachers from career academies at four high schools and 27 industry leaders from the same geographical region of Florida. Data interpretation led to understanding that employers expressed an urgent need for technical skills using appropriate equipment and technologies, teachers were teaching students technical skills by simulating the real-world work environment, and students valued their abilities to transform their classroom project ideas into tangible products.

]]> Edward C. Fletcher Jr. et al.