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Marshall University

Theses/Dissertations

2007

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Response To Intervention And Effects On Retention, Jason D. Haught Jan 2007

Response To Intervention And Effects On Retention, Jason D. Haught

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Little research exists pertaining to the affect of the Response to lntervention model on student grade retention. This study was designed to determine a relationship between the frequency of students retained in grades kindergarten through third prior to and following the implementation of the Response to lntervention model. A five member cohort group conducted a longitudinal study of grades kindergarten through third grade in eleven pilot schools in the state of West Virginia. A Chi-Square test was chosen to examine the variables in an attempt to identify whether the implementation of the Response to lntervention model had an affect upon …


An Analysis Of The Stereotypes Of Preacher’S Kids And Its Application On Their Spouses, Tara J. Allman Jan 2007

An Analysis Of The Stereotypes Of Preacher’S Kids And Its Application On Their Spouses, Tara J. Allman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to discover the results of the effects of stereotypes and under what conditions certain stereotypes occur. The focus of this study is to examine stereotypes connected to the children of a Protestant minister and the spouses of those children. Ethnographic interviews and surveys show that the stereotype does exist in two distinct ways. Children of ministers are expected to either be rebellious hellions or they are expected to be perfect role models. The stereotypes affect the respondents more as children and teenagers than as adults unless as an adult the child still attends the …


Organizational Leadership In Academic Libraries : Identifying Culture Types And Leadership Roles, Monica Garcia Brooks Jan 2007

Organizational Leadership In Academic Libraries : Identifying Culture Types And Leadership Roles, Monica Garcia Brooks

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to identify organizational culture types and leadership roles among research and non-research libraries in higher education institutions in the United States and to reveal trends that can assist in enacting needed organizational change. Organizational culture and leadership are two intertwined concepts that are strongly aligned with the human element of any supervisory experience. According to Crosby, they help “nurture effective and humane organizations” (Crosby, 2004). This research project sought to test the claims brought forth by library researchers such as Kaarts-Brown et al. in which they reported a tie between the library manager’s ability …


Suicidal Terrorism : A Dying Strategy, Michael Jessee Adkins Jan 2007

Suicidal Terrorism : A Dying Strategy, Michael Jessee Adkins

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study identifies a causal model for suicidal terrorism consisting of three primary blocks of factors. First, terrorist organizations must desire to expel a social entity from a geographic area and typically operate with a perception of religious asymmetry. Second, members of terrorist organizations must undergo active exposure to specific socialization practices that directly glorify martyrdom and render suicidal behavior socially acceptable within the context of their community. Third, terrorist organizations must adopt an organizational philosophy that indicates they are capable of achieving victory. This study analyzes the characteristics of several high-profile terrorist organizations to demonstrate the noted factors are …


Effects Of Retinoic Acid On Beta-Catenin Transcriptional Activity In Melanoma Cells, Fung Chan Jan 2007

Effects Of Retinoic Acid On Beta-Catenin Transcriptional Activity In Melanoma Cells, Fung Chan

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and its incidence has been increasing in the United States. Most melanomas are resistant to current chemotherapies; therefore, understanding the mechanism of melanomagenesis is beneficial to treatment of the diseases. Accumulation of β-catenin has been shown in colon and other cancers, including melanomas, but the transcriptional role of β-catenin in melanomas is still unclear. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an anti-tumor agent that has an inhibitory effect on β-catenin, but this effect has not been studied in melanomas. It has been shown that Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a melanocyte specific protein, …


A Descriptive Analysis Of The Perceived Importance And Use Of Scientific Research-Based Instructional Strategies Among West Virginia Teachers, Cheryl D. Belcher Jan 2007

A Descriptive Analysis Of The Perceived Importance And Use Of Scientific Research-Based Instructional Strategies Among West Virginia Teachers, Cheryl D. Belcher

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study was designed to examine the perceived importance and extent of use of scientific research-based instructional strategies among West Virginia teachers. Specifically, the study investigated the extent to which perceived importance and frequency of use of scientific research-based instructional strategies differ between highly qualified teachers and non-highly qualified teachers. The core of the research was focused on ten scientific research-based instructional strategies identified by the MidContinental Regional Educational Laboratory. Participants were asked to complete a researcher-designed survey, the Instructional Strategies Inventory, to rate perceived importance and frequency of use for each of the ten strategies. The population for this …


A Study Of West Virginia Principals : Technology Standards, Professional Development, And Effective Instructional Technology Leaders, Dixie M. Billheimer Jan 2007

A Study Of West Virginia Principals : Technology Standards, Professional Development, And Effective Instructional Technology Leaders, Dixie M. Billheimer

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The role of the principal as documented in the literature is critical as the leader of change, the leader of technology reform, and the instructional leader of the school. In order to lead transformational change in technology, principals must be prepared to serve as the role model and hands-on user of technology. The NETS-A provide a framework for principals as they serve as the leaders for schools integrating technology into teaching and learning. This mixed methods study examined West Virginia principals’ perceptions of the importance of the NETS-A, their interest in professional development in the NETS-A, and the implementation of …


Regional Learning Opportunities : A Story Of Place-Based Learning Among Adults In West Virginia, Paula W. Flaherty Jan 2007

Regional Learning Opportunities : A Story Of Place-Based Learning Among Adults In West Virginia, Paula W. Flaherty

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Place-based learning has been shown to be effective for use with traditional-aged students, but not much research has been conducted to connect the use of place-based learning with adults, particularly in rural areas of Appalachia. Because of the lack of information concerning this topic, a qualitative case study was conducted among participants in an adult learning program in West Virginia. The intent of the study was to add to the body of knowledge regarding place-based learning with adults. The case study examined the experiences and perceptions of adult planners, implementers, and participants in a program called Regional Learning Opportunities (RLOs) …


Access To Health Information And Health Care Decision-Making Of Women In A Rural Appalachian Community, Tracy L. Legrow Jan 2007

Access To Health Information And Health Care Decision-Making Of Women In A Rural Appalachian Community, Tracy L. Legrow

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Access to health care is a challenge in rural communities. Higher rates of chronic illness and poor use of preventive health practices combine to increase mortality rates among residents of rural areas. The health status of residents of West Virginia is among the poorest in the United States. The current study utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methodology, including the use of surveys, participant observation and ethnographic interviews, to explore the health status, beliefs and social support of women in a rural Appalachian community. Seven major themes were identified relevant to women’s experiences with health care: Definitions of Health, Barriers and …


Using Geographic Information Systems To Organize And Coordinate Holistic Watershed Resource Management, John M.S. King Jan 2007

Using Geographic Information Systems To Organize And Coordinate Holistic Watershed Resource Management, John M.S. King

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Thesis research explores the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as ESRI’s ArcGIS and Google Earth, to organize and coordinate statewide, regional, and locally led watershed initiatives in West Virginia. Holistic Watershed Resource Management (HWRM) is an innovative collaborative approach to environmental protection designed to synchronize regional and local environmental assessment and restoration efforts. HWRM success is often attributed to an inclusive decision-making process, which seeks to build and coordinate cooperative partnerships among government agencies, private businesses, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. A case study of the Morris Creek Watershed Association and detailed surveys of over 100 West Virginia …


A Taxonomic Study Of The Morphological Variation And Intergradation Of Chrysemys Picta (Schneider) (Emydidae, Testudines) In West Virginia, Melissa R. Mann Jan 2007

A Taxonomic Study Of The Morphological Variation And Intergradation Of Chrysemys Picta (Schneider) (Emydidae, Testudines) In West Virginia, Melissa R. Mann

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Two subspecies of Chrysemys picta (C. p. picta and C. p. marginata) occur in West Virginia. The Allegheny Mountains have historically separated the distribution of C. p. picta and C. p. marginata; however, intergrades occur where ranges overlap. These intergrades display morphological characteristics that are often intermediate to the original subspecies. Morphological variation of C. picta was examined by comparing specimens from possible areas of C. p. picta x C .p. marginata intergradation in West Virginia to geographic areas that are not exposed to subspecies distribution overlap. Characters traditionally used to separate C. p. picta and C. p. marginata were …


Survival Of The Fittest? The Rebranding Of West Virginia Higher Education, James Martin Owston Jan 2007

Survival Of The Fittest? The Rebranding Of West Virginia Higher Education, James Martin Owston

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

During the years 1996 to 2005, West Virginia produced the greatest proportion (56.25%) of regionally accredited institutional rebrandings. In addition, the state experienced the greatest proportion (25%) of the specific “college-to-university” rebranding strategy than any other state. This study set out to discover the reasons why West Virginia produced such a high percentage of “college-to-university” changes. Using a mixed method approach of analysis, the researcher used quantitative and qualitative methods to determine the rationale, strategies, and implications of the college-to-university change. As West Virginia was viewed as a nested population in Appalachia, a population of 51 institutions that experienced the …


Mlck/Actin Interaction In The Contracting A7r5 Cell And Vascular Smooth Muscle, Sean Eric Thatcher Jan 2007

Mlck/Actin Interaction In The Contracting A7r5 Cell And Vascular Smooth Muscle, Sean Eric Thatcher

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is an enzyme that phosphorylates the serine-19 residue on myosin regulatory light chains (MLCs) which serves to activate the Mg2+-ATPase of myosin. This catalytic activity is thought to be the primary role of MLCK; however, it has recently been suggested that MLCK’s actin binding and bundling properties may also be of importance in smooth muscle contraction. In the absence of calcium and calmodulin (CaM), MLCK will bundle actin filaments with its N-terminus. During calcium influx and subsequent CaM activation, MLCK binding to actin decreases resulting in unbundling of actin filaments and allows myosin and actin …


Attachment And Adolescent Psychopathology In A Correctional Setting, Lindsay A. Lounder Jan 2007

Attachment And Adolescent Psychopathology In A Correctional Setting, Lindsay A. Lounder

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

It was the purpose of this research to better understand the role of attachments and related clinical issues in relation to the development of criminality in late adolescence. This study involves designs comparing the youth at a maximum-security correctional facility versus controls matched on demographic variables using the Attachment and Clinical Issues Questionnaire (ACIQ). Within group data is also analyzed to study differences and similarities among the offenders. Significant differences were found between the offenders and control group on attachment classifications as well as other clinical scales. Offenders are more likely than controls to have insecure attachments to their mother, …


The Influence Of Organizational And Governance Structures On The Frequency Of Management Skill Utilization Of Community College Chief Executive Officers In The United States, Timothy R. Oxley Jan 2007

The Influence Of Organizational And Governance Structures On The Frequency Of Management Skill Utilization Of Community College Chief Executive Officers In The United States, Timothy R. Oxley

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Community colleges are purported to be in the midst of a leadership crisis due to the impending retirements of chief executive officers (CEOs) and senior administrators over the next several years. Concurrently, the demands upon CEOs to effectively and efficiently manage their institutions are more critical now in an effort to balance the demands placed upon them by public policy and institutional stakeholders. The purpose of this research was to examine the influence of institutional context, governance and organizational structures, on the frequency with which CEOs utilized certain management skills. The study population was community college CEOs as identified by …


Acquiring Three-Dimensional Data From Small Mammalian Teeth : Laser Scanning Eocene Marsupials, Nicholas E. Smith Jan 2007

Acquiring Three-Dimensional Data From Small Mammalian Teeth : Laser Scanning Eocene Marsupials, Nicholas E. Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Three-dimensional laser scanning is an effective method of digitization in paleontology, but has traditionally been restricted to larger specimens. The goal of this study was to develop a laser scanning technique applicable to small mammalian (< 5 mm) dentition. Modeling protocols were developed, and a morphometric error study showed the system highly accurate (percent error = 1D- 0.4%, 2D- 0.05%, 3D- 1.74%). Automation and standardization were accomplished by implementation of a multiscan platform and autosurfacing macro reducing modeling time by 60%. To highlight one morphometric application, 3D models (n=61) of three sympatric Eocene marsupials were digitized, and traditionally qualitative diagnostic characters were quantified and assessed. All but two of the 19 characters examined proved diagnostic (p < 0.05), and exploratory canonical discriminant analysis confirmed three distinct species. Incorporating type specimens revealed a familial overlap, therefore, this novel modeling technique can be employed in a full revision of early Eocene marsupials.


The Effect Of High-Fidelity Manikin-Based Human Patient Simulation On Educational Outcomes In Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Courses, David L. Rodgers Jan 2007

The Effect Of High-Fidelity Manikin-Based Human Patient Simulation On Educational Outcomes In Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Courses, David L. Rodgers

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The use of high-fidelity manikin-based simulation has been studied in many healthcare education areas. However, the use of this education technology in the American Heart Association Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course has not been well examined in the literature, despite this education program being one of the most widely taught standardized medical courses in the United States. This study examined high fidelity manikin-based simulation versus low-fidelity manikin-based simulation in the context of an actual ACLS course. Four outcomes were measured: learning outcomes as judged by an expert rater panel reviewing videos of subjects performing a simulated cardiac arrest event …


Distribution And Conservation Genetics Of The Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon Punctatus Highton (Caudata: Plethodontidae), Matthew R. Graham Jan 2007

Distribution And Conservation Genetics Of The Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon Punctatus Highton (Caudata: Plethodontidae), Matthew R. Graham

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Being lungless, plethodontid salamanders respire through their skin and are especially sensitive to environmental disturbances. Habitat fragmentation, low abundance, extreme habitat requirements, and a narrow distribution of less than 70 miles in length, makes one such salamander, Plethodon punctatus, a species of concern (S1) in West Virginia. To better understand this sensitive species, day and night survey hikes were conducted through ideal habitat and coordinate data as well as tail tips (10 to 20 mm in length) were collected. DNA was extracted from the tail tips and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragments. …


Risk Management Practices Of Collegiate Athletic Trainers: An Examination Of Policies And Procedures, Ericka Point Zimmerman Jan 2007

Risk Management Practices Of Collegiate Athletic Trainers: An Examination Of Policies And Procedures, Ericka Point Zimmerman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe (a) risk management practices of collegiate athletic trainers, (b) perceived risk management practices important to the collegiate athletic trainer, (c) risk management responsibilities of the head athletic trainer, and (d) resources utilized by collegiate athletic trainers in the development of a risk management plan. Risk management practices were divided into 13 categories: (a) periodic review, (b) consultation, (c) periodic in-services of policies, (d) periodic inservices for personnel, (e) methods for insuring against loss, (f) participation and consent of athletes, (g) emergencies, (h) care and treatment of injuries and conditions, (i) …


Body Parts And Their Epic Struggle In Ovid’S Amores, Leisa M. Muto Jan 2007

Body Parts And Their Epic Struggle In Ovid’S Amores, Leisa M. Muto

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This thesis examines how body parts in Ovid’s Amores provide the location for an epic battle between the conflicting genres of Tragedy and Elegy. The first chapter summarizes past Ovidian scholarship. The second chapter examines how Ovid separates body parts of the amator and the puella in Amores 1.4 and 1.5 in order to deny the lovers complete unification. The third chapter expands the conclusion of the second by analyzing poems in Books 2 and 3, which contain a significant number of body parts, to determine how the amator’s interaction with the puella’s body parts reflects his lack of union …


Shear Stress Induced Mtor Signaling In Cultured A7r5 Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Line, Sriram Prasad Mupparaju Jan 2007

Shear Stress Induced Mtor Signaling In Cultured A7r5 Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Line, Sriram Prasad Mupparaju

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Vascular intervention procedures such as balloon angioplasty and stent implantation lead to denudation of endothelium exposing the underlying smooth muscle layer to effects of blood shear stress. The effect of shear stress on smooth muscle cell signaling has not been studied in depth. In this study, we examined time dependent changes in activation of Akt, mTOR and p70S6k related signaling in response to orbital shear stress on cultured A7r5 cells. A7r5 cells cultured to subconfluence on 150mm culture dishes were subjected to orbital shear of 9.8dynes/cm 2 for zero, 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1h, 4h and 24h. The …


Knights In White Satin: Women Of The Ku Klux Klan, Kelli R. Kerbawy Jan 2007

Knights In White Satin: Women Of The Ku Klux Klan, Kelli R. Kerbawy

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The Ku Klux Klan is often thought of as a male-dominated organization; however there is evidence that women contributed to Klan efforts and participated in their own group, Women of the KKK. This study analyzes women’s involvement within the KKK during the 1920s. Women’s participation in early progressive movements, including temperance and suffrage, served as a catalyst for women’s involvement with the KKK. This paper explores women’s roles in the Ku Klux Klan as leaders within the WKKK. From earlier social movements, women gained knowledge needed to promote and expand the WKKK and other white supremacist women’s organizations. This paper …


Age-Related Dgc Structure And Function In The F344/N X Bn Rat Heart, Sunil K. Kakarla Jan 2007

Age-Related Dgc Structure And Function In The F344/N X Bn Rat Heart, Sunil K. Kakarla

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Recent data has suggested that disruption of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) may be involved in mediating the progression of cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Here we examined the regulation of DGC proteins in the hearts of adult (6 months), aged (30 months), and very aged (36 months) F344/N X BN rats . Compared to adult animals, the content of α- and β-dystroglycan were 6.93 ± 5.16% and 58.36 ± 3.64% higher, respectively (P < 0.05) in very aged animals. Immunoblotting and immunhistochemical analysis suggested that aging appeared to diminish alpha-sarcoglycan, beta-sarcoglycan and delta-sarcoglycan content by 13.89 ± 3.1%,15.8 ± 2.8% and 18.63 ± 3.04%, respectively (P < 0.05). These alterations in the DGC occurred coincident with age- associated alterations in cytoplasmic anti-rat IgG immunoreactivity, TUNEL positive nuclei, alpha-fodrin cleavage, indices of caspase-3 activation and diminished AKT phosphoryation (Ser 308). Taken together, these data suggest that aging alters cardiac DGC structure and function.


Population Modeling By Differential Equations, Hui Luo Jan 2007

Population Modeling By Differential Equations, Hui Luo

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A general model for the population of Tibetan antelope is constructed. The present model shows that the given data is reasonably logistic. From this model the extinction of antelopes in China is predicted if we don’t consider the effects of humans on the population. Moreover, this model shows that the population is limited. A projected limiting number is given by this model. Some typical mathematical models are introduced such as exponential model and logistic model. The solutions of those models are analyzed.


The Body Of Light : Poems, Alicia Matheny Jan 2007

The Body Of Light : Poems, Alicia Matheny

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This creative thesis explores the different facets of Pink Floyd and their music, drawing inspiration from albums varying from The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967) to Dark Side of the Moon (1973). Using images drawn from nature, the cosmos, and Pagan mythology, this thesis also incorporates biographical details found in Nicholas Schaffner’s important biography, Saucerful of Secrets: The Pink Floyd Odyssey (New York: Harmony Books, 1991). There are also experiments with form in the poems, in that in many of the poems, instead of commas, there are tab spaces. Each space expresses the silence between each word. …


The Principalship: A Study Of The Principal's Time On Task From 1960 To The Twenty-First Century, Jacqueline A. Mcpeake Jan 2007

The Principalship: A Study Of The Principal's Time On Task From 1960 To The Twenty-First Century, Jacqueline A. Mcpeake

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine legislative and societal developments in the United States in relation to changes in educational administration and determine the existence of bifurcation points of change. The effects of legislative and societal changes on the tasks on which administrators focus their time were evaluated. The administrators were surveyed to determine if changes in time on task have occurred to meet the demands of current legislative priorities and if any demographic relationships existed. The study’s population consisted of 1950 (N=1950) administrators in public elementary, middle and high schools in the Southern Regional Educational Board 16 …


Chronic Acetaminophen Treatment Influences Indices Of Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation In The Aging Fisher 344 X Brown Norway Rat Aorta, Sarath Meduru Jan 2007

Chronic Acetaminophen Treatment Influences Indices Of Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation In The Aging Fisher 344 X Brown Norway Rat Aorta, Sarath Meduru

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

We have previously reported that aging in the Fisher 344 X Brown Norway (FBN) rat aorta is characterized by increased levels of ROS and alterations in cell signaling. Acetaminophen was found to scavenge free radicals in recent ischemia-reperfusion studies. Here we examined if chronic treatment with a therapeutic dose of acetaminophen attenuates age-associated increase in aortic ROS accumulation and signaling. FBN rats (27 month old; n=8) were subjected to 6 months of treatment with a therapeutic dose of acetaminophen (30mg/kg/day), with age-matched untreated FBN rats as controls. Protein oxidation levels were altered in control and treated aortae compared to aortae …


The Expression And Function Of Ppar And Hif-1 In Human Melanoma, Caroline Mills Jan 2007

The Expression And Function Of Ppar And Hif-1 In Human Melanoma, Caroline Mills

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The first part of my dissertation focuses on the expression and function of PPARs in human melanoma. I found that the A375 cells were significantly growth inhibited in response to PGJ2 and troglitazone treatment. HEMn-LP showed significant growth inhibition in response to troglitazone. I found that PPARγ and PPARδ mRNA is present in both the SK-Mel 28 and A375 cells. The relative level of PPARα mRNA expression is highest in SK-Mel 28 cells, ~3 fold higher relative to both the normal human melanocytes and A375 cells. PPARγ protein was ~50% higher in both SK-Mel 28 and A375 cells relative to …


The Relationship Between Leadership Styles And Organizational Culture Withinschools Of Nursing, Debra K. Vankovich Mullins Jan 2007

The Relationship Between Leadership Styles And Organizational Culture Withinschools Of Nursing, Debra K. Vankovich Mullins

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between leadership styles and organizational culture within schools of nursing. A non-probability convenience sample (N=149) of subjects was obtained from BSN schools of nursing within the Southern Regional Education Board geographical area. Three data collection tools were utilized including a demographic questionnaire; the Multi-factor Leadership Questionnaire (Bass & Avolio) which measures transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership styles; and the Organizational Culture Assessment Inventory (Cameron & Quinn) which measures four culture types including clan, market, adhocracy and hierarchy cultures. A descriptive – correlational design was used. Inferential statistics utilized included multiple …


The Effect Of Marshall University's Summer Enrichment Program On Reading Gains Program Evaluation, Ii, Kelli A. Potoczny Jan 2007

The Effect Of Marshall University's Summer Enrichment Program On Reading Gains Program Evaluation, Ii, Kelli A. Potoczny

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Marshall University Summer Enrichment Program on students’ reading success in grades Kindergarten through eighth. From June 26, 2006 through July 27, 2006, a 5 week chronological period, 105 students attended the summer program and were evaluated for reading achievement. The study measured students' reading performance during the 5 consecutive weeks. Students were divided into three groups, primary, intermediate and middle school to evaluate the different age groups for changes in reading ability. This study compared student's pre and post running records to determine any gains in reading skills. …