Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Air Quality On The Selection Of A Home, Carol Lane

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Hedonic price method studies have assumed that individuals consider air quality as a characteristic of their homes. The purpose of this study is to determine if air quality is a significant characteristic considered when an individual decides where to live. This study uses a survey to determine where air quality ranks amongst the different characteristics of a home. My results show that air quality is significant but ranks below structural and neighborhood characteristics.

An Empirical Study Of Attitudes Towards Telecommuting Among Government Finance Professionals, Joseph J. Grippaldi

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper presents the results of a preliminary study to evaluate attitudes towards telecommuting among finance employees who are employed by special district governments in the United States. Original data was collected by using a self-administered mail survey sent to 400 special district government finance employees who are members of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. This paper will examine variables including employee support for telecommuting, the likelihood of employees working away from the office, and the number of days employees wish to telecommute. A factor analysis was employed to determine if patterns of …

Lake Mead Hospital Conversion To Complete Delivery System, Roger W. Noorda

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The objective of this case study is to determine the cost difference between using a conventional type of inventory system in the operating room versus using a pack system in the operating room. In this study three different ways of delivering disposables for a laminectomy procedure were considered: 1) multiple distributors of disposables, 2) single distributor of disposables, and 3) the pack system (CDS by Medline). The first comparison was of multiple distributors vs. a single distributor with a cost difference of $90.08 per procedure and $18,916.80 annually, multiple distributor costing less. The second comparison was between Medline as a …

The Impact Of The Winter's Doctrine On Water Allocation To The Gila River Indian Community, Deana P. Benally

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Can the Gila River Indian Community rely upon the Winter's Doctrine (1908) to obtain more water than the past? The purpose of this thesis is to examine the impact of the Winter's Doctrine on the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). This research paper uses the case study method to evaluate the relevance of the Winter's Doctrine on current negotiations. Results indicate that the Winter's Doctrine is not expected to have much of an impact on current negotiations with the U.S. Congress.

Assessing Citizen Preferences: Supporting And Funding A New Animal Shelter Facility, Theresa A. Viau

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Coastal Resort Development And Impacts On Shallow Water Aquifers In Southern Baja California, Sur. Mexico, Bud J. Bennenman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A Coastal resort named Fiesta Surf is being planned for the southern portion of the Baja peninsula on the Pacific coast between the resort town of Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos. Two additional resorts and an exclusive housing community are in the planning stages within this region, known as the "Pacific Corridor." The proposal for development is in a high growth region near the southern tip of the Baja peninsula in the state of Baja California, Sur, Mexico. The Pacific coast of southern Baja has seen little development and consists largely of non-developed shoreline. The current economic base of …

Better Revenue Forecasting: Is Fiscal Stress A Stimulant? A Look At Nevada Local Governments, Richard A. Derrick

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Revenue forecasting is one of the most critical and often difficult tasks in governmental budgeting. It is critical because it determines the parameters upon which the budget is based. It is difficult because many outside influences can impact revenue results and cause variances with the forecast. If revenue is under projected, valuable services may not be provided during the fiscal year and an unexpected surplus may be created at year-end. By the time it becomes apparent that surpluses are developing, the damage to on-going programs and services, which may require consistency and budget stability for efficient delivery, may be done. …

An Economic Analysis Of The Arsenic Standard On Nevada, Jill S. Dale

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In 2001, the arsenic standard for drinking water was lowered from 50 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion. The clean-up costs for Nevada are estimated at approximately 400 million dollars. The purpose of this project is to examine the economic impacts the State of Nevada will absorb as a result of the new regulation. Research of historical data will be the basis for the project. National data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and data collected from the State of Nevada will be accompanied by comparable research data found through other sources

The Policies Of Implementing Traffic Calming In The Las Vegas Valley, David A. Guerra

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper illustrates how policies that relate to traffic calming devices are implemented in the Las Vegas Valley. Traffic calming is the attempt to achieve calm, safe, environmentally improved conditions on streets, and the lowering of speeds. Traffic calming measures reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and improve conditions for non-motorized street users. An analysis of The Nevada Revised Statutes was conducted to understand state directives pertaining to the implementation of policies at municipal levels of government. The study investigated how four governments (Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Clark County, and Henderson) implement traffic calming …

‘Sworn’ Versus ‘Civilian’ Career Development Paths In The Fire Service In Nevada, Kelly Blackmon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Clark County Fire Department has no formal career development path for fire prevention (civilian) personnel as it does for suppression (sworn) personnel. The purpose of this paper is to compare the career paths developed for suppression personnel and prevention personnel in five fire departments throughout the State of Nevada. Each department was chosen because they have over 100 total employees. Three dimensions relevant to the extent to which a career development path exists were identified and each department was assessed terms of these dimensions. The results illustrated the need to enhance the career development path in prevention to more …

Mosquito Population Dynamics During The Establishment Phase Of A Constructed Desert Wetland, April Newman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Nature Preserve at the Clark County Wetlands Park is a constructed wetland that has the potential to produce new mosquito habitat. This thesis evaluates the potential for the development of a mosquito problem at the newly constructed wetland system by assessing the population dynamics of mosquitoes within the Nature Preserve. Based on data collected from May 2001 through January 2002, I describe fluctuations in mosquito genus and relative abundance during the first summer through winter period of wetland development.

The Suitability Of Reclaimed Agricultural Lands Along The Lower Colorado River For Native Riparian Habitat Restoration, Patti Aaron

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to determine the suitability of agricultural lands for use in native riparian restoration efforts under development for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. Assuming these fields are productive for crops, would they be productive for cottonwood-willow restoration? There are two aspects to consider: (1) the edaphic conditions required for three major LCR agricultural crops; alfalfa, cotton, and wheat, and (2) whether those conditions are consistent with the conditions required for the restoration of native LCR riparian habitat, primarily Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and Goodding willow (Salix gooddingii). Using the case study research approach …

Top Female Hospital Executives In Las Vegas, Nevada: An In Depth Case Study, Caroline R. Copeland

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper will review the findings of in depth interviews with the four top female executives for the acute care hospitals in Las Vegas, Nevada, with regards to the ‘Glass Ceiling’ phenomenon, stereotyping and gender role behaviors, and how these elements have affected their careers. Out of seventeen (17) local senior executive positions, women hold four of these positions, or twenty-three percent (23.5%), compared to six percent (6%) nationally. The healthcare system changes were also a consideration for theses female executives, and how these changes have influenced their careers.

Challenges For The New West: Economic Impacts Of Wilderness In Nevada's Rural Counties, Lesley Regina Argo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Public lands designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System are removed from multiple-use management for protection of their natural condition. Opponents argue that "locking up" the natural resources on these lands through designation will undermine the rural economies in the west that are dependent upon extractive industries such as mining and logging. Proponents argue that the "Old West" reliance on extractive industries is declining and, in the "New West", wilderness promotes economic development in rural communities by preserving the amenity values that draw population and employment to the region. Characteristics of Nevada's economy, population and land challenge the …

Nurses, Pharmacists, And Information Technology In Public Healthcare, Larry Allen Malato

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to explore the healthcare professional’s experience during the implementation of information technology. The focus is on the implementation of a computerized medication ordering, dispensing, and tracking system in acute care departments of a 600- bed public hospital. Spradley’s qualitative, ethnographic research methods were used to discover the personal meaning of the implementation. How do pharmacists and nurses feel about the implementation of an advanced technology system? Are there any barriers to implementation? Findings suggest a resistance to implementation by professionals in the disciplines of Pharmacy and Nursing. Resistance is based on their perceptions of …

Auto Dealership Compliance With Hazardous Materials Management In The Las Vegas Valley, Lisa Evenson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection inspects automobile dealerships in Las Vegas and Henderson approximately every two years to evaluate their compliance with hazardous waste disposal regulations. The follow-up inspections alert the Division as to which regulatory issues appear to be the most problematic and occur most often. This paper provides the methods and information needed to establish auto dealership compliance in the Las Vegas Valley, and the results obtained from the inspections of those facilities. The data is then summarized to allow the Division to determine the effectiveness of its current enforcement program.

Sales And Use Taxes In Clark County And Potential Implications Of The Internet Sales Tax Moratorium, Patrick Timothy Collins Smith

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Sales taxes have been a much-depended on source of revenue for local governments since the early part of the 1900’s. Southern Nevada local governments rely relatively heavily on sales and use taxes for a source of income. In 1998, the United States Congress passed an Act that imposed a moratorium on Internet sales tax collection until October 2001. With the explosive growth in Internet sales, the issue of the failed collection of an Internet sales tax has come to the forefront of local government finance discussions.

An Ethical Framework For Interpreting The United States Endangered Species Act, Cathryn M. Elgin

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In this study I argue that a holistic approach is better than an individualistic approach for interpreting the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA). I propose that the use of a holistic ethical framework, based on fundamental environmental philosophy, is better in that it more effectively fulfills the ESA's goals of species and ecosystem conservation. Holistic ethics is based on concern for a community as a whole, while individualistic ethics is based on concern for the individual. A holistic approach, I argue, is more beneficial to nature than is an individualistic approach or other non-holistic approaches. I set up basic …

Policy For Management Of Living Collections At The Las Vegas Springs Preserve, Peter F. Duncombe

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper, prepared for the Department of Public Administration, discusses policy in botanic gardens in regard to development and management of living collections and the potential implementation at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. Review of the literature and study of policy from other institutions has resulted in recommendation of policy for the Preserve. Its basic contents describe the purpose and need for collections policy, examine the elements of collection policy, characterizes the types of living collections to be held at the Preserve, and outlines the objectives of these collections. This document raises issues associated with the management of living collections …

Collaborative Interaction: Military Managers Consulting With American Indians, Susan B. Barrow

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This research paper outlines methods for American Indians’ and military land managers’ collaborative work of accomplishing resource stewardship aimed at achieving both the Indians’ “One Earth” and military “Mission Preparedness” postures. The research goal is to benefit military facility managers’ by providing tools to establish interaction programs with Indian Tribes and organizations. The paper provides a process framework, gleaned from on-going programs, directives, and policies identified by reviewing books, journals, and reports. A comparison of the process-streams from several programs was conducted determining steps recurring in the programs. These repeated steps form key processes for use by installation managers in …

Clark County School District: Bonds And Debt. Can They Be Divided Equally?, Jocelyn Izumigawa

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Clark County School District is one of the largest school districts in the nation with a student population of 203,616 for 1998-1999. Talk of deconsolidating Clark County School District has been proposed by Assembly persons. However, as recent as November 2000, another initiative for deconsolidation and reconfigurations had not been approved by the voters. One of the issues surrounding deconsolidation is the district's bond debt. An equitable division has not been reached should Clark County School District deconsolidate. This paper deals with dividing the bond debt equally among eight districts (identified in an earlier study of deconsolidation) and assessing whether …

College Sports Wagering: A Case Study About Gambling On College Athletics And The Motivations And Consequences Surrounding Legislation Wanting To Ban Wagering On College Sports, Neil H. Huffey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Sports wagering is the largest form of gambling in the world. In the United States, the practice is largely illegal. Nonetheless, it has sustained incredible growth both legally and illegally throughout the twentieth century. Current legislation in Congress would revise a 1992 federal law that banned legal sports wagering in this country with the exemption of four particular states, Nevada included. The state of Nevada is the only place in which wagering on college sports is legally practiced. The State of Oregon runs a small sports betting game out if its lottery. Proponents of the legislation suggest that passage is …

The Workforce Investment Act Of 1998: Implementation In The State Of Nsvada, Kimberly Meier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The topic of this professional paper is the implementation of the Workforce Investment Act in the State of Nevada. I have prepared this paper for the Department of Public Administration in partial fulfillment of a Masters of Public Administration degree. The paper focuses on information gathered through interviews with various stakeholders including those providing services, those needing service and those who designed the plan for the State of Nevada. The data presented supports that the initial implementation was successful, however further study and analysis are required to determine long term effects. At the conclusion, suggestions to increase the effectiveness of …

Patient Satisfaction In Managed Care, Veronda M. Finley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of patient satisfaction in Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). This will be achieved by reviewing the literature on managed care, patient satisfaction and the use of patient satisfaction in Managed Care Organizations. The author will also analyze how Health Alliance Plan (HAP) measures patient satisfaction and uses satisfaction data to improve their service. HAP is a Michigan based health maintenance organization (HMO). Lastly, the paper will give recommendation for improvements based upon the literature review and analysis of HAP.

Southern Nevada Water Authority, Statler Hasley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The arid Southwest of the United States is confronted with increasing water demands. Past efforts to meet water demand have been directed toward development of scarce water resources. Now the times are changing and conservation programs are being instituted to expand supplies for the growing population. In Las Vegas, the tides are shifting to conservation programs. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), an agency comprised of the local water utilities, have united to find new sources of water to feed the growing city. SNWA has invested a great deal of money into the conservation programs as an alternative to developing …

Gated Communities As Public Entities, Dennis W. Stransky

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Gated Communities as Public Entities identifies these organizations as phenomena of recent land development practices. The topics discussed include the history of private dwelling associations, the makeup of these organizations, and the parallels between them and their larger, public counterparts. Specific areas such as taxes, infrastructure, codes covenants and restrictions, and law enforcement are discussed in detail. Gated Communities have become a large part of the available housing choices for many homebuyers. Approximately one-third of the homes constructed today are part of private associations created as various forms of private corporations. The laws related to the creation of private corporations …

Will Succession Planning At The Department Of Energy/Nevada Succeed?, James H. Winget

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The topic of this professional paper is the succession planning program at the Department of Energy Nevada Operations Office (DOE/NV). I have prepared this paper for the Department of Public Administration in partial fulfillment of a Masters of Public Administration degree. The paper centers on the interpretation of data that was received through an office-wide survey of the staff and leaders of the DOE/NV. The data presented supports the theory that there may be significant weaknesses found in the current structure of the succession planning that may directly affect whether or not the program will succeed. The analyses performed focuses …

Coalition Formation: Governmental Practices To Resolve Social Issues, Delshanna Jones

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Small groups have formed to resolve social issues since the beginning of time. It is the village concept where activists meet in the center of town to discuss a concern and together work toward a solution to a problem. This is represented in the town of Plato’s Republic and how they handled its dilemma with Socrates disrespect and disruptions to their way of ruling/ their culture. People met at a central location, discussed the issue, agreed on a solution and, together, enforced the resolution. Thus, first governments used groups to find solutions to community problems (Bell and Smith, p.1). Citizens …

Gender Differences In Presenting Symptoms, Treatment, And Outcome In Myocardial Infarction, Alona Dalusung-Angosta

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purposes of this study were to compare the presenting symptoms, treatment, and outcome between men and women with MI. The study sample consisted of 300 patients (N = 300) who were diagnosed with MI in a county hospital in the Southwest area of the United States.

Chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and left arm pain were the most common symptoms reported by both genders. Men had more chest pain than their women counterparts (p = .022). No significant difference was found in the cardiac enzyme levels between both genders. Men had more Q wave changes during MI than …

Hazardous Materials Incidents And Emergency Medical Response In Clark County, Martha Dicey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Today's society was built on technological advancements and which also brought about the creation of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials are termed basically as a solid, liquid, or gas substance that, when released from a container, is capable of harming the environment, people or property. Hazardous materials can be found everywhere including industrial locations, backyard swimming pools, hospitals, and private homes. Transportation corridors such as railroads, boats, and trucks and in limited quantities by air are major areas where hazardous materials can be present. Incidents involving hazardous materials may occur during transportation or at any location where hazardous materials can be …