Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Post-Processing Of Low Dose Mammography Images, Jesung Kim

Theses and Dissertations

In mammography, X-ray radiation is used in sufficient doses to be captured on film for cancer diagnosis. A problem lies in the inherent nature of X-rays to cause cancer. The resolution of the images obtained on film is directly related to the radiation dosage. Thus, a trade-off between image quality and radiation exposure is necessary to ensure proper diagnosis without causing cancer. A possible solution is to decrease the dosage of radiation and improve the image quality of mammograms using post- processing methods applied to digitized film images. Image processing techniques that may improve the resolution of images captured at …

A Novel Electrocardiogram Segmentation Algorithm Using A Multiple Model Adaptive Estimator, Gregory S. Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a novel electrocardiogram (ECG) processing algorithm design based on a Multiple Model Adaptive Estimator (MMAE) for a physiological monitoring system. Twenty ECG signals from the MIT ECG database were used to develop system models for the MMAE. The P-wave, QRS complex, and T-wave segments from the characteristic ECG waveform were used to develop hypothesis filter banks. By adding a threshold filter-switching algorithm to the conventional MMAE implementation, the device mimics the way a human analyzer searches the complex ECG signal for a useable temporal landmark and then branches out to find the other key wave components and …

Working Length Determination In Palatal Roots Of Maxillary Molars, Melanie A. Kim-Park

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to determine if a buccal curvature in the palatal roots of maxillary molars affected the clinician’s ability to accurately determine working length. Twenty-seven extracted, human maxillary molars were sorted by palatal root curvatures as J- and C-type and the angle of curvature was determined. Straight-line access was made and a #20 file was placed into the canal until the tip was visible at the apical foramen then withdrawn. The file, tooth and calibration wire were radiographed on one image using the RVG. Actual (file) and radiographic (tooth) lengths were determined using the RVG ruler. …

The Effect Of Endodontic Solutions On Resorcinol-Formalin Paste, Ronald Nicholas Vranas

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined if any of four endodontic solutions would have a softening effect on resorcinol-formalin paste and if there were any differences in the solvent action between these solutions. Resorcinol, formalin and zinc oxide were mixed and allowed to set for 30 days. The solutions tested were 0.9% sodium chloride, 5.25% NaOCl, chloroform and Endosolv R. Seven samples per solution were tested and an additional seven samples served as controls. Each sample was saturated with one of the solutions and the depth of penetration was tested at 1 min, 2 min, 5 min, 10 min and 20 min using …

Effect Of A Desensitizing Agent And An Adhesive System On Microleakage Associated With Cast Restorations Luted With A Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement, Saleh Abdulaziz Al-Rowaieh

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study evaluated microleakage associated with cast restorations that were luted with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RelyX) following obturation of the dentinal tubules with either a desensitizing agent (Gluma Desensitizer) or an adhesive system (Scotchbond Multipurpose Dental Adhesive). The effect of acid etching on the removal of the smear layer and its influence on the extent of microleakage associated with the adhesive system was also evaluated.

Materials and Methods: Extracted mandibular premolars (N = 48) were prepared for complete cast restorations and divided into 4 groups (N = 12). In group A ( control), neither a desensitizing agent …

Placement Of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Using Two Different Techniques, Anita Aminoshariae

Theses and Dissertations

AbstractTHE PLACEMENT OF MINERAL TRIOXIDE AGGREGATE USING TWO DIFFERENT TECHNIQUESBy Anita Aminoshariae, D.D.S.A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University, 2003Major Director: Gary R. Hartwell, D.D.S., M.S.Chairman and Professor, Department of EndodonticsThe purpose of this study was to determine if the adaptation of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) to the walls of the samples would differ when placed into simulated root canals of varying length using two different placement and condensation methods. Hand condensation was compared to ultrasonic condensation. Eighty polyethylene tubes were divided into four groups …

Cleaning Efficiency Of Nickel Titanium Gt And .04 Rotary Files When Used In A Torque Controlled Rotary Handpiece, Calvin Buford Suffridge

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined if the cleaning efficiency of NiTi rotary files in an endodontic electric handpiece using a no torque control setting was superior to that obtained when using the torque control feature. Fifty extracted human anterior teeth with straight canals were divided into two groups of 20 and two control groups of 5. Canals were instrumented with GT and .04 Profile NiTi files until a size 35 advanced to working length. Samples were sectioned, the apical 6 mm of the canal was photographed (x20) and projected onto a 3 x 4 foot grid with squares measuring 0.5 inches each. …

The Association Of Organizational Performance And Market Factors With Hospital Acquisition, Jeffrey P. Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

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This research focuses on the relationship between hospital acquisition and operational performance, market factors, and organizational factors following the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Resource dependence and financial theory guided the methodology. According to resource dependence theory, organizations desire to remain autonomous until they are faced with scarce resources. This scarcity of resources is caused by the dynamic interaction with the external environment. Financial theory recognizes the organizations ability to be successful by ensuring access to capital through profitability, strong bond ratings, lines of credit, and equity financing. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 reduced hospital Medicare reimbursement and …

Distance Education And Dementia Caregivers: A Comparison Of Three Methods, Mary Colleen Corrigan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the research is to examine the family experience of dementia caregiving and design an educational intervention to assist family members in the caregiving role. Stress results when a caregiver confronts environmental demands (dementia behaviors) that threaten personal well-being. The perception of threat is the process of primary stress appraisal. Caregivers evaluate coping options, a process of secondary stress appraisal. Positive secondary appraisal (view the situation as amenable to change) has the potential to trigger re-appraisal of the primary threat, and to reduce overall stress.

Education is one way to affect secondary appraisal. Adult learners benefit from progressive …

Factors Influencing Mammography Utilization Among Disabled And Nondisabled Women, Jeffrey S. Legg

Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in women in the United States. Because the majority of risk factors for breast cancer are not modifiable, early detection methods such as mammography are essential. However, concern exists for the equitable provision and use of mammography services in the U.S. Mammography is ofien underutilized by various subpopulations resulting, potentially, in these groups not experiencing the benefits of early detection. A subpopulation that has received little attention in the study of mammography utilization encompasses persons classified as disabled.

The 1998 National Health Interview Survey provided the data for this analysis. …

The Effects Of An Aquatic Intervention Program On The Discomforts Of Pregnancy, Sheila Anne O'Hanlon Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Approximately 50% to 80% of pregnant women complain of low back pain, edema, and other discomforts. Although exercise programs have been recommended to decrease the discomforts of pregnancy and improve body image. There is a paucity of research in this area. There is very little research on exercise in water, despite theoretical and empirical advantages of such activity.

This study’s aims were to determine the impact of an aquatic exercise intervention program on pregnant women’s body image, self-efficacy, perception of barriers to health-promoting behaviors, health-promoting behaviors, mobility, and discomforts. Pender’s Health Promotion Model (1996) served as the framework for the …

Creation Of Three Nutritional Mixes Based On Amaranth (Amaranthus Caudatus) And Other Andean Crops For School-Aged Children (Cochabamba-Bolivia), Sandra Carola Delgadillo Barriga

Theses and Dissertations

In Bolivia we have three very valuable Andean grains: amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), quinoa (Chenopodium quinua), and canihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule), which combined with cereals and legumes can become a complete and balanced food in order to combat the malnutrition that is so widespread in our region. In this study, various nutritional mixes were formulated, based on amaranth and other Andean crops, and the three best were chosen according to nutrition, palatability, and cost. They were: Andean Baby Food, Mixicereal, and Amaranth Cookie, which have an amino acid complement between 79% and 100% and give satisfactory amounts of protein, energy, and minerals …

Determination Of The Protein Fraction And Presence Of Antibodies In The Seminal Fluid Of Llama (Lama Glama), Francisco Flores Lopes

Theses and Dissertations

At an international level, Bolivia possesses the largest population of llamas followed by Peru. This makes our country a power, in this renewable resource, to create and generate economic development primarily for the quality of llama meat which has nutritional properties superior to other species of animals used for food. The development of the investigation of llamas in our country has not been very far-reaching. In other countries, advances have been made for quite some time, specifically in the area of reproduction, which presents problems in bringing about an intensive repopulation due to the unique characteristics of llama copulation and …

Scoring Sentences Developmentally: An Analog Of Developmental Sentence Scoring, Amy Seal

Theses and Dissertations

A variety of tools have been developed to assist in the quantification and analysis of naturalistic language samples. In recent years, computer technology has been employed in language sample analysis. This study compares a new automated index, Scoring Sentences Developmentally (SSD), to two existing measures. Eighty samples from three corpora were manually analyzed using DSS and MLU and the processed by the automated software. Results show all three indices to be highly correlated, with correlations ranging from .62 to .98. The high correlations among scores support further investigation of the psychometric characteristics of the SSD software to determine its clinical …

Formulation Of Balanced Diets In Base Of Grains Of Left-Over Of Corn, Wheat, And Barley For Guinea Pigs (Cavia Porcellus), Egresado Hever Patricio Castro Calvache

Theses and Dissertations

The present investigation was carried out in the rural community La Rinconada, located in the canton Ibarra of the province of Imbabura. The field work was developed during 12 months. Previous activities were developed to the rehearsal like socialization of the program; training in areas of: poscosecha of grains, alfalfa cultivation and systems of growth of guinea pigs. The rehearsal lasted 70 days and it was developed in the property of three families of the community. The formulation of diets balanced based on grains of waste of corn, wheat and barley for the growth and increment of weight of guinea …