Digital Commons Network^™

Spousal Concordance In Academic Achievements And Intelligence And Family-Based Association Studies Identified Novel Loci Associated With Intelligence., Yue Pan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Assortative Mating, the tendency for mate selection to occur on the basis of similar traits, plays an essential role in understanding the genetic variation on academic achievements and intelligence (IQ). It is an important mechanism explaining spousal concordance. We used principal component analysis (PCA) for spousal correlation. There is a significant positive correlation between spouses by the new variable PC1 (correlation coefficient=0.515, p<0.0001). We further research the genetic factor that affects IQ by using the same data. We performed a low density genome-wide association (GWA) analysis with a family-based association test to identify genetic variants that associated with intelligence as measured by WAIS full-score IQ (FSIQ). NTM at 11q25 (rs411280, p=0.000764) and NR3C2 at 4q31.23 (rs3846329, p=0.000675) were 2 novel genes that haven't been associated with IQ from other studies. This study may serve as a resource for replication in other populations and a foundation for future investigations.

The Analysis Of Palaeobotanical Remains From Native American Sites In The Tennessee Region Of The Upper Cumberland Plateau., Chase W. Beck

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sediment samples were collected from 3 rock shelter sites and one natural pond on the Upper Cumberland Plateau. Samples were processed to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate pollen and charcoal abundance as well as other palaeobotanicals. The analysis was to determine when prehistoric Native Americans began controlled burns to enhance resources acquisition. Samples were also analyzed for the presence of pollen to determine vegetation changes that may accompany the use of controlled burns and to determine the onset of horticulture. The Upper Cumberland Plateau is often considered a marginal area used only seasonally by Native Americans; however, management practices may have …

Reverbotone - Visualize Music With Design., William Baxter Bledsoe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis was written as a supporting paper for a graphic design exhibit for a Master of Fine Arts Degree. The focus of my work is to visualize an interpretation of a collection of songs that make up an album in which the design communicates the content of the body of music.

This thesis showcases a record that actually exists but has never been released. This affords me the opportunity to create a design that defines the content of the record work in a visual manner. This thesis paper covers the methods and motivations by which I arrived to the …

Unfiltered?: A Content Analysis Of Pro Athletes' "Twitter" Use., Justin A. Shockley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As new media grow, so do the users who navigate the virtual world. People and organizations are forced to adapt in order to stay relevant in a technologically driven marketplace. The sports world has been changed drastically because of new media. Athletes no longer communicate with the general public solely through traditional media outlets such as newspapers. Social networking sites such as Twitterallow athletes to directly communicate with mass audiences. This direct communication raises several questions with regard to dynamics of communication and uses of Internet portals. A content analysis examined professional athletes' "Twitter" posts to help …

A Study Of Improving The Parallel Performance Of Vasp., Matthew Brandon Baker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis involves a case study in the use of parallelism to improve the performance of an application for computational research on molecules. The application, VASP, was migrated from a machine with 4 nodes and 16 single-threaded processors to a machine with 60 nodes and 120 dual-threaded processors. When initially migrated, VASP's performance deteriorated after about 17 processing elements (PEs), due to network contention. Subsequent modifications that restrict communication amongst VASP processes, together with additional support for threading, allowed VASP to scale up to 112 PEs, the maximum number that was tested. Other performance-enhancing optimizations that were attempted included replacing …

"Knowing Where I Am At": The Experience Of Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose For People With Non-Insulin-Requiring Type 2 Diabetes., Dana Elisabeth Brackney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Eleven participants living with non-insulin-requiring Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) discussed their self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) experience. All had been recently diagnosed (< 2 years) and treated for diabetes with a self-regulating SMBG guideline for primary care practice. Their digitally-recorded interviews and photographed logbooks were analyzed thematically and interpreted through the lens of numeracy literature to answer 2 questions: 1. What is the meaning of SMBG among people with non-insulinrequiring T2DM? 2. How do people with non-insulin-requiring T2DM perceive the function of SMBG in diabetes self-management? The meanings of SMBG were patient competence, "It is easy, just a little pin prick"; patient control, "I can control it. It doesn't control me"; and patient security, "It is not that way anymore." Three periods of lived time were observed: Diagnosis "The numbers say I have diabetes"; "I just can't figure out why it does that"; and Routine "I make my numbers." Prominent numeracy functions emerged by time period. During Diagnosis primary numeracy functions included comparing SMBG results to target values. Participants expressed this experience as, "I am some kind of O.K." During applied numeracy functions included taking medication correctly. SMBG readings were experienced as a clue to the diabetes mystery, sometimes confusing the participants, "I just don't …

2010 Fall - Registration Guide, Office Of The Registrar, East Tennessee State University

Registration Resources

No abstract provided.

Environmental Health Promotion Criteria, Department Of Environmental Health, East Tennessee State University

Tenure and Promotion Criteria

No abstract provided.

Environmental Health Tenure Criteria, Department Of Environmental Health, East Tennessee State University

Tenure and Promotion Criteria

No abstract provided.

2010 July 06 - Medical Student Education Committee Minutes, Medical Student Education Committee, East Tennessee State University

Medical Student Education Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

2010 Summer - Registration Guide, Office Of The Registrar, East Tennessee State University

Registration Resources

No abstract provided.

Expression Of Human Neutrophil Elastase In K. Lactis., Haley M. Klimecki

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Human neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and provide the body with a line of defense against foreign, infectious microorganisms. Contained within the azurophilic granules in the cytoplasm of neutrophils are three serine proteases, Human Neutrophil Elastase, Cathepsin G, and Protease 3. Once a foreign bacterium is engulfed by white blood cells, these enzymes attack and degrade the invading body, thus killing it (Reeves et al., 2002). The focus of this research is centered on the production of one of the serine proteases, human neutrophil elastase (HNE), and while the importance of HNE can be seen, …

An Analysis Of The Tennessee Center For Performance Excellence Examiners' Continuous Improvement Process., Anita Paige Ricker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the continuous improvement process of the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCP). Results of surveys conducted annually by the TNCPE from postapplicants provided data from the state award applicants. Their responses offered indicators of satisfaction among different industry sectors (education, government, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit, and service) with the TNCPE services (criteria booklet, feedback report, site visit policy, TNCPE staff, and team of examiners). The survey data were obtained from the TNCPE office in Nashville, Tennessee in which award applicants were provided a series of survey questions. These questions involved the overall award …

A Study Of The Integrated Alignment Of Technology And Organizational Strategic Planning In Small Private Liberal Arts Colleges And Universities., Shereé Ann Schneider

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between technology planning and strategic planning in small private liberal arts colleges and universities that were members of the Appalachian College Association (ACA). The objective of the study was to determine if the technology initiatives were appropriately aligned to the institutional strategic plans. I sought to discover the perceptions of key administrators within the ACA institutions regarding their role in the planning processes at their institutions and to determine if the planning processes were effectively used as a tool for adequately communicating technology needs to their departments.

Participants in the …

Access To Algebra I, Gateway To Success: The Impact Of Eighth-Grade Algebra I., Emily Jean Skelton Darling

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An understanding of Algebra I and the role that this foundational course plays as an entry to the college preparatory pathway in secondary education and its influence on mathematical achievement is an integral component for the education of American youth in the global world of science and technology. Achievements in high school curricula are cumulative; each course completed determines which paths will be open to the student and which postsecondary education options will be available. In today's world, these options are necessary for the competitive world market. Algebra I is the prerequisite course for subsequent high school math pathways. Students …

Surviving Cancer In Appalachia: A Qualitative Study Of Family Cancer Communication And Changing Personal Identities Through The Cancer Journey., Kathryn L. Duvall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Appalachian region is known for its beautiful mountains, close-knit communities, and health care disparities including higher rates of cancer and premature mortality. Being diagnosed with cancer in the region may present a unique experience for survivors in regards to family cancer communication and changing personal identities. In a multiphasic study, the stories of 29 female Appalachian cancer survivors were collected through either a day-long modified story circle event (n=26) or an in-depth interview (n=3). Qualitative content analysis was used to identify emergent themes in the data. The analysis revealed 5 types of family cancer communication and five barriers to …

Overcoming: A Theory Of Accelerated Second-Degree Baccalaureate Graduate Nurse Transition To Professional Nursing Practice., Sandy K. Calhoun

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A plethora of stressors are known to be related to the process of transition to professional nursing practice as the neophyte registered nurse (RN) transitions from student to professional nurse. Although not new, accelerated second-degree baccalaureate nursing (ASDBN) programs have opened in record numbers in recent years in the wake of the current nursing shortage. Little is known about the experience of professional practice for accelerated second-degree baccalaureate graduate nurses (ASDBGNs). The stressful graduate nurse transition, current nursing shortage, and lack of an empirical base for ASDBN programs illustrate the significance of the research problem. This modified grounded theory study …

Peter L. Berger's Early Conception Of Agency: Exposition And Evaluation., James Greene

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Peter L. Berger's conception of agency in his earliest writings (c.1954-1960) is logically and empirically inadequate. At the root of this inadequacy is an idealism that prevents him from providing a compelling account of actual empirical agency. Chapter 1 asserts that Berger's earlier works warrant analysis. Chapter 2 discusses Berger's earliest influences, particularly Max Weber and The Swedish Lund School of motif research. Chapter 3 identifies a unique commitment to Christian Humanism at the base of Berger's conception of agency. Chapter 4 clarifies how Berger's Christian humanism interacts with his Weberian, and Parsonian-inspired functional analysis of the American religious establishment. …

Inhibition Of Escherichia Coli Atp Synthase By Polyphenols And Their Derivatives., Prasanna Keerthi Dadi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We have studied the inhibitory effect of natural and structurally modified polyphenols on Escherichia coli ATP synthase to test (I) if the beneficial dietary effects of polyphenols are related to their inhibitory actions on ATP synthase, (II) if inhibitory effects of polyphenolic compound could be augmented through structural modifications, and (III) if they can act as antimicrobial agent through their actions on ATP synthesis. X-ray crystal structures of polyphenol binding sites suggested that polyphenols bind at a distinct polyphenol binding pocket, at the interface of α,β,γ-subunits. We found that both natural and modified polyphenols inhibit E. coli ATP synthase to …

At-Risk Indicators: The Impact On School Success., Lisa Wynn Stewart

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The hope of educators is that children will obtain a strong educational foundation that will lead to life-long learning and a bright future. However, several factors may play a role in hindering a successful outcome. Addressing the at-risk indicators of excessive absences, discipline referrals, socioeconomic status, disability status, early grade retention, and family composition gives insight into struggles students face.

Looking at 6 research questions, an independent sample t test was used to determine the difference in students who had excessive absences and discipline referrals in relation to school success. A chi-square analysis was used to identify the relationship between …

Political Accommodation: The Effects Of Booker T. Washington's Leadership And Legacy On Tuskegee University And The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment., Dominique Dubois Gilliard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this re-evaluation of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, I identify the original causes that made the Study emerge, examine why the intent of this research shifted over time, reveal the manner in which the Study was conducted, expose the role the government played in the manipulation of the Experiment, and, finally, investigate the ways, as well as the reasons, for the selection of the participants involved in the Study. After exploring the Experiment itself, I investigate the lasting effects of it on the community in which it occurred and the ways in which it further affected the relationship between African …

Project 3rd Grade Environment: Descriptive Phenomenological Study Of The Physical And Learning Environment In A Transformed 3rd Grade Classroom., Charity Gail Hensley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This is a descriptive phenomenological study of a 3rd grade classroom in East Tennessee that was transformed in late spring 2009 to be consistent with principles incorporated in the 21st Century Model for Teaching and Learning and Educational Change (Evanshen, 2010). The objectives of this study were 1)to document the current physical and learning environment and 2)interview the participant regarding a classroom transformation in relation to teaching and learning. Methods of data collection included: interview questions related to the classroom environment pretransformation and posttransformation, observation field notes, and photographs of the current environment. In addition, archival photographs of the pretransformation …

Hamlet From The Stage., David Blair

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hamlet From The Stage is a video production designed to be an extra feature on the DVD video of the stage production of Hamlet, performed by the Division of Theatre and Dance at East Tennessee State University, and filmed by the Department of e-Learning during the Spring Semester of 2009. Hamlet From The Stage is a professional interview style video package of the cast of Hamlet designed to help inexperienced collegiate actors learn some useful tools when approaching a Shakespearean audition or performance. This video package represents over eleven months of production: concept, writing, set design and studio setup, interview …

The Relationship Between Formative Assessment And Student Engagement At Walters State Community College., Cary E. Jenkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a relationship between formative assessment and student engagement at Walters State Community College. Additionally, a secondary purpose examined differences in the in the dimensions of student engagement dimensions (skills engagement, emotional engagement, participation or interaction, performance) based on gender, school classification (freshman, sophomore), and age.

Two hundred thirty-nine Walters State Community College students taught with face-to-face pedagogy comprised the population for the study. The survey instruments included a 15-item formative assessment survey selected from the Walters State Community College Student Opinion of Teaching and Course (WSCCSOTC) and the Student …

To End In Silence., Justin R. Hammer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis supports the Master of Fine Arts exhibition, To End In Silence, at the Slocumb Galleries, East Tennessee State University, March 15-19, 2010. The exhibit consists of fourteen pieces, which are either presented on pedestals or mounted on the wall.

To comment on the title of my thesis, it is a description of the state of calm that I strive to embrace during the creation of my work and the unobtrusive yet engaging tone that I hope for each finished composition to project. This paper explores the aesthetic and conceptual transitions in my work, inspired by a period …

Exploring The Lower Third: The Use, Innovations, And Future Of Snipes In The U.S. Television Industry., Aaron M. Sharp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Digital video recorders have given a growing number of viewers the ability to skip television commercials. In an effort to combat ad-skipping, television providers and advertisers are looking at ways to embed advertising into the video content; one way this can be accomplished is with graphic overlays known as snipes. Little is known about how content providers use snipes and what research they have conducted. This study is qualitative and uses long telephone interviews with 8 respondents from various cable television network and broadcast affiliate stations; examining the characteristics of innovation, as found in Rogers's (1995) diffussion of innovation theory. …

Tracking Sources Of Enrollment At Etsu Through The Use Of Gis., Charles Thomas Phillips

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to look at fall freshmen enrollment data for East Tennessee State University and see if patterns in the enrollment exist. This paper focuses on fall freshmen enrollment during the years 1997, 2002, and 2007 at ETSU. Once the data were gathered, they were mapped and statistically analyzed using geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical analysis software.

Many things were learned from the GIS maps created and statistical analysis. First, the maps showed that from 1997 to 2007, ETSU's enrollment became more consolidated in the East Tennessee region and moved westward into Middle and Western …

A Re-Evaluation Of The Pleistocene Hellbender, Cryptobranchus Guildayi, And An Overview Of Cryptobranchus Remains From Appalachian Caves., Keila Elaine Bredehoeft

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cryptobranchus guildayi is described as an extinct species of large salamander that is closely related to the hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis. The validity of this extinct taxon has been questioned, so an expanded osteological sample of modern hellbenders was used for comparative purposes with the C. guildayi fossil material. Based on this analysis, all supposed distinguishing morphological characteristics used to define C. guildayi can be observed in specimens of C. alleganiensis, or are based on misidentifications. Therefore, Cryptobranchus guildayi is considered to be conspecific with C. alleganiensis and taxonomically should be considered a junior synonym of the latter. The …

Language Development And Behavior Problems In Young Preschool Children: Relationship To Teacher And Parent Ratings Of Behavior Problems., Jessica Plaster

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study analyzed the relationship between young children’s language development and behavior problem ratings from their teachers and parents. It examined this relation to determine to what extent children’s language delays are associated with clinically significant levels of behavior problems, the degree to which the level of language delay is related to behavior problem ratings by both teachers and parents, and the degree of correlation between teachers’ and parents’ ratings of behavior. Participants were teachers and parents of children between two to five years of age in Washington County early intervention classrooms. Parents and teachers of the children returned Informed …

Critical-Incident Response: A Study Of Training, Management, And Mitigation In North Carolina Sheriffs' Offices., Gregory Alan Minton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of training each sheriff's office requires in North Carolina and if that training includes multiagency exercises designed to mitigate a critical-incident response and identify any concerns from those training events. The study also compared departmental strength (number of sworn officers per agency) with county populations and geographic area of the state the agency is located in with the number of hours required annually by each agency. Finally, each agency was asked if it had participated in a multiagency exercise and a multiagency incident and to identify any issues that occurred …