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Development And Validation Methodology Of The Nuss Procedure Surgical Planner, Krzysztof J. Rechowicz

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Pectus excavatum (PE) is a congenital chest wall deformity which is characterized, in most cases, by a deep depression of the sternum. A minimally invasive technique for the repair of PE (MIRPE), often referred to as the Nuss procedure, has been proven to be more advantageous than many other PE treatment techniques. The Nuss procedure consists of placement of a metal bar(s) underneath the sternum, thereby forcibly changing the geometry of the ribcage. Because of the prevalence of PE and the popularity of the Nuss procedure, the demand to perform this surgery is greater than ever. Therefore, a Nuss procedure …

Can Practice Calibrating By Test Topic Improve Public School Students' Calibration Accuracy And Performance On Tests?, Rose M. Riggs

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

The effect of a calibration strategy requiring students to predict their scores for each topic on a high stakes test was investigated. The utility of self-efficacy towards predicting achievement and calibration accuracy was also explored. One hundred and ten sixth grade math students enrolled in an urban middle school participated. Students were assigned to either a calibration practice group or a no practice condition. Students in the practice condition completed a self-efficacy scale specific to math at the beginning of the study. They also practiced making predictions for each topic on each of three tests over a three month period …

“This Intense Desire To Know The World”: Factors Influencing The Selection Of Multicultural Children's Literature, Kasey L. Garrison

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

Multicultural children's literature offers readers the opportunity to experience new perspectives and cultures or reaffirm and develop their socio-cultural identity (Boston & Baxley, 2007; Yokota, 2009). The availability of diverse titles for youth is critical in enhancing 21st Century literacy and social skills (AASL, 2007; Common Core, 2010; Krashen, 2004). The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing collection development and the selection of multicultural children's literature in public library collections in geographically and demographically diverse communities across one southeastern state.

Employing a mixed methods design, the researcher first surveyed ten library system collections totaling 70 libraries …

Old Dominion University Climate Change And Sea Level Rise Initiative, Summer 2012, Larry P. Atkinson (Editor)

CCSLRI Newsletters

Summer 2012 Newsletter of the Old Dominion University Climate Change and Sea Level Rise Intiative

Academic Predictors Of Online Course Success In The Community College, Christy D. Hawkins

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify academic factors that might predict online course success for community college students. Online course success was a focus of national research and debate as studies consistently indicated lower success rates in online courses as compared to traditional courses; however, research that identified academic predictors to guide the development of policies and services that support student success in online courses was limited.

A random sample of 20 online course sections held at one multi-campus, urban community college resulted in 491 enrollees being examined for seventy-eight factors that might predict online course success. Factors …

Multilevel Analysis Of Physical Activity Among Us Adults Across Us Census Regions: The Role Of Environmental Contexts, Sariyamon Tiraphat

Health Services Research Dissertations

This study uses nationally representative data to explain the variation in physical activity among U.S. adults across four geographic regions of Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether environmental conditions inclusive of natural amenity, built environment, urbanization, crime, and social economic neighborhood are associated with physical activity and whether these associations are modified by geographic region. The study also investigates whether the influences of environmental contexts vary by subgroup and whether they are modified by geographic region. Determining regional factors that influence physical activity is essential to planning appropriate physical activity interventions.

The …

Teacher Beliefs, Knowledge, And Practice Of Metacognition And Self-Regulated Learning, Robin S. Spruce

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

Teacher beliefs and knowledge about metacognition and self-regulated learning (SRL) as well as their knowledge for teaching metacognition and SRL were examined in this mixed-methods study. Questionnaires targeting teacher beliefs about SRL, the Self-Regulated Teacher Beliefs Scale (SRLTBS), and teacher knowledge of metacognition and knowledge for teaching metacognition, Teacher Metacognition Scale (TMS), were distributed to elementary and middle school teachers in two school districts, one urban, the other suburban. A total of 84 teachers responded to the questionnaires, and from those a criterion sample of ten were selected for observation and interview. Results from the questionnaires indicate teachers felt somewhat …

All Is Fair In War---Violent Conflict And The Securitization Of Rape, Sabine Hirschauer

Graduate Program in International Studies Theses & Dissertations

Systematic mass rape during conflict has for centuries met with global ignorance and political complacency despite its atrocious character. The conflicts in Bosnia and Rwanda in the 1990s altered the silence surrounding this long tolerated, dark underbelly of war. Applying Barry Buzan's and Ole Waever'sSecuritization Theory to the cases of Bosnia and Rwanda, this dissertation finds that rape during both wars was successfully securitized. Securitization Theory as a model and indicator of an effective shifting of rape from an apolitical or political perspective into the security realm was appropriate. Bosnia initiated the first convictions of rape as a …

An Exploration Of The State-Trait Continuum In Counseling And Positive Psychology, Michael A. Keefer

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Counselors value remaining positive in the face of adversity. Consequently, positive psychology has placed an emphasis on uncovering how long-enduring positive traits (e.g., hope, wisdom, and creativity) can be developed from short-term positive states. This search has resulted in positive psychology's conceptualization of a state-trait continuum. This study explores the state-trait continuum by examining possible quantitative relationships between a state instrument (the Learning Environment Preferences) and a trait instrument (the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). Research question 1 found a significant predictive relationship between two MBTI scales (S-N and J-P) and the LEP's cognitive complexity index. Research question 2 found a significant …

Analysis Of Bar Deformation Under Sternum Forces During Surgical Correction Of Pectus Excavatum In Children, Rohit N. Nikam

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Pectus excavatum (PE) also known as sunken or funnel chest is the most common chest wall deformity and affects 1 in every 1,000 children. In PE patients, the middle lower portion of the sternum is depressed producing concave appearance of the anterior part of the chest wall. This problem can be corrected with minimally invasive surgery developed by Dr. Donald Nuss in 1986. A specially made steel bar is implanted to lift the sternum to its normal position. This technique has been modified several times to improve safety and effectiveness of the bar placement and removal. One of the significant …

Caffeinated Alcohol Use And Anxiety Symptoms Among College Students, Ashley N. Linden

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Recently, the combination of alcohol and caffeine (i.e., caffeinated alcohol) has been growing in popularity among college students. Consumption of caffeinated alcohol has been shown to result in negative consequences (e.g., required medical attention, engaged in driving and sexual risk behaviors). It may be important to investigate the potential risk this may have on students with mental health issues, such as those with anxiety symptoms, as they may already be at heightened risk for substance-related problems. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between anxiety and caffeinated alcohol use in a college student sample. The aims …

Using Decision-Making Techniques In Support Of Simulation Training Transfer Selections, Jane Taylor Bachman

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A general methodological approach for determining the selection of military training simulations with respect to military training requirements has not been developed. This thesis undertakes a literature review, which indicated that there was a need for a multi-criteria decision making model to assist acquisition and/or training planners in making training selection decisions. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Model was selected from a multi-criteria decision-making model candidate list for evaluation of its efficacy in selecting military training simulations based upon the military training requirements. Four separate trainee populations, Alpha, Beta, Charlie, and Delta, were evaluated. Results from the Alpha study case …

Investigating The Roles Of Time Perspective And Emerging Adulthood In Predicting Driving Behavior, Kristie L. Johnson

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

In the U.S., motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for individuals 2 to 34 years of age (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2009c). Of particular interest are 18 to 25 year olds or emerging adults because of their increased crash risk. The prevalence of crashes attributable to the combination of driving inexperience and risky behaviors creates the necessity to identify predictors of crash likelihoods. While there are known personality variables that predict risky driving, time perspective as an additional one was suggested. Time perspective pertains to how the past, present, and future influence an individual's actions. Zimbardo, …

The Role Of Just Desserts, Deterrence, And An Apology In Recommending Punishment For Violations Of Hiv Non-Disclosure Laws, William Alexander Woody

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

HIV non-disclosure laws, which require people with HIV to disclose their HIV serostatus to potential sexual partners, are common in the U.S. This thesis applied philosophical theories of punishment to examine why people would punish these law violators. Specifically, retribution/just deserts (i.e., an eye for an eye) and deterrence (i.e., general crime prevention) were examined as punishment motivations. Additionally, offender apology was investigated as a potential moderator of the effects of retribution on punishment. A 2 (Just Deserts) X 2 (Deterrence) X 2 (Apology) ANOVA design was used with recommendations for a prison sentence and financial fine as the dependent …

Emotion Management Skills Of School-Age Children In The Context Of Risk: The Role Of Parent Socialization Strategies, Carla Damiani Correia

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Exposure to risk in childhood can disrupt social and emotional processes (Leventhal & Brooks-Gunn, 2000) and lead to the development of physical and mental health issues across the lifespan (Flouri, 2008). This study sought to better understand the associations between contextual risk, parent socialization of emotion, and children's emotion regulation skills in an at-risk sample. Information about risk was obtained from U.S. Census data and a family questionnaire. Parent socialization strategies and children's ER skills were measured using self-report and interview methods. Though not to the degree that was expected, results indicate that contextual risk relates to both parent socialization …

The Effects Of An Online Sleep Hygiene Intervention On Students' Sleep Quality, Giuliana Farias

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Students in college or in their first year of medical school undergo increased educational and social pressure. To cope, students may sacrifice sleep to meet demands. Poor sleep affects learning, performance, and health. Studies have been successful at improving sleep quality through the use of in-person recruitment or cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered over the internet (Trockel, Manber, Chang, Thurston, & Tailor, 2011). The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether an online sleep hygiene intervention could improve sleep quality. One hundred thirty-eight students from one undergraduate institution in Southeast Virginia completed this study. Students were divided into groups; one …

The Mediating Role Of Emotion Regulation In The Relations Of Between Somatization And Internalizing Disorders In Children, Priscilla A. Khuanghlawn

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Somatic symptoms are a common experience of childhood and research suggests that specific populations, including girls and children who are African-American, may be more likely to experience and report somatic complaints. Although seen in developmentally typical populations, somatic symptoms are also often strongly linked with general psychopathology, especially internalizing disorders. The etiology of somatic symptoms is unclear, with the current literature suggesting various contributing causes. One such contributing factor includes emotional factors such as the management of emotional arousal through emotion inhibition, coping, and dysregulation. Using an African-American sample of 136 elementary school-aged children (47% boys) and their parents (86% …

A Comparison Of Relaxation Techniques On Blood Pressure Reactivity And Recovery Assessing The Moderating Effect Of Anger Coping Style, Catherine J. Mills

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the relationship of anger coping style and relaxation techniques on cardiovascular reactivity and recovery in blood pressure (BP). Eighty-nine students from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia participated. The participants were instructed to rest for ten minutes (baseline), complete a math task with harassment for 6 minutes (stressor), and engage in one of three recovery conditions (a standard control (SC), diaphragmatic breathing (DB), or mantra recitation (MR) without breathing instructions) for 10 minutes. The Spielberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) was utilized to measure trait anger coping style. Participants were compensated $25. It was hypothesized that …

Identifying Operations Research Systems Analysts' Technical Competencies: A Delphi Approach, William T. Winklbauer

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

After the attacks of September 11, 2011, the demands for more agile, adaptive, critical-thinking, and multi-talented U.S. Army Operations Research Systems Analysts (FA49s) have only increased. Tomorrow's joint operating environment demands U.S. Army FA49s to be ingenious, proactive, and multi-talented; proficient in their core competencies as military leaders as well as being proficient in their technical competencies as problem solvers in the operations research field.

The purpose of this study was to identify the technical competencies and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required for future U.S. Army FA49s to perform their duties within the joint operating environment of the next …

Meta-Heuristics Analysis For Technologically Complex Programs: Understanding The Impact Of Total Constraints For Schedule, Quality And Cost, Henry Darrel Webb

EMSE Doctoral Projects

Program management data associated with a technically complex radio frequency electronics base communication system has been collected and analyzed to identify heuristics which may be utilized in addition to existing processes and procedures to provide indicators that a program is trending to failure. Analysis of the collected data includes detailed schedule analysis, detailed earned value management analysis and defect analysis within the framework of a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) incentive fee contract.

This project develops heuristics and provides recommendations for analysis of complex project management efforts such as those discussed herein. The analysis of the effects of the constraints on …

College Of Health Sciences Newsletter, May 2012, College Of Health Sciences

Ellmer College of Health Sciences Newsletters

May 2012 issue of Old Dominion University's College of Health Sciences Newsletter.

Emergency Medical Technicians’ Experience With Visual Journaling: A Qualitative Study, Pamela Gandolfi

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand the experience of EMTs who incorporate the process of visual journaling each week in response to their professional responsibilities. In particular, this study aimed to understand EMTs’ perceptions of the usefulness of visual journaling and to determine possible themes from visual and written journal content.

Six participants, five male and one female, who were certified EMT-Basic (EMT-B), EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) and Paramedics (EMT-P) volunteered to be part of this study. In addition to being an EMT, they were all also certified firefighters. All participants were aged 18 to 70 years and had met …

Examining Attachment Styles In Adult Adoptees Using The Bird’S Nest Drawing, Kim Clemens

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine adult attachment styles seen in the Bird’s Nest Drawings of adopted adults, compared to those seen in non-adopted adults. A sample of 17 participants (16 non-adopted adults and 1 adopted adult) in the age range of 21-57 completed a Bird’s Nest Drawing (BND), Bird’s Nest Drawing Story, Adult Attachment Scale Questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire.

The BND was devised by Donna Kaiser to assess secure and insecure attachment as seen through graphic indicators in a projective drawing test. Kaiser’s February 2012 updated BND checklist is comprised of 14 hypothesized graphic indicator items, …

What Is The Effect Of Mandala Drawing Versus Art Card Sorting On Mood, Stress, And Anxiety In Individuals With Mood And Anxiety Disorders?, Sara K.M. Young

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The effect of mandala drawing versus art card sorting on mood, stress, and anxiety on a clinical population of adults with a history or diagnosis of DSM-­‐IV-­‐TR mood and/or anxiety disorders is investigated through a randomized study utilizing experiment and control groups, and a single subject case study. Standardized measurements used to collect data were the profile of mood states, the state-­‐trait anxiety inventory, and the Beck depression inventory-­‐II. Statistical significance could not be tested due to a lack of control subjects. Mean and standard deviation are reported and show a decrease in the mean post experiment. The single subject …

A Comparative Analysis Of Stress And Anxiety Reduction Between Working With Clay And Mandala Design Coloring, Sara Julsrud

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

One aim of this study was to help scientifically quantify many art therapists’ belief that artmaking is intrinsically healing. This study explored the effects of mindful art therapy processes (guided clay work meditation and mandala coloring) on stress and anxiety through measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Data were collected from 20 undergraduate students from Virginia Wesleyan College and Old Dominion University, both of Norfolk, VA. Ages of subjects ranged from 18 to 40 years old. Through use of repeated measures analysis, the posttest measurements from each subject were compared to their …

A Proposed Art Therapy Group For Survivors Of Suicide Based Upon The Results Of A Survivor Of Suicide’S Self-Study, Crystal Menicola

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

A survivor of suicide’s self-exploration process was explored to investigate the efficacy and applicability of specific therapeutic art and writing tasks proposed in the original methodology for the study of an art therapy group with survivors of suicide. Based on personal reflections throughout the self-exploration process, the researcher improved the original study design by modifying the sequence of tasks and adding supplemental art and writing exercises to sessions in consideration of evocative material that had the potential to elicit a severe trauma response due to recalling traumatic memories. Two standardized measures, the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version, and the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40, …

Exploring Hope And Quality Of Life: A Proposal For A Group Art Therapy Hope Intervention For Individuals Diagnosed With Lupus, Paige Scheinberg

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

As a result of the importance of hope and quality of life in disease management for individuals who have been diagnosed with lupus, there is support in the literature for the need for an effective intervention that targets these constructs with this population. The efficacy of art therapy in meeting the physical, mental, and emotional needs of diverse populations is also supported in existing research, making this an ideal form of treatment for lupus patients. In an effort to fill a gap in the literature on the relationship(s) between lupus, hope, and art therapy, this study was created. The original …

Burnout, Vicarious Traumatization, And Compassion Fatigue Within The Field Of Art Therapy, Megan Parrish

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization are negative experiences that can pose problems for many health professionals, especially mental health professionals. This study is a preliminary study aimed at identifying the prevalence of these experiences within the field of art therapy. A mixed methods research design consisting of pre-existing measurements and qualitative questions were implemented into an online survey and dispersed through various online media. There were 88 participants who completed the survey. Responses were analyzed with results indicating that there was a presence of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization within the field. Another aspect of the study was …

A Comparison Of Kinetic Family Drawings By Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Typically Developing Siblings, Rachel Daniels

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on the diagnosed child’s perception of their family. Specifically, the study compared the Kinetic Family Drawings (Burns & Kaufman, 1970) created by children diagnosed with Autism and those created by typically developing children.

Eight participants between the ages of 6 and 12 were recruited, and split into two groups. One group consisted of four children (three boys and one girl) with a mean age of 6.75 and an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis. The second group consisted of four typically developing children (three girls and one …

A Study Of Art Therapy-Based Approaches To Communication Between Physicians And Pediatric Patients, Carrie Carowan

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Miscommunication between physicians and child patients about perceived pain results in problems with diagnosis and treatment of childhood illness. This study used an art therapy-based approach to explore physician perceptions and understanding of child patients’ pain as compared to the pediatric patients’ perceptions of their own pain. Body Outline Forms (BOFs) and Magnified Pain Drawings (MPDs) (Barton, 1995) were completed by participants, and compared using a qualitative content analysis. Visual results reflected a difference in perception of pain by the physician and child participants in areas of color, size, shape, location, and movement. Verbal results collected from the physician participant …