Digital Commons Network^™

Who's Included? A Systematic Review Of Socio-Demographics And Participant Recruitment Within The Investigation Of Periodontal Disease And Its Treatment Effect On Hemoglobin A1c, Jaclyn L. Johnson

All Master's Theses

Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease are major global public health concerns. Within the United States (U.S.) over 34 million adults have diagnosed diabetes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020a), and 64 million U.S. adults have periodontitis (American Academy of Periodontology [AAP], 2021a). Research has shown that persons with diabetes have a coinfection with periodontal disease at a rate between 2.6 and 2.9 times higher than persons without diabetes (Wang et al., 2014). Diabetes and periodontal disease collectively and disproportionately affect persons of low socioeconomic status (SES), age, and particular racial/ethnic identities (AAP, n.d.b; CDC, 2021; Connolly et al., …

Associations Between Atherogenic Markers And Hearing Loss: National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey: 2011-2012, 2015-2016, Anna Anya Rombakh

All Master's Theses

Importance Hearing loss (HL) is a major public health problem that has been previously found to be associated with abnormal atherogenic markers.

Objective To investigate the associations between such atherogenic markers and the degree of HL using continuous NHANES data from cycle years 2011-2012 and 2015-2016.

Design, Study, and Participants This observational study used data from two National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycle years 2011-2012 and 2015-2016. NHANES continuously conducts data collection via home interviews and physical exams completed in their Mobile Examination Centers. NHANES participants ages 20-69 who partook in audiometry, anthropometric and laboratory testing were included. …

Ecological And Genetic Connectivity Of Shrews (Sorex Spp.) Across Interstate-90 In The Washington Cascade Range, Jordan Ryckman

All Master's Theses

Roads negatively affect wildlife by degrading and fragmenting habitat. The I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project was established to improve traffic safety for both humans and wildlife. Here, the Washington State Department of Transportation is constructing wildlife crossing structures to increase ecosystem connectivity as part of this project. The goal of my study was to investigate shrews – very small mammals with presumably low mobility and dispersal capacity – at sites on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range where wildlife crossing structures will be built in the future. My main objectives were to verify shrew species composition, assess population genetic …

Evaluations Of Health In Sympatric Free-Ranging Saguinus Imperator And Leontocebus Weddelli Using Neopterin, Urinalysis, And Blood Chemistry Analyses, Alexandra J. Sacco

All Master's Theses

This thesis is composed of one journal-ready article and one chapter that includes a preliminary interpretation of data for later publication. In summary, this thesis proposes the use of three different methods of evaluating the health status of New World Monkeys: urinary neopterin measurement, blood chemistry analyses, and urinalysis. Chapter II addresses the question of whether or not the neopterin molecule, a biomarker for cell-mediated immune system activation, is conserved across primate taxa. To do so, we collected urine samples across three New World Monkey (NWM) families including captive Leontopithecus rosalia and Pithecia pithecia, and wild populations of Leontocebus …

Use Of A Two-Action Paradigm Apparatus With Captive Lemurs: Insights Into Social Learning, Carly Batist

All Master's Theses

Lemurs have been understudied in cognitive research despite possessing a unique phylogenetic position as the lineage linking primates to other mammals. I used a two-action paradigm apparatus to test social learning abilities in seven lemur species at the Duke Lemur Center. There were three groups: push (had model previously taught to push), pull (had model previously taught to pull), and control (no model). I conducted experimental trials to determine if lemurs in push/pull groups learned faster and more efficiently from the model than lemurs in control groups who lacked a model to observe. I found evidence of social facilitation in …

Preparing The Yucatan Black Howler Monkey For Its Return To The Wild: An Assessment Of Wildtracks' Approach To Rehabilitation And Reintroduction, Blanca Ponce

All Master's Theses

Nearly half of non-human primates are in danger of extinction due to the negative impact of anthropogenic activities. Among the species most negatively affected is the family Atelidae (Di Fiore, Link, & Campbell, 2011). For this reason, non-human primates remain a central focus in global conservation efforts. Some of these efforts include welfare-based rehabilitation, re-introduction, and habitat preservation (Guy et al., 2014). Re-introduction projects have contributed significantly to conservation efforts, improved the lives of individual organism, promoted community education, and conservation values (Baker, 2002). However, Seddon et al. (2007) reveals that often, very little development and post-release monitoring goes into …

Enrichment Assessment For Geriatric African Old World Monkeys Under Human Care, Amanda E. Osborne

All Master's Theses

I proposed a study that determines whether enrichment regimes used for geriatric African Old World monkeys living under human care are effectively eliciting affiliative and active behaviors. I wanted to determine if alternating enrichment types used by the zoo staff were eliciting different social behaviors and locomotion in non-human primates based on different factors including ages, species, and sexes. My data collection took place at the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) accredited, Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon. I conducted my research from 11 June to 5 August 2017. I collected data from eight individuals of varying ages from three …

Comparison Of Anthropometric Measurements Of Abdominal Obesity As Predictors Of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: Nhanes 2011-2014, Carli Kettel

All Master's Theses

Background It has been well established that screening tools for cardiometabolic diseases are less useful among obese populations as risk of these diseases is already high. However, research is lacking in regard to efficient screening tools for cardiometabolic diseases among normal weight and overweight populations. Objective This study compared the predictive strengths of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), and SAD-to-height ratio (SADHtR) with respect to risk of cardiometabolic disorders in normal and overweight U.S. populations. Design This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants/setting …

The Economic Impacts Of Soil Contamination In Wenatchee, Wa, Jessica R. Martin

All Master's Theses

This study determines the economic impacts of soil contamination as a result of historical pesticide use in Wenatchee, WA. A hedonic regression analysis of home values before, during, and after cleanups of six contaminated schoolyards demonstrates the public’s willingness to pay for remediated soil as a housing amenity. A qualitative analysis of media coverage of the contamination and cleanups confirms public awareness and categorizes public perception of risk. Results show a significant positive price effect following remediation, and benefit-cost analysis enumerates sizable private and public financial losses incurred as a result of remediation delay.

Comparison Of A Body Shape Index And Body Mass Index As Predictors Of Metabolic Syndrome: Nhanes 2007-2012, Rotana M. Radwan

All Master's Theses

A newly calculated anthropometric measurement (A Body Shape Index, ABSI) was introduced as a more reliable index of body composition than waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). ABSI was reported as a stronger predictor for mortality. Thus far, the relationship between ABSI and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) has not been studied on a large U.S. population. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine whether ABSI is a better predictor of the risk of MetS and its individual risk factors than BMI on a large and diverse sample of the U.S. population using the National Health and Nutrition …

The Effects Of Feedback Sequence On Cognitive Performance, Travis W. Pyle

All Master's Theses

The current study tested the effects of feedback sequence on performance on a visual-spatial task. Twenty-three female participants were randomly assigned to one of five feedback sequence conditions which occurred after two consecutive trials of a hole-punch task. The five feedback sequence conditions consisted of positive-positive (i.e., positive feedback followed by positive feedback), positive-negative, negative-positive, negative-negative, and a no-feedback control group. Positive feedback was presented as a 80%-90% accuracy range whereas negative feedback was a 30%-40% accuracy range. Third trial accuracy and completion time were measured as was locus of control via the Internal Control Index (ICI) survey. Analyses revealed …

Proxy-Based Reconstructions Of Earthquakes And Tsunamis At Quidico, South-Central Chile, Isabel J. Hong

All Master's Theses

We utilized geomorphic, microfossil, sedimentological, and stratigraphic methods to investigate the paleotsunami history at Quidico, Chile (38.1° S, 73.2° W). A combination of pits, cores, and riverbank exposures provide stratigraphic evidence of 8 sand layers at Quidico, including tsunami deposits from 2010 and 1960. The sands are laterally continuous but display landward thinning, disappearing completely from the stratigraphy 1.2 km inland from the coast. Intervening sediment layers consist of organicrich silts and peat. Grain size analysis shows the sand units are bimodal in distribution whereas the organic-rich silts and peat have a broader, bimodal distribution. Lithological analysis showed similarities among …

False Physiological Feedback And Acceptance Of A High Fear Message, Michael T. Gray

All Master's Theses

This paper presents an attempt to differentiate between the drive reduction and parallel response theories as explanations of results obtained in fear communication research.

Forty-eight subjects were divided into four equal groups and while listening to a high fear message, three groups received false GSR feedback. The fourth group (control) received no feedback. The results failed to differentiate between the two theoretical models and also failed to support findings of an earlier study which used similar feedback techniques.

It was concluded that further research using false feedback techniques needs to be done.

Some Interactions In The Evolution Of Man And Tools, Gary W. Weston

All Master's Theses

This paper looks at some of the interactions between the development of tools and the evolution of man and his ancestors. It begins with a brief history of life up to the primates as a foundation. Next the use of tools by other animals is examined followed by the coverage of the period of time from Australopithecus to Modern Man showing the interweaving of physical and mental evolution of man and the development and refinement in his physical tools. Lastly, a look at possible future interactions in the physical and mental evolutionary developments in man as influenced by his tools …

A Study Of Health Misconceptions Among Elementary And Secondary Teachers, Robert Clyde Davidson

All Master's Theses

During the past few years a limited number of studies have been completed related to health misconceptions. Some have investigated health and safety misconceptions, while others have reported various testing procedures. Studies involving all populations {general public, elementary, secondary, and college students) have pointed out existing inadequacies in health knowledge and the prevalence of health misconceptions. As a result, the writer felt the need to investigate and measure the prevalence of health misconceptions among teachers.

A Pilot Study On The Comparison Of The Effect Of A Traditional Physical Education Program And A Movement Exploration Program On The Self Concept Of The Special Education Student, Sherrie Ann Chrysler

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this pilot study, which was exploratory in nature, was to determine if the type of physical education program a special education student experiences affects his self concept.

A Study Of The Revival Of The Arts And Crafts Of The Yakima Indian Nation, Rosa Mae Winder

All Master's Theses

It is the purpose of this research to study the steps which have been taken to revive the arts and crafts of the Yakima Indian Nation. It is a study to discuss the recognized and accepted values of art education, namely: (a) The aesthetic value (b) The cultural value (c) The therapeutic value (d) The vocational and avocational value to those "gifted” and/or interested in the arts.

The Figure And Environmental Forms In Jewelry, Sophie Sheppard

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to make a series of jewelry, conceived as small sculpture, using the human figure in relation to environmental form. The review of literature pertinent to the study consisted of a presentation of the visual and philosophical content in the work of Rico Lebrun and Ernest Trova, and an analysis of the work of the candidate as influenced by these artists.

A Survey Of Speech Therapy Programs In The Public Schools In The State Of Washington, Audrey Goodman

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study (1) to determine the current status of the speech therapy programs in the public schools of the eastern half of the state of Washington; (2) to evaluate changes that have occurred since their initiation and (3) to estimate future goals insofar as possible.

The Case Study Approach In Remedial Reading, Marlyn L. Willardson

All Master's Theses

A case study of one student who failed to pass the reading portion of the teacher education test at Central Washington State College was the investigation of this paper. The purpose of this study was to present the case study as a technique in diagnosing the reading disabilities of the individual and using the diagnosis as the basis for prescription and implementation of corrective procedures. This investigation was also conducted to serve as a single depth study upon which future case studies at the college level could be based.

A Comparison Of The Mathematical Achievement Attained Using Two Methods Of Teaching First Year Algebra To Alaskan Native High School Students, Jerry E. Burgett

All Master's Theses

The major purpose of the study was to compare two different methods of teaching first year algebra to Alaskan Native high school students. The basis for comparison was their effect on mathematical achievement.

A Survey Of Ten Community School Programs, Claude M. Gove

All Master's Theses

The purpose of the study was to ascertain whether or not community school programs contained any or all of the recommended items set forth by authorities.

The Effect Of Modification Of Hyperactive-Aggressive Behavior On Oral Expressive Language Behavior, Betty Susan Dowdell

All Master's Theses

The question the study sought to answer was: Will the affect of modification of hyperactive-aggressive behavior effect a change in the oral expressive language behavior of the children?

Components In A Comprehensive And Integrated Sex Education Program For The Kindergarten, Joyce Lucile Johnson

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of the study (1) to survey available resource material in sex education adaptable to the five-year-old level; (2) to design and test a method of integrating a program of meaningful sex education into the kindergarten curriculum; and (3) to provide reference to available resource material for teachers and parents so that there may be a home-school-child triangle of learning.

Creating An Aesthetic Construct Drawing From Contemporary American Behavior And Borrowing Characteristics From Persian Paining Of The Fourteenth, Fifteenth And Sixteenth Centuries, Peter Christian Wesley Jorgensen

All Master's Theses

It is the purpose of this study to develop an aesthetic construct by selecting aspects of our contemporary society appropriate to the rather elegantly ornamented expression of fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth century Persian painting.

The Ecology Of Aplodontia Rufa In King And Snohomish Counties, Washington, Richard A. Martin

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to investigate some aspects of the ecology of Aplodontia rufa in greater detail than in previously published accounts. I have concentrated my investigation on the areas of reproductive activity and burrowing habits, but will comment on other aspects of their ecology when pertinent. I have also attempted to correlate this material with studies done in other areas of the range.

A Study Of Orientation Practices Of Beginning Teachers And A Proposed Program Of Induction For Kennewick School District Number 17, Jack Shopbell

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study (1) to describe practices and aids of orienting new and beginning teachers, (2) to view the needs of first-year teachers in relation to their initial teaching experience, (3) to review the principles of a good orientation program, and (4) to propose a ten-day pre-service orientation program that could be tested in the Kennewick School District Number 17, Kennewick, Washington.

Selected Community Resources In The Longview, Washington, Area Available For Elementary School Field Trips, William J. Neves

All Master's Theses

The problem undertaken in this study may be briefly stated as follows: 1. To survey selected community resources in the Longview, Washington, area available for elementary school field trips. 2. To expand and up-date the existing file which was established in the Longview, Washington, School District in 1947.

Instructional Television – A Possible Solution To Problems In College Physical Growth, Jacob Leon Schloss

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to provide data to aid in providing a solution to some of the instructional space problems at Central Washington State College. This study will explore the feasibility of instructional television as a possible solution to this problem.

A Study Of School Programs For The Culturally Deprived Child, Mary King Cox

All Master's Theses

The purposes of this study are (1) to study descriptive information about school programs for culturally deprived children in both large and small cities in order to identify the broad range of procedures being employed to educate these disadvantaged children, and (2) to identify those program elements which might be most useful in planning for the needs of these children in other districts such as Pasco, Washington.