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A Tale Of Two Influences: An Exploration Of Downward Accountability In World Vision International, Elena Mccollim

Dissertations

International nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) face increasing accountability challenges stemming from past scandals and their claims to advance the public good. Since the 1990s, INGOs have responded with numerous reforms. The creation of the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership in 2003 and the INGO Accountability Charter in 2009 reflect sector-wide efforts to enhance accountability to mission, intended beneficiaries, and peer organizations.

Many INGOs have adopted a broad range of accountability reforms. This dissertation focuses on how World Vision, the world’s largest INGO, has done so. Downward accountability remains elusive due to such factors as INGOs’ lack of transparency toward beneficiaries; the power imbalance …

Evolving An Ecological Way Of Thinking: Social Interactions And The Construction Of Environmentally Sustainable Behaviors In Adolescents During Expeditionary Learning, Jennifer Fruend

Dissertations

The people around us - as well as the methodical progression of education through content - often shape our relationship to the world. Currently, Earth is at a crossroads, which requires humans to act and live more sustainably with an intentional environmental ethos, whether for literal survival or for slowing Earth’s resource degradation. Situated within the models of ecological contributors such as Aldo Leopold, transformational experiences, particularly when processed with self-reflection, writing, and social interaction, can change behaviors and priorities in individuals. Additionally, by recognizing the place of social learning components in expeditionary, informal, or adventure-based education settings, the potential …

The Relationship Between Two Types Of Artificial Lighting And Restlessness As Manifested By Level Of Activation And Motor Activity In The Elderly, Ann F. Kolanowski

Dissertations

The researcher's purpose in this study was to investigate a proposed relationship between the spectral power distribution of two different fluorescent lights and two measures of restlessness, motor activity and level of activation. Motor activity was measured using Down's and Fitzpatrick's (1926) Motor Activity Rating Scale. Level of activation was measured using Hoskins (1978) alternate forms of Thayer's Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List. The spectral power distribution of fluorescent lights was selected as a stimulus which might induce restlessness because different colors are known to have different arousing potentials. A General Electric Chroma 50 lamp provided broad spectrum fluorescent lighting. This …

Phylogeographic Relationships Of Coereba Flaveola And Their Malaria Parasites, Meghann Humphries

Dissertations

This dissertation is broadly focused on elucidating how the geographic structure and demographic changes in host and parasite populations relate to one another, and how such interactions contribute to the generation and maintenance of biological diversity.

I begin by investigating the population structure of the Coereba flaveola (bananaquit) population within Puerto Rico, which is the apparent source of several expansions of the species into the Lesser Antilles. These findings indicate that both island and taxon effects influence the observed demographic changes. Because susceptibility to antagonists is related to both host species-specific characteristics and to geographical location, coevolutionary outcomes of these …

The Impact Of Instructional Technology On Lesson Effectiveness And Obstacles To Incorporating Technology Into Lesson Design As Perceived By Elementary School Teachers, Sarah Loring

Dissertations

Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and describe the impact of instructional technology on lesson effectiveness and obstacles to incorporating instructional technology into lesson design as perceived by elementary school teachers.

Methodology. A qualitative ethnographic method was used in this study. Triangulation was accomplished through the collection and analysis of direct interviews, and artifacts shared by educators and strengthened by information-rich data provided in direct observations.

Findings: Major finding of the study showed high student engagement with the use of technology, and unavailability of the internet/Chromebooks as a big obstacle to technology integration.

Conclusions: Based on …

Interprofessional Healthcare Provider Education On Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Mary Puchalski

Dissertations

The rapidly increasing incidence of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in the U.S. has been identified as a national healthcare crisis. An evidence-based practice change project, ";Interprofessional Healthcare Provider Education on NAS"; (IHPEN) was designed to implement a protocol to increase consistency in treatment for infants with NAS and provision of healthcare provider education to increase knowledge regarding NAS, as well as sensitivity to the signs and symptoms of withdrawal. The target population included all healthcare providers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Mother/Baby Unit of a large, urban, not-for-profit perinatal center. The project was developed in response to a …

Sociocultural, Physiologic, And Psychologic Variables That Influence Pain In The Fibromyalgia Patient, Linda Carol Hughes

Dissertations

It is estimated that fibromyalgia, a chronic condition in which pain occurs in 98% of the patients, can be found in 3- to 6-million American adults with females as the majority of those suffering. The purpose of this study was to determine variables that influence pain in women with fibromyalgia. The study's conceptual framework, based on Melzack and Casey (1968) and fibromyalgia literature, depicts the influence of three domains of variables on pain: sociocultural (i.e. age, education, ethnicity), physical (i.e. activity; comorbidity such as pelvic pain; flare-up; physical trauma; sleep-wake disturbance; fatigue; physical fitness) and psychologic (i.e. depression).

A Qualitative Study Of Hope And The Environment Of Persons Living With Cancer, Lucia M. Tipton

Dissertations

The purpose of this naturalistic study was to explore and describe the impact of factors from the internal and external, human and non-human environments on the hoping process utilized by persons living with cancer. Given the nature of difficulties encountered by persons living with cancer, a sense of hopefulness is deemed to be especially important in managing life with this diagnosis. Using semi-structured interviewing and a purposive sample of fifteen persons living with cancer, positive and negative factors from the total environment were explored.

Selected Wind Band Works Of Jennifer Higdon: A Conductor's Analysis, Mark P. Johnson

Dissertations

Pulitzer Prize winning composer Jennifer Higdon rose to worldwide prominence through her orchestral compositions. She is a prolific composer who has made significant contributions to the genres of solo concerti, mixed chamber ensemble music, choral music, and opera. Higdon describes her approach to composition as intuitive, where music is internally heard and then notated.

The purpose of this study is to create a conductor’s analysis for four wind band pieces written by Dr. Jennifer Higdon. It will examine the signature characteristics of Higdon’s compositional style and use those characteristics as a fundamental for the creation of written analysis. The dissertation …

The Rabbath Method: Philosophy And Technique In Current Double Bass Pedagogy, David G. Pellow

Dissertations

This study traced the lineage from François Rabbath through his first-generation apprentices to determine how the philosophies and techniques of the Rabbath Method are interpreted and applied by current double bass performers and pedagogues. Participants were identified for the study from a list of all current (N=46) diploma holders of the L’Institute International de Contrabasse François Rabbath (the Institute) made available to the researcher by the President of the Institute, François Rabbath. An e-mail request for study participation was sent to thirty-six performer/pedagogues trained by Rabbath and certified to teach and/or perform from the Method (Rabbathians), …

Music Integration And Self-Efficacy Among Middle School Teachers, Cassandra L. Weiss

Dissertations

Middle school teachers have a difficult task of finding new and creative ways to help their students achieve academic success. Research has shown that integrating music into regular academic classes has tremendous results. Music has the ability to help students relax, memorize, and engage, using their whole brains. Self-efficacy is an individuals’ belief in their ability. One’s level of self-efficacy can play a major role in one’s motivation to carry out certain tasks.

Despite that music has many benefits in the classroom, it if is not being used, the students will not benefit from it. Low musical self-efficacy could be …

Probably Nothing To Worry About, Jennifer Bravo

Dissertations

These are (allegedly) poems.

Bioinspired Glycopolymers: Models To Investigate The Effect Of Saccharide Structure And Concentration On Amyloid Beta Aggregation, Pradipta Kumar Das

Dissertations

Aggregation and subsequent deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide on neuronal cell membranes have been implicated as a cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Gangliosides in their clustered form seed and promote the Aβ aggregation process. However, the effects of the structure and the concentration of ganglioside saccharides on Aβ aggregation are not well understood. We investigated how the specific structure of saccharides (β-D-galactose and β-D-glucose) affect the aggregation pathways, kinetics, and the aggregated structures of Aβ via in vitro experiments. The effects of the local concentration of saccharides on the Aβ aggregation were also investigated.

To mimic the multivalent effect of the …

Development And Validation Of New Models And Metrics For The Assessments Of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, Wisam Subhi Talib Al-Dayyeni

Dissertations

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common illnesses that is frequently reported in the occupational and military sectors. Hearing loss due to high noise exposure is a major health problem with economic consequences. Industrial and military noise exposures often contain high-level impulsive noise components. The presence of these impulsive noise components complicates the assessment of noise levels for hearing conservation purposes. The current noise guidelines use equal energy hypothesis (EEH) based metrics to evaluate the risk of hearing loss. A number of studies show that the current noise metrics often underestimates the risk of hearing loss in …

Integration Of Mindfulness-Based Approaches In The Treatment Of Eating Disorders: A Review Of The Literature, Kimberly Hubinger

Dissertations

In this literature review, mindfulness-based approaches and the effects mindfulness-based approaches have on the treatment of eating disorders was discussed. Professionals are continually seeking ways to enhance the treatment and improve outcomes when working with individuals suffering from eating disorders, and this literature review could help enhance the understanding of incorporating mindfulness techniques. The findings of this paper are meant to benefit clinicians working with patients diagnosed or struggling with an eating disorder.

Environmental Heterogeneity Effects On Diversity And Nitrous Oxide Emissions From Soil In Restored Prairie, Drew Austin Scott

Dissertations

Ecological theory predicts that high environmental heterogeneity causes high biodiversity. Theory further predicts that more biodiversity results in greater ecosystem functioning. These theoretical predictions were evaluated in three studies using grassland restorations from agriculture.

The Effects Of Exercise Training On Cachexia In Mice Bearing The Colon-26 Carcinoma, Nicole Wood

Dissertations

Colon cancer is third the most prevalent cancer in the United States in both men and women. However, it is also a largely preventable disease, as colorectal cancer (CRC) risk is increased by environmental factors such as poor diet and physical inactivity. Furthermore, CRC patients are highly susceptible to significant muscle wasting. Cachexia is classified as a multifactorial metabolic syndrome associated with impairments in immune function, fatigue, and overall weakness, that lead to increased morbidity and mortality. To date, multiple studies have shown that both aerobic and resistance training, individually, are highly effective in their ability to attenuate the deleterious …

A Study Of Beluga (Delphinapterus Leucas) Vocal Ontogeny, Audra Elizabeth Ames

Dissertations

There is a shortage of literature regarding beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) vocal ontogeny, as presently, there has only been one published study on the vocal development of beluga calves, despite the value of ontogenetic studies for our understanding of sound-centered species. Here I offer the second longitudinal study of beluga vocal development. Using a calibrated digital hydrophone with a sampling rate of 256 kHz, I studied the vocal progression of a male beluga calf in early life. From his first day, the calf produced broadband pulse trains with upper frequency limits extending past the study’s Nyquist frequency (128 kHz); …

The Development Of Socio-Sexual Behavior In Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus Leucas), Malin K. Lilley

Dissertations

The reproductive success of the beluga whale is critical for a species facing extinction in its endangered Cook Inlet, Alaska population. To date, little is known about the mating behavior of these whales in wild populations. On the other hand, observations of beluga whales in human care allow researchers to better understand many aspects of their daily lives and life histories that are difficult to assess in wild populations. Thus far, a catalog of socio-sexual behavior has been established based on observations of belugas; however, the developmental trajectory of socio-sexual behavior is not well-understood. The present study explored how socio-sexual …

Differential Mating Motives' Influence On Preferences For Facially Communicated Extraversion, Mitch Brown

Dissertations

Human facial structures communicate personality from which one can infer another’s behavioral intentions, forming a basis for mate selection. One particularly detectable trait through facial structures is extraversion. Extraversion is a trait associated with heightened interest in promiscuous mating strategies and preferred among individuals similarly interested in short-term mating, implicating extraverted mates as ideal trait for short-term mating. Nonetheless, behavioral repertoires associated with extraversion may also pose risks, particularly in long-term mating, as their increased promiscuity may undermine their fidelity to a specific partner, thereby potentially reducing biparental investment in any offspring produced. Thus, a preference for introversion (i.e., low …

Environmental-Based Experiential Learning Activities And Its Influence On Students’ Knowledge, Critical Thinking, Attitude Towards The Environment, And Career Aspirations, Veshell Lewis

Dissertations

Modern advancements in industrialization and globalization are thought to be responsible for the present ecological issues facing the world (Sumen, 2016). Many countries, including the United States, emphasize the importance of increasing environmental literacy within the community and schools (Roth, 1992; Scholz, 2011; Sumen, 2016). It has been suggested that environmental education be taught at all educational levels to increase environmental literacy (Sumen, 2016). The implementation of environmental-based experiential education within the traditional curriculum has proven successful for various educational institutions. Therefore, the implementation of environmental-based experiential learning activities in Mississippi educational institutions may contribute to the increase of scientifically …

Classroom Response Systems: Does Instantaneous Feedback Affect Students' Knowledge And Self-Efficacy In A Secondary Science Course, Shani Bourn

Dissertations

Technological advancements have enabled educators to bring excitement in student success with instantaneous feedback utilizing classroom response systems (CRS). A quantitative, quasi-experimental research design was used in this dissertation research to build a comprehensive understanding of the impact of instantaneous feedback with student knowledge and student self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to illuminate the benefits of instantaneous feedback and student self-efficacy with incorporation of CRS in a secondary science course. Statistical analyses were conducted with quantitative formative scores, summative test scores, and self-efficacy questionnaire results prior to the incorporation of CRS, and perceived self-efficacy questionnaire results after experience …

“Goth Barbies”: A Postmodern Multiperspective Analysis Of Mattel’S Monster High Media, Danianese Woods

Dissertations

This research examines the historical, cultural, and social context in relation to the monster characters of Mattel’s Monster High, a franchise about animated dolls that are the offspring of famous horror monsters. The animated dolls are an intersection of complex gender and racial identities that are constructed in a postmodern reality. The goal of this research is to formulate a more complex understanding of the social and cultural contexts, relationships, interactions and meanings within production, circulation, and distribution of Monster High media.

The preferred reading of the Monster Highseries is postmodernism. Monster Highdisplays a multitude of postmodern …

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) Vocal Responses To Sonar And Spectrally Pink Background Noise, Maria Zapetis

Dissertations

As human populations rise, the level of man-made noise increases globally. Naval sonar and boat traffic are underwater sound sources of particular concern to marine mammal welfare. To better understand the impact of these noise increases on cetaceans, studies can explore animals’ behavioral changes in response to noise. Studies have investigated the ‘dose-response’ relationship between the received sound pressure level of sonar signals and the behavior of cetaceans in the wild, but exposure studies in controlled environments are limited. The studies in this dissertation examined bottlenose dolphin vocal modifications during various experimental noise treatments. Acoustic recordings previously obtained for bottlenose …

A Multifaceted Approach To Address Variation In Cannabis Sativa, Anna Louise Schwabe

Dissertations

For thousands of years, humans have cultivated and dispersed Cannabis sativa L. across the globe. Although Cannabis has been largely illegal worldwide for decades, public perceptions and attitudes are changing. Increasing interest in potential Cannabis usage worldwide and nationwide is leading to less restrictions to make way for an expanding and lucrative industry with numerous applications. Although only one species is formally recognized in the Cannabis genus, thousands of years of artificial selection for diverse phenotypes and uses have resulted in two major usage groups; hemp-types which are defined worldwide as having very low levels of THC (< 1.0%), and drug-types which exceed a specified level of THC that varies among nations. The drug-type category includes three commonly used subcategories including Sativa, Indica and Hybrid types, and newly developed high CBD varieties that have more THC than hemp-types but are not bred for high THC. The quality of federally produced Cannabis for medical studies in the U.S. has recently been brought into question, and we included samples to determine the genetic relationship to these groups. Phenotypic variation in Cannabis gives rise to commonly referenced categories, but sources of variation are unclear and understudied. Phenotypes are observable characteristics that results from a combination of both genotype and the environment. The preferred method of propagation for Cannabis is cloning, and therefore variation within varietals should be from differences in environmental factors. Ten microsatellite markers were developed de-novo to investigate four aims: (1) genetic variation within strains, (2) genetic relationships among the common categories, (3) if genetic variation is detectable through olfactory sensation, and (4) how genetic variation is reflected in phytochemical levels. This dissertation includes four manuscript chapters representing each aim and uses a genetic basis for a multifaceted approach to investigate variation in Cannabis sativa. Substantial genetic variation was found within strains from obtained from different facilities. Genetic divergence between hemp and drug-types was genetically supported, but the Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid subcategories were not genetically well defined. The high CBD strains appear to bridge the genetic gap between hemp and drug-types, and federally grown research grade marijuana was genetically more similar to hemp than Cannabis available through the legal cannabis market. Genetic imposters within a strain had measurable aromatic differences, but there was considerable variation in aromas among samples with identical genetic identity. Analyses of both terpene and cannabinoid profiles among individuals with identical genotypes acquired from different sources varied considerably indicating environmental variation has a substantial impact on phenotype in Cannabis. Together these results show a need for the Cannabis industry to implement regulatory checks in the form of genetic testing in order to provide consistency, especially for medical applications. These results demonstrate the need for genotyping in order for phenotypic consistency to be achieved if standard growing conditions can be established. When genetic verification and standard protocols are established, deviations in phenotypic changes can be identified and disclosed to consumers so they are aware that there may be abnormal effects. This investigation highlights the need for additional research to provide consistent products, which is especially important for medical marijuana flower products. In order to provide consumers consistent products, it is imperative to understand sources of variation. Consumers deserve to be provided with quality consistent products as the industry continues to grow on a global scale.

Examining The Roles Of The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pvr And The Bone Morphogenic Protein Receptor Thickvein In Regulating Self-Renewal And Division Frequency In The Cyst Stem Cells Of The Drosophila Testis Niche, Nastaran Soleimanibarzi Mues

Dissertations

Adult stem cells live in different tissues, and they support and regenerate both the tissue they reside in and themselves. The stemness behavior is tightly regulated by the niche. The Drosophila testis is a valuable model to study stem cells in their niche. In this niche, there are two populations of stem cells; germline stem cells (GSCs) and somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs). GSCs and CySCs provide the cellular structure required to maintain the production of sperm in Drosophila males. These stem cells co-mingle around a group of non-dividing somatic cells known as the hub, and is the niche that …

The Role Of Plasmids And Clones In The Emergence Of Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae In The United Arab Emirates, Shaimaa Fekry Mahmoud Mouftah Ali

Dissertations

Resistance to carbapenems, the ultimate beta-lactam antibiotics used to treat life-threatening Gram-negative infections associates with very high mortality. Consequently, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), which are usually multi- or extremely drug-resistant, is considered a critical pathogen. To help to control their spread, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of CRE in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its neighboring countries. CRE isolated in the UAE were screened for IncX3 incompatibility type plasmids carrying carbapenemases. The complete sequence of the IncX3 plasmids identified was established. Thirty CRE carried blaNDM-1, blaNDM-4, blaNDM-5, blaNDM-7, blaOXA-181, and blaKPC-2 on IncX3 plasmids. …

The Perception Of Physical Activity And Social Support For Physical Activity Among Native Hawaiians 55 Years And Older, Verna Hanashiro

Dissertations

The benefits of physical activity on healthy aging and longevity have repeatedly been identified. Despite these known benefits, sedentary living is a serious and pervasive health problem among older adults throughout the United States, including the Native Hawaiian older adult population in Hawaii. Previous research has identified social support as a major facilitator for participation in physical activity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of physical activity and social support for physical activity among Native Hawaiians 55 years of age and older.

Loss Of A Sibling: A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Experiences Of School-Aged Children, Barbara Dixon

Dissertations

More than 50,000 child mortalities are recorded in the U.S. each year. As a result, almost 8% of the population experience the loss of a brother or sister before age 25 (Jacobs & Bovasso, 2000). This study was an open conversational exchange with ten Grief Counselors who worked with school-aged children, who had experienced the loss of a sibling, to identify the behaviors and expressions of this group of Disenfranchised Grievers. Three patterns were identified: 1) Grief in children takes different forms, 2) Sibling loss in childhood is a life-changing event and 3) Childhood grief has its own time. Each …

The Effect Of Emotional Intelligence And Adversity Intelligence On Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, Career And Interpersonal Success Among Chinese Adults, Yuyang Zhao

Dissertations

Few studies examine the comprehensive effect of EQ and AQ on mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, anger, positive automatic thoughts), life satisfaction, career success (i.e., job position and organizational commitment), and interpersonal success (i.e., interpersonal sensitivity and empty). By conducing two studies, totally 512 Chinese adults were recruited. Results from the multiple regression analysis revealed that part of EQ (i.e., regulation of emotion) and AQ (i.e., consistency of interest and acceptance of self and life) negatively predicted depression; whereas part of EQ (i.e., utilization of emotion) and AQ (i.e., personal competence) positively predicted depression. All aspects of EQ were not …