Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Role Of Research Mentoring In Predicting Research Self-Efficacy Among Minority Professional Psychology Doctoral Students, Donald Edward Knight

Dissertations

The involvement of racial/ethnic minority doctoral students in the conduct of psychological research is of significance in meeting the mental health challenges of an increasingly diverse US population. However, scant empirical evidence exists regarding the mentored research experiences and resulting increases or decreases in confidence these students encounter in conducting research. The purpose of this study is to examine predictors [i.e., Research Mentoring Experiences (RME), perceptions of the Research Training Environment (RTE), and Interest in Research (IRQ)] of research self-efficacy among a sample of racial/ethnic minority PhD students in APA-accredited clinical and counseling psychology programs. The study is guided by …

Nanoporous Gold As A Solid Support For Protein Immobilization For The Development Of Immunoassays, And For Biomolecular Interaction Studies, Binod Prasad Pandey

Dissertations

Nanoporous gold (NPG) is a versatile material of high surface area to volume ratio that can be readily modified with self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols to which biomolecules can be linked. NPG presents new opportunities for the development of immunoassays, and for the development of carbohydrate based assays. This thesis explores the use of NPG as a support for self-assembled monolayers, their linkage to antibody-enzyme conjugates for immunoassay development, and for the study and application of carbohydrate-protein interactions. Direct kinetic electrochemical immunoassays were developed on NPG for prostate specific antigen (PSA) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The decrease in enzymatic conversion of …

The University As A Gendered Organization: Effects On Management Type, Climate And Job Satisfaction, Margaret E. Crowder

Dissertations

Numbers of women holding faculty positions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) remain low in university systems, despite gains women have made in achievement of advanced degrees. No one reason is clearly the culprit for the low numbers, though women in STEM have been shown to have more negative perceptions of climate, be more dissatisfied with their jobs, and have greater inclination to leave their positions than men.

As males comprise a majority of STEM employees, the masculine-genderedness of these organizations may create a more dissatisfactory work environment for women. This may, in turn, have negative impact on the …

Public Health Nurse Decisions Regarding At-Risk Postpartum Case Closure, Denise K. Thompson Phd

Dissertations

During the late 19th century, public health nursing emerged in the United States as an autonomous nursing specialty providing maternal-child health (MCH) home visitation services. Present day MCH public health nurses (PHNs), guided by their predecessors, focus on health promotion and disease prevention in at-risk maternal-child populations. Health policies, funding streams, and local public health nursing protocols are examples of extrinsic factors that may affect length of home visitation services for at-risk women and their children. The purpose of this study was to better understand the factors related to variations in PHN decisions to terminate home visitation services for at-risk …

The School Completion Programme And The Development Of Human Rights Education In Ireland., Caroline O'Neill

Dissertations

This study explores the effectiveness of the School Completion Programme (SCP) in helping to achieve the three goals of the National Children’s Strategy (2000-2010) which are that children:

• Will have a voice in matters which affect them

• Their lives will be better understood

• They will receive quality supports and services to promote all aspects of their development

The research involved interviewing children who attend the schools involved in the Programme and have participated in the supports at some stage in their educational lives. The findings provided me with a valuable insight into how these children experience their …

Exploring Congruency Between John A. Henschke‘S Practice And Scholarship, Lori Risley

Dissertations

The study aimed to explore how John A. Henschke‘s practice mirrors the andragogical theory espoused in his scholarship. This study offered interpretations held by three groups of individuals: colleagues, students, and John, utilizing 10 data sets. Data sets include: a) Focus group-current students, b) Modified Instructors Perspectives Inventory for Students pre/ post course surveys, c) Section of the Instructors Perspectives Inventory, d) Course evaluations, e) Video recordings of John facilitating , f) Interviews; colleagues, students, and John, g) Observations, and h) Selection of scholarship. Each contained interpretations and perceptions that, when held up to the mirror of John‘s scholarship, reflected …

Graduates‟ Perceived And Measurable Changes In Writing Through One Ed. D. Program, Yvonne Duncan Gibbs

Dissertations

Research on writing proficiency from elementary students through undergraduates is prevalent; however, few focused on students in graduate school. Few teacher education programs require specific coursework in writing for teacher certification. Yet, teacher educators express concern about teacher candidates‟ writing proficiencies. Writing may not be explicitly taught, such as in graduate school or doctoral coursework, because professors assume students already have these skills. Writing is something writers are always learning to do, yet scholarly writing is not included as a learning objective throughout the doctoral coursework at Sibley University, at the time of this study. Sibley University is the pseudonym …

The Sibling Relationship: Friendship Or Rivalry?, Edel Wallace

Dissertations

The aim of this study is to examine the sibling relationship from the perspective of both siblings in order to add to the understanding of potentially one of the most important relationship of an individual’s life. In particular, questions were asked about how the relationship is affected in terms of warmth, conflict and rivalry by a number of variables; gender, level of contact and number of siblings in the family. This study also sought to determine if there is a gender divide in the type of support provided between siblings.

A quantitative, self-completion questionnaire was used in order to conduct …

Computer-Based Versus Paper-Pencil Modes Of Administration United States Government End Of Course Exams: Student Cumulative Grade Point Averages As Predictors Of Success, Barbara A. Ryan

Dissertations

Beginning with the No Child Left Behind federal legislation, states were required to use data to monitor and improve student achievement. For high schools, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education chose End of Course Exams (EOC) to demonstrate levels of student achievement. The policy changed from school choice of paper-pencil or computer-based testing to mandated computer-based testing. This study examined whether this decision best demonstrates the level of student mastery. Using high school EOC test scores for United States Government exams as the independent variable and high school cumulative grade point average (CGPA) as the dependent variable, the …

Graphene-Coated Substrates For Biochemical And Optoelectronic Applications, Amrita Banerjee

Dissertations

Graphene - monolayer or a few layers of graphite -- has proven to possess remarkable properties: large thermal conductivity, mechanical robustness, two-dimensional ultra large electronic mobility, chemical inertness and biochemical compatibility. Realization of some applications has been impeded by lack of a large area deposition method. By using a novel methodology to deposit graphene on solid and perforated substrates, various optoelectronic and biochemical elements have been demonstrated in this thesis: (1) graphene based transistors were fabricated and their characteristics were assessed. The mobility for such transistors exceeded 5000 cm2/V·s, much larger than their silicon based counterparts. Such attribute opens up …

High Aspect Ratio Electrodes For High Yield Electroporation Of Cells, Anil B. Shrirao

Dissertations

Electroporation is a widely used process in cell biology studies. It uses an electric field to create pores on the cell membrane in order to either insert exogenous molecules inside the cells or disrupt the cell membrane to kill the cells. Current micro-fluidic electroporation devices use the planar electrodes situated at the bottom of a microchannel. These planar electrodes i) require a high voltage and ii) generate a nonuniform electric field which result in low yield of the electroporation. The standard silicon microfabrication technologies are not suitable to fabricate non-planar electrodes required to increase the yield of electroporation.

In this …

Urban Development In Costa Rica: The Direct And Indirect Impacts On Local And Regional Avian Assemblages, Jeff L. Norris

Dissertations

Urban development, the pinnacle of human land use, has drastic effects on native ecosystems and the species they contain. For the first time in recorded history there are more people living in cities than in the rural areas surrounding them. Furthermore, the global rate of urbanization continues increasing; raising serious concerns for earth's tropical regions as they harbor a disproportionate amount of the earth's species, and where the impacts of urban development on natural communities are poorly known. Therefore, for my dissertation research I investigated the impacts of urban development on avian community structure and organization at both local and …

Synthesis And Catalytic Applications Of Platinum(Ii) And Palladium(Ii)-Pta And Dapta Complexes, Sitaram Acharya

Dissertations

The cage-like tertiary phosphine, 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) has recently received interest because of its water-solubility, air-stability, non-ionic, non-surfactant, and basic nature. These properties can solubilize transition metal complexes in the aqueous phase. A related air-stable derivative, N,N’-diacetyl-1-3-5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (DAPTA) has greater water-solubility than PTA, however, its coordination chemistry has not been significantly explored. This study involved the synthesis and characterization of a series of novel air-stable and water-soluble four-coordinated dialkyl, dialkynyl, dihalo, and halo(alkyl) complexes of platinum and palladium bearing PTA and DAPTA ligands. The alkyl complexes of the type MX(R)P2 (M = Pt, Pd; X = Cl, Br, I; R = …

Nickel Catalyzed Homoallylation Reactions And Synthesis Of Potent Inhibitors Of Yoph, Mahesh Prasad Paudyal

Dissertations

Amphidinolides are cytotoxic natural products isolated from marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium species. Amphidinolides C, C2 and F are active against cancer cell lines. Homoallylation of aldehydes with isoprene and triethylborane catalyzed by Ni(acac)2 gave hydroxyalkenes in good yield with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity. Cross metathesis of the hydroxyalkenes with methyl acrylate using second-generation Grubbs catalyst and copper(I) iodide afforded α,β-unsaturated esters, which underwent cyclization in the presence of DBU to produce tetrahydrofurans with the correct relative configuration for the C1-C9 fragment of amphidinolides C, C2, and F. Homoallylation of chiral and achiral diene carboxylate esters and dienecarboxamides with various aldehydes were …

Children Museum Experience: Exploratory Study Of Potential Of Museum Visits In Achieving Learning Goals Of Irish Ecec Curriculum Framework Aistear, Anna Ćwidak

Dissertations

This qualitative study examines the potential of museum visits in achieving learning goals of Early Childhood Education and Care as listed in the Irish ECEC Curriculum Framework Aistear. Data obtained through interviewing professionals of both ECEC and museum education sector has been compared and confronted with the literature available. The study focuses on three main areas.

Firstly, it looks at the learning goals listed in Aistear and attempts to link them with the potential outcomes of children’s museum visits. The interviewees were asked to recognise and comment on learning experience that ECEC groups participate in during an outing to a …

Temporal Characteristics Of Monoptic, Dichoptic And Half-Binocular Collinear Lateral Masking Of Contrast Detection, Wesley Tod Kinerk

Dissertations

Purpose: The temporal characteristics of dichoptic contrast integration across space in primary visual cortex are relatively unknown. This study investigated the effect of varying interstimulus interval (ISI) and flank duration on contrast detection threshold (CDT) of a sinusoid target under monoptic, dichoptic and half-binocular viewing. Methods: Eleven subjects with normal vision participated for a mean of 25 hours each. In the main experiment, target and flanks were 3 cpd vertical sinusoids with 6 lambda (sigma = 1.5 lambda) center-to-center vertical separation. Flank contrast was normalized to 3X flank CDT. Flanks were presented at 4 durations (67-500ms) and ISIs were presented …

Studies Toward Tetrahydrofuran-Containing Natural Products: Total Synthesis Of Amphidinolide C And Oxylipids, Sudeshna Roy

Dissertations

Tetrahydrofurans (thf) and tetrahydropyrans (thp) are important structural motifs found in a broad array of biologically relevant natural products such as polyether antibiotics and acetogenins. Classic methods used for thf- or thp-ring synthesis have their own advantages and disadvantages which tend to be substrate specific. Therefore, development of new and efficient methods is imperative especially to address the issue of diastereoselectivity when attainment of both cis- and trans-2,5-thf (or 2,6-thp) is highly desirable. Herein, a strategy of cross-metathesis and Pd(0)-catalyzed cyclization, useful for obtaining both cis- and trans-2,5-disubstituted thf (or 2,6-disubstituted thp), will be discussed along with its application in …

Best Practices For Student Success On The Act, Grant Coday Boyer

Dissertations

Large achievement gaps have been found in ACT scores between high schools throughout the same state and in comparisons between states. In Missouri, four public high schools have consistently scored four points higher than the Missouri average for years 2007-2011. States, such as Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa, have shown consistent above average scores as compared to states with similar participation numbers throughout the nation. Schmoker (2006) believed that due to the existing culture of schools and school leadership, learning from others’ successes is often discouraged; therefore, this study was conducted in an attempt to discover the best practices used in …

Eco-Theatre And New Media: Devising Toward Transnational Balance, Marnie Jane Glazier

Dissertations

This dissertation seeks to address the pivotal ecological and technological realities of the twenty-first century, currently giving rise to new patterns of existence and new paradigms of human inquiry. This study will ask how technological innovation and environmental urgency have altered the ways in which human beings think, and thus perceive the world around them, changing human behavior, or non-behavior, and calling forth new imperatives for the arts, and namely for the Theatre. Most significantly, the dissertation attempts to traverse the shadow-lands, between our ecologies and our technologies, exploring those essential points of convergence in the borderlands where Eco-Theatre and …

Speciation Studies For Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds And Secondary Organic Aerosol Generated By Ozonolysis Of Volatile Organic Compound Mixtures, Hardik Surendra Amin

Dissertations

Aerosols are either emitted directly into the atmosphere or are generated in the atmosphere; the latter process forms secondary organic aerosol (SOA). One of the important sources for SOA is the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by OH radicals, NOx, and O3. Aerosol can be visualized as suspended solid or liquid particle which is in equilibrium with surrounding gases. The products of SOA formation is a mixture of semi volatile organic compounds and a fraction of the products are condensable under atmospheric conditions. The condensable portion of aerosol is called particulate matter (PM) and these suspended particles can range …

Making The Political Personal: Investigating The Relationship Between Feminist Beliefs And Sexual Assertiveness, Kate Miller Hagadone

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between identification with feminist beliefs and sexual assertiveness, by examining three potential mediators of that relationship: self-objectification, empowered entitlement, and self-silencing. Cross-sectional survey data were collected via online survey from 188 women. Results from correlational analyses indicated that active commitment to feminist beliefs was significantly related to lower levels of self-objectification and self-silencing and higher levels of empowered entitlement, but was not related to sexual assertiveness. Identification with nonfeminist beliefs (passive acceptance of sexism) was significantly related to higher levels of self-objectification and self-silencing and decreased empowered entitlement, as well …

The Relationship Between Suicide Ideation And Parasuicide: An Electrophysiological Investigation Using The Loudness Dependence Of Auditory Evoked Potential, Angelika Marsic

Dissertations

The loudness dependence of the auditory evoked potential (LDAEP) has been proposed as a promising valid and a non-invasive indicator of behaviorally relevant central 5-HT functioning. There is limited research on the utility of the LDAEP in discriminating individuals who engage in various degrees of suicidal behavior. The primary purpose of the present study was to examine if the LDAEP, as a measure of central serotonergic functioning, can be useful in distinguishing groups of individuals who: (a) solely experience suicidal ideation (SI group); (b) experience suicidal ideation and have engaged in deliberate self-harm acts (SH group); and (c) individuals with …

Empirical Identification Of Axis I And Axis Ii Symptom Subtypes Of Sex Addiction Using Lateny Profile Analysis, Maria Isabel Nino De Guzman

Dissertations

Sexual addiction is a disorder characterized by lack of control over sexual urges, pathological relationships and lack of intimacy, mood-altering experiences, and adverse consequences that tend to be disregarded by the person affected. Although not classified as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV-TR (DSM-IV-TR, APA, 2000) this distressful sexual manifestation is increasingly recognized as a clinical and public health problem. Previous studies suggest commonalities with addictive disorders and maladaptive personality traits. The purpose of the current study was to analyze personality configurations of individuals diagnosed as sex addicts and uncover specific subtypes or profiles associated to sexually addictive …

Freshman Academy: Transitioning Ninth Grade Students Through The Academic And Social Rigors Of The High School Experience And The Students’, Parents’ And Teachers’ Perceptions, Yulanda West Clinton

Dissertations

Freshman Academy in Mobile County is an ever growing concept. Although the school in this study no longer houses a freshman Academy, the research reveals valuable information that is very useful in assisting schools and school systems in deciding whether or not to implement this type of transitioning program. In addition to the data, the students’, parents’, and teachers’ perceptions of the program are invaluable. This study revealed that students, parents, and teachers have positive perceptions about the academic and social interest areas of freshman students and negative perceptions about the structural interest area. This study also revealed, there is …

Does Psychopathy Predict Future Risky Sexual Behavior?, Jessica Jade Fulton

Dissertations

Risky sexual behavior (RSB), such as having sex with an unknown partner, is associated with a variety of negative consequences including sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy. Previous research (e.g., Fulton, Marcus, & Payne, 2010) suggests that psychopathic personality traits as assessed by the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (Lilienfeld & Andrews, 1996) are associated with RSB. Self-Centered Impulsivity (SCI), which is characterized by impulsivity, irresponsibility, and reckless behavior, was positively associated with RSB among men and women. In contrast, Fearless Dominance (FD), which is characterized by fearlessness, manipulativeness, and social dominance, was positively associated with RSB among men but not women. …

Using The Good Behavior Game To Decrease Disruptive Behavior While Increasing Academic Engagement With A Headstart Population, Brandy Marie Hunt

Dissertations

The Good Behavior Game (GBG) has been widely supported as an effective intervention to alter a variety of target behaviors, in various settings, with varying age groups; however, there are areas warranting further investigation. Prior to the present study, no study has examined the GBG’s effectiveness in decreasing disruptive behaviors while increasing appropriate academic behaviors within a preschool population. The present study adds to the literature base by investigating the GBG’s effectiveness in simultaneously decreasing classroom disruptive behaviors while increasing appropriate behaviors. A multiple baseline design across three Headstart classrooms was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the GBG on …

Implications Of The No Child Left Behind Legislation On Career And Technical Education, Thomas Kyle Wallace

Dissertations

The passage of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation in 2001 brought about a multitude of education reform policies for education institutions that made the future of Career and Technical Education’s (CTE) role in secondary educations unclear. These mandates forced educational leaders to emphasize student enrollment in tracks that prepare them for post-secondary educational opportunities that require a stronger background in academic courses. The standards-based mandates required by NCLB legislation make promotion of CTE courses more difficult because these courses are primarily elective courses and have caused educational agencies to look at what CTE programs provide in terms of meeting …

Practitioners Or Researchers: Ed.D. Or Ph.D.? An Analysis Of Educational Leadership Doctoral Programs, Michael Dwyane Kennedy Jr.

Dissertations

This mostly descriptive study was conducted to analyze differences in doctoral degrees in educational leadership programs across the United States based on U.S. News and World Report (2011) rankings for Graduate Schools of Education. Specifically, this study explored admission, program, and final requirements as well as curriculum and faculty roles to determine the trends that have been evolving, increasing, decreasing, or remaining consistent in certain schools of the United States since the release of the Levine study of educational leadership programs in 2005. Five groups were used: 1) higher ranked 20; 2) lower ranked 20 graduate education schools; 3) top …

Development Of A Scale To Measure Local Residents' Perceived Social Impacts Of Hosting Large-Scale Sport Events, Wonyoung Kim

Dissertations

Existing studies have indicated that local residents‟ perceptions on both positive and negative social impacts toward hosting large-scale sport events have played as a key role for developing successful sport events based on getting community-wide support and involvement. However, examining local residents‟ perceived social impacts have been limited due to its intangible nature and lack of valid and reliable instrument for the adequate measurement. The purpose of this study was to explore a conceptual framework of social impacts and develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure local residents‟ perceived social impacts of hosting large-scale sport events. A preliminary questionnaire …

Genetic Associations With Borderline Personality Disorder And Related Traits And Behaviors, Casey Roy Guillot

Dissertations

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and related traits and behaviors have been linked to a number of neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, and dopamine. Because three human single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), COMT rs4680, GABRA2 rs279871, and SNCA rs356195, have been linked to the abovementioned neurotransmitter systems, they may be associated with BPD and related traits and behaviors. The purpose of the current study is to examine associations of COMT rs4680, GABRA2 rs279871, and SNCA rs356195 with both categorical and continuous measures of BPD and with continuous measures of impulse control and self-harm in a nonclinical sample. Healthy volunteers were categorized into …