Digital Commons Network^™

Optical Monitoring Of Surface Anchoring Changes For Nematic Liquid Crystal Based Chemical And Biological Sensors, Yang Zou

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Designing A Middle School Gifted Education Program Of Excellence Using Current Gifted Programming Models, Samantha Ann Miller

Dissertations

In 2004, the National Association for Gifted Children and the National Middle School Association collaborated to create a joint position statement supporting the educational needs of all middle school students, including those of high potential and ability. Since the creation of this position statement, research demonstrates that little has been done to further the understanding and development of middle school gifted adolescents and corresponding educational programming that meets the gifted adolescents’ needs. This study sought to provide clarity concerning the organization of middle school gifted programming and the components that contribute to the excellence of programs according to the perceptions …

Ductile Mode Material Removal Of Ceramics And Semiconductors, Deepak Ravindra

Dissertations

Ceramics and semiconductors are hard, strong, inert and lightweight. They also have good optical properties, wide energy bandgap and high maximum current density. This combination of properties makes them ideal candidates for tribological, semiconductor, MEMS and optoelectronic applications respectively. Manufacturing these materials without causing surface and subsurface damage is extremely challenging due to their high hardness, brittle characteristics and poor machinability. However, ductile regime machining of these materials is possible due to the high-pressure phase transformation occurring in the material caused by the high compressive stresses induced by the single point diamond tool tip. In this study, to further augment …

Role Of Notch Signaling In T Cell Polarization, Shilpa Keerthivasan

Dissertations

The differentiation of CD4+ T cells to different effector lineages in response to pathogenic stimuli is the core of the adaptive immune system. One of the effector subsets recently discovered is Thelper 17 (Th17) and it plays a predominant role in autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders.

In my thesis, I aimed to study the role of Notch cell surface receptors in Th17 differentiation. Using in vitro Th17 differentiation assays of human naïve CD4+ T cells, I have shown that Notch signaling, particularly Notch1, plays a crucial role in Th17 polarization. By using pharmacological inhibitors and specific knockdown of Notch1, I …

Positive Peers: Exploring How And Why To Incorporate Peers Into Hiv Prevention Services, Allison Tan

Dissertations

In 2002, the Human Resource Service Administration (HRSA) began encouraging and funding a new strategy in HIV prevention. Referred to as Prevention with Positives (PwP), this approach to HIV prevention focused efforts on intervention with individuals who were already HIV-infected. This study examines one particular modality for the delivery of these important prevention messages to men and women living with HIV - the utilization of a peer-based model. "Peer-based" refers to any program which utilizes HIV-positive individuals as service providers for other HIV-positive individuals. A nationwide sample of such programs is used to provide an exploratory look into the possibilities …

Integration Of Cognitive And Physical Factors To Model Human Performance In Fluid Power Systems, Khaliah K. Hughes

Dissertations

Fluid power technology is constantly evolving as a result of the interaction between the human and the system. Systems such as the hydraulic excavator utilize this technology in order to deliver safe, efficient, and effective performance. However, traditional research has placed much emphasis on technical performance rather than on human components. Imbalances of this nature demonstrate inadequate understanding, lack of knowledge, and limited research on the factors affecting performance. This research aims to address these shortcomings by using an integrated approach to better model human performance in fluid power systems. Through the development of an integrative framework considering cognitive and …

Use Of Mushroom Extract To Enhance Quality And Health Benefits Of Dairy Products, Osman A. Hassan

Dissertations

Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli are purportedly beneficial to human health and are called probiotics which are live microorganisms, when administered in adequate amounts conferring a health benefit on the host. It is believed that the maximum probiotics effect can be achieved if the organisms adhere to intestinal mucosal cells. Probiotics, perhaps in combination with prebiotics, may become an important means of preventing and treating disease. In fact, several types of diarrhea have been successfully treated with probiotics. The mechanisms behind favorable clinical outcome are still largely unknown, however, the potential benefits of probiotic therapy promise to be almost limitless. Organic acids …

Use Of A Bacteriophage Cocktail In Combination With Modified Atmosphere Packaging To Control Escherichia Coli O157:H7 Contamination On Fresh-Cut Green Leafy Vegetables, Olcay Boyacioglu

Dissertations

The 2006 multi-state Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) outbreak linked to bagged spinach raised concerns about the safety of fresh produce. One novel approach to control foodborne pathogens is lytic bacteriophages, which does not affect the produce microflora. The objectives of this study were; 1) to test and verify the efficacy of a phage cocktail against EHEC in a laboratory medium, 2) to determine the effectiveness of the phage cocktail on fresh-cut leafy greens, and 3) to test and compare the effectiveness of the phage cocktail against EHEC on fresh-cut green leafy vegetables stored under air and modified air (low O2/high …

Acts-Hf: Attention, Cognition And Self-Care In Heart Failure, Catherine M. Murks

Dissertations

Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) are required to participate in self-care activities. This activities include taking prescribed medications, monitoring for symptoms, intervening appropriately and evaluating the response to the treatment. Cognitive impairment occurs relatively frequently in this population. Few studies have attempted to describe the nature of the relationship between self-care and cognitive impairment in this population.

Purpose:/ This study investigated the relationship between cognitive function and self-care ability in patients with HF. It also investigated the relationship between both self-care and cognitive function and subsequent hospital admission.

Methods:/ Participants were recruited from outpatient areas at two cardiology groups …

Liquid Crystal Sensor Microchip, Alireza Hassanzadeh

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Isolation And Characterization Of Compounds From Zanthoxylum Setulosum In The Development Of Novel Structures For Chemotherapeutic Drugs, Tameka M. Walker

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Phase Coherent Supercontinuum Generation And Atmospheric Delivery Of Frequency References Using A Femtosecond Frequency Comb, Ravi Paul Gollapalli

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Structural And Functional Characterization Of E2-25k, Randall Wilson

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Study On Becoming An Alternatively Certified Career And Technical Educator, Kymberli Cotton-Flanagan

Dissertations

This mixed method study examined the perspectives of twelve practicing high school CTE teachers engaged in a newly approved university model for alternative certification.

Using Creswell's (2008) Sequential Exploratory Design and the lens of adult learning theory as established in Knowles' (1970) Theory of Andragogy, this study examines how participants in this CTE alternative certification program, describe their experiences as related to the assumptions of adult learning. Relationships between participant's adult learning preferences and the extent to which they experienced their program were also examined.

While literature on alternative certification theories and implications is available, specific research on the use …

A Descriptive Case Study Of The Perceptions And Use Of Adventist Edge : An Initiative Developed In Response To The North American Division Of Seventh-Day Adventists' Document, "Journey To Excellence", Pamela C. Forbes

Dissertations

Problem. The Southern Union started the Adventist EDGE initiative as an action plan in response to the North American Division's document, Journey to Excellence . The Adventist EDGE became a comprehensive educational reform initiative. However, there were different ideas on how the innovation should look when inaction in the schools, and these differences became obvious during the initial EDGE school validation visit, resulting in hurt feelings and confusion. Thus, the need for my study to clarify EDGE became critical for the survival of the initiative.

Purpose. The purpose of my study was to develop two operational definitions or …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Origin And Divine Causation Of Death In Ancient Near Eastern Literature And In The Old Testament, Lazarus Castang

Dissertations

The present dissertation attempts a comparative analysis of both the origin of death in the creation accounts and the divine causation of death in the main flood accounts in the ancient Near Eastern (ANE) literature and the Hebrew Old Testament (OT). Both literatures are examined for their implicit or explicit conceptions of the origin and divine causation of death. The origin of death in the ANE literature is located in the Egyptian Osirian myth and the Mesopotamian Enki-Ninmah myth, Enûma Elish, Epic of Gilgamesh, and the Adapa legend. The divine causation of death is studied in the Eridu Genesis, Atra-Hasis …

Characterization Of Nanoparticle-Induced Airway Oxidant Stress And The Antioxidant Effects Of Sorrel (Hibiscus Sabdariffa): An Omics Approach, Christa Young Watson

Dissertations

Nanotoxicology is the study of the potential toxic effects of anthropogenic and biogenic nanostructures on living organisms. The influence of nanostructures such as nanoparticles on the human airway has gained interest due to increased susceptibility of translocation into other regions of the body. Adverse effects such as oxidative stress and inflammation have been found after the inhalation of airborne nanoparticles in airway epithelial cells. Oxidative stress and inflammation in mice models have been attenuated through the consumption of antioxidant containing plant compounds called phytochemicals. In this dissertation, we have evaluated the hypothesis that nanoparticles regardless of origin can elicit oxidative …

Retaining International College Students: Promoting Proactive Institutional Support Services For Successful Adjustment, Craig Cameron Curty

Dissertations

This study investigates whether institutions with centralized international student support offices have higher retention rates and higher overall grade point averages for undergraduate F1 visa status non-native English speaking international students. Modeled on Astin's (1984) Student Involvement Theory, the research study proposes and tests a model of undergraduate F1 visa status non-native English speaking international student frequency of involvement and whether an international student office (ISO) moderates this relationship by increasing undergraduate F1 visa status non-native English speaking international student frequency of involvement leading to positive academic outcomes, specifically focusing on overall grade point average (GPA) and retention. If this …

Repression Of Protein Kinase C Delta In Human Squamous Cell Carcinomas By Ras, Fyn And Nf-Kappa B Signaling, Vipin Yadav

Dissertations

The delta isoform of Protein Kinase C (PKC-delta) is widely expressed in many normal tissues, including epidermal keratinocytes, and has a critical role in UV-induced apoptosis. However, PKC-delta is frequently lost in chemically or UV-induced mouse skin tumors, as well as in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Furthermore, re-expression of PKC-delta in human SCC lines is sufficient to induce apoptosis and suppress tumorigenicity, making PKC-delta a potential tumor suppressor gene for SCCs. The objective of this dissertation is to investigate the mechanism of PKC-delta loss in human SCCs.

To determine the mechanism of PKC-delta loss in human SCCs, we …

Gestational Diabetes, Depression, And The Impact On Maternal Child Health Outcomes, Mary Alice Byrn

Dissertations

Antenatal depression occurs in about 20% of all pregnancies and gestational diabetes occurs in up to 14% of all pregnancies. Although there is sufficient information on (1) depression during pregnancy and (2) depression and diabetes, there is little information about depression and gestational diabetes. This comparative, longitudinal research study was done to better understand the relationship between gestational diabetes and depression. The study aims were the following: (1) to determine whether women with gestational diabetes had more depression than women without gestational diabetes, (2) to determine whether factors predictive of depression in pregnant women with gestational diabetes were different from …

Natural Product Inhibitors Of Rhodesain : The Major Cysteine Protease Of Trypanosoma Brucei, Ifedayo Victor Ogungbe

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Traveling Wave Fronts For A Diffusive Competition Model With Time Delay, Yinshu Wu

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Fragment Based Lead Discovery Of Inhibitors Of Urokinase Type Plasminogen Activator, Li Qiu

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Qualitative Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Adults With African American And Korean Heritages, Elizabeth Sue Bradshaw

Dissertations

Scholarship on biracial persons has been primarily focused on those of African American and White heritages. The dominance of research on this one segment of the biracial population has in turn led to the myth of a universal biracial experience. There is a critical need to hear the voices and experiences of those who are members of two or more communities of color. While many researchers have recommended that more studies be done with biracial participants from two or more communities of color, few studies have been conducted. The purpose of this study was to explore exclusively the lived experiences …

Transgender People On University Campuses: A Policy Discourse Analysis, Doris Andrea Dirks

Dissertations

The goal of this study is to examine the language used to discuss transgender people on university campuses. My main research question was: What do university reports describe as problems and solutions for transgender people in universities? The primary data for this study consists of 16 reports issued at four Big Ten schools from 1992-2010. These reports address the inclusion of gender identity and expression in nondiscrimination policies, the status of transgender people on university campuses, or both. This study employs policy discourse analysis, a hybrid methodology that analyzes written documents using feminist, critical, and poststructural theories in order to …

Evaluating The Impact Of Small-Group Discussion On Learning In Anorganizational Psychology Class Utilizing A Classroom Response System, Thorhallur Orn Flosason

Dissertations

A classroom response system is a technology that allows individual students to clickers favorably. The second study showed that clicker use during lecture was associated with higher exam scores, but that relationship can be interpreted in several different ways, some of which are not tied to active responding. The implications of these findings with respect to previous research are discussed. provide answers to questions posed by the instructor during lecture using hand held remotes (clickers) that transmit a signal to the instructor's computer via a receiver and computer software (Judson & Sawada, 2002). This instructional technology is widely used in …

Advanced Placement Courses And College Student Success: Evidence From Bps: 96/01, Jinhai Zhang

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is, based on the application of Tinto's student persistence theory, to explore whether AP course taking, as one pre-collegiate student background characteristic, impacts college students' persistence, academic achievements, and college completion. This study used the national Beginning Postsecondary Study 96/01 longitudinal data set collected by the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES), which includes 12,100 first-time postsecondary beginners over a period of 6 academic years from 1995/96 to 2000/01.

In this study, students were categorized into three groups by their SAT scores. Logistical regression analysis indicated that overall students who took any AP course in …

The Influence Of A Personal Practice Of Meditation On One’S Therapeutic Practice, William W. Fitzgerald

Dissertations

The focus of this study was to examine counseling professionals’ personal experience with meditation and how it influences their clinical work, including the formation of a therapeutic relationship. Using phenomenological methods, data were gathered from 10 psychotherapists and then analyzed.

There has been a great deal of effort devoted to investigating what contributes to positive counseling outcome for clients. One constant in the therapeutic process is the person of the therapist. While the person of the therapist is frequently mentioned in the literature, much less attention has been given to the examination of personal development paths of the therapist. Little …

The Color(S) Of Perfection: The Feminine Body, Beauty Ideals, And Identity In Postwar America, 1945-1970, Elizabeth M. Matelski

Dissertations

Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a number of models have existed offering women a spectrum of ideal body types and varying opinions about the role of fitness and diet in achieving these forms. In the years following World War II, prescriptive literature, Hollywood, and popular culture in general created and perpetuated the postwar feminine ideal of "the Sweater girl" - a busty, curvaceous figure more sexual than maternal. Yet, this ideal gave way in little more than a decade. In the late 1960s, youth culture placed a cult-like status on Twiggy, a model with a 31-inch bust and 32-inch …

Alternations In The Splenic Marginal Zone With Age, Shirin Z. Birjandi

Dissertations

Splenic marginal zones are architecturally organized to generate a rapid response against blood- borne antigens entering the spleen. The marginal zone is a distinct anatomical micro-environment whose main components include the marginal zone macrophages, the marginal zone B cells, the marginal zone sinus, and the metallophilic macrophages. Marginal zone macrophages, in partnership with marginal zone B cells, are particularly important in host defense against T-independent pathogens and are crucial for the prevention of diseases such as Streptococcus pneumonia. It has been widely reported that with the advancement of age there is a higher rate of mortality as a result of …