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Articles 61 - 90 of 113
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An Investigation Of Physiological Measures In A Marketing Decision Task, Nelson Lerma
An Investigation Of Physiological Measures In A Marketing Decision Task, Nelson Lerma
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The objective of the present study was to understand the use of physiological measures as an alternative to traditional market research tools, such as self-reporting measures and focus groups. For centuries, corporations and researchers have relied almost exclusively on traditional measures to gain insights into consumer behavior. Oftentimes, traditional methods have failed to accurately predict consumer demand, and this has prompted corporations to explore alternative methods that will accurately forecast future sales. One the most promising alternative methods currently being investigated is the use of physiological measures as an indication of consumer preference. This field, also referred to as neuromarketing, …
Rapid Response Teams Versus Critical Care Outreach Teams: Unplanned Escalations In Care And Associated Outcomes, Valerie Danesh
Rapid Response Teams Versus Critical Care Outreach Teams: Unplanned Escalations In Care And Associated Outcomes, Valerie Danesh
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The incidence of unplanned escalations during hospitalization is undocumented, but estimates may be as high as 1.2 million occurrences per year in the United States. Rapid Response Teams (RRT) were developed for the early recognition and treatment of deteriorating patients to deliver time-sensitive interventions, but evidence related to optimal activation criteria and structure is limited. The purpose of this study is to determine if an Early Warning Score-based Critical Care Outreach (CCO) model is related to the frequency of unplanned intra-hospital escalations in care compared to a RRT system based on staff nurse identification of vital sign derangements and physical …
Critical Velocity Is Associated With Combat Specific Performance Measures In A Special Forces Unit, Mattan Hoffman
Critical Velocity Is Associated With Combat Specific Performance Measures In A Special Forces Unit, Mattan Hoffman
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Over recent years, military research has focused on ways of being able to predict operational success and readiness through the development of simulated operational tasks measuring the physical limits of the soldier. Therefore, to properly prepare the tactical athlete for the demands and rigor of combat, accurate assessment of baseline physical abilities and limitations are necessary. Currently, western armies use a basic physical fitness test, which has been heavily argued to have no bearing on operational readiness, thus they are in the process of transitioning to a more specific combat readiness test. However, specific assessments to predict operational success/readiness are …
The Second Generation Of The Cccm System For In-Vitro Cardiac Tissue Engineering., Mai-Dung Thi Nguyen
The Second Generation Of The Cccm System For In-Vitro Cardiac Tissue Engineering., Mai-Dung Thi Nguyen
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. When a myocardial infarction occurs, scar tissue compensates the damaged myocardial tissue. This scar tissue increases the stiffness of the heart tissue, reduces the heart’s function, and finally leads to the heart failure (HF) disease. To have the tissue engraftment, in-vitro cardiac tissue should have the same properties as the native mature cardiac tissue. However, current in-vitro cell culture technologies fail to accurately recreate the in-vivo like mechanically physiological environment for in-vitro cardiac tissue culture, and therefore, fail to regenerate the in-vivo like mature cardiac tissue. Hence, a microfluidic cardiac cell …
Determinants Of Bite Force In Four Species Of Sharks From The Gulf Of Mexico With An Emphasis On The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, Rhizoprionodon Terraenovae, Kyle Walter Rice
Determinants Of Bite Force In Four Species Of Sharks From The Gulf Of Mexico With An Emphasis On The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, Rhizoprionodon Terraenovae, Kyle Walter Rice
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Bite force can provide valuable information regarding the physiological ecology of an organism. However, there have been few studies wherein bite force in sharks has been considered. Herein I report on a study of the bite force of four species of sharks with particular emphasis on that of the atlantic sharpnose shark, rhizoprionodon terraenovae. Among the four species examined, blacktip shark, carcharhinus limbatus bite force was significantly higher than that of sharpnose, rhizoprionodon terraenovae. There was no significant difference between the bite force of those species compared with the same for finetooth shark, c. Isodon and spinner shark, c. Brevipinna. …
Occurrence And Effects Of Repeated Trauma Exposure In Emergency Medical Personnel, Casie Ann Probst
Occurrence And Effects Of Repeated Trauma Exposure In Emergency Medical Personnel, Casie Ann Probst
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This study focuses on the prevalence and severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Summative PTSD Checklist (PCL-C) scores were collected and analyzed from 102 active, adult EMS professionals working in Pennsylvania. Data analysis shows EMS professionals are experiencing severe post-traumatic stress symptoms at a higher rate than the general public. The severity and prevalence of EMS post-traumatic stress symptoms are comparable to those of American veterans returning from active combat zones in Iraq. Based on the results, several suggestions are proposed regarding how to effectively minimize the experience of post-traumatic stress symptoms in EMS professionals.
The Effect Of Moderate Altitude On High Intensity Running Performance During A Game With Collegiate Female Soccer Players, Jonathan Bohner
The Effect Of Moderate Altitude On High Intensity Running Performance During A Game With Collegiate Female Soccer Players, Jonathan Bohner
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Competition often requires teams that reside at sea level to compete against opponents whose residence is at a moderate altitude. This may pose a potential competitive disadvantage considering that moderate altitude may cause decrements in VO2max, distance covered, and time to exhaustion in endurance athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of altitude on game performance measures. Six NCAA Division I female soccer players (20.33 ± 1.21 y; 168 ± 6.45 cm; 62.5 ± 6.03 kg) were retrospectively examined. Comparisons were made between two competitions that were played at sea level (SL) within two weeks of …
A Non-Invasive Method For Measuring Blood Flow Rate In Superficial Veins From A Single Thermal Image., Heba E. Farag
A Non-Invasive Method For Measuring Blood Flow Rate In Superficial Veins From A Single Thermal Image., Heba E. Farag
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Computer vision is a field that includes methods for processing, analyzing, acquiring and understanding images to produce numerical or symbolic information to develop methodologies and solutions for many problems in many fields. Here the concept of computer vision is being used for understanding certain human physiology and behaviors using thermal imaging alone or in conjunction with other imaging modalities. The applications of this work span a wide range of studies in human-machine interfacing vis-à-vis feedback controls that can be used to remotely determine whether a patient is in need of medical assistance or to help integrate young children with learning …
Bioengineering The Expression Of Active Recombinant Human Cathepsin G, Enteropeptidase, Neutrophil Elastase, And C-Reactive Protein In Yeast, Eliot T. Smith
Bioengineering The Expression Of Active Recombinant Human Cathepsin G, Enteropeptidase, Neutrophil Elastase, And C-Reactive Protein In Yeast, Eliot T. Smith
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The yeasts Pichia pastoris and Kluyveromyces lactis were used to express several recombinant human proteins for further biochemical characterization. Two substitution variants of recombinant human enteropeptidase light chain (rhEPL) were engineered to modify the extended substrate specificity of this serine protease. Both were secreted as active enzymes in excess of 1.7 mg/L in P. pastoris fermentation broth. The substitution variant rhEPL R96Q showed significantly reduced specificities for the preferred substrate sequences DDDDK and DDDDR; however, the rhEPL Y174R variant displayed improved specificities for these substrate sequences relative to all other reported variants of this enzyme. The neutrophil serine proteases human …
Optimization Of Spray Droplet Size For Drug Delivery To The Deep Lung, Renee Worden
Optimization Of Spray Droplet Size For Drug Delivery To The Deep Lung, Renee Worden
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The lower respiratory regions of the lung boast over 900 million alveoli with a combined 85 m2 of surface area of near direct access to the bloodstream. Within the last century the immense potential of the deep lung as a site for the delivery of drugs has begun to be exploited and today pulmonary delivery of aerosolized therapeutic is commonplace. However, the high inter- and intra-patient variability in dosing is almost completely ignored. Currently, no steps are being taken to mitigate the sources of variability beyond injection into the upper airways. This study seeks to prove that a careful selection …
Simulation-Based Cognitive Workload Modeling And Evaluation Of Adaptive Automation Invoking And Revoking Strategies, Christina Rusnock
Simulation-Based Cognitive Workload Modeling And Evaluation Of Adaptive Automation Invoking And Revoking Strategies, Christina Rusnock
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
In human-computer systems, such as supervisory control systems, large volumes of incoming and complex information can degrade overall system performance. Strategically integrating automation to offload tasks from the operator has been shown to increase not only human performance but also operator efficiency and safety. However, increased automation allows for increased task complexity, which can lead to high cognitive workload and degradation of situational awareness. Adaptive automation is one potential solution to resolve these issues, while maintaining the benefits of traditional automation. Adaptive automation occurs dynamically, with the quantity of automated tasks changing in real-time to meet performance or workload goals. …
Role Of Host Immune Response And Bacterial Autolysin Atl In Human Nasal Colonization By Staphylococcus Aureus, Vanathy Paramanandam
Role Of Host Immune Response And Bacterial Autolysin Atl In Human Nasal Colonization By Staphylococcus Aureus, Vanathy Paramanandam
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a major human pathogen that colonizes the anterior nares in 30% of the human population. Though nasal carriage of SA is a known risk factor for the subsequent spread of SA infections, the dynamics of SA nasal colonization is poorly understood. Our research focuses on understanding the host and bacterial factors that might contribute to the human nasal colonization by SA. In an attempt to elucidate the host response to SA, we performed an autologous human in vivo nasal colonization study, which showed decreased survival rates of SA in hosts who elicited a robust immune response. …
Investigation Of Multiscale Fluid Structure Interaction Modeling Of Flow In Arterial Systems, Sebastian Sotelo
Investigation Of Multiscale Fluid Structure Interaction Modeling Of Flow In Arterial Systems, Sebastian Sotelo
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The study of hemodynamic patterns in large blood vessels, such as the ascending aortic artery, brachiocephalic trunk, right carotid artery and right subclavian artery presents the challenging complexity of vessel wall compliance induced by the high levels of shear stress gradients and blood flow pulsatility. Accurate prediction of hemodynamics in such conditions requires a complete Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis that couples the fluid flow behavior throughout the cardiac cycle with the structural response of the vessel walls. This research focuses on the computational study of a Multiscale Fluid-Structure Interaction on the arterial wall by coupling Finite Volumes Method (FVM) …
Gender Differences And Fast Food Preferences Among U.S. College Students, Donald Persaud
Gender Differences And Fast Food Preferences Among U.S. College Students, Donald Persaud
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The intent of this research is to examine the relationship of corporate fast food and health within the context of gender. It tests the hypothesis that Western perceptions of masculinity and femininity inform a differentiated pattern of food preference, which will correlate with health as measured by Body Mass Index (BMI). The targeted sample population for the study is the undergraduate community of the University of Central Florida, and fast food is a chosen dietary medium because it is an increasingly ubiquitous source of caloric energy in the American foodscape, representative of the mass production model applied to cuisine in …
Structure-Activity Relationship Model For Estrogen Receptor Ligands., Huihui Wu 1979-
Structure-Activity Relationship Model For Estrogen Receptor Ligands., Huihui Wu 1979-
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Xenoestrogens are spread throughout the environment affecting our daily lives and may produce potential toxic effects on human health. The purpose of this study was to develop a mechanistically reliable model capable of identifying xenoestrogens. Our hypothesis was that there are identifiable structural characteristics among a diverse set of estrogen receptor ligands that differentiate estrogenic and nonestrogenic compounds. The model's learning set was developed by collecting compounds from the National Center for Toxicological Research Estrogen Receptor Binding database (NCTRER) . The categorical-SAR (cat-SAR) expert system was used to build the models and perform leave-none-out, leave-one-out, leave-many-out and external validations for …
An Analysis Of The Handwriting Of Elderly Chinese Subjects., Dongfang Liu
An Analysis Of The Handwriting Of Elderly Chinese Subjects., Dongfang Liu
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Nowadays, one of the issues of concern that brought on by the aging population is legal disputes that have been increasing in number every year. One core problem in these legal disputes involves handwriting identification. There are however not many previous studies in China that have been concentrated on this field. Hence, the study on elderly Chinese subjects' handwriting has an extremely broad potential value for its application for academic usage and practical meaning. This study uses an empirical technique, gathering first hand data and analysing them by employing proper methods. There are 7 handwriting features and characteristics that have …
Communication Apprehension Vs. Social Phobia And Related Conditions A Correlational Study, Christine M. Donaldson
Communication Apprehension Vs. Social Phobia And Related Conditions A Correlational Study, Christine M. Donaldson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Of all social situations, public speaking is the most prevalent fear in both the general population and among social phobic individuals (Mannuzza, Schneier, Chapman, & Liebowitz, 1995; Stein, Walker, & Forde, 1996). The fear of public speaking is referred to as communication apprehension (CA) by members of the communication field; in other programs of study, this condition has been categorized and conceptualized in a wide variety of ways ranging from stage fright to reticence. Several scholarly fields including communication, social psychology, the health sciences and the social sciences, seek to find an explanation and effective intervention for this prevalent condition. …
Intelligent Design, Jillian Amistoso Dudziak
Intelligent Design, Jillian Amistoso Dudziak
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
As human beings we are designed and created in a fabric that is profound and complex. We are built with a framework where mind and body work in a concerted effort to maintain our lives automatically. A deep and defining part of our existence as humans is not just the innate desire to live but to live in consistent well-being--emotionally, physically, and mentally. I believe when we incorporate our knowledge of human physiology into our creative process then we allow ourselves a greater opportunity to create an authentic connection with our intended audience. My work during the past three years …
A Paleopathological Assessment Of Osteoarthritis In The Lower Appendicular Joints Of Individuals From The Kellis 2 Cemetery In The Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt, Joshua B. Robin
A Paleopathological Assessment Of Osteoarthritis In The Lower Appendicular Joints Of Individuals From The Kellis 2 Cemetery In The Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt, Joshua B. Robin
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative pathological condition of the appendicular joints which affects the cartilage and underlying bone. OA is relatively common in both the archaeological and clinical context, and a significant amount of research has been conducted on this osteological condition. The purpose of this thesis is to assess the incidence, demographic prevalence, and general severity of hip and knee OA in a Roman-Christian period (50 A.D – 450 A.D) population sample from the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt. The bioarchaeological sample originates from the Kellis 2 cemetery which is associated with the ancient town of Kellis. The town of Kellis …
Systemic And Strength Effects : Experimental Concentrations Of Topical Menthol., Lee Jordan Winchester 1984-
Systemic And Strength Effects : Experimental Concentrations Of Topical Menthol., Lee Jordan Winchester 1984-
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Menthol has been regularly utilized as a treatment in sports related injuries for many years, yet little is known about its physiological interactions or its effect on performance. Our previous study indicates that topically applied menthol may cause an acute decrease in blood flow and may improve strength capabilities. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of two different concentrations of menthol (3.5% and 10%) on systemic blood flow and strength. 16 subjects participated in this 4 week study examining blood flow and strength effects after menthol or control treatment. Results indicate that the 3.5% menthol causes …
Design, Fabrication, And Testing Of A Microfluidic System For Cardiac Cell Culture., Mai-Dung Thi Nguyen
Design, Fabrication, And Testing Of A Microfluidic System For Cardiac Cell Culture., Mai-Dung Thi Nguyen
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and accounts for nearly 1,372,000 deaths each year. In addition, ~81 million Americans suffer from some form of CVD. Understanding the molecular basis of various manifestations of CVD requires cellular-level studies. However, current technologies for cell culture, fail to recreate the in-vivo environment where cells are subject to pressure and stretch as a consequence of normal hemodynamic loading and unloading. Therefore, to study cardiac cells with physiological relevance, the mechanical loading environment needs to be accurately replicated in-vitro. In order to create an appropriate platform for cardiac …
Non-Contact Pulse Measurement For Use In Smart Room Applications., Nicholas R. Blumenthal
Non-Contact Pulse Measurement For Use In Smart Room Applications., Nicholas R. Blumenthal
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The past decade has brought about major advances in the realms of both healthcare and biometrics. New technologies and techniques in the field of biometrics has allowed for the quick and efficient identification of people, while new healthcare technologies are allowing for less invasive monitoring of a person’s physiological state indicators. The combination of these two fields has allowed for a whole new frontier of science to be explored in the form of smart rooms. Smart rooms use the fusion of biometrics and healthcare monitoring to provide a solution to the problem of how best to monitor a patient to …
The Burden Of Fetching Water: Using Caloric Expenditure As An Indicator Of Access To Safe Drinking Water—A Case Study From Xieng Khouang Province, Lao Pdr, Jeff La Frenierre
The Burden Of Fetching Water: Using Caloric Expenditure As An Indicator Of Access To Safe Drinking Water—A Case Study From Xieng Khouang Province, Lao Pdr, Jeff La Frenierre
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The Millennium Development Goals measure ‘access to improved drinking water’ using an indicator that defines access as the presence of an improved water source within 1 kilometer of a person’s dwelling. This purely linear measurement has significant shortcomings, including a lack of consideration for the difficulty of the terrain being traversed and the weight of the loads being carried. This paper examines in detail the human energy costs associated with fetching water, first using two Lao villages as case studies, then applying a predictive energy expenditure model to measure the potential caloric effect of variations in the age and gender …
Design Of Sea Water Heat Exchanger For Miniature Vapor Compression Cycle, James Hughes
Design Of Sea Water Heat Exchanger For Miniature Vapor Compression Cycle, James Hughes
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Recent advances in the development of miniature vapor compression cycle components have created unique opportunities for heating and cooling applications, specifically to human physiological requirements that arise in extreme environments. Diving in very cold water between 1.7 and 5°C requires active heating because passive thermal insulation has proven inadequate for long durations. To maintain diver mobility and cognitive performance, it is desirable to provide 250 to 300 W of heat from an untethered power source. The use of a miniature vapor compression cycle reduces the amount of power (batteries or fuel cell) that the diver must carry by 2.5 times …
The Identification And Characterization Of Estrogen Receptors In The Mouse And Human Lens And Their Role In Cataract Development, Mary Rachel Kirker
The Identification And Characterization Of Estrogen Receptors In The Mouse And Human Lens And Their Role In Cataract Development, Mary Rachel Kirker
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The increased risk of age-related cataracts in postmenopausal women and studies in animal models suggest that estrogen may have a protective role in the lens. However, very little is known regarding the role of estrogen and its receptors in the lens. To begin unraveling the estrogen signaling mechanism in the lens, the following aims were investigated: 1) to determine if estrogen receptors are expressed in the lens, [125I]-17beta-estradiol binding and mRNA expression of ERalpha, ERbeta, and GPR30 were examined in the mouse and human lens; 2) to determine if the loss of ERalpha and/or ERbeta receptors will induce spontaneous development …
Interrater Reliability Of Psychomotor Skill Assessment In Athletic Training, Jason Craddock
Interrater Reliability Of Psychomotor Skill Assessment In Athletic Training, Jason Craddock
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Assessment in athletic training education is an evolutionary process that is determined by each individual Athletic Training Education Program. The autonomy authorized by national accreditation standards allows academic programs to determine the appropriate assessment practices that facilitate the meeting of student learning outcomes. Even with autonomy, formative and summative techniques are to be employed in both the didactic and clinical arenas of athletic training education programs. The major objective of athletic training education is to prepare students for entry-level practice in athletic training. The purpose of this study was to assess interrater reliability of athletic training faculty and approved clinical …
Delay Sensitive Routing For Real Time Traffic Over Ad-Hoc Networks, Dipika Darshana
Delay Sensitive Routing For Real Time Traffic Over Ad-Hoc Networks, Dipika Darshana
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Wireless ad hoc network consists of inexpensive nodes that form a mobile communication network. Due to limitations of the transmission range, the nodes rely on each other to forward packets such that messages can be delivered across the network. The selection of the path along which a packet is forwarded from the source node to the destination node is done by the routing algorithm. Most commonly used routing algorithms, though effective for non-real time applications, cannot handle real-time applications that require strict delay bounds on packet delivery. In this thesis, we propose a routing protocol that ensures timely delivery of …
Circadian Disruption In Women With Breast Cancer., Eric Dedert
Circadian Disruption In Women With Breast Cancer., Eric Dedert
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Cancer patients show circadian disruption that increases as disease progresses. Disrupted endocrine and activity rhythms predict early metastatic cancer mortality. Effects of psychological versus biological factors on rhythms are unknown, as are potential links between endocrine and sleep disruption, and relevance of disruption in early stage cancer. This study sought to examine the associations of cancer-related intrusions and avoidant coping with circadian cortisol rhythms, assessed with saliva samples, and rest/activity rhythms, assessed with actigraphy. Participants were women who had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, meaning participants provided data at similar points in the course of diagnosis and treatment of …
Airport Security: Examining The Current State Of Acceptance Of Biometrics And The Propensity Of Adopting Biometric Technology Fo, Kristine Sumner
Airport Security: Examining The Current State Of Acceptance Of Biometrics And The Propensity Of Adopting Biometric Technology Fo, Kristine Sumner
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 propelled the issue of aviation security to the forefront of the U.S. domestic agenda. Although hundreds of individual airports exist in the U.S., the travel activities at each of these airports combine to holistically comprise an aviation system that represents a significant portion of the U.S. social and economic infrastructure. Disruption at one airport resulting from a criminal act, such as terrorism, could exert detrimental effects upon the aviation system and U.S national security (9/11 Commission, 2004). Each U.S. airport is individually responsible for various aspects of security including the control of physical …
Smoke And Mirrors: A Cultural-Psychological Analysis Of Tobacco Use, Michael Melczak
Smoke And Mirrors: A Cultural-Psychological Analysis Of Tobacco Use, Michael Melczak
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This theoretical dissertation explores tobacco use from the perspectives of social constructivism and phenomenological depth psychology. In Part I, tobacco use is described as a cultural artifact, and transformations in tobacco use are traced through three different cultural contexts or "worlds": the indigenous or aboriginal worldview, the European and American worldview of the 17th through mid-19th centuries, and the modern American worldview (or "modernity"). In each of these worldviews, the cultural context informed and influenced (or reflected and reproduced) understandings of tobacco use. One notices the transformation of tobacco use, for example, from a god to a commodity and from …