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Goal Setting, Self-Help Groups, And Incentives As A Poverty Alleviation Strategy: Evidence From Field Experiments In Indonesia, Colombia And Ethiopia, Sherefedin K. Nuri

Master's Theses

Abstract: This study uses randomized field experiments conducted in Indonesia, Colombia and Ethiopia to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of goal-setting, self-help groups, and incentives as a poverty alleviation strategy. The experiment in each country had subjects randomly assigned to one of the five groups: 1) goal setting “goal”, 2) goal setting and group “group”, 3) goal setting and incentives “incentives”, 4) goal setting, group and incentives “FII” and 5) control group. Results show that the “goal” treatment has a positive and significant effect on income in Indonesia, the “incentives” treatment resulted in a positive and significant effect on …

Investigations Of Thioether Generation For S-D-Ribosyl-L-Homocysteine Synthesis, Brendan Corcoran

Master's Theses

Creation of the thioether linkage is a fundamental step for the chemical preparation of the bacterial quorum sensing molecule S-D-ribosyl-L-homocysteine (SRH). Although previous preparations of SRH and its analogues have been reported in the literature, they employ assorted methods with varied results. Therefore, a reassessment of the methodology used for synthetic preparation of the thioether bond in SRH-like molecules is here considered. This work examines four methods of thioether generation following two mechanisms, bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (S_N2) and radical-initiated thiol-ene coupling, in an attempt to generate SRH in a more efficient and reproducible manner. Both mechanisms address …

Does Poverty Really Impede Cognitive Function? Experimental Evidence From Tanzanian Fishers, Virginia Graves

Master's Theses

Does the feeling of scarcity really impede cognitive function? Using experimental evidence from Tanzanian fishers, this study examines the connection between poverty and cognitive function. Fishers in the experiment are tested on how exposure to a ‘scarcity trigger’ impacts cognition and productivity through measuring performance on problem solving tasks. The study also creates an index of distractions to test how existing problems in an individual’s life, which contribute to limited attention, relates to cognitive function and productivity. Experimental results do not find that mental and financial scarcities significantly impact test performance. Although the study finds no significant causal evidence, this …

The Impact Of Borehole Wells And A Hygiene And Sanitation Program On Diarrhea: Evidence From Rural Southwest Uganda, Morgan Adams

Master's Theses

Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death for children under age five, killing approximately 2,089 children a day (WHO, 2013). Clean water access, sanitation facilities, and good hygiene behavior are solutions to decreasing child mortality and morbidity caused by fecal contamination. I estimate the impact of borehole wells and a hygiene and sanitation program on diarrhea by creating a retrospective panel. I ask mothers to rank children from the most to least diarrhea when under the age of two and use this ranking to compare siblings, where at least one had been exposed to the program. The methodology …

Chutes And Ladders: Climate Variability And The Decision To Enter Sex Work In India, Kate Pennington

Master's Theses

There is widespread consensus that climate change will drive large-scale changes in poverty distributions, migration, and participation in risky informal labor markets, especially for poor households in developing countries which are both more likely to depend on the environment for their livelihood and less able to insulate against climate shocks. Within poor households, gender inequality means that women and children will bear a disproportional amount of welfare losses. I examine the impact of climate variability on migration and participation in risky informal labor markets for a particularly vulnerable population: female sex workers in India. Using a unique survey of 5,498 …

The Impact Of Offcial Development Assistance On Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence From Vietnam, Hang Pham

Master's Theses

The relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Official Development Assistance (ODA) has not been fully established, nor has its directionality, as evidenced the disagreement among economists. Using existing literature as starting point, I extend its base by examining key causal variables for ODA and FDI within 64 Vietnamese provinces, covering the span from 1998 to 2012. With the most extensive and newest dataset available, I find that ODA attracts more FDI inflows in intermediate term (5year average) and long term (all year average), but not in the short-term. An important policy implication of these results for developing countries, and …

The Curious Case Of Greece: The Impact Of Fiscal Policy Shocks On Key Macroeconomic Variables. A Var Based Approach., Manny Kaliontzakis

Master's Theses

For years, the Vector Autoregressive approach has been the main tool for monetary economics and macroeconomic researchers around the world. Leading central banking figures, academics, and modern economic think tanks have used the approach to determine the effects of interest rate shocks on basic macroeconomic variables such as GDP, industrial production and unemployment rate. Shocking policy variables, such as interest rates or long term bond rates have given economists the ability to run reliable forecasts. The last 20 years have seen a turn in the use of the VAR approach on fiscal policy as well. Even though, in general, previous …

The Impact Of Migration And Remittances On Children's Education In El Salvador, Philip H. Jakob

Master's Theses

The effect that migrant remittances have on school enrollment is a challenging relationship to empirically define, requiring both an analysis of the circumstances that lead a household member to emigrate from their home and equally, but not always independently, how the family makes investment decisions in the education of one or more of their children. This study presents a new strategy to determine the nature of this relationship for households in El Salvador, using a 2SLS estimation with a wealth-stratified panel constructed from household survey data over a nine-year period. Employing this methodology to estimate the combined effects of both …

Furanic Molecules: Multiplexed Synchrotron Photoionization Investigations And Aerosol Studies, Audrey R. Smith

Master's Theses

The oxidation reactions of 2-methylfuran (2MF) and 2-ethylfuran (2EF) initiated by Cl radicals is studied at the low temperatures, in addition to the determination of the absolute photoionization cross-sections of 2EF, 2-acetylfuran, and furfural. These experiments are carried out using synchrotron photoionization mass spectrometry (SPIMS) with an orthogonal time-of-flight spectrometer used for mass analysis at the Advanced Light Source of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. CBS-QB3 calculated adiabatic ionization energies (AIE) agree well with the experimental results and published literature values. Furfural is found to be the dominant product of 2MF oxidation, with 2-acetylfuran and 2-vinylfuran being the dominant products of …

The Role Of Gender And Education In The Perpetration And Prevention Of School-Related Gender-Based Violence, Sabrina James

Master's Theses

This study examines how gender ideologies contribute to violence in and around schools while looking through a peace research framework proposed by peace studies scholar Johan Galtung (1969). The study explores school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) in three regions—the United States, India, and Central Africa—and highlights the universal and destructive nature of SRGBV as a serious obstacle to the right to education and achieving education for all.

In addition, the study examines three promising initiatives in the aforementioned regions that combat SRGBV. The aim of the study is to contribute to the dialogue of effective strategies for addressing SRGBV vis-à-vis gender …

The Effect Of The Traditional Mediterranean-Style Diet On Metabolic Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis, Marissa L. Garcia

Master's Theses

Importance: A Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to be effective in improving a variety of disease outcomes, including metabolic risk factors. Such dietary patterns are complex and, thus it is currently unclear as to which components and intervention characteristics are more greatly associated with reducing metabolic syndrome risk.

Objective: To obtain overall effect sizes for the metabolic risk factors (waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure) and explain the variability across the current literature based on study design, sample, and diet characteristics.

Data Sources: Six electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, …

Non-Ost Route Transition Interventions Among Injecting Drug Users In Kabul, Afghanistan: A Qualitative Feasibility Assessment Based On Institutional Stakeholders’ Views, William P. Tootle Jr

Master's Theses

An HIV epidemic threatens injecting drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan. Although opioid substitution therapy (OST) has been proven to reduce the spread of HIV and decrease injecting drug use in many parts of the world, including on a small scale in Afghanistan, political obstacles suggest that at this time it may not be a viable intervention there. In this thesis, therefore, I assess the feasibility of implementing an alternative to OST as an HIV-prevention strategy, namely, a non-OST route-transition intervention (RTI) designed to encourage and enable opiate users to switch from injecting to smoking (also called chasing). Based on semi-structured …

Training Group Home Staff On Nutrition, Kaitlin Carafa

Master's Theses

Currently, more than one-third of adults (more than 72 million people) in the United States are obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014), and therefore obesity is a major public health concern. The prevalence of obesity in the population of individuals with disabilities has been shown to be 2.1 times higher than compared to the general population, and the prevalence is higher in less restrictive settings such as group homes (Saunders et al., 2011). Therefore, interventions aimed to decrease obesity should be created for this population. The purpose of this study is to investigate the need for a …

A Ten Year Retrospective Study Of Pediatric Pneumonia Cases In Haiti, Talia A. Savic

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Threats To The Therapeutic Alliance In First Sessions With High Conflict Couples, Kevin Charles Hynes

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Enabling Authority: Ellen Emmet Rand, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, And The Power Of Portraiture, Emily M. Mazzola

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Fatherhood And Food: Food Insecurity And Paternal Role Associations With Father And Child Diet Quality, Von Jessee

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of An Intensive Oral Reading Program On Discourse In Chronic Mild Aphasia, Marilyn Elizabeth Richard

Master's Theses

Background: There is limited research specific to deficits and interventions for people with mild aphasia (PWMA), although they have the greatest potential to return to work. Discourse and reading deficits for this population are well documented and negatively impact quality of life. Two treatment programs have used oral reading to target discourse with mixed success. Neither was designed specifically for PWMA.

Aims: The primary aim of the current study was to examine the effect of an intensive oral reading program on discourse in two participants with chronic mild aphasia. Outcome was also assessed on several other measures including oral reading, …

Evaluation Of A Sport-Specific Performance Task Associated With A Lower Extremity Injury Prevention Program, Eric C. Roux

Master's Theses

Lower extremity injuries are occurring in youth sports. Injury prevention programs (IPPs) designed to prevent these injuries are being underutilized. Evidence suggests that IPPs can improve performance and reduce injury risk. Sports-specific performance benefits could be a bartering tool in coach support. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of an IPP on sport-specific performance in high school females. The study also assessed the relationship between sport-specific performance and landing biomechanics. Seventy-four athletes participated in this study (age = 15.0 ± 1.0 years, height = 65.7 ± 2.5 in, weight = 60.3 ± 10.4 kg). Participants were …

Collaboration For Athletic Training Coverage In High Schools - An Ongoing National Survey: The Prevalence Of Athletic Training Services In Private Secondary Schools, Alicia M. Pike

Master's Theses

Context: Athletic training (AT) services in secondary schools have recently been reported as high as 70%, but this only extends to the public sector. The extent of AT coverage in private secondary school settings has yet to be investigated. This may differ from the public secondary school setting for several reasons, including differences in funding sources. Objective: Determine level of AT services in private secondary schools. Design: Concurrent mixed-methods. Setting: Private secondary schools in the United States. Patients or Other Participants: 2,045 (38%) of all 5,414 private secondary schools responded to the survey. Intervention: …

A Pilot Study Investigating Comprehension Of Driving Vocabulary In Adolescents With Language Impairment, Jessica M. Pandolfe

Master's Theses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate if adolescents with LI are at increased risk relative to unimpaired peers at struggling to comprehend driving-related vocabulary found in driving preparation material.

Method: This study included 11 adolescents with LI and 11 adolescent controls with typical language development. Participants completed a self-developed receptive vocabulary measure, the Driving-Related Picture Vocabulary Task, which consisted of simple noun, compound noun, and simple verb driving terminology.

Results: The Driving-Related Picture Vocabulary Task was found to have strong convergent validity with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test—Fourth Edition (Dunn & Dunn, 2007). Strong positive correlation was …

The Relationship Between Drug Use And Depressive Symptoms Among High School Students, Andrea Huntley

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Partner Support And Relationship Satisfaction In Health Behavior Change: A Self-Determination Theory Framework, Katelyn M. Gettens

Master's Theses

Weight-related health behavior change can be difficult to initiate, and perhaps even more challenging to sustain long-term. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) allows for a more nuanced exploration of the role that motivation and existing support systems play in weight management. Recently, studies have focused on coequal support relationships rather than hierarchical relationships in health behavior change. The present study used a longitudinal design to assess support style (needs support vs. directive), relationship satisfaction, motivation (autonomous versus controlled), and weight loss over a 6-week period in college students with overweight or obesity, using a SDT framework. Students enrolled in Introduction to Psychology …

Promoting Parental Engagement In Parenting Education Programs, Jessica L. Maksut

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Three Shoeing Methods On Hoof Growth And Health In Horses, Amanda Morris

Master's Theses

Fourteen mixed breed mares and geldings ranging in age from 4 to 20 years were selected to participate in this study to determine the effects on hoof growth and health with three shoing method. Each horse was randomly assigned a treatment: shod, barefoot, or Easyboots. Measurements were taken on the body and on the hoof at the beginning and conclusion of each shoeing method. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were attached to each horse using a surcingle during turnout at the beginning and conclusion of each shoeing method.

There were minimal changes in morphometric measurements between the barefoot, Easyboot and shod …

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity In Youth: Association With Adiposity-Related Health Indicators In Nhanes 2003-2006, Kelley Ann Lafleur

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Head Cooling Combined With Various Cooling Modalities On Cooling Rate After Exercise In The Heat, Jennifer L. Hyde

Master's Theses

The Influence of Head Cooling Combined with Various Cooling Modalities on Cooling Rate After Exercise in the Heat

Hyde JL, Pryor RR, Adams WM, Adams EL, Vandermark LW, Huggins RA, Stearns RL, Casa DJ: Korey Stringer Institute, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

Context: Various body-cooling modalities after exercise or between exercise bouts have been shown to decrease body temperature. The addition of head cooling (HC) to other commonly used cooling modalities may aid in reducing thermal strain. Objective: To determine the efficacy of head cooling on rectal temperature (Tre) compared to commonly implemented cooling modalities. Design: Randomized, …

The Effect Of Overactive Bladder Syndrome On Health-Related Quality Of Life In An Assisted-Living Community, Allison M. Berken

Master's Theses

This study investigated the effect of overactive bladder syndrome on the health-related quality of life of 32 residents (mean age 85.4) living in an assisted-living community, using widely-used and well-validated questionnaires (the OABSS and the SF-20, to assess overactive bladder and health-related quality of life, respectively). Approximately 31% of the study population satisfied the criteria for the diagnosis of overactive bladder syndrome. No significant correlation was found between the subjects’ scores on the overactive bladder and health related quality of life inventories. Nor was any association found between overactive bladder symptoms and the six component measures of the SF-20 (physical …

Domestic Violence In Low-Income Communities In Mumbai, India, Robyn M. Jennings

Master's Theses

Domestic violence is a public health problem globally and in India because of its physical and mental health consequences for victims and families. It has been shown to have an increased prevalence in populations with low socioeconomic status and strong patriarchal attitudes. This study examines qualitative (n=39) and quantitative data (n=1125) to find characteristics of women, men, and couples that are associated with violence in a low-income, patriarchal society on the outskirts of Mumbai, India. Associations were found between several variables and any violence, physical violence, sexual violence, emotional violence, and marital control. Risk factors include financial struggles, alcohol use, …

A Microfluidics Based Cell Culture Device With Controlled Temperature Gradient, Radhika Shiradkar

Master's Theses

Cell culture is an extensively used technique for studying the behavior and growth of cells in response to different conditions. Examining the effect of temperature variation on cells helps in understanding the characteristics of cancer cells and may help in developing therapeutic procedures. To study the effect of this variation, we propose to use a microenvironment with a programmable temperature gradient. Microfluidics based cell culture devices offer advantage of providing a controlled environment, effectively.

The study focuses on creating a microfluidic cell culture device with a controlled temperature gradient. The device consists of two components– a microchannel (18mm×6mm) that holds …