Digital Commons Network^™

Predictors Of Major Commitment, Anna Jill Womack

Master's Theses

Contextual (e.g. job fit, job involvement), individual (e.g. job satisfaction, need for achievement), and demographic (e.g. gender, educational level) factors have been related to forms of career commitment (i.e. affective, continuance, and normative commitment), highlighting that the commitment one feels toward his or her career is a complex variable. Furthermore, commitment has been associated with intent to remain within a profession or organization (Bowling, Beehr, & Lepisto, 2006; Den Hartog & Belschak, 2007; Duffy, Dik, & Steger, 2011; Goulet & Singh, 2002), suggesting that commitment is an important component of retention within a career. Correspondingly, commitment to one's academic major …

Psychopathology And Sexual Addiction As Correlates Of Disordered Attachment, Natasha Lisa Laurent

Master's Theses

The current study examined associations between insecure adult romantic attachment and symptoms of psychopathology, disordered personality, and problematic sexual behaviors in a clinical sample of 402 men in treatment for sexual addiction. Anxious and avoidant attachment were hypothesized to correlate with certain constructs of psychopathology, disordered personality, and dimensions of problematic sexual behaviors. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the hypothesized relationships using data from scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory- 2-Revised Form (MMPI-2-RF), the Sexual Dependence Inventory – 4.0 (SDI – 4.0), and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R). Results suggested greater similarities than expected across higher-order …

Haunted To Death: Subverting Genre And Reader Expectations In Lewis Carroll's Phantasmagoria, Elissa Anne Graeser

Master's Theses

This study of Lewis Carroll’s Phantasmagoria argues that the poem failed to achieve critical and popular success due to unmet reader expectations. The poem is a haunted house or ghost story and in many ways follows the familiar formula of the Victorian ghost story. However, Carroll’s political and generic satire alters various aspects of the anticipated structure, thereby creating a work that fails to satisfy readers on multiple levels. The failure of a work by a successful author writing within a popular genre is particularly significant for what it shows us about the relationship between genre, consumerism, and literary criticism.

Role Of Msaa Gene In Regulation Of The Msaabcr Operon And Biofilm Development In Staphylococcus Aureus, Ahmed Alzuway

Master's Theses

Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen that causes wide variety of diseases ranging from chronic biofilm associated infection to acute life threatening infection such as bacteremia, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, or endocarditis, despite the progress with antibiotics used in the treatment of bacterial infections. Furthermore, increased use of prosthetic and indwelling devices in modern medical practices has led to increased infections due to S. aureus. Treating S. aureus infections have become difficult owing to its ability to resist most of the antibiotics; this problem is further exacerbated by ability of MRSA strains to form biofilms. Emergence of community-acquired methicillin resistance …

The Effects Of The Nat Turner Slave Revolt On The Health And Welfare Of 19th-Century Slaves In Southeastern Virginia, Jeffrey Clifford Auerbach

Master's Theses

The Nat Turner Slave Revolt stands as a major turning point in the history of American slavery and represents a fundamental shift in the master slave relationship. This event shattered the previous paternalistic view and caused a fundamental reorganization of slave life. Included in this reorganization was a shift in the subsistence practice, moving away from morenutritious food grown by the slaves themselves to poor quality rations provided by the masters. This change in subsistence practices dealt a serious blow to the nutritional health of those living in the area surrounding the revolt.

By examining stature recorded in the County …

Nerve Fiber Diameter Measurements Using Hematoxylin And Eosin Staining And Brightfield Microscopy To Assess The Novel Method Of Characterizing Peripheral Nerve Fiber Distributions By Group Delay, Jorge Arturo Vazquez

Master's Theses

Peripheral neuropathies are a set of common diseases that affect the peripheral nervous system, causing damage to vital connections between various parts of the body and the brain and spinal cord. Different clinical conditions are known to selectively impact various size nerve fibers, which often makes it difficult to diagnose which peripheral neuropathy a patient might have. The nerve conduction velocity diagnostic test provides clinically useful information in the diagnosis of some peripheral neuropathies. This method is advantageous because it tends to be minimally invasive yet it provides valuable diagnostic information. However, this test does not determine characteristics of peripheral …

Treatment Of Nitrogen Oxides By Chlorella Vulgaris Algae In Photobioreactors, Steven Shihady

Master's Theses

The effectiveness of algae to treat NO₂and NO in simulated flue gas was tested using Chlorella vulgaris in photobioreactors (PBRs) using NO_xconcentrations between 30 ppm to 780 ppm. NO_xdissolved and reacted in water to form NO₃^-and NO₂^-in the PBR growth medium, providing a nitrogen source that the algae readily assimilated for cell synthesis. Three 20-L photobioreactors were inoculated with a pure culture of C. vulgaris prepared in Bristol growth medium and algae were grown in the PBRs at 25°C and pH of 7.0 in a modified Bristol medium …

Assessment Of Microbial Biodegradation Of Mixed Soil Contaminants At The Santa Susan Field Laboratory Using Trflp, Qpcr, And Culturing, Kenny William Croyle

Master's Theses

The potential for biodegradation of contaminants in soil was assessed using an array of molecular methods, including terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and traditional culturing techniques combined with sequencing of the 16S or ITS regions of the cultured bacteria and fungi. Soil was collected from the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL), which was the site of numerous liquid-propulsion rocket engine tests as well as nuclear energy research and development, which led to contamination of the soil with a wide variety of constituents. The contaminants of interest (COIs) at this site include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), …

A Multicultural Nutrition And Culinary Intervention For Middle School Students: Pink And Dude Chefs, Phase 2, Jaime Lynn Lockhart

Master's Theses

The prevalence of adolescent obesity in the United States has more than quadrupled in the past 30 years, growing from 5% to nearly 21% in 12-19 year olds. Although obesity has many interrelated causes, a lack of knowledge and practical skill to prepare healthy food from scratch is an important factor. Research indicates that nutrition and culinary interventions based on behavioral change theories may improve mediators of healthful eating in adolescents.

Pink and Dude Chefs, Phase 2, an eight-week after-school nutrition and culinary intervention targeted towards middle school students in a predominantly low-income, Hispanic community, was developed and evaluated. The …

A Comparison Of Fatigue During Cardiocerebral Resuscitation With Different Compression Rates Among Layperson And Professional Rescuers, Christopher Cassidy

Master's Theses

Quality chest compressions during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) are vital to maintaining adequate perfusion of oxygenated blood to the organs of the body to sustain life. Over the years, the compression rate recommended in Basic Life Support (BLS)/ Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols for the best possible outcome has risen, and with that increase there are questions regarding rescuer fatigue and the effectiveness of compressions. Layperson and professional rescuers, answering to an emergency, both maintain continuous chest compressions until advanced life support arrives. Depending on the location, this arrival time would most likely be longer than the two minute standard …

Development And Use Of Moisture-Suction Relationships For Geosynthetic Clay Liners, Jacob Law Risken

Master's Theses

A laboratory test program was conducted to determine the moisture-suction relationships of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs). Moisture-suction relationships were determined by combining suction data from pressure plate tests, contact filter paper tests, and relative humidity tests, then fitting water retention curves (WRCs) to the data. WRCs were determined for wetting processes and drying processes in terms of gravimetric moisture content and volumetric moisture content.

The effects of GCL type, hydration solution, wet-dry cycles, and temperature on the moisture-suction relationships were analyzed. The three GCLs of the test program consisted of configurations of woven and nonwoven geotextiles reinforced with needlepunched fibers. …

Differences In Parental Spoken Language Input, Gesture, And Emotional Sensitivity Between Hearing Parents Of Deaf Children And Hearing Parents Of Hearing Children, Molly A. Nowels

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Quantifying Tissue Densities In Cone Beam Computed Tomography Utilizing Pixel Intensity Values, Meredith Brownlee

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Fault Detection In Railway Track Using Piezoelectric Impedance, Matthew D. Cremins

Master's Theses

In this thesis, piezoelectric transducers are incorporated in an impedance-based damage detection approach for railway track health monitoring. The impedance-based damage detection approach utilizes the direct relationship between the mechanical impedance of the track and electrical impedance of the piezoelectric transducer bonded. The effect of damage is shown in the change of a healthy impedance curve to an altered, damaged curve. Using a normalized relative difference outlier analysis, the occurrences of various damages on the track are determined. Furthermore, the integration of inductive circuitry with the piezoelectric transducer is found to be able to considerably increase overall damage detection sensitivity.

The Relationship Between Trauma, Internalized Hiv Stigma, Social Support, And Sexual Risk Behavior Among Hiv-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Seek Sex Partners Online, Kaylee E. Burnham

Master's Theses

Men who have sex with men (MSM) remain the highest risk group for HIV infection. One reason suggested for the increase in incidence in recent years, despite knowledge about HIV prevention, is the use of the Internet to meet potential sex partners. Meeting sex partners online has been associated with greater sexual risk behavior. To date, few studies have investigated psychosocial predictors of sexual risk behavior among men seeking sex partners online. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationships between trauma symptoms, internalized HIV stigma, and social support on sexual risk behavior among MSM who seek …

The Effectiveness Of Tipback Mechanics For Correction Of Class Ii Malocclusion, Nandakumar Janakiraman

Master's Theses

Objective: The objective of this prospective study was to quantify the maxillary incisor and first molar changes and further, evaluate the Class II correction with tipback mechanics.

Methods: Lateral cephalograms of 16 adolescents (7 males, 9 females) taken at T1 (pre-tipback), T2 (after tipback) and T3 (after molar root uprighting) were evaluated. Average age of study subjects was 12.63 + 1.1 years. Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to test the significance at T1, T2 and T3. P-value of

Results: The maxillary first molar distalized by 1.53mm with 6.65 degrees of distal tipping and extrusion of 0.86mm …

A Study To Determine Student Perceptions Of The Cal Poly Veterinary Clinic, Fallon Bliss Sheridan

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the important benefits of Cal Poly Veterinary Clinic (CPVC) and establish areas of interest for the students at the CPVC. The CPVC is a student run veterinary clinic that exposes students to teachable hands-on veterinary experiences by addressing the needs of animals on campus as well as animals in the San Luis Obispo.

This study thoroughly investigated the student who have taken or are currently taking any of the five courses taught at the CPVC. The research was accomplished through a survey questionnaire. The student questionnaire was conducted by the researcher at …

The Effects Of Various Frequencies Of Low-Level Mechanical Vibration On Retention In An Orthodontic Relapse Model In Mice, Amir H. Assefnia

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim of this study is to study the effect of mechanical vibration on retention following orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in a mouse orthodontic relapse model. We applied various frequencies of vibration to the maxillary right first molar during relapse, and monitored changes to the alveolar bone and molar root.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-four male CD1 mice were placed in 4 groups. The Control Group underwent OTM for 7 days. The other three groups received OTM for 7 days, followed by a relapse phase of 7 days. OTM was performed with a 10g Ni-Ti spring. The Relapse Group …

Three-Dimensional Analysis Of The Impacted Maxillary Canine: Localization And Assessment Of Severity, Greg Ross

Master's Theses

Aims & Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the location of impacted or unerupted maxillary canines and evaluate their position and severity as they correlate to the clinical aspect of orthodontics. In addition, we propose to identify specific regions in the maxilla where impacted canines are more common, and to evaluate these methods for reliability and accuracy. Finally, we intend to introduce a 3-D classification for maxillary impacted canines.

Materials & Methods: We reviewed approximately 1000 CBCT images of patients with impacted maxillary canines. From these images, 207 CBCT’s, with 314 unerupted canines were selected to be …

The Use Of Single Flap Approach Versus The Double Flap Approach In The Treatment Of Intraosseous Periodontal Defects In Combination With Recombinant Human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Bb And Synthetic Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate: A Randomized Controlled Trial - Interim Report., Eric C. Hebert

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Experimental Peri-Implant Mucositis In Humans. A Pilot Study, Jonah A. Barasz

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Immediate Versus Delayed Loading Of Two Unsplinted Implants Supporting A Locator™ Retained Mandibular Overdenture. A Randomized Controlled Study, Satoko O. Rubin

Master's Theses

Background: Implant supported mandibular overdentures (OVD) have been proposed as the gold standard for the treatment of edentulous mandibles. In addition, the use of immediate loading may reduce the treatment time and improve the patient comfort without jeopardizing implant success. Limited information is available on the clinical success of immediate loading of 2 unsplinted implants supporting a mandibular OVD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinically and radiographically the performance of 2 unsplinted implants supporting a mandibular OVD 12 months post surgical placement, using either an immediate or a delayed loading protocol.

Methods: Each patient received 2 implants …

Chemically Modified Proteins As Highly Stable Building Blocks For Functional Bionanomaterials, Marc J. Novak

Master's Theses

Enzymes are key molecular machines that catalyze biologically important chemical reactions. The use of these powerful catalysts has recently been investigated for more industrial applications such as bio-fuel cells, glucose sensors, and biomedical engineering purposes. The main limiting factor of these versatile macromolecules is the stability concerns under conditions of elevated temperature or unfavorable pH. Chemical modification via charge manipulation of one of the most widely used enzymes in industrial research, glucose oxidase, is conducted in this report to stabilize the functional structure and improve the catalytic longevity under thermally taxing conditions. Further enhancement in solution stability is achieved by …

Does Nutrition Education Influence Snack Choices Of Preschoolers?, Laura Joseph

Master's Theses

Objective: To determine the impact of a nutrition education program on preschoolers’ snack choices when offered one healthy (grapes) or one unhealthy food (cookies).

Methods: This pre/post test experimental study included children ages 3-5 years old (n=45) from one preschool. Each child within a classroom (10-20 children) received the same nutrition education program (All 4 Kids) intervention (9, 30 minute lessons) taught by one registered dietitian over 2-weeks. Pre and post assessments included a snack knowledge and preference questionnaire and an observed snack selection trial to test the impact of the intervention. Children’s height and weight were measured …

Purification And Biological Activity Of Serine Lipids Of Porphyromonas Endodontalis, Joseph M. Blondin

Master's Theses

Porphymonas endodontalis has been shown to populate necrotic root canal systems and may contribute to apical bone loss. Recent work has shown that P. endodontalis synthesizes a novel serine lipid class (Lipid 654) similar to that produced by P. gingivalis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to isolate P. endodontalis Lipid 654 in very high purity and characterize its structure and biological activity
 in RAW 264.7 cells and HEK293 cells. Methods: P. endodontalis (ATCC 35406, type strain) was grown under anaerobic conditions and centrifuged. P. endodontalis total lipids were recovered using the Bligh and Dyer phospholipid extraction procedure and …

"Story Goodness" In Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Allison R. Canfield

Master's Theses

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by pragmatic language deficits, as difficulties with social communication are a universal deficit across the wide presentation the autism spectrum. The current studies examined narrative production as a measure of pragmatic language in adolescents with high-functioning autism (HFA), “optimal outcomes” (OO; i.e. individuals who have lost their previous diagnosis of ASD), and typical development (TD) using the informative “story goodness” coding system and real-world narrative quality ratings. In Study 1, adolescents with HFA and TD (mean age of 15) were compared on these measures of narrative quality. While the groups were similar …

Developent Of A Phospholipid Encapsulation Process For Quantum Dots To Be Used In Biologic Applications, Logan Grimes

Master's Theses

The American Cancer Society predicts that 1,665,540 people will be diagnosed with cancer, and 585,720 people will die from cancer in 2014. One of the most common types of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. Melanoma alone is predicted to account for 10,000 of the cancer related deaths in 2014. As a highly mobile and aggressive form of cancer, melanoma is difficult to fight once it has metastasized through the body. Early detection in such varieties of cancer is critical in improving survival rates in afflicted patients. Present methods of detection rely on visual examination of suspicious regions …

Effectiveness Of A Football Over Helmet Padding System In Reducing Peak Acceleration Of The Head And Severity Index 2014, Nicole Cuccurullo

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if: (a) a football helmet equipped with the Guardian Cap meets the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) football helmet standards and (b) if the Severity Indexes and peak accelerations produced during the NOCSAE impact tests were smaller for a football helmet equipped with the Guardian Cap over-helmet padding system than for the same helmet without the Guardian Cap. A total of 54 drop impact tests were completed, 27 on the football helmet alone and 27 on the football helmet equipped with the Guardian Cap. Tests were completed on …

The Effect Of Temperature And Extraction Technique On The Binding Interactions And Hydrolysis Of Β-Lactoglobulin With Milk Fat Globule Membrane (Mfgm), Corbin R. Kembel

Master's Theses

Whey protein, containing predominately b-Lactoglobulin (b-LG), is a popular choice among consumers looking for an excellent protein source. Likewise, fat is a natural component in milk and dairy products. Lipids are packaged within a membrane called the Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM). The MGFM contains a variety of lipids and proteins. Although b-LG has been extensively characterized, the function of the protein is largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to assess the enzymatics of b-LG in an isolated system, evaluate the propensity of b-LG to bind to MFGM, determine the effects of temperature and fat extraction method on …

Beef Export Price Response To Sanitary Status And Traceability Systems: Implications For Paraguay, Silvana Careaga

Master's Theses

Global beef markets are highly influenced by sanitary issues, mainly related to animal health and food safety, which have been determining levels and trends in global beef trade. Food safety issues affecting human health such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) associated with Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (vCJD) in humans, and other diseases affecting production such as foot and mouth disease (FMD) has encouraged putting these issues to beef trade attention. A way to address these concerns and comply with international standards is the use of traceability systems in order to quickly identify hazard sources and assure beef quality and safety. The goal …