Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Effects Of Reading Ability On Lexically-Informed Letter Perception, Alexandra T. Bohner

Master's Theses

Research on perceptual learning for speech shows that lexical information can be used to modify phonological representations. Recent findings suggest that lexically-informed perceptual learning is a domain-general learning mechanism such that lexically-guided learning is also observed in the processing of printed text. The literature on lexically-informed perceptual learning has extensively investigated the nature of the change to the prelexical representation. What this literature has yet to examine, however, is how varying levels of lexical recruitment influence this learning mechanism. Here we examine this question by comparing performance on lexically-guided letter perception between two groups of readers, average readers and advanced …

Detection Of Local Extinction And Re-Ignition In Non-Premixed Ethylene-Air Flames Using Chemical Explosive Mode Analysis, Cong Li

Master's Theses

Extinction of 1-D laminar non-premixed counterflow flames and a 3-D turbulent non-premixed ethylene jet flame into air coflow is studied with chemical explosive mode analysis (CEMA), which is an eigen-analysis shown to be effective in systematic detection of critical flame features in a variety of combustion systems, e.g. auto-ignition, ignition and extinction in perfectly stirred reactors, and location of premixed reaction fronts. In the present study, CEMA-based criteria are proposed to systematically detect local extinction and re-ignition in non-premixed flames. The method is first demonstrated with 1-D laminar counterflow flames showing that mixtures in the reaction zone start to show …

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

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Heat Acclimation On Hand Cooling Efficacy During Exercise Heat Stress, Elizabeth Adams

Master's Theses

The Effect of Heat Acclimation on Hand Cooling Efficacy During Exercise Heat Stress

Adams EL, Vandermark LW, Pryor JL, Pryor RR, Vanscoy RM, Denegar CR, Huggins RA, Armstrong LE, Casa DJ. Korey Stringer Institute, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.

CONTEXT: Heat acclimation (HA) and body cooling during exercise in the heat both help to mitigate the rise in body temperature; however, the effects of HA and hand cooling combined remain unexplored. OBJECTIVE: To determine the separate and combined effects of HA and hand cooling efficacy, during and after exercise in the heat. DESIGN: Randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design. …

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 …

Analysis And Design Of A Frame-Membrane Habitat Subjected To Extreme Temperatures On The Lunar Surface, Kevin M. Brown

Master's Theses

During the era of the Apollo missions, there was been a great deal of interest among scientists, engineers, and the general population regarding the Moon and Outer Space. That interest has cycled through the years since but still burns strongly today as evidenced by the National Space Policy of President Barack Obama in 2010. Within this document, six goals were stated dealing with advanced study of the universe, which likely leads to the necessity of lunar colonization; the focus of this thesis.

The lunar environment provides several extreme challenges that may place any long term mission and its crewmembers in …

Examining The Nature Of Socratic Citizenship: An Inquiry Into The Voegelinian Conception Of Consciousness, Emma Christine Fontenot

Master's Theses

This thesis explores Socrates as the paradigmatic citizen through Eric Voegelin’s theory of consciousness. While scholars tend to ground the source of Socrates’ civic behavior in the self, I maintain that his daimonion is the very essence of his citizenship. Illustrating that spiritual openness endows him with the highest level of consciousness within the polis, I argue that Socrates’ efforts to democratize truth are the direct result of his adherence to divine authority. In doing so, I assert that he is neither a self-interested civic actor nor an atheist. By examining Platonic philosophy through the lens of Voegelinian thought I …

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, …

Neuromuscular Characteristics Of Division I Collegiate Female Athleties, Robyn Murphy

Master's Theses

This study investigated differences in movement technique and ankle range of motion in female collegiate basketball, soccer, and volleyball athletes and the potential need to customize injury prevention programs athletes based on sport-based differences. Forty-five collegiate female athletes volunteered to participate in this study (age=20 ± 2 years, mass=68.7 ±11.1kg, height=171.6 ±9.4cm). Athletes were members of a university basketball, soccer, or volleyball team. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was measured in non-weight bearing in knee extension, non-weight bearing in knee flexion, and weight bearing lunge test. A jump-landing task was scored using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) was also …

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 …

Identifying Predictors Of Treatment Outcomes In Substance-Abusing Parents In A Recovery Case Management Program In Connecticut, Staceyann Smith

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

On Sexual Violence: Indian Artists And Public Enagement, Hannah M. Kennedy

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Oral Nutritional Supplement Effects On Human Hydration Indices, Lindsay A. Ellis

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

A Framework For The Evaluation Of Medication Errors In The Inpatient Setting, Alaina J. Kessler

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Assessing Knowledge And Attitudes Of The Human Papillomavirus Infection And Vaccine Among Adolescents In Hartford, Ct, Anita C. Chandrasekaran

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

“Un Pueblo Tan Dulce”: Diabetes, Depression, And Obesity Syndemics In Puerto Rico, Shir Lerman

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Polymer Based Micro Scale Force Sensing Cantilevers For Biosample Manipulation And Measurements, Hasan S. Fiaz

Master's Theses

Cancer has long been one of the major causes of death worldwide. It has been studied and known that cancer can distort the mechanical properties of cells. Recent advancement in biomechanics refers to a significant relationship between cell stiffness and cell condition. Mechanical stiffness can be used to identify abnormal cell populations as in tumors in detecting cancer and can be employed as a diagnostic parameter for various diseases. In this study, we introduced micro fabrication technology to develop polymer based cantilevers integrated with thin chromium film resistor as a transduction scheme. Cantilevers are beam like micro structures anchored only …

The Impacts Of Youth Conservation Corps On Participants: A Multi-Method Examination 2015, Nicholas Justin Prechel

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits that participants receive from serving in youth conservation corps. The entire population of one youth conservation corps was selected to participate in the study during the summer of 2012 trail work season. The study utilized a mixed-method approach that included a one-time pre/posttest with a retrospective pretest adapted from the American Camp Association’s Youth Outcomes Battery (YOB) and an open ended interview session. Of the 109 participants in the field at the time, 101 chose to participate in the quantitative survey. The YOB tested four areas: independence, responsibility, teamwork, and …

Effects Of Thigh Compression Wraps On Sprint Performance In A Physically Active Population 2015, Kevin Ostempowski

Master's Theses

Compression garments are widely used in sport to enhance performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of thigh compression wraps on 60 m sprint performance. Twenty-six physically active college students, seven men and nineteen women, were participants in the study. The participants completed three 60 m sprints in each of two test sessions. The second test session occurred two to seven days after the first test session. The participant’s thighs were compression wrapped in one test session, the treatment session, and not wrapped in the other test session, the control session. Whether or not the first …

An Investigation Of Aerobic Fitness, Perceived Quality Of Life And The Direct Effects Of Self-Determination Theory In College Students 2015, Alanna Darling

Master's Theses

There have been numerous studies examining the association between physical activity, motivation and quality of life. In contrast, studies focusing on aerobic fitness and its relationship with levels of motivation and perceived quality of life are lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between a direct measure of aerobic fitness, behavioral regulations, and perceptions of quality of life in college-aged sample. Participants included both males (n=129; 21.1±1.8 years) and females (n=89; 20.8±1.4 years) who completed the Behavioral Regulations of Exercise Questionnaire-2 sub-scores and Perceived Quality of Life (PQoL) instruments. Participants then performed the Queen’s College Step …

The Relationship Between Motivation And Volunteer Satisfaction In Conservation Programs 2015., Raena Blumenthal

Master's Theses

Conservation leisure service organizations are relying more heavily on volunteers to sustain their services and protect natural resources (Strigas, 2006). However, research focusing on volunteer vacationers, those who spend money to volunteer, is still in its infancy. Drawing on functional theorizing (Bruyer & Rappe, 2007; Clary, Snyder, Ridge, Copeland, Stukas, Haugen, & Miene, 1998; Houle, Sagarin, & Kaplan, 2005; Katz, 1960; Smith, Bruner, & White, 1956), this study explored volunteer vacationers’ motivations and the relationships between motivations to volunteer, satisfaction with the volunteer vacation experience, and inclinations to volunteer in the future (in both local and nonlocal settings). The study …

Influence Of Sex And Sport Skill Type On Imagery Use Among Division Iii Athletes 2015, Daniel Jones

Master's Theses

There is limited research revealing the underlying trends and influences of imagery use in sports. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of imagery use among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III collegiate athletes. Additionally, the influence of athlete sex and sport skill type was examined. A sample of 337 athletes from 15 different sports participated in the study. The Sport Imagery Questionnaire (SIQ; Hall, Mack, Paivio, & Hausenblaus, 1998) was administered to assess the frequency of imagery use between males and females as well as between open-skill sport (e.g., basketball, hockey, etc) and closed-skill sport …

The Effects Of A Four-Week Whole-Body High-Intensity Training Program On Female Athletes 2015, Lindsey Taylor

Master's Theses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the aerobic benefits and changes in running economy (RE) following a fourweek whole-body high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on an athletic female population. Participants: Fourteen female student-athletes volunteered to participate in the study. Design: Participants reported on two occasions for VO2max and RE testing and were divided into two training groups based upon baseline VO2max: Endurance (END; n=6) and HIIT (n=8). Participants completed 12 total training sessions. During each session, END completed 30 minutes of vigorous-intensity running, while HIIT completed a total of four minutes of whole-body intervals. Measures: Maximal oxygen …

National Collegiate Athletic Association Head Coaches' Satisfaction With Athletic Training Services 2015, Whitney Larson

Master's Theses

Athletic trainers and coaches have a significant amount of interaction regarding the care of an athlete. This communication and cooperation is necessary to providing effective care. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of satisfaction that head coaches have with those providing athletic training services across all three NCAA Divisions. Overall satisfaction and four satisfaction categories (professionalism, communication, knowledge/ability, and accessibility) were examined. A total of 40 head coaches from NCAA Division I, II, and III schools participated in the study. The instrument used was originally developed by Beer (2004) and was modified to fit the current …