Digital Commons Network^™

Relations Between Consultant Characteristics And Measures Of Consultation Quality And Outcome, Ian R. Macleod

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore school-based consultation effectiveness (as perceived by classroom teachers) and important indices of consultation quality and student outcome. Specifically, the research explored 1) important characteristics of school-based consultants using the Consultant Effectiveness Scale (CES), 2) the relations between quality of the consultation process and student outcome, and 3) the measurement similarities between the CES and the measure of consultation process quality. Questionnaires were completed by 85 teachers working in grades K-12 in a suburban area of Chicago. To participate, teachers must have engaged in a consultative relationship within the past 12 months. Consultants …

The Future Relationships Between Mainland China And Taiwan, Tian Li

Masters Theses

This thesis is a study of the possible future developments of the Taiwan issue and the relationships between Mainland China and the island of Taiwan. After examining all the alternative scenarios, the author predicts that in the foreseeable future political and economic cooperation between Mainland China and the island of Taiwan will gradually increase, with avoidance of military confrontation, but complete reunification between Taiwan will not occur, nor will Taiwan become a legal state.

The author will examine evidence, including both domestic factors in the two parts of China and external factors, which may either reinforce the above prediction or …

Heartworm And Lungworms In Illinois' Canids And Their Possible Effect On Coyote Condition And Reproduction, David G. Gregory

Masters Theses

This study focuses on the prevalence of heartworm and lungworms in Illinois' canid species, and the effect that they may have on condition (body weight, kidney fat, marrow fat) and reproduction (placental scars) on coyote populations. A total of 1,150 coyotes (Canis latrans), 2,269 domestic dogs, 47 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and 2 gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were examined. Prevalence of heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) averaged 17.8% in coyotes, 3.0% in domestic dogs, 2.0% in red foxes, and 0% in gray foxes. Domestic dogs not receiving any type of prophylactic treatment had a higher prevalence (12.5%) of heartworms than dogs on …

Emergency Nurse Self Perception Of The Benefit Of The Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course, Diana Lynn Ropele

Masters Theses

This study evaluated whether emergency nurses perceived an increase in knowledge and skill in caring for pediatric emergency patients after taking the Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC). Also it evaluated whether non-certified nurses reported a greater increase in knowledge and skill after the ENPC than the certified nurse.

A cross-sectional, retrospective, correlational design was used with a random sample of 333 registered nurses living in Michigan who completed the ENPC in 1995 or 1996. Ninety-three nurses practicing in emergency care returned the demographic sheet and the ENPC perception questionnaire (EPQ).

Analysis compared knowledge and skill scores before and after taking …

Medication Administration In Schools, Stephanie A. Painter

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe current practice of medication administration to children during school attendance in a district in Michigan. Information was collected by an audit of the policy and procedure manuals and medication records to assess a number of variables. It was found that 213 doses of medications were administered in 8 schools (enrollment 6,000) on the day of the study. Most of these were administered by nurses (40.8%) and secretaries (12.2%). While 25 different medications were administered, the medication most frequently administered was methylphenidate (60%). Medications were administered orally, per inhaler, nebulizer, topically or injected. …

A Comparison Between Emergency Nursing Stress And Completion Of The Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course, Sheryl L. Veurink-Balicki

Masters Theses

A descriptive, retrospective, correlational study design was used to determine emergency nurses’ perceptions of stress before and after completion of the Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC). A sample of 93 randomly chosen emergency nurses completed the Modified Clinical Stress Questionnaire.

Using the paired t-test, differences were found between the before and after mean scores on stress, threat, and challenge (p < .01). Scores were lower after ENPC for stress and threat, but higher for challenge. The t-test was used to compare the mean scores of nurses with and without certification in emergency nursing. The only significant difference between the two groups was on the threat score after ENPC, with the certified group reporting lower perception of threat (t = -2.40, p = .02). Overall, lower perception of stress was reported in all groups following ENPC.

Psychiatric Nurses' Perceptions Of Their Social Support, Elizabeth V.L. Howell

Masters Theses

This study investigated psychiatric nurses’ perceptions of their social support while working in a public psychiatric hospital. A descriptive correlational research design using a mailed self-administered questionnaire was employed for this study. Data collection and measurement of the phenomenon of perceived social support was done using the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (Norbeck, Lindsey, & Carrieri, 1995). The sample consisted of 57 registered nurses who had been employed for at least six months.

Data analyses consisted of reporting means, standard deviations, percentages, and range of scores for perceived social support. Results indicated emotional support (affect and affirmation) rated the highest among …

Barriers To Implementing Inclusion Practices, Sara Ann Sposaro, Julie Mara Lensink

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Concept Of Death Education On Children's Understanding Of Death, Diana K. Clark Schramm

Masters Theses

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if death education has an impact on children's understanding of death. This study was a non-randomized trial of a single educational session on death concepts of 38 second grade children (mean age 7.78 years). The Smilansky Death Concept Questionnaire, a validated and published interviewing tool, was administered pre and post intervention to all study subjects to evaluate their understanding of death. This intervention was a story on death and a peer group discussion.

Post-test scores were significantly higher than pretest scores for human death concept, and animal death concept, as well as …

Quality Nursing Care: The Nursing Home Residents' Perspective, Brenda L. Larsen

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to determine what nursing home residents consider quality nursing care. The information obtained can provide nurses with knowledge about quality care perceptions in this population. Care thus could be planned and provided that would promote resident centered quality.

For this qualitative study a phenomenological approach was used. The investigator collected data via audio-taped interviews and field note observations. A grounded theory approach was used to uncover residents' perceptions of quality nursing care. The meaning was then disclosed by the process of description and thematic interpretation.

The shared experience of living in a nursing home …

The Effect Of Discharge Intervention Provided By An Advanced Practice Nurse On The Post-Discharge Self-Care Agency Of Clients Admitted With Congestive Heart Failure, Theresa Dawson

Masters Theses

This study used a quasi-experimental design using a two-group comparison to evaluate the effects of advanced practice nurse interventions on client compliance to self-care regimens (diet, meds, and established appointments). The conceptual framework was based upon Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Model.

This study used the premise of Ashby's (1988) "Self-Care Outcome Measurement" tool to ascertain the frequency of the clients'performance of self-care activities. The frequency was measured using a 4-point summated rating scale. The study site was a 400 bed acute care hospital in Southcentral Michigan. The convenience sample of 10 adult clients with congestive heart failure were interviewed by phone …

The Effect Of An Environment Modification On Fear Of Falling In Institutionalized Older Persons, Joann L. Munski

Masters Theses

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of an environmental modification on fear of falling in institutionalized older persons. A pretest-post-test experimental design was used to analyze data collected on 40 residents of a long term care facility. The subjects were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. Fear of falling was measured by Dayhoflf Baird, Bennett, & Backer’s Falling Questionnaire (1994). The experimental group received an environmental modification. The Pull, in their living area for six weeks while the control group did not receive any intervention. T-test and analysis of covariance were used to test …

The Effect Of Eccentric Fatigue Of The Hamstrings On Knee Joint Proprioception, Kenneth M. Arends, Scott T. Miller, John T. Vandermaas

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of eccentric hamstring fatigue on the ability to accurately reproduce different knee joint angles. Thirty-one males and 29 females, 18-40 years old, were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Using the Biodex®, proprioceptive pre-test and post-test measurements were taken having the blindfolded participant replicate predetermined angles of 25°, 45°, and 65°. The control group underwent a passive movement protocol and the treatment underwent a fatigue protocol. Data Analysis was performed using 2-tailed t-test comparing the means of pre-test and post-test angle accuracy measurements for the control and treatment groups. …

Correlation Of Emergency Department Nurses' Beliefs About Wife Abuse And The Use Of Carative Factors In Transpersonal Interactions With Abused Wives, Judith A. Baker

Masters Theses

Emergency department nurses from seven general hospitals were surveyed to elicit information on their beliefs about wife abuse (using the Inventory of Beliefs about Wife-Beating) and their self-reported behaviors with clients who may be physically abused. They were asked about beliefs about institutional and peer attitudes toward caring for abused wives. Information on the nurses’ education about and experience with wife abuse was gathered. Data were summarized to provide descriptive statistics regarding beliefs and behaviors. High levels of caring behaviors were reported. Analysis of correlation between beliefs and behaviors was conducted. Significant findings were correlations between caring behaviors and the …

A Preliminary Study Of Gait In Elderly Women With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Roberta M. Fischer, Sheri L. Bjornseth

Masters Theses

Somatosensory impairment due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy results in decreased environmental input during ambulation, which may compromise feedback mechanisms used for balance control Individuals with distal symmetrical diabetic peripheral neuropathy provide a model of somatosensory loss in which balance impairments can be studied. Somatosensory input is an important component of standing balance in the elderly. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy has been associated with postural instability and an increased history of falls. This study investigated differences in gait between elderly diabetic subjects with distal symmetrical sensory polyneuropathy and elderly diabetics without neuropathy. To conduct this study the 3-dimensional gait analysis protocol developed …

Crosstalk: Surface Versus Intramuscular Electrodes For The Peroneus Brevis And Peroneus Longus, Tanya Cardillo, Susan Dresden, Jacquelyn Solem

Masters Theses

The purpose of this descriptive study was to measure crosstalk when using surface electrodes over the peroneus brevis and peroneus longus muscles. EMG was recorded from the right lower extremity of 14 normal subjects, taken from a sample of convenience. Surface electrodes were applied over the peroneus brevis and peroneus longus muscles; fine wire electrodes were inserted into the peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, anterior tibialis and extensor digitorum longus muscles of each subject. During manual muscle tests for the peroneals, anterior tibialis, and extensor digitorum longus, data were recorded from all electrodes simultaneously over 5 trials of each. Pearson product-moment …

Assessing Selected Shoulder Muscle Activity During Performance Of Exercise On The Cuff Link Exercise Unit, Kathleen Johnstone, Kathleen Wagner

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate muscle activity of pectoralis major, serratus anterior, teres major, and latissimus dorsi during an exercise performed on the Cufif Link utilizing normal subjects. Forty-four subjects performed a rotation exercise in a clockwise direction at a speed of 58 beats per minute. Three trials were completed using the push-up handles and the large-diameter hemisphere. Surface electromyography recorded the activity of the four muscles. Recorded EMG values were normalized as a percentage of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVTC). A two-way ANOVA was used to compare mean normalized muscle activity for each muscle and …

Cultural Considerations In Clinical Reasoning: An Occupational Therapy Case Study, Sandra M. Winter

Masters Theses

This study looked at an occupational therapist's work with clients from varied cultural backgrounds. Qualitative research strategies and a phenomenological approach were used to gather data through interviews with a single respondent and observation of treatment. This methodology was used to examine the process utilized to acquire cultural knowledge and integrate that knowledge into treatment planning. Research focused on: (a) how the cultural background of a client influenced an occupational therapist as she planned and implemented treatment, (b) how the treatment process was influenced by cultural differences between the therapist and the client, and (c) how training or education helped …

Introduction Of Iowa System Of Curves To Reliability Engineers, Alamgir Alvi

Masters Theses

The reliability engineers have been using different techniques and a good number of theoretical models to analyze and predict the performance of the designed systems and products. While, most of the engineers working in the area of life analysis, have been using the empirical model named Iowa systems of curves to analyze and forecast the service life of industrial properties. Two different groups of experts have obviously been working toward almost the same objective but using different techniques and tools. The purpose of this study is to introduce to reliability engineers the Iowa systems of curves and compare this empirical …

Defining American Dreams: An Ideological Analysis Of The Michigan Militia, Pamela Labelle

Masters Theses

The primary goal of this thesis is to explicate the system of beliefs underlying the militia movement in order to better understand how their particular ideology helps them make sense of the complexities and contradictions in the world in which we live. By delineating and analyzing their ideology, I demonstrate how it is rooted in the Constitution and the Bible, as well as how that rootedness can alternately support and work against their system of beliefs. I then examine the ideology of the mainstream American Dream to understand how militia ideology works in tandem with some of the principal tenets …

Professional Football Players Attitudes Toward Women And Violence, Shannon Marie O'Toole

Masters Theses

This study examined whether or not professional football players, because of the violence and aggression associated with their sport, tended to have attitudes that condoned or were conducive to violence against women. The forty-six subjects in this study were active members on teams in the National Football League and/or the National Football League sponsored World League. Information was gathered through the sue of self-reporting, non-random, questionnaires and interviews.

The study also explored the dynamics of domestic violence, the linking of aggression with professional sports and the characteristics of sport in United States society, especially as it relates to masculinity and …

Lithologic And Stratigraphic Analysis Of Glacial Diamictons, Sturgis, Michigan, R. Christopher Gardner

Masters Theses

Seven diamictons are identified in the subsurface glacial drift near Sturgis, Michigan using textural analyses and x-ray diffraction of clay minerals. The clay mineral content is quantified by comparing the 7-A/10- A peak height ratios from x-ray diffraction diffractograms of oriented clay-size particle (< 2um) mounts. Two diamictons occur at the base of the drift. Unit 1 is gray , resembling the shale it overlies. The texture of Unit 1 is sandy clay loam to loam and average 7-A/10-A peak height clay mineral ratios of 0.446 ±0.069. Unit 2 is a yellowish-brown diamicton, it overlies Unit 1, and is a sandy loam to loam with average 7-A/10-A clay mineral ratio of 0.657 ±0.151. Diamicton Units 4 and 5 overlie a thick unit of sand and gravel on top of Unit 2. Units 4 and 5 have similar color and texture, however the 7-A/10-A ratios are 1.059 ±0.090 and 0.810 ±0.072 respectively. Unit 6 is a thin diamicton unit, leached of calcite, and x-ray diffraction suggests that there is a range of weathering horzins between borings. Unit 7 is loamy, whereas Unit 8 generally ranges from sandy clay loam to sandy loam with average 7-A/10-A ratios of 0.865 ±0.090 and 1.195 ±0.189.

Latvians In Southwest Michigan: A Transnational Perspective, Andrew K. Dove

Masters Theses

The focus of this study was to look at the Latvian population in Southwest Michigan utilizing the transnational theoretical framework. Transnationalism examines the three-way relationship between the migrant, home community (Latvia), and host community (United States). First and second generation Latvian-Americans were interviewed to assess the nature of their transnational activities with regard to economics, politics, family ties, communication, and organizational membership.

The data were collected through the use of in-depth interviewing. Both an interview protocol and demographic survey were utilized. A total of 16 adult Latvian-Americans (N = 16) were interviewed. Eight were first generation Latvian-Americans (N = 8), …

Perceived Differences Between Male And Female Occupational Therapists’ Treatment And Other Related Gender Issues, Dennis Robert Jones

Masters Theses

This study explored how occupational therapy clients perceive the treatment they receive from male and female occupational therapists. The study was conducted in a qualitative manner. Occupational therapy supervisors who have supervised both female and male occupational therapists were interviewed to gain an initial understanding of the relevant issues. More structured interviews were then conducted with clients who have been treated by both a female and a male occupational therapist. Therapists and clients were also observed during four treatment sessions.

Analysis of the data collected through interviews revealed that supervisors and clients do notice some behavioral differences in male and …

The Effects Of Animal Assisted Therapy When Used As An Adjunct To Occupational Therapy In The Rehabilitation Of Persons Who Have Had Cerebral Vascular Accidents, Alice Arlene Briggs

Masters Theses

Occupational therapists can use animals to assist their clients in achieving goals in treatment. Most often dogs are used as they are more easily trained. The dog may fetch a ball thrown by the client or stand still and allow the client to brush it. These activities with the animal increase the client's range of motion, endurance and strength. Dogs as well as other animals are used in various ways to elicit the desired response from the client. No studies were found in the literature that examined the use of animals as adjuncts to, or as modalities in occupational therapy …

Parental Involvement In Education, Linda Louise Fletke

Masters Theses

Research has shown that parental involvement is essential to a child’s educational success. This thesis document addresses the important role that parents play in their child’s educational experience.

This paper includes a thorough review of the existing literature regarding parental involvement in education as well as original research conducted by the author. Three questionnaires - one for parents, one for teachers, and one for students - were created and then an average of 100 parents, teachers, and students responded to each respective survey. All of the data were then analyzed and recommendations were made.

There are numerous strategies for teachers …

Civil Society In Palestine: A Palestine Profile, Shadia Kanaan

Masters Theses

One definition of civil society dominated all theoretical and historical perspectives when it comes to the special case of civil society in Palestine. "Civil society is concerned with a society's total self re-producing ability through its inner strength in a manner that is distinct from the state" (Bishara 1995, 143). The hypothesis of this work is that civil society in Palestine existed and flourished in spite the absence of a national state and had played a fundamental role in the social and economic development of Palestinian society throughout its history. Civil society in Palestine poses an exception to the theory …

Reading Comprehension Needs Of Students With Learning Disabilities In An Inclusion Setting: Class-Wide Peer Tutoring With A Summarization Strategy, Jeffrey A. Vandyke

Masters Theses

Many challenges face educators as they attempt to meet the needs of increasingly diverse students in general education settings. Students with learning disabilities are among them. Meeting the specific reading needs of such students within general education settings is one such challenge. This study reviews the literature on summarization and class-wide peer tutoring as they effect students with learning disabilities. This study also examines the strategy of summarization coupled with class-wide peer tutoring as a program to address reading comprehension needs of upper elementary learning disabled and non-disabled students in an inclusion setting. An experiment is performed and results are …

Inclusion: An Overview Of Working Models, Robertta Ruth Devries

Masters Theses

Increasingly, students with disabilities are being placed in general education classroom; defined as inclusion, to be educated with students without disabilities. Proponents such as parents, professionals, economists, researchers, and the general public are recommending a change in the continuum of services and a move toward a more integrated setting. Supporters proclaim: (a) special education is discriminating because it segregates students, (b) combining special education with general education will decrease the ever expanding budget, and (c) the American educational system is lacking and a “higher quality” education is essential. But, current research is not proving inclusion is a positive move forward …

An Examination Of Students' Beliefs About Intelligence And Self-Talk Patterns, Mary Musto

Masters Theses

The relationship between students’ beliefs about intelligence and the type of self-talk used was examined among two students with learning disabilities who were identified as having a helplessness profile. Both students viewed intelligence as a static entity and demonstrated a lack of will to learn. Additionally, these students practiced the most negative type of self-talk about their ability when undertaking difficult learning tasks. The students were taught about theories of intelligence and the effects of negative self-talk on their classroom behavior. The results indicated that teaching students about the incremental view of intelligence and the self-talk model may enhance their …