Digital Commons Network^™

Gas Sparging And Humic Acid Sorption/Desorption, Masaki Sakakibara

Masters Theses

Partition coefficients (K_DOC) for sorption of PAHs and chlorinated benzenes to dissolved humic acids (HA) were measured using gas-sparging methodology. The resulting K_DOC values were significantly lower than the K_OW-based K_DOC values, which generally appear to provide reliable estimates for K_DOC values. The K_DOC values measured by gas sparging were also strongly influenced by the concentration of HA in solution, as measured by dissolved organic carbon content (DOC). Increasing DOC concentration consistently resulted in decreased K_DOC values for all compounds investigated. Previous studies have claimed that K_DOC values measured using …

Conditional Discrimination And Generalization Of Facial Cues As A Function Of Training Multiple Exemplars With Autistic Preschoolers, Sebastien Bosch

Masters Theses

Individuals with diagnosed autism typically show deficiencies in discrimination of facial cues. The ability to respond to facial expressions was assessed and trained with 3 four-year-old subjects diagnosed with autism. Stimulus presentations involved four different stimulus sets ( cards with stick figure, cards with cartoon figures, and cards with photographs of a man and a woman displaying the emotional expression).

Training consisted of differential reinforcement of correct responses. The experimental design was a multiple baseline across stimulus sets, with generalization probes conducted after mastery level of performance was reached on each stimulus set. Some evidence of generalization was observed on …

A Comparative Study Of Women's Perceptions Of Vaginal And Cesarean Births, Karen Blamer

Masters Theses

Perception of birth is an important consideration for all health care providers. A positive perception of birth can promote effective adaptation to the maternal role. The Roy Adaptation Model guided this research study comparing the perception of birth among women who delivered vaginally, by planned cesarean birth, and by unplanned cesarean birth.

Perception of birth was measured by the use of a 29 item questionnaire developed by Marut and Mercer and completed by 78 subjects two to four weeks postpartum. The ANOVA and post hoc Scheffe tests were used to measure the differences between groups.

The findings supported the hypothesis …

In Her Own Words: A Qualitative Case Study Of Foster Care, Adoption And Independent Living, Elise N. Zuber

Masters Theses

This is a biographical account of a young lady who was involved with the child welfare system for eleven years. “Jill” entered foster care when she was eight years old. She was adopted by her foster parents and re-abused as a young adolescent by her adoptive father. Jill re-entered foster care, experiencing several foster homes, caseworkers and counselors. This year Jill Is one of 20,000 foster children who will assume independence from the child welfare system.

The author utilizes a qualitative method of case reporting. Interviews were conducted with Jill, former caseworkers, foster parents and therapists. In addition, a record …

Factors In Pediatrician Medication Administration, Kathleen Elaine Campbell

Masters Theses

King’s conceptual framework was used to examine the relationship between nurses’ stated beliefs of goals of pain management, their personal experience of pain, and their educational levels when choosing to intervene in the management of pain for pediatric patients. A descriptive correlational design was used with a convenience sample of 51 registered nurses in a West Michigan children’s hospital.

No significance was found between the goal of pain management and the level of stated intentions to intervene, the education level of the nurse and stated intentions to intervene, and nurses who have had a personal pain experience and their stated …

Reanimating The Creature: The Last Man As A Sequel To Frankenstein, Shannon Phillips

Masters Theses

In my thesis, I explore how Mary Shelley's The Last Man (1826) continues a critique of Romanticism that she began in her more well-known novel Frankenstein. Although Frankenstein has been read many different ways through a variety of critical methodologies, one of the central questions continually asked about the novel is whether (and to what extent) Frankenstein challenges or extends the romanticism of her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and others in the Byron-Shelley circle. Another way to investigate this lingering question is through a comparative study of The Last Man. My preliminary thesis is that a comparative study reveals not …

Vascular Flora Of The Allison Prairie, Lawrence County, Illinois, Brian R. Garrard

Masters Theses

Allison Prairie in Lawrence County, Illinois is a five acre recreation of a gravel prairie. The Allison Prairie Restoration is the largest and best remaining example of a sand and gravel prairie in the Wabash Border Natural Division of Illinois. A total of 112 species of vascular plants representing 35 families are known to exist at the Allison Prairie Restoration (Table 1). Heterotheca camporum (Greene) Shinners (golden aster), Melilotus alba Medic. (white sweet clover), and Sporobolus asper (Michx.) Kunth (dropseed) are dominants (Table 2 and 3). There is 1 gymnosperm species, Juniperus virginiana L. (red cedar), 30 monocot species and …

Effects Of Interparental Conflict Tactic Styles On The Psychological Adjustment Of College Undergraduates, Jodell D. Bauer

Masters Theses

Past research has examined the effect of the level of interparental conflict on the psychological adjustment of children and young adult offspring. Research has suggested that higher levels of conflict in intact, separated, and divorced homes have negative effects on the psychological adjustment of children and young adults. Recent studies have further examined interparental conflict by examining the styles with which parents resolve or cope with conflict and it's effect on their children. This study assessed the effect of different interparental conflict styles of mother and of father on college-age offspring. The three styles examined were negotiation, psychological aggression and …

Struggle, Aspiration, And Obsession: The Discourse Of Diet, Emily K. L. Jahn

Masters Theses

Research has shown that members of society are generally dissatisfied with their current weight. This study examines how individuals socially construct meanings of the word diet and the dieting process. Participants (n=443) were males and females who ranged in age from 7 to 68. Each were given a diet questionnaire to complete. The older groups were given the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale in addition to the survey. The text for analysis was obtained by the surveys and four focus groups. The resulting data indicated that both males and females perceive the word diet means "to lose weight." …

Effectiveness Of The "Baby Think It Over" Program On Adolescents' Contraceptive And Child-Rearing Attitudes, Stephanie Ann Johnson

Masters Theses

An increasing number of high schools in the United States have begun to use the "Baby Think It Over" doll as part of their curriculum in certain classes. This study examined the effectiveness of this doll on influencing 46 male and female adolescents' attitudes and behaviors regarding pregnancy, sexual activity, and contraceptives. Five specific subscales were developed to measure the teens' contraceptive attitudes and behaviors before and after using the doll regarding their feelings about becoming pregnant, understanding/comprehension of the responsibilities of child-rearing, appreciation of the impact of child-bearing on their lives/future, and attitudes toward premarital sex. Also, a qualitative …

Optimization Of Insertion Holes And Anchor Design For Cylinder Shaped Toggle Type Suture Anchors, Adam Fedenia

Masters Theses

This research was performed to optimize insertion holes and anchor design for cylinder shaped toggle type suture anchors. Four types of anchors were investigated in terms of pull strength and design in acrylic plate and pig bone. They included small type A and B anchors and large type A and B anchors.

Pull strength trends suggest that the small type anchors behave similarly since their external dimensions are identical, with the exception of type A anchor having a hole running from one end of the cylinder to the other like a pipe. It was found that the suture would fail …

Do Women Adapt More? The Gender Effects Of The Speaker On Classroom Speech Evaluations, Alethea Ann Bodden

Masters Theses

The presentational style of females and the connection with the audience members was examined. 95 male and female subjects gathered the results from five different sections of speech communication classes. The rating scale that was completed by the subjects contained traits such as, organization, language, material, delivery, analysis and voice. The results have indicated that the female presentational style does have more of a connection and adaptation with the audience than do males.

Identifying Self Serving Cognitive Patterns In Behavior Disordered Adolescents Using The How I Think Questionnaire, Lynn M. Veach

Masters Theses

The etiology of behavior disorders in adolescents has previously been attributed to such factors as temperament, genetics, social learning, and irrational thoughts described as self debasing cognitions observed in cognitive behavior research. Working with adult criminals, Yochelson and Somenow (1976) found that none of the prevailing theories were conclusive. They unveiled a second set of irrational cognitions which appeared in adolescents and were self serving in nature. Drs. Gibbs and Barriga (1996), working from the position that this observed set of cognitive distortions were present in behavior disordered adolescents, developed the How I Think Questionnaire (HIT). This study used the …

Symbol Of Youth, Savior From Aging: Dialectical Relationship Between American Attitudes On Vitamin E And Toward Aging, Thalia Rios

Masters Theses

This study explores the dialectical relationship between American attitudes about Vitamin E and American attitudes toward aging. Through an examination of this dialectic, I will demonstrate that Vitamin E's history has contributed greatly to current American discourses on aging. For many Americans, the vitamin symbolizes youth and health because they perceive that its use can prevent or slow the aging process. During the 1990s, many Americans' early negative perceptions of Vitamin E as a quack substance have changed, partly due to recent research advances and studies that have further elucidated its powerful antioxidant function against harmful free radicals. Meanwhile, many …

Incidence Of Myocardial Infarction In Coronary Arteries With Previously Non-Significant Stenosis (<50%) Identified On Angiography, Brandi R. Haik, Amy M. Schreur

Masters Theses

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of myocardial infarctions in coronary arteries with previously non-significant (<50%) stenosis identified on coronary angiography. The angiograms of ten subjects who had undergone cardiac catheterization prior to their acute myocardial infarction were evaluated. Six of the ten subjects (60%) were found to have an acute myocardial infarction in areas supplied by vessels with <50% stenosis identified on previous angiography. Three of these six subjects had underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) after angiography and one subject undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) prior to the initial angiogram. Four of the ten subjects (40%) included those who had >50% stenosis identified on prior angiography in the infarct related artery. Although this study involved a small sample that did not yield statistically significant results, the data did point to the fact that an acute myocardial infarction can occur in vessels with non-significant (<50%) stenosis.

Effect Of Asymmetrical Loading And Walking Time On Surface Emg Activity Of The Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles, Michael Aenis, Angela Bueche, Brian Trembly

Masters Theses

BACKGROUND A high incidence of back pain is associated with carrying loads asymmetrically and is believed to be influenced by the amount of weight involved and the distance carried. PURPOSE (1) To study the effects of asymmetrical loading on lumbar paraspinal muscle activity. (2) To document ratings perceived exertion (RPE) for carrying an asymmetrical load. METHODS Electromyography (EMG) readings were obtained at the L2/L3 paraspinal level of 12 males and 12 females. All subjects completed three randomized 9-minute trials consisting of walking on a treadmill while carrying an asymmetrical load of either 0, 10 or 20% of their body weight. …

Advisors' Knowledge Of Requirements For Admission To The Physical Therapy Program At Grand Valley State University, Laura Irrer, Elizabeth Knight, Joel Vander Wall

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to identify the accuracy and extent of knowledge among G.V.S.U. academic advisors and the sources used to obtain information regarding the physical therapy (P.T.) admission process. Surveys were distributed to 45 advisors of pre-P.T. students. Nineteen surveys were returned and six respondents were chosen for an interview. Interpretations of the data were made using a qualitative coding system.

The authors found the advisors were inaccurate in their knowledge of the weighting of G.P.A . and interview and the role that physical appearance and leadership plays in the admission process. Advisors were accurate in the …

Acute Care Nursing: Are Perceived Work Stressors Different For Nurses Working In Critical Care And Non-Critical?, Mary Jane Rolf

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine, using King’s Conceptual Framework, “stressful” nursing situations that might affect critical care (CC) and non-critical care (NCC) nurses in an acute health care setting. Similarities that existed between the two groups were evaluated using responses to Gray-Toft and Anderson s Nursing Stress Scale (NSS).

The sample of 131 included registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at a 300-bed acute care tertiary hospital in Northern Michigan representing two critical care areas and three non-critical care areas. The NSS, letter of explanation and waiver, and return envelope were sent to participants’ homes. Data indicate …

The Life Experiences Of Male Occupational Therapists As It Relates To Career Choice: A Qualitative Study, Jason R. Bomia

Masters Theses

This study examined the life experiences of male occupational therapists and how various life experiences influenced their choice of career. Research in occupational therapy has not addressed this topic, focusing instead on external influences, such as salary, advancement and prestige on career choice for male therapists. In order to study more intrinsic influences of male occupational therapists, this study interviewed male therapists using semi-structured interviews and hermeneutic data collection and analysis techniques. The results indicate a dynamic relationship between personal history, selfexpression and professional issues that contribute to how meaningful occupational therapy is to the males in this study. This …

An Examination Of Patient And Nurse Perceptions Of Stressors During The Electrophysiology Study, Donna J. Thurn

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to (a) identify the perceived stressors of patients undergoing an electrophysiology study (EPS) and (b) compare them to the stressors identified by nurses caring for those patients.

A descriptive two group comparative design with a non-probability convenience sample was used. Data were obtained using self report questionnaires. The sample consisted of 25 patients undergoing an EPS and 25 nurse responses. Data analyses included a comparison of the ordering of stressors according to perceived concern by the patient and the nurse. While similar items were identified, there was a difference in the perceived order of …

Perceived Concerns Surrounding The Utilization Of Physical Therapy Aides In Michigan, Jill Bydalek, Greta Swasey-Hadlock

Masters Theses

Utilization of support personnel to perform physical therapy treatments has been a controversial topic in the physical therapy profession for many years. As Managed Care and other health care changes emerged, physical therapists have been pressured to cut costs while maintaining productivity. The use of non-licensed personnel became common place to meet these demands. The purpose of this study was to investigate five research questions. First, to what extent do physical therapists delegate patient treatment and utilize physical therapy aides in Michigan? Secondly, does aide utilization differ based on: the ways in which aides are identified to patients, various settings …

A Comparison Between Primary Stage Endorectal Pull-Through Versus Two-Stage Surgical Resection In Hirschsprung's Disease, Tamara M. Bengtson

Masters Theses

Hirschsprung’s Disease (HD), congenital megacolon, in infants has been historically treated by a multiple stage surgical process. Initial diagnosis is made by a rectal biopsy followed by a diverting colostomy, subsequent pull-through procedure and finally a colostomy take-down. In recent years, a single-stage primary endorectal pull-through (PERPT) has been advocated. Advantages include a single operation with potentially equal or fewer complications. Whether a PERPT is superior to a staged procedure is yet to be proven.

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the incidence of enterocolitis (EC), the most significant complication of HD in those who underwent the …

Quality Of Life In The Hospice Patient, Sidney S. Brush

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if terminally ill patients experience a change in perceived quality of life between admission to a hospice program and after having been in the hospice program for three weeks.

A repeated measures design with a convenience sample was used The sample consisted of 56 subjects who completed the Missoula-Vitas Quality of Life Index (MVQOLI). Twenty completed the second MVQOLL Data were obtained from the scores of this self-assessment tool. Data analysis included a comparison of the relationship of the first and repeated scores. No significant differences were found between the MVQOLI scores …

Adolescent Knowledge About The Relationship Between Exercise And Prevention Of Osteoporosis, Alice M. Padilla

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess the intact of an educational intervention on adolescent knowledge concerning exercise as an osteoporosis preventive behavior. This study examined whether there was a knowledge gain in each group (girls and boys) after receiving the education intervention and it investigated the difference in knowledge gain between groups.

This was a secondary analysis of data from a study that used a pre-experimental pretest-post-test, no control group design. There were 82 boys and 102 girls who completed the Healthy Bones Knowledge Questionnaire as a pre-test, received an education intervention based primarily on nutrition, then completed …

Lunar Phases, Time Variations, And Birthrate In Western Michigan, Janet Mitchell

Masters Theses

Staffing standards in the labor and delivery units of hospitals are based on estimates of the number of patients who will be admitted. Anecdotally, patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals frequently comment that the occurrence of the fell moon brings about an increase in the number of laboring women. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between birthrate and time of day, day of the week, month of the year and new and full moons. Martha Rogers' theory, the Science of Unitary Human Beings, was used as the theoretical framework.

A descriptive ex post facto design using retrospective …

The Effect Of Social Support On The Psychological Adaptation Of An Individual Receiving An Alternate Form Of Nutrition Therapy, Kristin J. Ladd

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of social support on an individual's psychological adaptation to an alternate form of nutrition support. Betty Neuman's Systems Model provided the framework for this study. A descriptive correlational design was chosen for this study and data were collected using a questionnaire methodology. Proposed data analyses measures were Pearson's product moment correlation, t- Test, and Mann-Whitney U. The targeted sample size for this study was 20 patients with cancer or gastrointestinal disorders, however, termination of the study occurred when only four individuals were recruited after five months of data collection. This …

Early Nursing Interventions And Their Effect On Fatigue In Patients Receiving Chemotherapy, Karla J. Baker

Masters Theses

Fatigue is the number one side effect that patients experience when they receive chemotherapy. They do not always expect it or know what to do when it effects their entire life. This study described the affect of early nursing interventions on fatigue caused by chemotherapy. This descriptive, two group comparative study used a convenience sample of patients, receiving chemotherapy for the first time, to determine the degree of fatigue they experienced. A tool by Barbara Piper RN (1997) was used to describe the effect of early intervention on fatigue experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Internal consistency of this tool …

Physician Perceptions Of Behaviors Associated With The Nurse Practitioner Role, Elizabeth J. Sperry

Masters Theses

While the number of nurse practitioners (NPs) continues to grow, their role and scope of practice can be misunderstood. King’s interacting systems framework was the theoretical basis for this study. This descriptive study asked a convenience sample of physicians (n=128) to indicate their agreement with 37 behaviors for the NP role. The sample was 74.2% male, 49.2% ages 41-50, and 63 .2% practiced primarily in an office setting. Bambini’s (I995) modification of Hupcey’s (1994) instrument was used and internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha .97. Behaviors perceived as most appropriate for NPs were those that related to education. A …

Investigating The Allosteric Behavior Of Malate Dehydrogenase From Escherichia Coli, Eman M. Ghanem

Masters Theses

Regulatory mechanisms of malate dehydrogenase from E.coli (eMDH) involving NADH as an allosteric effector were investigated. The reaction was studied in both directions: malate oxidation and oxaloacetate reduction. When malate was the variable substrate, a plot of rate against substrate concentration was sigmoidal in the presence of 0.065 mM NADH, which indicates the presence of an allosteric site for NADH on the enzyme. Binding of NADH at the allosteric site causes conformational changes in the active site and, thereby, changes the catalytic activity of the enzyme. An increase in K_m value, from 1.3 to 3.9 mM malate was observed, …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Personality Type And Emotional Response To Athletic Injury, Jasmin C. R. Hutchinson

Masters Theses

This investigation was designed to examine emotional response to athletic injury using personality constructs within reversal theory. Twenty-five (male = 19, female = 6) collegiate athletes, ranging in age from 18 to 22 years (mean = 19.95, SD = 1.11) who sustained a minimal criteria injury during a six-week data collection period participated in this study. Each athlete's total mood disturbance (TMD) was measured pre-injury and post-injury using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Athlete's personality orientation was measured using the Paratelic Dominance Scale (PDS). A dependent t-test indicated a significant increase in TMD scores following injury (p < 0.05), thus indicating overall mood disturbance in injured athletes. An independent t-test comparing paratelic and telic dominant athletes on TMD difference scores revealed non-significant results (p = 0.40). Methodological and theoretical reasons for this are examined and implications for further study of reversal theory and athletic injury are discussed.