Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding Occupational Therapy: Medical Doctors And Doctors Of Osteopath’S Knowledge About Occupational Therapy In An Acute Care Hospital, Shereen A. Metwalli

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to discover whether medical doctors (MD) and doctors of osteopath (DO) at two large hospitals in the Midwest have adequate knowledge about the roles and functions of occupational therapy, its services and benefits to patients and its implications on interdisciplinary team success. Increasing the knowledge in these three areas could influence occupational therapy referral rates and, as a result, impact the quality of patient care. This study used a descriptive survey to collect data from 55 physicians. Respondents acquired their knowledge of occupational therapy through secondary sources within informal sources of information. A statistically …

Effects Of A Supportive-Education Nursing Intervention On Quality Of Life In Patients With Heart Failure, Melodee L. Vanden Bosch

Masters Theses

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the difference in quality of life (QOL) in home-care patients with heart failure (HF) receiving nursing intervention. The specific nursing intervention of interest was supportive-education (SE), based on Orem's (1995) self-care deficit theory. The second intervention of general health teaching acted as a placebo effect. The convenience sample of randomly assigned patients with HF was from two home-care agencies. The paired t-test was used to analyze the difference in QOL within the SE group and the placebo group from baseline to six months. The independent t-test was used to compare the …

Application Of Geochemical Fingerprinting And Isotopes To Identity Landfill Gas Impacts To Groundwater, Eric E. Wallis

Masters Theses

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are detected in two groundwater monitoring wells (MW-60 and MW-62S) located along the northern, downgradient property line of the McGill Road Landfill (MRL) in Jackson, Michigan. Potential on-site sources for groundwater impact are two distinct landfill units at the MRL. Leachate chemistry suggested that landfill leachate was not the source of VOCs detected in groundwater. A potential source for VOCs was landfill gas. Sources of landfill gas in the vicinity of the impacted wells included the distinct MRL landfill units as well as the old Jackson County Landfill (JCL), located hydraulically downgradient from the impacted wells. …

Effects Of Computer Troubleshooting On Elementary Students' Problem Solving Skills, Anne Todd Ottenbreit

Masters Theses

The lack problem solving skills exhibited by students has generated concerns at national and state levels of education (Coleman, King, and Ruth, 2001). If the educational technology curriculum involved computer troubleshooting, students could possibly increase their problem solving abilities. Because computer troubleshooting follows similar procedures to problem solving, there is possibility of an educational transfer and could be easily included into the educational technology curriculum. The purpose of the research study was to discover if the computer troubleshooting curriculum designed by the researcher affected the elementary students' problem solving abilities. Technology education at the elementary level includes keyboarding and 'practice …

Evaluation Of The Distribution Of Taguchi's Signal-To-Noise Ratio And The Effectiveness Of The Signal-To-Noise Ratio For Detecting Changes In The Mean And/Or Variance, Jinsuk Lee

Masters Theses

The concept of parameter design developed by Taguchi to achieve robust engineering is widely promoted in industry as a means to design a product whose output is largely immune to noise in the system. Taguchi has used the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio to summarize measures over the noise factor settings at the parameter design and to allow control of the experiment.

The objectives of this investigation are: 1) to infer distributions of S/N ratios (lower-the-better S/N, higher-the-better S/N, and nominal-the-best SIN), and 2) to determine the effectiveness of the S/N ratio as a means for identifying changes in the mean and …

A Spatial Temporal Analysis Of Infant Mortality In The Midwest Industrial Belt: 1940 And 2000, Julie Macarthur

Masters Theses

This study compares and analyzes the spatial patterns of infant mortality (IM) for 1940 and 2000 using county-level socio-economic variables in the Industrial Belt, assesses the changes in IM as an indicator of the living standards for the population over time and space, and explains the changes. The region was delineated using 1940 employment data. OLS, spatial regression, and exploratory spatial data analysis were used on IM (the dependent variable) and socio-economic variables to study the standard of living in the region. Some important factors were statistically significant in the various models including: minority population, levels of industrialization, and urbanization …

Mindful Communication In A Crisis: Communication Behaviors Of Shared Mindfulness And Effective Pilot Decision Outcomes In Crisis Situations, Janice L. Krieger

Masters Theses

Despite the high reliability of current aeronautical technology and safety improvements, human error continues to be a factor in 60-80% of all aviation mishaps. Training to diminish potential errors is often based on analysis of faulty procedures, or lack of procedures without a systemic view including human factors such as communication, decision-making and interaction dynamics. This research explores the existence of the psychological construct of shared mindfulness and examines how it is communicatively constructed and enacted in a high reliability environment such as the aviation industry. The present qualitative study examines shared mindfulness in 10 aviation student dyads in a …

Technology And Time, Jon Vanwieren

Masters Theses

This thesis sets out to further reveal the technology and time interrelationship in human society. It is through an investigation of an array of sociological, theoretical, philosophical, historical and artistic responses to modernity that this relationship is explored. Primary analytic focus is placed on two contemporary authors who have addressed the technology and time relationship. These authors are Manuel Castells and Paul Virilio. Castells and Virilio offer two distinct portraits of the modem-technological world. By contrasting these authors' projects, methods and intellectual heritage, the question of technology and time is further scrutinized. Advanced here is an argument that time is …

Electrical Conductivity Measurements Of Lithium-Ammonia Solutions, Mariana Constantin Barbu

Masters Theses

The topic covered in this thesis is the study of electronic interactions for liquid metal-ammonia solutions, lithium-ammonia solutions in particular. To obtain a theoretical understanding of so-called correlated electron systems.

The work focuses on sample creation and measurement of electrical conductivity of lithium-ammonia solutions varying with temperature for different concentrations. We have taken measurements in liquid lithium-ammonia mixtures using four-wire method to minimize the contact resistance. We have shown how it is possible to carry out accurate measurements of the electrical conductivity in these systems with the four wire measurements.

Concerto For Marimba And Orchestra, Scott Blasco

Masters Theses

The Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra is a three-movement work in the traditional concerto form. The first movement is roughly Sonata-form, the second movement is in essence a set of variations on two mutually derivative melodies over an almost constant rhythmic motive of five eighth-notes, and the third movement is a short through-composed finale based on a quirky, angular melody. The tonal scheme of the concerto is fairly traditional, in that the outer two movements focus on an 'A' tonal center, while the slower middle movement is based on an 'E' tonality. Quintal, extended and added-tone tertian, and mixed cluster-based …

Borates As Infrared Drying Agents And Bulking Agents In Paper Coatings, Balarama K. Morla

Masters Theses

In the paper industry, the drying process is the second most energy consuming process after the pulping process; it accounts for around 35% of the total energy consumption. If energy consumption in the drying process can be reduced, the cost of paper production would be decreased considerably. The more recent and wide acceptance of the use of infrared energy for the drying of coated grades has led to many developments and improvements in materials and controls, making IR a practical and safe method for the paper industry. This process is mainly based on the absorption of infrared radiation by paper …

The Contribution Of Education And The Role Of The Media In Creating And Promoting Justice, Lavinia A. Baxter

Masters Theses

The issue of creating and promoting justice is becoming more and more significant in our era of democratization. Thus it is important to understand how countries as diverse as South Africa, Germany and the United States have managed to address the issue of providing justice to groups that suffered under previous regimes in these countries. I examine victims’ groups as diverse as former Japanese American internees, ex-German slave and forced laborers, and black South Africans. My hypothesis in this study is that two factors, the media and public education through quasi-legal commissions are critical for redress campaigns to be visible, …

Perception Of The Treatment Efficacy Of Therapeutic Magnets On Pain Control Of Exercise Induced Muscle Soreness In The Non-Dominant Wrist And Forearm In High School Athletes, Stacy L. Schlumbohm

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to determine if patient perceptions had a significant influence on the perceived success of therapeutic magnets. Volunteer subjects included 33 (14=Female, 19=Male) high school athletes. The subjects were divided into a control group and two treatment groups. Treatment group 1 received Nikken-Kenko Magnetic Promo Pad (2.15"x 3.23") and treatment group 2 received a placebo magnet. Treatment groups underwent an exercise induced muscle soreness protocol for the non-dominant wrist. The test groups completed a pain questionnaire every 12 hours for 96 hours. A post-test questionnaire was administered to the test groups at the conclusion of …

Texture And Residual Stresses On Nanocomposite Coatings, Hussam E. Aikhasawneh

Masters Theses

Nickel was electroplated on cold-rolled 2024-T3 aluminum. The coating was done with reinforcement by nanoparticles of y-alumina or silicon carbide. For comparison, nickel-only coatings were done too. Rectangular samples were coated in nickel sulfamate bath with no particles to determine the optimum coating conditions. The optimized parameters were the current density, time of coating, and agitation rate. After coating conditions were established, composite samples were coated using these conditions. The coated layer was characterized by measuring: thickness, residual stresses, and crystallographic preferred orientation. The coated layer was tested by SEM for evaluation of the quality of the coatings. The presence …

Bridging Oceans: An Occupational Therapist's Journey Toward Client-Centeredness, Anna Liedberg Miron

Masters Theses

This study blends an autobiographical approach with a person's own narrative about her recovery experience to create an analytic framework for exploring how narratives of clients and practitioners can be used to inform occupational therapy practice. Beth and I shared 12 hours of audio-taped conversations about her recovery/rehabilitation experience one year after she had experienced a stroke. Beth was intimately involved in the process of editing her story during the research process. Narrative analysis that takes into account the flow of time was used in addition to identification of key stories that Beth felt were important in her recovery-process. Congruence …

Athletic Trainers' Perceptions Of Competence In Therapeutic Exercise, Christopher J. Jones

Masters Theses

As the athletic training profession continues to expand, it is necessary to evaluate the preparedness of the entry-level certified athletic trainer (ATC). The purpose of this research is to determine if entry-level certified athletic trainers perceive that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform specific tasks related to therapeutic exercise.

An online questionnaire was sent out to 450 entry-level certified athletic trainers in District Four. A total of 69 subjects returned the survey for a response rate of 15.3%. The questionnaire utilized a Likert-type scale consisting of questions derived in the area of therapeutic exercise of the NATA …

Effect Of Proprioceptive Input Combined With “Handwriting Without Tears” On The Handwriting Of Children With Learning Disabilities, Jodie M. Guy

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of"Handwriting Without Tears" on students' handwriting, and to explore if providing proprioceptive input before implementing "Handwriting Without Tears" has an effect on the legibility and accuracy of handwriting. Three first-grade and three second-grade students who received direct occupational therapy services were divided into two treatment groups. Those students in treatment group A received a combination of proprioceptive input and the "Handwriting Without Tears" program during their treatment session. Those students in treatment group B received only the "Handwriting Without Tears" program. Each student completed the Minnesota Handwriting Test (MHT) before …

Response To Craniosacral Therapy In An Infant With Plagiocephaly, Amy Taylor Johnson

Masters Theses

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of utilizing craniosacral therapy (CST) techniques to influence head symmetry and motor skill development of an infant with plagiocephaly. The study is an ex post facto single case study, analyzing the results of data from previously conducted intervention utilizing a craniosacral therapy approach.

Method

The infant in this case study received gentle hands on treatment using the cranium and sacrum to influence the membrane system that encloses the cerebrospinal fluid. Developmental positioning, myofascial release, and sensorimotor techniques were incorporated. The student investigator treated the infant 8 times over a …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Steeplechase Barrier Clearance Techniques: Hurdle And Step-On, David G. Paschke

Masters Theses

The problem investigated was to compare the kinematic variables associated with the conventional hurdle technique and the step-on technique used in barrier clearance in the steeplechase. Twenty NCAA Division 1 male track and field athletes were filmed during competition in the steeplechase event of the Mid-American Conference Track and Field Championships, May, 1995.

Five ANOVAs and descriptive statistics were used to compare the step-on technique and the hurdle technique. Descriptive statistics provided information for the dependent variables. Statistically significant differences (p< .05) were found for trajectory angle, initial horizontal velocity and final horizontal velocity. The step-on technique was found to be superior to the hurdle technique in all cases. Suggestions were made for applying these findings in pragmatic settings.

Evaluating Violence In Slasher Films: Similarity And Social Identification With The Final Girl, Felicia L. Sanders

Masters Theses

Prior research has shown that the media can have an impact on behavior, perception, and gender roles. This study examines violence against women in slasher films through the lenses of similarity theory and social identity theory. Both theories suggest we are attracted to others who are similar to ourselves. In slasher films, the final girl is depicted as a strong character that exemplifies many qualities viewers may see in themselves. Thus, it was hypothesized that as viewers' perceived similarity with the final girl the more they would like her character and the film. Results suggest that viewers perceived similarity the …

The Qualitative Investigation Of The Social Construction Of Female Sexuality Within A Sexualized Work Environment, Christi L. Young

Masters Theses

This qualitative investigation seeks to identify the sociocultural determinants and psychoemotional ramifications of essentialist gender role socialization on female employees in a sexualized work environment (SWE). Sexualized work environments incorporate work and sexuality and exist on a continuum according to the frequency and intensity of the sexual economic exchange that takes place within them. In this study, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten female employees at a comedy club to explore the social construction of female sexuality in such an environment. Subjects commented on the various advantages and disadvantages of working in a SWE as well as on general issues …

African American Single Mother - An In-Depth Study, Donna Jean Russau

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the life and role of the African American Single Mother (AASM) in America as the topic of this study. The AASM in this study will voice her experiences. The point of view of this thesis is that the AASM is in the unique position of being the only person able to convey facts about her life from her personal perspective. Through the voice of the AASM, this researcher will develop a written document which describes her life experiences and roles in which she operates in her family. This study will give the view of life of AASM's …

Reducing Performance Of Unsafe Weight Lifting Techniques Using Positive Practice, Leslie Shier

Masters Theses

The prevalence of injuries resulting from improper weight training technique among recreational lifters is of serious concern. Recreational lifters often receive limited instruction regarding safe practices. Four exercises, the latissimus dorsi pulldown, the bench press, the squat and the knee extension, were identified as commonly performed at risk. Writers of the sports medicine literature have suggested that these exercises have potential physiological benefit, but mat cause injury when performed incorrectly. The current study employed positive practice in order to increase safe weight lifting among 10 recreational lifters. A multiple baseline design across the four exercises was utilized to illustrate the …

Effect Of Modified Clay-Zeolite Pigment On The Viscoelastic, Optical, And Printing Properties Of A Lwc Gravure Coating, Lokendra Pal

Masters Theses

This study investigates the influence of modified clay- zeolite pigment on the viscoelastic, optical, and printing properties of a LWC coating. Currently, lightweight, coated papers have experienced problems with mottle, distortion, fiber puffing and poor print quality when printed with water-based inks. However, water-based inks represent a proven solution to reducing volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions. Poor wetting and ink spreading on the paper surface constitute the majority of print quality issues associated with the water-based printing of LWC papers.

Similar problems are encountered during the printing of ink jet papers due to high percentage of water contained in these …

As The Ruin Falls, Luke Dahn

Masters Theses

As the Ruin Falls is a two-movement work scored for full orchestra, augmented with bass clarinet, piano, and three percussionists. Though the title comes from a poem written by C.S. Lewis, it is in no way is a programmatic representation of the poem's content. Furthermore, the programmatic "scenes" in the second movement do not relate to the poem. The title was selected only to signify the work's rather ominous character.

The primary musical building block for the entire work is a four-note chord whose construction is symmetrical - two minor thirds separated by a perfect fourth: C-Eb-Ab-Cb (or B). The …

Can Status Be Revealed? Dichotomous Cultural And Physiological Markers Of Social Differentiation In Two Pre-Pottery Neolithic B Sites In The Levant, Monika L. Trahe

Masters Theses

Bioarchaeological studies utilize linear enamel hypoplasias (LEH) to discuss and interpret the health among peoples of the past. This research explores the bioarchaeology from two Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (9,000-8,500 BP) sites in south-central Levant, Kfar HaHoresh and Yiftahel, to uncover a record of health and social status in order to understand these sites in the context of the greater Levantine Pre-Pottery Neolithic period.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Kfar HaHoresh site served as a mortuary complex in which the elite from surrounding communities, such as Yiftahel, are buried (Goring-Morris 2000). This research examines the biological remains alongside the archaeological evidence …

Investigation Of Parental/Caregiver Concerns Of Children With Spasticity, Lynda Johnson-Cross

Masters Theses

Although there is capacious documentation on the concerns associated with parenting/care giving the disabled child, the concerns of parents/caregiver of children with the specific condition of spasticity is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to begin to determine the concerns of parents/caregivers of children with spasticity as they specifically relate to care giving. An extensive qualitative based survey interview was utilized to gather information from three informants. Analysis revealed clusters of concerns in the Nature of Caregiving, Spasticity Encounters, and Parental/Caregiver Comments.

Effects Of Beta-Blockers On Maximal Oxygen Consumption, Steven P. Cramer

Masters Theses

The purpose of this meta-analytical review was to synthesize the data and find a consensus within the literature as to how beta-blockers affect VO₂ max in the healthy population. A thorough investigation of the literature was first performed, and a coding form developed to help select those articles with similar procedures that would be comparable to one another. This process resulted in the analysis of 10 research studies, in which the mean and standard deviation for an overall and for correlated non beta-blocker results, selective beta-blocker results, and non-selectivebeta blocker results were calculated.

The overall calculations showed little difference, …

Steamboat Passenger Ferries In Nineteenth Century London: A Cultural Survey, Jennifer Wohlberg

Masters Theses

Traditionally, steamboats and their history have belonged to the area of antiquarians. Many sources in my bibliography focus on the design and use of the boats and neglect the social and cultural impact the boats had on mid-Victorian London life. Steamboats, however, were an important transportation system in mid-Victorian London, so that a study of steamboats can provide an insight into mid-Victorian times. In this thesis, I will place steamboat design construction and use in the context of the social and cultural worlds of mid-Victorian London and the River Thames.

The results of my research yielded a thesis describing the …

The Making Of Jordanian American National Identity In Michigan, David C. Chaudoir

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the making of Jordanian American national identity in Michigan. Moreover, it examines the notion of national identity in transnational spaces in relation to what Brian Schiff has metaphorically referred to as "cultural currents," comprised of values, symbols, political philosophies, habits, etc. of social actors. How do various cultural currents influence the way in which people talk and think about themselves in national terms? Why is national identity a meaningful concept, and how is it influenced by culture and ethnicity? To what degree do entities such as the state hold influence over national identity, especially in the case …