Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Culturally Sensitive Education In Driving South Asian Indian Immigrant Women Towards Mammography Screening In New Jersey, Elise Elizabeth Kumar

Theses

Background & Purpose of the Study: Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, and is becoming a major public health issue concern for many South Asian Indian immigrant women. However, women of ethnic subgroups and those who immigrated to the United States within the last ten years are less likely to have had a recent mammogram. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a culturally sensitive breast cancer educational intervention on breast cancer knowledge, perception of cancer fatalism, and improved participation in mammography screening among South Asian Indian immigrant women. Methods: Utilizing a quasi -experimental pretest/post …

Personal And Political Advocacy: Displaced Persons And The Diplomacy Of International Relief 1938-1948, Mary E. Ciccone

Theses

No abstract provided.

Adaptive Kalman Filtering Scheme For The Simulation Of Benzene In Subsurface Environment, Linkel Kwabena Boateng

Theses

Environmental legislation in several states has become more stringent on the clean up procedures for benzene and other toxic chemicals since the enactment of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund). In order to comply with the Superfund requirements for hazardous pollutants, accurate information about the nature of contaminants is required to carry out risk assessment and effective site remediation. The use of subsurface contaminant transport models, coupled with stochastic data assimilation schemes, can provide accurate predictions of contaminant transport to enhance the reliability of risk assessment in the area of environmental remediation. In this study, a two-dimensional …

Development And Evaluation Of A Multimedia Intensive Web-Based Exercise Motivation Tool, Rico Jamaine Kornegay

Theses

A Multimedia-Intensive Web-Based Exercise Motivation Tool named WEMURCT (Web-Based Multi-User Randomized Circuit Training) was developed to utilize modern technology and web-based mediums to address the lack of motivation that an individual has when it comes to exercising regularly. This project was implemented using state-of-art rich internet application (RIA) technology. Popular RIA technologies that are optimized for creating multimedia-intensive applications are Flash by Adobe and Silverlight by Microsoft. In using Silverlight 4.0, we took advantage of multimedia data being embedded in a web-based application, which will be running in a web browser, to provide audio and visual instructions for the user …

Economic Efficiency Of Cotton Farms: A Case Study From Torbali, Turkey, Manoi Athiaan Manoi

Theses

Sustainable cotton production is inextricably linked to the efficient use of resources. Suboptimum use of resources incurs opportunity costs and can exacerbate damaging externalities. In the Torbali region of Izmir, Turkey, overexploitation of ground water for irrigation and high fuel oil consumption for tractor operation affect cotton farms’ economic viability and the sustainability of cotton production in the region. Improving efficiency of resource use will improve enterprise viability, reduce harmful externalities and conserve ecological capital. This study explores technical, allocative and economic efficiency levels of cotton farms in the Torbali region of Izmir, Turkey by using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). …

A Study Of Magnesium Oxide Biodegradable Coatings For Magnesium-Based Implants., Ashlyn N. Worthy

Theses

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys are great candidates for uses in orthopedic implant applications due to their biocompatibility, mechanical properties and degradability. However, Mg and its alloys are susceptible to accelerated degradation rates due to galvanic corrosion, which leads to unpredictable corrosion behavior. The objective of this study is to develop biocompatible, functional thin film magnesium oxide (MgO) coatings that: (1) serve as a galvanic separator between metallic substrates and metallic coatings, (2) control the rate of corrosion of Mg-based implants, (3) have controlled resorption times based on coating thickness, (4) promote osseointegration and (5) are predictable in corrosive environments. …

Identification Of A Second Putative Receptor For Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus, Khrystal C. Mcgrant

Theses

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) is a bi-segmented, double stranded RNA virus that causes high mortality in young salmonid fish worldwide. As an obligate intracellular parasite, the first stage of the IPNV infectious cycle is the binding of the virus to a receptor in the host cell membrane. Recently, research has focused on identifying the IPNV receptor, and several scientists have reported binding of IPNV to a protein of approximately 220-250 kDa. The focus of this research was to investigate and reaffirm the identity of the IPNV receptor(s) for IPNV serotypes VR-299 and Sp in Chinook Salmon Embryo (CHSE-214) cells …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Molecularly Imprinted Cross-Linked Poly (4-Vinylpyridine) For The Recognition And Concentrationdetermination Of Bilirubin In Solution, Alex Aboagye

Theses

Molecular imprinting is a procedure for the preparation of artificial receptors for specific binding with target molecule. In this work molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film for the recognition of bilirubin was synthesized and studied using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). The MIP was coated on the QCM crystals and analyzed using QCM. 4-vinylpyridine was used as functional monomer, divinylbenzene as cross-linking agent and benzophenone as initiator. As a control, another polymer was prepared in the same way as the MIP but without the template monomer. The control polymer or the non-MIP exhibited very little affinity for the target molecule compared …

Characterization Of Msw As A Feedstock Of Thermochemical Conversion, Harith Kumar Rojanala

Theses

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) has become a significant environmental problem, especially in fast-growing cities. Hence the thermo chemical conversion of Municipal solid waste (MSW) has been proven as an attractive method of waste management to recover energy from MSW. This would minimize its environmental impact and decrease disposal costs. In this thesis, the MSW is characterized to determine the feasibility for thermo chemical conversion. The samples are collected from different MSW transfer locations across North Carolina. Selected physical and chemical properties such as the moisture content, heating value, elemental composition and thermal degradation characteristics of the samples …

The Elderly And Technology: Bridging The Digital Divide?, Harriett Hairston

Theses

The increased dependence on technology has created a digital world that can be described as “foreign” to digital immigrants; those who are not familiar with technology. Unfortunately, the main of digital immigrants are members of the older population, often described as elderly and seniors, who have a tendency to shun new technologies. One of the aims of this thesis and purpose of the survey research was to ascertain whether or not popular assumptions as to physical and mental factors that contribute to the lack of use and/or interest in new technologies are warranted and bring to light factors that seniors …

Development Of Sustainable Concrete Mix Using Recycled Materials, Myle Nguyen James

Theses

The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using concrete containing Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) and Fly Ash in concrete pavement applications. The use of RCA and fly ash in concrete pavement applications has not been fully developed. The advantage to use both RCA and fly ash can improve workability and durability, due to properties of RCA and fly ash, as well as environmental protection and sustainability of material sources. RCA in concrete is less susceptible to durability problem because the aggregates have already endured the majority of the damage. By adding fly ash to increase workability …

Factors Influencing Grass Utilization Patterns And Growth Performance In Outdoor Swine, Sequoia A. Ireland

Theses

Six gestating Yorkshire sows were evaluated in a pasture grazing system for a spring, summer to fall, and winter trial. The pasture was divided into four different grass sections containing; 1) endophyte- infected Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue, 2) non-toxic endophyte infected Max Q Fescue, 3) multispecies grass including Redtop, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Kentucky 31 Fescue, and 4) common Bermudagrass. Each sow was assigned a global positioning system (GPS) unit by Telespial Systems, which notifies researchers of animal position at all times. The attained data was then used to determine how often different areas of the pasture were frequented. Grass score …

A Stochastic Capacitated Facility Location Model For Pre-Positioning Port Commodities During A Disaster, Jessye Leigh Bemley

Theses

As the intensity of natural disasters increases, there is a need to develop policies and procedures to assist various humanitarian relief groups, industry or government agencies with moving aid to affected areas. One of the biggest hindrances to this process is damage to transportation networks, in particular, waterways. To keep waterways safe, aids to navigation (ATONs) are placed in various areas to guide mariners and ships to their final destinations. If the ATONs are damaged, then the waterways are left unsafe and it is difficult to move supplies to repair them and recover from a disaster. A stochastic facility location …

Development Of A Multifunctional Catalyst For Combined Esterification And Transesterification Of Used Vegetable Oil, Talal Kamal Ahmed

Theses

In recent few years, biodiesel has become as one of the most potential and efficient renewable energy products to replace petroleum based diesel. Biodiesel is biodegradable, renewable and non-toxic fuel which can be produced from vegetable oils and animal fats by the transesterification reaction. In this study, heterogeneous catalysts were used to catalyze the transesterification reaction. Two solid catalysts were prepared. Calcium on Zeolite Y and sulfated zarconia. Sulfated zarconia was prepared using the solvent free method in which zirconylcholride was mixed with ammonium sulfate. The two powders were grinded for 20 min and settled at room temperature for 18 …

Evaluation Of Rice Extract As A Potential Stabilizer In Plain Yogurt, Sangeetha Nurani Viswanathan

Theses

Quality and consumer acceptability are essential parameters in dairy products The objectives of the present study were to examine the microbiological (viability of L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, and bifidobacteria), chemical (pH, titratable acidity, and total solids), and physical(syneresis) qualities of yogurt enriched with rice extract as a stabilizer during 28 days of storage at 4°C. Additionally, viscosity measurements and consumer acceptability were determined for yogurt enriched with rice extract. Results showed that the viability of L. bulgaricus was maintained with the addition of rice extract. Population of Streptococcus thermophilus and bifidobacteria decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the control sample but the addition of rice extract at 15% concentration supported the viability of bifidobacteria in yogurt over storage. The addition of rice extract did not alter the pH or titratable acidity of yogurt. Viscosity, total solids and syneresis values slightly changed with the addition of rice extract. Yogurt prepared with rice extract ranked higher in terms of texture and appearance by the panelists. Our results indicated that the addition of rice extract could improve the quality characteristics and consumer acceptability of plain yogurt. Hence, rice extract has a promising potential to be used as an alternative stabilizer in dairy products.

Nutritional And Field Ecology Of Stink Bugs On Tomato And Cowpea Under Two Insecticide Regimens, Akamu Jude Ewunkem

Theses

A laboratory study was conducted to compare food utilization and suitability of Nezara viridula on selected varieties of tomato and cowpea. A two-year field study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of biorational pesticides (Agroneem®) and conventional pesticides (Imidacloprid or Thiamethoxam) to suppress and enhance the population of insect pests and beneficial, respectively, on both crops. In the first year both pesticide groups were applied following manufacturer’s recommendation (10-14 d cycles), and in the second year the application of the pesticides was driven by monitored thresholds of insect pests. In the laboratory study conducted on the feeding behavior, nymphs performed …

Customizing And Building The Linux Kernel To Control Appliance Actuators And Sensors In Domotics, Steven M. Hannah

Theses

The human population has been increasing ever since the end of the Bubonic Plague in the 1300’s. The global human population is getting older as well as increasing. This is because on average people are living longer. Among the reasons for the drastically improved quality of human life are advances in technology and medicine. The possibility of developing a disability increases along with a person’s age. There are numerous available options for the disabled elderly, including nursing homes, in-home care and living with other disabled people. A person may decide not to exploit any of these options and “age in …

Synergy In Biorational Insecticides Applied To Collard Greens , Brassica Oleracea , Infested With Diamondback Moths, Plutella Xylostella (Lepidopedra : Yponomeutidae), Matthew Conklin Flanery

Theses

The pest status of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, has risen as it has become resistant to most insecticides used for its control. Insecticide mixtures could be exploited to slow down resistance development in the diamondback moth. We evaluated various mixtures comprising: Agroneem Plus® , spinosad, thiamethoxam and jalapeño pepper extract using laboratory bioassays with a view to obtaining a combination that could be adopted by small growers. These mixtures were applied to collard greens using the leaf dip method and fed to second to fourth instar larvae in bioassays. The mixtures were evaluated for their effect on larval fitness …

In Vitro Galax Urceolata Seed Propagation Under Different Treatments, Rachel C. Jackson

Theses

Galax urceolata which is native from Virginia to Georgia is becoming threatened due to overharvesting. Expediting the multiplication of Galax would increase its potential in becoming an economically viable cash crop while protecting the wild population. The overall goal of this study was to develop a protocol for in vitro Galax germination and proliferation. Influences of light intensity, culture medium pH, temperature stratification, and seed maturity as were studied for their effects on Galax seed germination in vitro. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) BA, IBA, and GA3 were tested for their effects on germination. BA and IBA were also tested for …

A Functional Approach To Enterprise-Based Service Design Integration, Sameer G. Tabbakh

Theses

As consumer demand in the service sector increases and matures, it is necessary for service design to become more agile and integrated. Accommodation of the numerous, multi-faceted details involved in designing and providing a service requires the expertise of individuals from several disciplines. Although they often operate independently, these individuals should interact closely in order to integrate the activities and maintain unity throughout the service design process. Information Technology (IT) provides a means through which to integrate the activities. This thesis describes and justifies an overall framework for information technology-integrated service design termed Integrated Enterprise-based Service Design Activities (IESDA). Building …

Human Papillomavirus Knowledge And Awareness Among North Carolina College Students, Aliza T. Alston

Theses

The objective of the present study is to ascertain overall knowledge, attitude and awareness of students at select North Carolina Universities about HPV, the HPV vaccine Gardasil and the connection between HPV and various cancers. Five hundred and two university students (NCAT, NCCU, ECU and UNCG), 303 females and 199 males, ages 18 or older (89.6% were between the ages of 18-22) participated in a cross-sectional study by completing a survey. Students at these universities were randomly selected based on their enrollment in introductory biology courses for non majors. Other students were chosen randomly by face to face contact in …

Increasing Organ Donation In Ireland : Social Marketing And Infrastructural Improvements., Ronan O'Sullivan

Theses

There were over 600 patients on the organ waiting list in Ireland in November 2010. This is a substantial increase on the 414 patients on the waiting list in 2008. Ireland also witnessed a dramatic decline in the number of donors from 90 donors in 2009 to 58 donors in 2010. This thesis focuses on investigating the current state of organ donation in the Republic of Ireland, with the eventual goal of recommending alterations to improve the system. In depth- interviews were conducted with eleven leading personnel from the fields of organ donation and social marketing in Ireland as well …

Behaviour Of Unbonded Post- Tensioned Segmental Box Girders With Dry Joints, Michael Matson

Theses

The primary objective of this thesis is to examine the capacity of shear keys used in dry jointed precast post-tensioned segmental box girder bridge construction. The use of dry joints, in lieu of the more traditional glued joints, is becoming more popular in climatically suitable countries. The time and cost savings achieved using this construction form arc significant, due to the economies of scale involved.

The shear capacity of dry jointed keys is calculated using a number of available formulae. However, in previously published papers, significant differences have been noted in the results obtained from these formulae, deeming further investigation …

High Resolution Hybrid Mass Spectrometry For The Determination Of Marine Biotoxins, Azaspiracids, And Their Biotransformation Products., Zuzana Skrabakova

Theses

Azaspiracids (AZAs), polyether marine toxins, are produced by marine microalgae and accumulate in filter-feeding bivalve molluscs, such as mussels, clams, oysters and scallops, while grazing on phytoplankton, from which they derive nutrition. Although being discovered quite recently, AZAs have caused several human intoxication events and thus became a problem for health authorities and shellfish industries. The rapid development of highly sensitive liquid chromatography multiple tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS, LC-MS") methods enabled the identification of numerous AZA analogues and added to the control of shellfish contamination. Tandem mass spectrometry techniques, while being highly selective and sensitive for determination of AZAs in …

Purification, Characterisation And Applications Of A Cloned Staphylococcal Bacteriophage Lysin For The Control Of Multi-Drug Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Including Mrsa, Mark Fenton

Theses

The work presented in this thesis focuses on the purification, characterisation and practical applications of an anti-staphylococcal lysin (LysK) and its single-domain truncated derivative (CHAP_k) against pathogenic staphylococci including meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Both proteins were purified to greater than 90% homogeneity. Affinity chromatography was applied as the optimum method for LysK purification and ion-exchange chromatography was successfully applied to CHAP_k. The lytic spectrum of LysK was investigated by zymogram analysis where the enzyme exhibited strong activity against a range of staphylococci regardless of their origin, sequence type (ST) or antibiotic resistant profile. This analysis …

How Alumni Associations Cultivate Relationships With Their Graduates: A Public Relations Perspective, Glynis Dennehy

Theses

Significance of the study: Educational institutions need to diversify income streams, as all areas of state expenditure will experience severe cutbacks in the coming years. Looking outside traditional income channels is necessary and the use of successful public relations and communication strategies with graduates can contribute to the overall effectiveness of the institution’s fundraising.

Approach: The research involved a two-stage study with the first phase focusing on an extensive literature review of the key sources of secondary research including reports, articles and publications. The second stage of the study was conducted through qualitative research, which involved interviewing alumni relations professionals …

A Qos Aware Framework For Wireless Sensor Networks In Industrial Environments, Berta Carballido Villaverde

Theses

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are a key enabling technology for industrial monitoring applications where the use of wireless infrastructure allows high adaptivity and low cost in terms of installation and retrofitting. Although WSNs present several advantages over traditional wired monitoring systems, there is significant concern as to the reliability of wireless communications due to the unpredictability of the wireless channel, which is inhibiting the widespread adoption of the technology. Furthermore, due to the diverse range of monitoring applications that are found in industrial environments and their differing requirements, there is a need for quality of service (QoS) provisioning so that …

Exploring Possible Factors Contributing To The Onset Of Osgood Schlatter Disease, Justin Pruitt

Theses

No abstract provided.

A Quantitative Study Into Grade Inflation (Perceived And Actual) In The College Of Business, Technologicl University Dublin, Derek Simon

Theses

Most academics have an opinion on the existence or otherwise of grade inflation. Some people deny the existence of grade inflation. Some argue that it is damaging to academia while some argue that it is a normal phenomenon and is not damaging while others assert that it is impossible to measure. Due to the difficulty in measurement of grade inflation this study was devised to measure firsts and distinctions to ascertain the quantity of grade inflation. This study takes a two pronged approach to discovering the real and perceived existence or otherwise of grade inflation in the College. In the …

Food Environment: Availability And Affordability Of Fruits, Vegetables, And Other Healthy Foods In Guilford County, North Carolina, Ismail Mintah

Theses

This study explores the built food environment in terms of food items availability and affordability in different types of stores and neighborhoods in Guilford County. A market basket list generated out of the USDA community food security toolkit was used to collect data on availability and prices of fruits and vegetables from three different stores types (Supermarkets, Grocery Stores, and Convenience Stores) in the county. Availability and affordability comparisons were undertaken by store type and income areas using (ANOVA) with a t-test. In general there were significant differences in availability and affordability of fruits and vegetables between supermarkets and grocery …