Digital Commons Network^™

Depression Or Suicide In The Elderly: A Guide For Caregivers, Betty Lou Browning

Theses

This project examines elements of depression and suicide in the elderly. An emphasis on accurate assessment for depression and potential suicide is an integral part of the project's focus. An overall theme evident in all references is how hopeless the elderly feel prior to thoughts, plans and actions to end their lives. Depression shows through signs of helplessness, passivity, detachment, physical debilitation, and despair. Biological, sociological, psychosocial and psychological factors associated with aging are discussed. The specific topics and teaching modules provide guidance with the hope that caregivers will begin to understand the devastating desperation that precedes elderly suicide attempts …

Awareness And Usage Of Alternative Medicine In The Elderly Black Population, Deborah Martin Burks

Theses

Alternative medicine covers a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches and therapies. When these therapies are used alone they are referred to as ' alternative'. When they are used with conventional therapies or other alternative therapies then they are referred to as complimentary.

Alternative medicine also embraces health beliefs and practices that fall outside of orthodox medicine. They offer the opportunity for an individual or case manager to explore alternative forms of healing when conventional treatment alone is not effective. Research has shown an increased interest in alternative medicine for the treatment of chronic illness.

The overall goal of this …

Evaluation Of The Role Of Fructosamine As An Indicator Of Diabetic Control, Katherine Hooley

Theses

Diabetes mellitus, a common metabolic disease, is characterised by excess circulating glucose concentrations. Such a hyperglycaemic status provides the stimulus for irreversible glycation (non-enzymatically post-translational) of structural and functional proteins. Protein glycation, although a cause of complication (neuropathy, micro/macrovascular disease), provides a time-averaged index of diabetes status and control. In particular, glycated plasma proteins analysis, i.e., the fructosamine assay, has received favourable response due to its speed, simplicity, low cost, and ease of automation. However, lack of standardisation and a universally-accepted calibrant has limited technical and subsequent clinical confidence in fructosamine analysis. In response, a comprehensive technical evaluation (including novel …

A Correlation Study Of Male Coping Skills And Marital Satisfaction In Dual Career Families, Marian Neumarker Petri

Theses

This study examined the relationship between male coping strategies and marital satisfaction among men in dual-career couples. Thirty-one male subjects who are currently in a dual-career family participated in this study. These subjects were white, Non-Hispanic, college graduates, living in a mid-west city in the state of Missouri. Participants were voluntary and at least one person of each couple was a professional educator. Each male individual completed a demographic questioner, Dual Employed Coping Scale (DECS), and the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMS). The survey was returned by mail as to retain anonymity. The results did not show that there is …

Recruitment And Selection: Finding The Best Candidate For The Company, Aaron T. Strcker

Theses

This thesis will focus on the recruitment and selection techniques used by organizations, while searching for candidates. and the legal issues surrounding recruitment and selection. In many organizations, the recruitment and selection of employees is a function that is not assigned a great deal of importance. However, organizations consistently talk of employees as being their biggest asset. With that statement in mind, it becomes increasingly important to uncover a recruitment and selection process that will find the best possible candidate.

The purpose of this thesis is to gather and analyze literature and research on recruitment and selection techniques and legal …

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa): Molecular Detection And Dna Fingerprinting, Leslie Cotter

Theses

Throughout the 1990s, the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has increased in many health care areas including acute and chronic care facilities, outpatient clinics and in the community. Once introduced into a health care environment, this nosocomial pathogen can spread rapidly and as MRSA are resistant to multiple antibiotics, treatment is often difficult. Therefore effective infection control measures are required to prevent cross-infection and further spread of endemic strains.

In this study, a sensitive and specific triplex-PCR assay was designed for MRSA detection, wherein three genes, the methicillin resistance gene (mecA). femA and the extracellular thermonuclease gene (rmc) were simultaneously …

Development Of An Atomic Force Microscopic Immunosensor For The Ferritin Antigen, Brendan O'Connell

Theses

The adsorption conditions for a range of different immunoreactants to both polystyrene and ultrasmooth silanised silicon surfaces are optimised. The conditions studied were concentration of protein, time and temperature of incubation, pH, molarity and ionic strength of the buffer. The anti-ferritin surface was selected as our model system. This immunosensor was used to develop and evaluate a millispot ELISA for ferritin. The millispot ferritin ELISA developed utilises a sample volume of 6pl and a sample incubation time of 10 minutes. Precision and accuracy studies show the assay to have a dynamic assay range of 7.8-lOOng/ml ferritin. The millispot ELISA detected …

Development Of A Differential Assay To Selectively Measure Α-Amylase Isoenzymes., Miriam O'Connor

Theses

α-Amylase is a heterogeneous polypeptide, primarily found in the Salivary and Pancreatic glands, giving rise to two isoenzymes, namely Salivary- and Pancreatic-type Amylases. Total α-Amylase activity measurements are routinely carried out in hospital laboratories to aid in the diagnosis of diseases of the pancreas and in the investigation of pancreatic function in patients with severe abdominal pains. With the development and wide availability of modem chromogenic oligosaccharide substrates specific for Amylase, assays have become more sensitive, rapid and easier to use.

Differential Amylase Isoenzyme assays ware developed to distinguish isoenzyme levels. Several methods were developed for isoenzyme determination. Of these. …

Development Of An Elisa Method For The Measurement Of Cd44 Expression In Human Serum, Ciara Hurley

Theses

CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein (mol. wt. =85-95 kDa) which has been implicated in lymphocyte-HEV interactions and the process of lymphocyte homing. CD44 is a complex glycoprotein which undergoes extensive alternative splicing to generate various CD44 isoforms. CD44 functions include the delivery of an activation signal to T-cells, binding to hyaluronate, mediation of lymphocyte homing, and the spread of metastatic cells. CD44 has been particularly implicated in the dissemination of non- Hodgkin's lymphoma and as such may serve as a useful prognostic marker of disease progression. CD44 measurement in serum may provide a rapid, inexpensive and relatively non-invasive prognostic …

Virtual Reality Modelling Of A Cnc Machine, Damian O'Sullivan

Theses

The increasing importance of training and upgrading skills has led to the use of new interactive technologies in the development of more effective training tools. Previous techniques for training Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine operators, while excellent for their time, varied from brief inexpensive tutorials to expensive on the job training. A CNC machine uses a computer to perform the functions of the machine using a part program stored in the memory of the computer. This thesis describes a Virtual Reality (VR) model of a CNC milling machine, implemented within a VR environment representing a CNC workshop. Its development and …

Development And Validation Of An Improved Ultrasensitive Assay For Cardiac Troponin I (Ctni), William G. Blake

Theses

Cardiac troponin I (cTnl) has been reported to be a highly specific marker for myocardial injury. In patients suffering from acute coronary syndromes, a sensitive serum marker which is closely related to the extent of myocardial damage which provides prognostic data and which can be measured rapidly is desirable. In this thesis a “sandwich” enzyme immunoassay was developed to measure cTnI. The developed assay was reproducible with the inter assay precision ranging from 4.8-14% and the intra assay precision ranging from 3.1-9.5%. The limit of detection of the assay was calculated as 0.385 ng/ml. The upper reference range (non-parametric 95% …

Business Plan For The Startup And Subsequent Operation Of A Truss Manufacturing Plant, Timothy M. Liescheidt

Theses

This thesis is intended to present a thorough business plan for a truss manufacturing plant. The thesis will give the reader a complete understanding of the purpose of a truss in the building industry. The thesis also presents research on existing truss manufacturing plants and determined how the companies in this field currently operate. Once the research was completed, the business plan was prepared. The completed business plan was presented to three individuals who, by their experience, can be considered subject matter experts. These three individuals were then asked to give input about the completed business plan.

The input from …

The Americans With Disabilities Act: Is It The Next Civil Rights Movement?, Edwina H. Wallace

Theses

This thesis will focus on the plight of disabled individuals. Many, many years ago, people with disabilities were looked upon as being demons or as being some cruel misfortune of nature. As time progressed, our views were not as naïve but the understanding and the empathy were not present.

Since the inception of The Americans with Disabilities Act, employers have been forced to open their doors to a new group of working individuals. The ADA laws have not only allowed individuals to become employed, but have opened doors in other areas as well. It is no longer difficult for disabled …

Spiritual Assessment And Care Plan Development In A Long Term Care Facility, Eugene J. Neff

Theses

A healthy spirituality in the long term care resident is an important factor in holistic care. A review of literature coupled with the knowledge and experience of the author, an ordained clergy person with pastoral care training, and experience in the long term care setting, has indicated a growing need to ensure that the long term care resident's spiritual needs are properly assessed. The results of that assessment must be incorporated into the care plan. Appropriate steps must be taken to respond to surfaced needs and reinforce the areas of spiritual strength.

The purpose of this thesis will be to …

An Overview Of The Long-Term Care Industry: Current Issues And Future Considerations, Angela L. Onermaa

Theses

Americans today live longer than their parents did, often two to three decades after retirement. For many, modern medicine's gift of time is a blessing. But when independent living is no longer possible, few elderly people or their families are prepared for the confusing and emotionally wrenching world of long-term care. Despite reforms passed by Congress, nursing homes remain controversial. Moreover, they are too expensive for many people, and the federal Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs provide limited benefits for nursing home care. Although innovative alternatives to nursing homes have emerged in recent years, long-term care remains a costly and …

Characteristics And Qualities Of The Successful Entrepreneur: An Empirical Study, Pearl Farer Raskin

Theses

Entrepreneurship has become an increasingly important phenomenon for researchers and policy makers to understand. It is important for job growth, accounting for 80% of new jobs created in the United States. It is a key factor in enhancing technological innovation, productivity growth and per capita income in industrialized nations. Furthermore, it is an important career choice, accounting for roughly one tenth of the labor force at any point in time, and about one fifth of the labor force for some part of their careers (Birley 156).

Many individuals have difficulty bringing their ideas to the market and creating a new …

Coping Styles Of Parents With Visually Impaired Children Compared To Parents With Fully Sighted Children, Lisa Tackett

Theses

The purpose of this research study was to determine if the coping styles of parents with visually impaired children are different from the coping styles of parents with fully sighted children. These results indicated that there is no difference on coping styles with the parents with the visually impaired children and the parents with the fully sighted children.

The Influence Of Perceived Social Support On Loneliness Among Students Of Foreign Status Studying In The United States, Brian Vakoc

Theses

Loneliness is a common experience for individuals studying in foreign countries. Where cultures, communications, and social structures are unfamiliar feelings of loneliness can present a difficult component within the adjustment process. Social support has a direct influence on a person's ability to adjust to an unfamiliar environment. Feelings of loneliness experienced by a person can be attributed to that person's perception of social support. Students who are studying in the United States from abroad are subject to a multitude of unfamiliar environments that promote uncertain social supports and increased levels of loneliness. Understanding differences between cultures and their effects on …

The Usar Company Command Handbook: A Study Of Potential Benefit And Impact On Effective Performance By Army Reserve Leadership, David Winston Fielder

Theses

This thesis will focus on a newly-created leadership manual and the likelihood of increased effectiveness in job performance and perceived benefit among company-level leaders in the United States Army Reserve who use it. In this thesis, this handbook or leaders' manual - which summarizes and highlights applicable military regulations, policies, guidances and code as well as provides helpful hints for the company commander - was reviewed by subject matter experts who rated the manual on the basis of accuracy, utility and potential for use among Army Reserve leadership. Specifically, it was hypothesized that these experts would view the handbook as …

The Wage Gap Between Men And Women Is Narrowing: Fact Or Fiction, Tabatha A. White

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of how "traditionally female" and "traditionally male" occupations impact the wage gap between men and women. It will also touch on how the wage gap has been decreasing throughout the years.

There has been considerable debate and controversy regarding the issue of wage discrimination between men and women particularly with regard to women working in male dominated occupations. Some researchers believe that the wage gap between men and women has been declining because of an increase in women's education and experience, whereas, some researchers believe it has been declining because of the decrease …

The Reciprocal Effects Of Aging And The Ability To Choose And Wear Clothes Of One's Choice, Patricia A. Forde

Theses

As men and women age, their ability to successful perform the typical activities of daily living become limited because of physical disabilities associated with the aging process. The ability to perform one of these activities, dressing oneself without assistance, has been demonstrated to be especially vulnerable to age-related physical disabilities.

The inability to dress oneself has been demonstrated to have a negative impact on the independence, sociability and self-esteem of older adults, and is linked to the reliance on personal care assistance, an extra financial burden for the elderly person or a public expense.

Adaptive clothing designed to accommodate for …

"Ssmart Care": The Development Of Disease Management Programs Within An Integrated Health Care Network, Carol E. Oberaitis

Theses

This cumulative project paper will focus on the development of disease management programs by SSM Health Care - St. Louis, an integrated health care delivery network. This paper will detail the process used by the network to prepare for this project, the key roles and functions of the staff and physicians, the design phase and implementation phase of the project. The rationale for the project, the literature review, the barriers to the project and the outcomes will be included in this paper.

The purpose of this project paper is to share with other networks or individual hospitals the experience of …

The Impact Of Sports Participation On Adolescent Eating Disorders, Joyce Barker

Theses

In an effort to assess the impact of sports participation on adolescent eating disorders, information was obtained from 58 high school females. Of this sample, 20 students were athletes (soccer, track, and gymnasts), 7 students were performance squad members (e.g., cheerleaders), and 31 students were not engaged in these activities. A measure of adolescent eating disorder, the Eating Disorder Inventory Il (EDI-2), and a demographic survey, were administered to all participants. Although sports and performance squads emphasized body shape and control, involvement in these organized physical activity contexts did not differentiate adolescents most at risk.

Health Aspects Of Native American Indians And Alaskan Natives, Beverly V. Bennett-Maine

Theses

This thesis will focus on the decline in health of Native Americans and Alaskan Natives in regards to chronic diseases due to changes in their food habits, customs, traditions, and culture.

The purpose of this study is to explore why Native Americans and Alaskans health has deteriorated in relation to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and alcoholism.

Limitation in access to health care facilities includes geographic location, cul tural, and linguistic barriers.

The studies to be discussed include: the Inter-Tribal Heart Project (ITHP) for cardiovascular disease; the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for self-reported risk factors; and the Navajo Health …

Managing Diversity In The Global Economy, Kathia G. Arjona

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of the diversity management in businesses today, since the 2Ist century is around the comer. It seeks to study and highlight the importance and benefits of having a diverse workforce in today's organizations. Each day more and more companies are doing business globally, and that is why this thesis attempts to find a balance among the similarities and differences employees might encounter in any organization.

The advantages of a diverse workforce for successfully penetrating global, ethnic minority, and other group markets are many. Yet, making diversity work while simultaneously ensuring a stable and …

An Understanding And A Quest For Excellence In Human Resources At An Urban Public School District, Juliette E. Douglas

Theses

This thesis will focus on how to transition the Human Resource Division at St. Louis Public Schools into a customer focused, responsive service organization. Like many other industries, urban education has some uniqueness but there are also some common issues. To better understand the management style traditionally used in urban education, this project started with conducting extensive research on the history of management in education.

History is only important in understanding the past. Good management must focus on the present and create the future. To better plan to create a changed human resource function, two basic management concepts were also …

A Comparison Of Perceived Parenting Stress Levels Of Employed, Married Mothers And Employed Married Fathers, Melissa D. Duchatschek

Theses

The purpose of this research was to measure the amount and type of parenting stress perceived by employed married mothers and employed married fathers using a self-report psychological instrument designed to identify parent - child systems under stress. The Parenting Stress Index (PSI), was given to twenty-seven (N = 27) married, employed parents of children age twelve and under. Fifteen women and twelve men volunteered to complete the instrument. At-test was performed and the hypothesis that married, employed mothers would perceive more parenting stress than married, employed fathers was not supported.

Assessing Attachment Levels Of Adults From Divorced And Non-Divorced Families, Kathy Lynne Rigdon

Theses

Although considerable research has recently been conducted on attachment styles as well as divorce, little attention bas been paid to the effects of divorce in relation to one· s attachment style. [n order to understand the impact of divorce on one's attachment style in the adult years of development, this research study was conducted using a measure of attachment styles and divorce issues in relation to developmental aspects of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of attachment styles between adults that came from divorced and non-divorced families. Participants in this study came from a mental …

An In-Depth Look At Demographics And Psychographics To Show How Data About Consumers Have Changed To Meet The Need Of Marketers, Susan L. Sebacher

Theses

Consumers are constantly changing. The generations are aging, causing their wants and needs to change. Products are also changing. They have gone from standardized to specialized. The market for consumer goods has gone from a mass market to niche markets. As consumers' sophistication grows so does their skepticism about advertising and claims advertisers make about their products. This creates a tough environment for marketers.

Demographic information provides marketers with a profile of their customers. Demographic information includes: gender, race, age, education, income, marital status, and number of children Demographic information groups consumers into generational groups. Generational groups are designated by …

An Examination Of The Correlation Between Financial Ratio Analysis And Stock Price, Janet S. Hawn

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of financial ratio analysis and its correlation to stock prices .

Research has used various methods to determine the value of a stock . Examples of these stock valuation models include the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), the dividend discount model, and the free cash flows and the free cash flows to equity models.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between financial ratio analysis and stock prices and to explore the possibility that financial ratio analysis has a value in determining the price of a stock. Both financial data …