Digital Commons Network^™

Three Stories Toward Creation, Rodrigo Gomez Claros

Theses

A descriptive narration of a project to create a computer animated film in both 2-D and 3-D, "Three Stories toward Creation," which depicts three stages of Latin American civilization. The film consists of three episodes: Bachué, a creation myth of the Chibcha people; Broken Pot, which depicts the coming of the Conquistadors, whom many of the native peoples mistook for gods; and Cross of Gold, a symbolic sequence which represents the blending of the Spanish and native cultures. Includes original thesis proposal, storyboards, and still images from the film.

Medical Information Design: Empowering The Patient, Jon Benjamin-Rupp

Theses

The goals of this project revolve aound the development of a cancer information source book that will provide an accessible resource for cancer patients upon or soon after diagnosis.

Effect Of Feeding Date Pits On Repartitioning Of Nutrients And Fertility In Rats., Ayesha Salem Al - Dhaheri

Theses

Five isonitrogenous (23% CP) and isocaloric (2.8 Mcal/kg) diets were prepared and used in this study; two control diets (diet 1, no date pits; diet 2, no date pits + 300 mg/kg vitamin E) and three diets containing date pits (diet 3, 12.5% date pits (DP); diet 4, 12.5% DP + 300 mg/kg vitamin E; and diet 5, 25% DP). Ninety mature Wistar rats (45 females and 45 males) were used in this experiment. All animals were provided with feed and water on an ad libitum basis for 29 consecutive days. Water and feed intake were measured daily Body weights …

The Improvement Of Some Natural Organic Fertilizers Using Beneficial Microorganisms, Mariam Naseeb Al Hameeri

Theses

The random uses of inorganic fertilizers in the UAE farms generate a serious threat about polluting the soil, and the environment. This motivates some researchers to find suitable alternatives, which can give a better crop yield, and at the same time become friendly to the environment.

The present study was performed to find environmentally friendly biological fertilizers to substitute or reduce the application of inorganic fertilizers. Actinomycetes, which are known to produce plant growth regulators (PGRs) were isolated from UAE soils. A total of fifty-seven actinomycetes were isolated from a cucumber rhizosphere soil at a farm in AI-Ain city. Out …

Adipocyte Specific Release Of Tumor Necrosis Factor In Response To Medicinal Plants And Synthetic Nucleosides In Vitro, Afra Sultan Saeed Al Shamsi

Theses

Adipocytes play an important role in insulin resistance through its endocrine functions such as production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Adipocyte specific TNF-α inhibits insulin receptor protein tyrosin kinase activity causing the development of type2 diabetes (NIDDM). Nucleosides trigger a variety of regulatory effects in biological systems, such as inhibiting or stimulating protein synthesis. The present study was carried to screen seven synthetic nucleosides, for their effect on TNF-α release from adipocytes in vitro. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was dissected under sterile condition and plated in 24-well dishes in a humidified CO₂-incubator in the presence or absence of …

Development Of A Genomic Approach For The Study Of A Coryneform Bacterial Collection., Carole Feurer

Theses

In the last few years, genomics has profoundly changed research in the biological sciences and in particular in microbiology. Recent studies have demonstrated that comparative genomics is a powerful approach contributing to a deeper understanding of the evolution of microorganisms. Bacterial collections are important resources of microorganisms, however, the potential that genomics has to offer remains to be realised as it is still virtually absent in any study involving strain collections. This feature thus framed the experimental objectives for this study, whose aim was to define the most comprehensive way to apply genomic based methods (high throughput sequencing and bioinformatics) …

Evaluation Of The Change On Water Vapor Transmission Rate Of Different Polypropylene Films In Contact With D-Limoneme And The Effect Such Changes Have On The Shelf Life Of Confectionary Products., Anna Romero

Theses

This paper discusses the changes observed in Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) of three plastic films while exposed to different concentrations of d-limoneme. The concentration of d-limoneme on the films was determined by means of Headspace Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. The Water Vapor Transmission rate of all films was determined by means of a MOCON-Water Vapor Permeation Analysis System Permatran-W 3/31. It was observed that d-limoneme affected the films in two ways: at lower concentrations, the WVTR decreased but, after certain concentration was reached, the WVTR increased. These results explain the shortened shelf-life of candies containing d-limoneme which are …

The Genetic Toolbox: An Exploration Of Genetic Manipulation Through Glass Sculpture, Heather Jones

Theses

Not listed.

Patterns Of Phamaceutical Advertising To Physicians: An Exploratory Content Analysis Of Printed Pharmaceutical Ads Targeted To Pediatricians, Paul Tebbey

Theses

A content analysis of pharmaceutical product ads targeted toward pediatricians in the professional media was conducted to determine the extent to which they were informative as well as the quantity and types of information presented. The content analysis model selected was based on previously published and widely implemented standards that have been documented to support research propositions. The study analyzed 67 separate products ads that were published in pediatrician-targeted journals during the first half of 2002. The results indicate that each pharmaceutical product ad contains an abundance of information (average = 5.1 cues) that may help in educating and Morming …

Rhythm, Yi-Chia Huang

Theses

Not Included

Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors Associated With Colon Cancer, Shamma Rashed Khalfan Al-Naili Al-Shamsi

Theses

Colorectal cancer represents one of the most common causes of mortality in the world. A major number of populations develop an adenoma by the age of 40s. Over the past years, it has become clear that genetic factors are of crucial importance in colorectal tumorigenesis. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is responsible of developing numerous colorectal cancers cases by causing mutations in the germline in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) genes.

Colon cancer is considered the second most frequent cause of death in most of the Western countries. Colonic cancer is common in women and rectal in men. It arise in adenomatous …

Biotechnology Of Whey Using Yeast Fungi Isolated From Local Environment, Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi

Theses

The potential threat of whey pollution to the soil environment and ultimately groundwater resources in UAB promoted the elements of concern to the utilization of the whey waste. This work was conducted in AI-Ain area to isolate new fermenting yeast strains, from local soils, capable of fermenting whey lactose.

Soil samples were collected from two locations in AI-Ain area (near Al-Ain dairy farm & AI-Markhania area) and from a neighboring area (AI-Buraimi) based on the soil nature and ecological parameters. Inorganic elements and organic residues of the soil samples were characterized. Results indicated that AI-Buraimi soil is rich in nitrate …

Design For Public Service, Cristine Beckley

Theses

This thesis is aimed to use graphic design to increase volunteerism and aid in the alleviation of homelessness in Rochester, N.Y.

An Assessment Of Prothrombotic Tendency In Humans Using Functional And Genomic Determinants In The South Eastern Irish Population, Carmel Cullen

Theses

Venous thrombosis occurs in about 1 per 1,000 individuals per year. It is a serious disorder and accounts for a significant number of hospital admissions and deaths annually. Thrombophilia describes the familial or acquired disorders of the haemostatic mechanism that predispose to thrombosis. Inherited thrombophilia can be defined as a genetically determined tendency to venous thromboembolism Mutations in genes that code for proteins involved directly (or indirectly) In blood coagulation have been associated with prothrombotic status. Laboratory investigations for thrombophilia include screening for deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C or protein S and testing for activated protein C resistance. Together these …

Fitness And The Elderly, David B. Mingo

Theses

Statistics show the American population is aging at an explosive rate. The correlation between fitness and the aging process is once again becoming a ripe area for study. Previous studies show that fitness can improve quality of life and health for the elderly. A new defined category of seniors known as the young-old has emerged. This category is comprised of seniors that range in age from 55- 65. This study focuses on the relationship between routine exercise and quality of life issues for the young-old. Subjects for this study were 15 retired military soldiers. Subjects were asked to complete a …

A Research Study To Determine The Student's Views On The Paul Smith's College Experience, Lea-Ann Seymour

Theses

Over the past years, Paul Smith's College has been struggling to reinvent themselves and secure their place in higher education. Discovering the critical incidents which make up the students experience is crucial to the institutions survival. Paul Smith's College must continually listen to the students in order to increase student satisfaction. The critical incidents discovered were, the classes and labs, college food service, student activities, roommates and friends, faculty, staff, location, the resident assistant experience, orientation, and the residence halls. These areas must be continually monitored and restructured to assure student satisfaction. In order for Paul Smith's to move in …

Culinary Arts Competencies In Hospitality Curriculum, Thomas Smyth

Theses

A modified two-round Delphi study of fifteen hospitality educators and fifteen industry managers was used to identify instructional objectives for culinary arts education and to establish the positions of educator and industry relative to these objectives. These professionals confirmed that there does exist a divergent opinion on competencies, while affirming the value of continued dialogue to apprise each other of their needs. Working with culinary arts faculty, the voice of industry speaks to great and immediate challenges, which require an evolving curriculum to prepare future culinarians.

Vernacular Letterforms: An Expression Of Cultural And Social Values, Georgiana Leite

Theses

This thesis investigates similar problem-solving processes used in the fields of graphic design and engineering, revealing an underlying relationship between the two disciplines. It shows the principles these two disciplines share and how they employ a common creative process. By comparing these two vastly different disciplines, an understanding of the methodology of thought is constructed.

It's Grammatical!, Kurt Stoskopf

Theses

None provided.

Intelligent Process For Uasb Reactors, Sita Mohan

Theses

The Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor is widely used for the anaerobic treatment of concentrated municipal / industrial wastewaters and sludges. Ability to handle high organic loading rates and cost effectiveness are often the most cited merits of the UASB process. Numerous mathematical models have been developed to describe the process and mechanistic phenomena in these systems. However, evidence in the literature of these models having been applied, either as control or diagnostic tools is limited. The use of intelligent process control mechanisms can greatly ease problems associated with operating these reactor systems.

The objective of this study is …

A Thumb On The Scale : Biological Determinism And The Essays Of Stephen Jay Gould, Kevin F. Ryan

Theses

Biological determinism is a field of scientific theory that attributes human behavior, relationships, and social structures predominantly to hereditary and biological rather than cultural and environmental influences. In almost twenty-five years of published essays, the Harvard evolutionary biologist, Stephen Jay Gould, has sounded an alarm that biological determinism-through its scientific rationalization of slavery, eugenic sterilization, Nazi atrocity, and more subtle forms of injustice perennially poses a real and dangerous threat to humanity. This thesis explores the career-long anti-hereditarian thread permeating Gould's published works on evolutionary history and the history of science. Gould's assertions regarding the cultural embeddedness of science are …

An Investigation Of Social Skill Group Counseling Intervention With At-Risk Students, Kathy A. Bennett

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of teaching social skills to a group of 14 at-risk kindergarten students that were identified by their classroom teachers as exhibiting social skills deficits. A pre-test and post-test experimental design was devised using the Social Skills Direct Observation by Sheridan (1997). Students participated in a group social ski11s training program for five weeks. A statistical comparison between the pre and post test data was then performed by means of a nonparametric procedure. Results of the Wilcoxon's Matched Pairs-Signed-Ranks Test were indicative of positive gains in the students' acquisition of social …

An Investigation Of Social Skill Group Counseling Intervention With At-Risk Students, Kathy A. Bennett

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of teaching social skills to a group of 14 at-risk kindergarten students that were identified by their classroom teachers as exhibiting social skills deficits. A pre-test and post-test experimental design was devised using the Social Skills Direct Observation by Sheridan (1997). Students participated in a group social skills training program for five weeks. A statistical comparison between the pre and post test data was then performed by means of a nonparametric procedure. Results of the Wilcoxon's Matched Pairs-Signed-Ranks Test were indicative of positive gains in the students' acquisition of social …

Training Program For Infant And Toddler Caregivers: An Evaluation Of The Effects On Quality Of Care, Marie Doyle

Theses

Caregiver training has been shown to impact the quality of care for infants and toddlers in "out- of- home" settings. This thesis evaluated the effect of a 2 year program implemented at five urban child care centers {17 classrooms). In order to participate in the program, child care centers had to be licensed and had to serve a majority of children living in poverty. Five infant and toddler early care and education experts were selected to provide training and technical assistance to each of the participating sites. Training consisted of a combination of workshops and reflective supervision. The Infant/Toddler Environmental …

Awareness Of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, Gayle Brosseau

Theses

This study was an attempt to identify the awareness of principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) by individuals who completed an eight-hour food handlers' class at Los Angeles Mission College. A six-item questionnaire was distributed to one hundred eighty individuals enrolled in the food handlers' classes during the winter of 1999-2000. One hundred twenty-five questionnaires were returned and tabulated during the spring 2000. Data analysis revealed that there is limited awareness of HACCP principles by trainees. The study, coupled with the literature review, indicates that there is a need for HACCP training. Other research showed a correlation between …

The Molecular Epidemiology Of Rotavirus In Ireland, Fiona O'Halloran

Theses

Between 1997 and 1998, 3,136 cases of rotavirus diarrhoea were detected in Irish children less than 2 years of age. Hospital inpatients accounted for 80% of these infections, with the remainder being diagnosed in general practice. A large percentage of infections were detected in neonates, suggesting a possible inadequate maternal derived protection from existing indigenous strains. This feature suggested the possible existence of ‘novel’ strains circulating in Ireland. No data describing the epidemiology of rotavirus strains in this country currently exists. Furthermore no assessment of the potential health-economic impact or quantitation of potential disease burden was ever undertaken

Three hundred …

Pruning And Nutrition Of Outdoor Cut Foliage Crops, Andy Whelton

Theses

The rapidly expanding cut foliage industry in the South of Ireland aims to satisfy the demands of an exacting market requiring well furnished quality stems for use in the manufacture of foliage and flower bouquets. The studies examined, in detail, aspects of pruning and nutrition of genera currently important to this evolving industry. Recommendations for the optimum time of pruning Eucalyptus pulverulenta and Pittosporum tenujolium are given. Pruning regimes for Eucalyptus parv,folia and E. glaucescens, Pittosporum tenufolium, Ozothamnus rosmarinfolius ‘Silver Jubilee’ and Rhododendron ponticum were examined and guidelines on best practices are outlined. A nutrition experiment to examine the effect …

Improving The Quality Of Foliage Transplants For Supply To The Kerry Foliage Industry, Gwen Lanigan

Theses

The possibility of improving the quality of transplants of ornamental foliage species, Eucalyptus perriniana, E. parvifolia and Pittosporum tenuifolium, for supply to the Kerry Foliage Industry was investigated. At present transplants (seedlings) are propagated from seed under glass and subsequently transplanted into the field. Therefore nursery practices for seed propagation, such as optimum sowing date, pot and medium selection, irrigation and fertilisation regimes, were investigated and optimised. The possibility of eliminating the occurrence of J- roots, a major problem with Eucalyptus species was also investigated. Vegetative propagation methods, such as cutting propagation and in vitro micro-propagation were investigated for comparative …

Perception Vs. Reality.. What Do Athletes Really Eat And Why?, John Kralles

Theses

This study demonstrated an inconsistency between perception and reality concerning the diet of today's amateur athlete as well as the reasons why this disparity may occur. Here, a gap opens between perception and reality. A review of current literature and case study sets the stage for parameters of judgment. This study also exhibits the forms of misinformation that amateur athletes utilize to construct tainted views on their dietary endeavor. This study established that the perceptions of the amateur athletes studied concerning their diet are skewed and the causation is the effect of poor hand me down information, illegitimate press and …

The Co-Occurrence Of Substance Abuse And Domestic Abuse And Domestic Violence Victimization In Incarcerated Females, Beverly J. Cornejo

Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant co-occurrence of domestic violence victimization among chemically dependent incarcerated females. Additional intents of this study were to examine the presence of domestic violence within the family of origin for this population. Further explorations of childhood trauma, such as physical abuse from parents or sexual abuse, were conducted. The study was conducted using 207 female inmates from a drug and alcohol treatment center located within a Mid-west penitentiary. Domestic violence was operationalized using selected subscale items from the Conflict Tactics Scale which measures type and frequency of violence …