Digital Commons Network^™

Do Women In Anxiety Support Groups Demonstrate Less Anxiety Than Those Who Are Not In Support Groups?, Anna L. Addis

Theses

Not available.

Influences On The Selection Of Dietetics As A Career Choice, Katherine A. Kobel

Theses

The purpose of this study was to gather information on factors which influence career-decision making in dietetics students. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 1695 students in Plan IV/V dietetic programs throughout the country. Of the 156 schools which were mailed questionnaires, responses were received from 53.9% of the schools. Demographic information revealed that 77.7% of the students were between the ages of 20 to 30 years old. Thirteen percent were over 30 years old, while 9.1% were less than 20 years old. The number of students from rural (26.8%) and urban (26.2%) areas were equally divided. The majority of students, …

Analysis Of Packaging Based Determinant Attributes For Minimally Processed Vegetables: A Food Service End-Use Study, James A. Myers

Theses

The objective of this study was to determine what packaging based attributes most influence the purchasing decision of foodservice operators. The study was limited to those packaging attributes associated with minimally processed vegetables. A survey instrument was used to poll operators from various segments of the foodservice industry. Factor analysis was employed in an effort to identify attributes with degrees of communality. It was determined that attributes associated with the utility function of foodservice packages were of primary concern. These attributes were linked to the challenges of handling products in the foodservice environment. Factor loadings were significant on two other …

Mathematical Model And Simulation Of The Progression Of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Maria L. Agostinho

Theses

A simple mathematical model and simulation of the progression of cancer with particular emphasis on Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma was investigated. The mathematical model consists of a set of differential equations that first satisfies the homeostasis levels of the different components present and second predicts the dynamics during a diseased or unhealthy condition. The simulation was done using a FORTRAN program for integrating the differential equations.

Simulation of the immune system is important in evaluating the usefulness of particular sorts of biologically targeted therapies and in selecting the most promising treatment strategies for clinical trials. In particular, the effects of …

Rheumatoid Arthritis And Myasthenia Gravis As Examples Of Autoimmune Diseases, Michael Collins

Theses

None provided.

Irreversible Immobilization Of Heavy Metal, Hyoung-Seog Ko

Theses

Heavy metals are contaminants of both solid and liquid wastes. For example, the ash produced from the incineration of domestic or industrial wastes often contains substantial concentration of lead, mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals that make it a hazardous waste. These heavy metals in wastes are hazardous because they are mobile. Immobilization of the metals is an effective method of rendering the metals harmless, provided that immobilization is irreversible. This study focused on the heavy metal immobilization potential associated with the activities of anaerobic bacteria known as the dissimilatory sulfate reducers (Postgate, 1984). The sulfate-reducing bacteria produce sulfide and …

Spectral Analysis Of Heart Rate Variability: Acquisitionalysis Software Development, David James Delong

Theses

This work develops an acquisitionalysis software application to investigate the spectral content of the heart rate variability signal derived from an electrocardiographic (EKG) waveform. The location and strength of the frequency content reveals general information concerning sympathetic and parasympathetic activity within the autonomic nervous system of the study subject. Current investigations into pediatric head trauma patients have revealed specific correlations between spectral content of the heart rate variability and overall patient recovery. The levels of serum catecholamines, specifically epinephrine and norepinephrine, are also investigated for a possible correlation with both trauma severity and spectral power of the heart rate variability …

An Evaluation Of The Culinary Arts Curriculum At The Schenectady Community College, David Brough

Theses

This study is an evaluation of the culinary arts curriculum at Schenectady County Community College, in Schenectady, New York. The purpose of the evaluation is to investigate the efficiency of the culinary arts program, and its ability to prepare the graduate for success in the hospitality industry. Using the Delphi Technique, each alumni of the program was asked to respond to a questionnaire. This data was then reviewed to determine the results of the survey. The review of literature was most helpful in obtaining additional insight from authorities in culinary education and the hospitality industry. The review of the data …

A Business Proposal For The Design And Implementation Of A Long-Term Health Care Facility, Laura E. Metzger

Theses

This thesis will focus on the possibility of starting a new residential care facility in O'Fallon, Missouri.

In the United States the elderly population is increasing at a faster rate than ever before. It is expected that by the 21st century various forms of elderly health care services will be in high demand.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the revenues and expenses associated with a residential care facility for the elderly. The issues of funding, design, marketing and implementation of this type of business were examined.

Three subjects participated in the study based on their education …

No Poster Child: The Rise And Fall Of The Field Of Chemical Dependency Treatment, Michael F. Nolan

Theses

This thesis will focus on the development of the chemical dependency treatment field, including an overview of the historical growth of mental health and chemical dependency treatment, and its recent change from a growing to a declining field. It will also examine various theories in the treatment of mental illness and, specifically, chemical dependency, in a historic context, and placing these theories into a unified system of viewing illness in general. Finally, this thesis will explain the growth, then decline, in the field as a result of political, social, and financial developments, and show how these extra clinical influences are …

Transportation: A Need For The West County's Elderly In St. Louis, Carlos Arturo Vanegas

Theses

This study investigates the transportation needs and challenges of elderly residents in West St. Louis County, with particular attention to their access to public transit and specialized services. The research draws on a survey of 100 seniors, supplemented by a review of existing transportation infrastructure and demographic trends. Findings reveal that while the elderly population in the region is growing, available transportation options remain limited, especially for those who no longer drive or have restricted mobility.

Survey responses indicate that many seniors rely heavily on family, friends, or community services for rides, highlighting the lack of independence and flexibility in …

The Foodland International Employee Service Award And Image Marketing Plan, Vesper L. Mcdonald

Theses

This expository applied learning study evaluated The Foodland International Corporation's role in the food chain, industry and retailer competition and needs. The research was used to design a Foodland marketing support program, with a flyer as the primary sales aide. The program was designed and implemented to offer a combination of The Foodland International Corporation's employee service award and image items to licensed Foodland affiliates.

The Foodland International Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wetterau Incorporated, a major U.S. food wholesaler, headquartered in Hazelwood, MO. Its licensed affiliates consist of other Wetterau-owned corporations (known as divisions), and outside corporations …

The Effects Of Prenatal Care On Infant Mortality In The United States, Barbara A. Dieterich

Theses

This thesis will focus on the causes of infant mortality in the United States. The lack of adequate prenatal care will be specifically addressed.

Research has attributed the majority of preventable infant deaths to socio-economic factors as opposed to the lack of technology. Since the percentage of the United States GNP spent on medical care continues to rise without subsequent decreases in infant deaths, it becomes necessary to focus on causal relationship.

Since a nation's infant mortality rate has long been viewed as an indicator of the country's effectiveness in meeting health needs, many areas must be targeted. The importance …

Caregiver Education Program, Lesli Demers

Theses

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive, irreversible disease of the brain. It is not a normal or inevitable result of the aging process. However, as more people live to advanced age, the susceptible population will increase, as will the number of people afflicted with this disease. Alzheimer's Disease presents a challenge by taking away the patient's ability to remember, as well as the ability to learn.

Alzheimer's Disease has been characterized by many professionals as "the thief of minds" (Gewertz 23). Memories of life experiences and even one's own family members fade away leaving the person a stranger to those who …

The Disinhabited Body: A Somatic View Of Personality Development And Psychotherapy, Mecca Antonia Burns

Theses

The body's role in personality development. and psychotherapy :is investigated. The "mind/body split" which pervades our culture prevents us from fully experiencing bodily sensation.

This phenomenon is deeply rooted in the psychophysical dualism postulated by Descartes, and chapter one inquires into the reasons why his theories took hold so firmly. There is a prevailing tendency to treat mind and body as separate entities, and I examine the reasons for this. The emotions appear to be a link between body and mind, but this is specifically where resistance can enter in.

In chapter two, we look at the process in terms …

The Circular Causality And Possible Alleviation Of Pms Symptomology, Linda Whitchurch

Theses

This research was an attempt to investigate the appropriateness of including Premenstrual Syndrome into the revised third edition of the Diagnostic Statistics Manual. The researcher asked 10 women, who felt they were suffering from Premenstrual Syndrome, to compare their normal food intake with a balanced diet and minimal use of stimulants and the ambiguities of the syndrome became apparent. The women who took part in this study of Premenstrual Syndrome and the management of its symptomotology enlightened the author, not only to the multidimensional etiology of the syndrome, but more importantly, to the lack of validation they experienced as women …

Alcoholism In The Elderly, Jo Ann Koehler

Theses

The purposes of this study were to examine the problem of alcohol abuse in the elderly, to look at the physician's understanding, detection, and treatment of this subject, and to gain knowledge regarding the older adult's view of this problem, and the willingness of these adults to discuss it openly with health professionals.

The methodology employed in this research project was qualitative. Information was obtained from both physicians and older adults through brief questionnaires. The sample consisted of 61 physicians and 47 older adults.

Findings suggest that physicians may be deficient in the knowledge needed to detect and treat alcohol …

An Examination Of Attitudes In Females Identified With An Eating Disorder, Iris Jo-Ann Lee

Theses

The main purpose of this study was to investigate attitude demonstrated by participants in an outpatient multidimensional group treatment program for eating disorders. The problem concerned clarifying the attitudinal differences between eating disordered and non-eating disordered females after involvement in a time-limited treatment group. Procedural guidelines of the study were described for two groups designated as 5 eating disordered experimental subjects and 29 non-eating disordered control comparison subjects. Both groups completed the Eating Disorder Inventory, a 64-item self- report inventory which allowed measurement at pretest and posttest intervals. Data from this measure were collected before the beginning of treatment and …

Acculturation Of The Vietnamese Refugees And Immigrants In St. Louis, Missouri. Exploratory Study, Maria Ratuszynska

Theses

The purpose of this research was to study the acculturation of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants . 44 refugees and 19 immigrants residing in St . Louis, Missouri (city and county) participated in the study. Subjects were administered the Cultural Identity Questionnaire and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 . Demographic information was obtained using a data sheet.

The obtained scores were analyzed using the t-test statistic for equality of means . The independent variables were political status (refugee or immigrant) . The dependent variables were scores on the Cultural Identity Questionnaire for acculturation, and anxiety, depression and total score of the Hopkins …

Temperature Regulation Post Hemorrhagic Shock In Rats : Atheoretical Analysis, Kahambwe Shungu

Theses

The adequacy of a mathematical model in simulating temperature regulation in rats after resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock is investigated. This model, proposed elsewhere, was devised to study temperature profiles during hyperthermia in humans.

Hemorrhagic shock was achieved by bleeding rats to an average mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 30mmHg. The rats were then maintained at this MAP for up to four hours by withdrawing or reinfusing the shed blood. One group (the control group), was allowed to return to normal body temperature after the shock episode without external intervention. A second group (microwave group) was irradiated, for an average of …

The Effects Of Oxygen Tension On Nitrate Reduction By Pseudomonas Isolate, Hao-Jan Hsing

Theses

It is a generally accepted concept that nitrate reduction only occurs under anaerobic conditions. Oxygen inhibits denitrification. However many studies of nitrate reduction under low oxygen tension have shown what has been called aerobic denitrification. This project examines the process of aerobic denitrification.

Oxgyen affects cell growth and the amount of nitrate utilized. When oxygen is absent, the cell growth rate is lower and nitrate utlization is higher then when oxygen is present.

Nitrate is reduced to nirite under anaerobic conditions. Nitrite accumulation did not continue increase. But increased then decreased producing a "Z" shaped graph when plotted.

The Biological Basis Of Schizophrenia, Franz Sugarman

Theses

None provided.

Conscious Conscience, Michael B. Easley

Theses

None provided.

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Three Humeral Fracture Fixation Systems, Alina Michelle Waite

Theses

Often, humeral fractures requiring internal fixation can be a challenging orthopaedic procedure. Each method of treatment possesses clinical and biomechanical advantages and disadvantages. Rigid plate fixation is highly successful in treating a large variety of long bone fractures. Nevertheless, excessive soft tissue dissection is necessary, and vascular and neural anatomy of the humerus can make plate application and removal difficult. An intramedullary nail offers a relatively simple procedure, thereby reducing these anatomical concerns. However, rotational instability at the fracture site is a common complication with a conventional intramedullary nail. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate a new interlocking intramedullary …

Effect Of Dietary Lipids On Rat Alveolar Macrophage Function, Sangeeta R. Mehta

Theses

An in vitro assay has been developed to measure bacterial uptake by rat alveolar macrophages. The assay is used to study the effect of a diet rich in high omega-6 linoleic acid on the phagocytic response of the macrophages obtained from young and old rats. Within the range of diets studied, no significant difference (p<0.05) is observed in the phagocytic capability of macrophages from young rats. Significant difference is observed between diet groups for the old rats (p<0.05), with the group on a fat-rich diet showing suppressed phagocytic response. Significant difference is also found between age groups for the same diet (p<0.05), older animals showing suppressed response.

Food Marketing Distribution: A Pilot Study Of Ardmore Farms, Michele Ann Musella

Theses

Ardmore Farms is one product group that in part comprises the Food-service Division of Quaker Oats Company. They produce portion-controlled, USDA approved citrus and fruit juices. The juice is produced by one plant located in Deland, Florida. It is then shipped throughout the United States via a fleet of more than 120 refrigerated trucks. in fiscal year 1990 Ardmore experienced a financial crunch due to a freeze in Florida. To counteract the negative financial effects of the freeze, Ardmore hastily raised their orices. This aggravated the food-service operators resulting in a "fallout" of Ardmore's customer base. Also many regional juice …

The Level And Extent Of The Need For Workshops To Be Presented On Alcohol And Substance Abuse From The Black Cultural Prospective, Amelia I.G. Massie

Theses

The purpose of this research was to identify and assess the level of alcohol and substance abuse among the elderly. The primary focus was on the Black Elderly Community. The The secondary purpose was to determine the importance of an alcohol and substance abuse workshop for the Black Elderly Community.

The results suggested that a workshop was indeed needed for the Black Elderly Community. A workshop was designed using the data collected from the research.

Problems In Assessing And Treating Childhood Emotional Disorders: A Modest Proposal, Bettu Ann Parnell

Theses

This study is concerned with the difficulty of assessing and treating childhood emotional disorders. One may ask, "Why is it so difficult when there is a plethora of trained professionals to treat and assess these children and their families?" The author hypothesizes that, typically, these families see many professionals in their search for help, but the path becomes cluttered with different diagnoses, labels and a lack of congruence in making all the pieces of the puzzle fit for the child and family. Often, a family needs not only psychological help, but medical and educational assistance through the mental health system …

The Effect Of Psychosocial Factors On The Immune Response Of Hiv Infected Individuals As Measured By The Extent Of Relationship With Cd-4 T Cell Count And Physical Symptoms, Richard R. Taylor

Theses

The effect of psychosocial factors on the immune response of HIV infected human subjects was assessed by measuring the degree of relationship to CD-4 T cell count and physical symptoms.

Twenty six participants (22 white and 2 black males) all who had been diagnosed as HIV positive completed a battery of 11 psychological tests and a social and medical history questionnaire. Fifty four psychosocial factors were selected as having the potential to have a significant effect on immune response.

Correlational analyses yielded no strong relationships between the psychosocial factors and CD-4 T cell count or physical symptoms. Moderate associations were …

Assessing How The Catholic Church (At The Parish Level) Meets The Needs Of The Frail, Elderly, And Handicapped In The St. Louis Archdiocese, Joann C. Hermann

Theses

All Catholic churches of the St. Louis Archd1ocese were the focus of a study conducted to examine how the church meets the needs of the frail, elderly, and handicapped on the parish level. A total of 227 parishes were included 1n the survey; of these 138 responded to the questionnaire. A significant relationship between income of the parish and physical structural improvements to accommodate the frail, elderly and/or handicapped was not indicated. A significant difference between the number of male and female volunteers was not found. However, there were significant findings to support the hypothesis that Pastors and the Catholic …