Digital Commons Network^™

Siblings Of Children With Disabilities: The Needs And Adjustment Of Today's Nondisabled Siblings, Lynn Carragher

Theses

This study examined the adjustment of nondisabled siblings of children with a disability. Factors such as family income and characteristics of the nondisabled child as they relate to psychological, behavioral, and academic functioning, and parents' perceptions regarding the needs of nondisabled siblings were explored. Specific attention was given to determining parents' interest in sibling support groups. Study participants consisted of 65 parents who had at least one child between the ages of 5 and 21 with a disability and at least one nondisabled child between. the ages of 5 and 18. The primary caregiver was asked to complete a 22 …

A Study On The Uptake And Voltammetric Determination Of Trace Heavy Metals In The Treated Wastewater In Abu-Dhabi Area, Salem Rashed Salem Al-Hassani

Theses

Wastewater reuse has a positive and negative environmental impacts and possibly it can have an important role to play in water resources management, as a substituent for freshwater in irrigation. However, the presence of the toxic heavy metals in domestic sewage and in industrial effluents discharge to sewers, wastewater can create unacceptable health and environmental risks. Therefore, the present work includes the determination of the toxic heavy metals in some treated wastewater samples collected from Abu-Dhabi area using polarographic and voltammetric techniques. Differential pulse polarography and anodic stripping voltammetry are well established techniques for trace determination of heavy metals content …

Creativity Methods In The Design Of Home Office Seating, Sung-Hyan Kang

Theses

None provided.

Proactive Technique For Workplace Chemical Exposure, James A. Duru

Theses

The rapid increase in the number and quantities of chemicals released into the environment has been accompanied by a lack of adequate pre-released testing for advance health outcomes. Chemicals which serve as feed stock to millions of industries all around the world to produce and process food, cosmetics, equipment, and energy to propel industries, automobiles, home heating and electricity have serious adverse health consequences. They are hazardous. These substances can explode, ignite, react and corrode. Adapting the definition of the international program on chemical safety, a "hazard" is a source of danger. This thesis proposes some proactive prevention techniques useful …

Melt Hydroperoxidation Polypropylene With Potential Application In Pollution Control, Zeena Cherian

Theses

The primary objective of this study is to introduce tertiary hydroperoxide functional groups into polypropylene (PP) melt by injecting air. This was done first by mixing additive free polypropylene powder with air in a batch mixer. The influence of air flow rate, temperature, mixing time and rotor RPM on the concentration of hydroperoxide groups were studied. Iodometric analysis and fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis were the techniques used to detect and quantify the concentration of hydroperoxide groups. In the second phase of the study, hydroperoxide groups were introduced in polypropylene through reactive processing in a single screw extruder. It was …

A Simple Neural Agent Communicating Through Sets, James P. Stanski

Theses

Networked agents of the simplest kind offer the power of cooperative problem solving through parallel operation along with tight packaging potential. Such agents are self-contained analog machines capable of only a few primitive intelligent operations. In this thesis, a design will be developed for a simple agent capable of sending, receiving, and processing information in a environment where agents are coupled together. This environment imposes unorchestrated simultaneous input while expecting a useful timely response. Successful collaboration in these conditions is accomplished through sets encoded within pulse ensembles. The simplicity of the set definition is an inviting candidate for message communication …

Tissue Classification Based On Relaxation Environments, Jordan Guinn

Theses

Since the advent of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a sound medical imaging technique there has been a need to classify the tissues in the images created. Typically the radiologist has been responsible for the evaluation of the images produced by the MRI machine. In any given MRI there exists many different types of tissues each with a certain concentration of spin densities. Each one of these tissues has a unique T1 and T2 decay times along with a with a unique spin density. The T2 values are indicative of the structure of the tissue, and if the T2 time …

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 …

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 …

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% …

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 …

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 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.

Building A Secure Intranet, Fred J. Berryman

Theses

This thesis will explain the vulnerabilities of computers in a networking environment and demonstrate proper procedures for building a secure Intranet.

The Internet is built around the concept of open communication. Data is shared around the globe just as easily as it is from one office or cubical to the next. Corporations are skeptical about putting company data on such a public transport mechanism as the Internet, but the tools used on the Internet are exciting and everyone wants to use them. Out of a desire for the best of both worlds, the Intranet was born.

An intranet that has …

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 …

A Study To Determine Market Acceptability Of A Skin Replacement Therapy For The Treatment Of Chronic Wounds, Henry A. Holzapfel

Theses

This thesis will focus on factors that would determine the market acceptability of a skin replacement therapy for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Because chronic wounds will probably become much more prevalent as the population ages, the best method to treat these wounds needs to be developed . In just the last couple of decades , the treatment of chronic wounds has been changing as new technologies are introduced into the marketplace.

The main purpose of this thesis is to evaluate some of the various therapies from traditional wound treatment to modern wound therapy to the more advanced therapies that …

St. Louis Juvenile Rehabilitation Facilities: Current State And Future Needs, Phillip Eugene Hyslop

Theses

Juvenile crime has steadily risen in the United States over the past ten years. There appears to be no decrease in the juvenile crime rate in sight. New facilities to hold juvenile offenders are being built, but the juvenile crime rate continues to rise. Most states are passing tougher laws against juvenile offenders. Many states are certifying juveniles who commit violent crimes as adults.

Both California and Florida spend more on corrections than they spend on higher education. Other states are not far behind. The average cost of incarcerating a juvenile for one year is between $35,000 to $641 000. …

Effects Of Divorce On The Self-Concept Of Middle School Students, Robyn Jeanette Brady

Theses

The purpose of the study is to examine if there is a difference in self-concept between 6lh and 7th grade students whose parents have been divorced within the last five years and 6th and 7th grade students whose parents are not divorced. Sixty students attending a Midwestern middle school were the subjects of the study. The sample group consisted of 32 students currently taking part in a divorce group and the control group consisted of 28 students whose parents were not divorced. The students completed the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale, a self- report measure which evaluates the areas (i.e., clusters) of …

An Empirical Study On The Differences Of Task-Orientation Skills And People-Orientation Skills Of Upper And Lower Management In An Organization, Michelle A. Heppermann

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of communication between upper and lower management levels in a company and the impact that genders has upon it.

Communication can be divided into two sections: task-orientation and people-orientation. Task-orientation refers to a person's behavior in delineating the relationship between himself/herself and staff members and in endeavoring to establish well-defined patterns of organization, communication, and procedures. People-orientation refers to a person's behavior indicative of friendship, mutual trust, respect, and warmth in the relationship between leader and his/her subordinates.

Over the years research has suggested that women are prone to be more people-oriented while …

A Connection Between Eating Disorder Symptomatology And Guild Or Shame, Deborah J. Kuehnel

Theses

By their own nature Eating Disorders are very self-destructive and potentially life threatening behaviors. They are symptoms which may represent a constellation of underlying problems. This investigation explores the relation of shame-proneness and guilt-proneness to eating disorder symptomatology in a sample of 171 undergraduate women. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 and the Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA). Shame was significantly and positively correlated with drive for thinness, bulimia, body dissatisfaction, ineffectiveness, interpersonal distrust, lack of interoceptive awareness, asceticism, difficulties with impulse regulation, and social insecurity. Guilt was negatively or negligibly correlated with these symptoms. These two correlative findings impact …

A Connection Between Eating Disorder Symptomology And Guilt Or Shame, Deborah J. Kuehnel

Theses

By their own nature Eating Disorders are very self-destructive and potentially life threatening behaviors. They are symptoms which may represent a constellation of underlying problems. This investigation explores the relation of shame-proneness and guilt-proneness to eating disorder symptomatology in a sample of 171 undergraduate women. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 and the Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA). Shame was significantly and positively correlated with drive for thinness, bulimia, body dissatisfaction, ineffectiveness, interpersonal distrust, lack of interoceptive awareness, asceticism, difficulties with impulse regulation, and social insecurity. Guilt was negatively or negligibly correlated with these symptoms. These two correlative findings impact …

The Relationship Of Locus Of Control To Pathological Gambling, Michelle L. King

Theses

Unavailable.

A Study Of The Relationship Between Substance Abuse Treatment And Motivation, Karen A. Lathrop

Theses

The relationship between motivational level and participation in a thirty day substance abuse treatment center was examined for 22 recovering substance abusers. Participants included 22 female clients at Bridgeway Counseling Services, inc. The participants volunteered to complete the Readiness to Change Questionnaire- Alcohol, the Readiness to Change Questionnaire-Drug, and a personal data form which contained demographic questions. Where it was predicted that there would be no relationship between motivational level and participation in a thirty-day substance abuse treatment program, it was found that there was a positive relationship. That is, participation in the thirty-day substance abuse treatment program increased the …

Attention Deficit Disorder And Alcoholism, Jane A. Leonhardt

Theses

The study explored the relationship between alcoholism and attention deficit disorder (ADD) The Brown ADD Scale was given to 24 graduate students and 23 recovering alcoholics. Total Scores for the Brown ADD Scale were reported for both groups as well as scores for each of the five clusters· Activation, Attention. Effort, Affect, and Memory The recovering alcoholics reported more ADD-like behaviors than did the graduate students.