Digital Commons Network^™

The Relationship Between Nclb Variables And Selected Variables With High School Subject Area Test Scores, Kenyon M. Barron

Theses and Dissertations

No Child Left Behind (NCLB; 2002) requires student assessment to be reported by school districts based on certain demographic variables. Research indicated that other variables may relate to student achievement. This study calculated the relationship between average school district scores and the demographic variables required by NCLB (ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, special needs, migrant status and English language learners) as well as literature identified variables (source of district funding, pupil-to-teacher ratio, average teacher salary, per-pupil-expenditure, school district population size.) The subject area tests used for this study were Algebra I, Biology I, English II and United States History tests for …

Reforming Reading Instruction In Mississippi Through Demonstration Classes : Barksdale Literacy Teachers' First Year Experiences, Deborah Duncan Owens

Theses and Dissertations

Mississippis low rate of literacy has been the focus of concern for educators and policy makers for many years. At the same time the National Reading Panel (National Institute of Health, 2000) was attempting to resolve the issue of which methods were most effective in teaching children to read by conducting a meta-analysis of reading research, Mississippi was developing a reform model, the Mississippi Reading Reform Model (MRRM), to raise the reading achievement of its students. In 2000 James Barksdale, founder of Netscape, donated one hundred million dollars to Mississippi and founded the Barksdale Reading Institute (BRI) in order to …

The Relationship Between Pragmatic Language And Behavior Subtypes In Typically Developing Children, Lisa Jeppson Christensen

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between syntactic and pragmatic language and reticence, solitary-active passive withdrawal, solitary-passive withdrawal, prosocial skills, and likeability. The Children's Communication Checklist (CCC-2), a language checklist, and Teacher Behavior Rating Scale (TBRS), a behavior checklist, were completed by three 2nd-grade teachers and three 4th-grade teachers about each of their students. Factor analysis was used to determine two composite language measures from the CCC-2 scales. The results of two hierarchal regression analyses indicated that social behaviors were significant predictors of pragmatic language, but not structural language. In particular, solitary-passive withdrawal and reticence were significant predictors of pragmatic language …

Maternal High-Salt Diet During Pregnancy In Sprague Dawley Rats Programs Exaggerated Stress-Induced Blood Pressure And Heart Rate Responses In Adult Female Offspring, Summer Hayes King

Theses and Dissertations

The prenatal environment has been shown to have lasting effects on cardiovascular health. In the present study, pregnant rats were fed a 0.7% NaCl normal salt (NS) diet or an 8% NaCl high salt (HS) diet throughout pregnancy. Adult offspring were fitted with radiotelemetry probes to continuously measure blood pressure and heart rate. Rats were placed in restraining cages to test for a programmed acute stress hyperresponsiveness. Offspring were challenged with HS diet for one week to determine if blood pressure salt sensitivity had been programmed by the prenatal HS diet. Animals were killed following resting and acute stress conditions, …

Compartmentalization Of Hiv-1 In The Secondary Lymphoid Tissues, James Peter Gregson

Theses and Dissertations

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) reside in the lymphoid follicles of the secondary lymphoid tissues (sLTs). Following the infection of an individual with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), viral particles are trapped in massive quantities on the surfaces of FDCs. HIV-1 viral compartments are cell types or tissues between which there is a restriction of virus flow. Compartmentalization of HIV-1 creates numerous sites within the body in which the virus can undergo independent evolution, giving rise to a more diverse total viral population. Given the sessile nature of the FDC, I hypothesized that contrary to common assumptions, FDC-trapped HIV-1 is …

Current Research On Perioperative Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis, Jeremy J. Eversvik

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To study perioperative myocardial infarction (Ml), increasing the knowledge about predictors and early signs can help one to intervene and lessen the effects of perioperative MI. A review of related studies is included, along with definitions concerning MI. The theoretical framework of the study is Neuman's Health Systems Model.

Methods: MEDLINE (1990 to May 2007), Pubmed (1990 to May 2002), and bibliographies of included articles were searched without language restriction. The articles researched are those concerned with individuals having a perioperative MI and current research concerned with those who are considered at risk for MI. Twenty-one studies …

The Systematic Literature Review Of The Relationship Between Preoperative Anxiety And Postoperative Pain, Timothy R. Schmiedeberg

Theses and Dissertations

With all of the advancements in the medical field, patients are still having anxiety in the preoperative and pain in the postoperative setting. Anxiety and pain are known to cause a stress response that impedes the healing process of the body. However, does a relationship between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain exist? This independent project investigated in-depth, the physiologic stress response caused by anxiety, whether or not this stress response could be linked as one of the many causes of postoperative pain, and if decreasing anxiety preoperatively could theoretically decrease the analgesic requirements of the patient postoperatively. Although it is …

A Comparative Analysis Of Scenario Based Training And Maneuver Based Training In A 14 Cfr Part 141 Private Pilot Certification Course, Jered Lease

Theses and Dissertations

In order to help combat a recent increase in the number of General Aviation accidents, the Federal Aviation Administration has endorsed a new pilot training curriculum known as FAA/Industry Training Standards. This new training program incorporates Scenario Based Training (SBT) which differs from traditional pilot training, known as Maneuver Based Training (MBT), by utilizing scripted “real world” scenarios to introduce maneuvers and provide pilots in training with more decision making opportunities. Although variations of SBT have been used extensively in other fields such as the education, law enforcement, and medical industries, there is no definitive research in the aviation field …

Risk And Protective Factors Related To Female/Male Use Of Alcohol In Grades 7-12, Christie L. B. Rood

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate risk and protective factors related to the use of alcohol during a 30-day time frame for 7th-12 th grade females/males. The comparisons were male non-users to male users, female non-users to female users, and male users to female users. Data were collected from the spring 2003 Grand Forks (North Dakota) Public Schools Youth Risk and Protective Factor Survey (YRPFS). The study was conducted with 666 students: 375 were in grades 7-9 and 291 were in grades 10-12. There were 340 females and 326 males. MANOVA was used to investigate the differences between …

The Impact Of Biculturalism On Human Learned Helplessness With Northern Plains Native Americans, Alan H. Storey Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of participant ethnicity, research ethnicity, and either failure, success, or neural feedback on performance on letter anagram tasks. The failure feedback represented a standard learned helplessness paradigm with the dependent measures focused on the interferences and behavior of he participants in response to feedback from either a Native American or European American researcher. A total of 55 Native Americans and 73 European Americans were assigned randomly to one of three feedback conditions (success, failure, neutral) conducted by a study blind examiner of either American Indian or Caucasian ethnicity and appearance. Participant level of biculturalism was …

The Role Of Impulsivity And Compulsivity In Disordered Eating, Self-Harm, And Obligatory Exercise In A Nonclinical Sample, Annamarie A. Carlson

Theses and Dissertations

Research has indicated c strong relationship between eating disorder tendencies and self- harm behaviors. Obligatory exercise also has a strong link to eating disorders, and has been conceptualized as a potential form of self-harming behavior. Research in the areas of eating disorders and self-harm have classified self-harm behaviors into impulsive and compulsive types; however, excessive exercise has not been included among the self- harm behaviors. In addition, researchers have rarely included a concurrent measures of impulsivity and compulsivity, or examined the relationship executive functions have to eating disorders. A sample of 166 female undergraduate students completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, …

Executive Function Differences In Medicated Depressed, Non-Medicated Depressed, And Non-Medicated Non-Depressed Individuals, Michael T. Ransom

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to assess the performance of depressed young adults on tests of executive function, while addressing the variables of age and medication status, which have been inconsistently measured in previous research. It was hypothesized that statistically significant group differences would occur on tests of executive functions in three distinct groups: medicated depressed, non-medicated depressed, and non-medicated non-depressed individuals.

Participants included 53 adults who were medicated depressed ( n = 15), non-medicated depressed (n = 16), and non-medicated non-depressed (n = 22) and were between the ages of 19 and 40 years. Participants completed measures …

Men And Therapy: Comparisons Of College Men Who Have Sought Therapy And Have Not Sought Therapy, Robert L. Reis Ii

Theses and Dissertations

For at least the past couple of decades, men have utilized help-seeking services less than women. Sex-difference research demonstrates that men and women utilize help-seeking at different rates; men use it less often. Gender-role socialization research demonstrates that gender role conflict plays a role in keeping men from attending therapy. None of the research compares men who are in therapy with men who have never been in therapy. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the similarities and differences between men who have sought therapy and those who have not sought therapy.

The main hypothesis is that gender role …

Predicting Career Success In Classically Trained Musicians, Vanessa R. Rempel

Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined several factors (performance anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, vocational decidedness, and amount of time in the profession) that are believed to contribute to success in music performance professions. Existing literature highlights the unique role that some of these variables play in career success, however no research has examined the combined impact of these four factors or has attempted to identify the relative weight each predictor holds.

The present study recruited participants through various professional music organizations that require a minimum and standardized level of music training. Participants were invited to complete an on-line survey that consisted of measures …

Identification Of Psychological Stressors For Long Duration Space Missions: Psychological Stressors Among Five Astronauts And Cosmonauts, Melinda S. Marsh

Theses and Dissertations

As humans continue to experience space missions of longer and longer duration, more and more high intensity stressors are going to be experienced. Although physiological stressors have been studied, there have been few studies on the psychological stressors. Those that are present primarily focused on the polar environment as a space analogue. In order to answer the question of how stressors may affect future astronauts and cosmonauts, the evolutoinary reasons behind stress must be considered not only the type and intensity of the stressors.

Five astronauts and cosmonauts representing three space agencies were surveyed regarding their experiences with ten types …

Consequences Of Normative Body Image Dissatisfaction: The Development Of Two Scales, Grace Y. Kim

Theses and Dissertations

Body image dissatisfaction is often seen as a predictor variable for the development of eating disorders; however, this study contends that the consequences of body dissatisfaction itself are problematic. Body image dissatisfaction of both men and women can have negative effects on psychological health and well being. This study examined the literature on body image and body image dissatisfaction, specifically emphasizing various mental health consequences as well as the influence of sex and sexual orientation. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to investigate the consequences of normative body image dissatisfaction among non-clinical adult populations, and to offer initial validation …

An Analysis Of Verbal Abuse Directed At Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Kevin C. Buettner

Theses and Dissertations

The concept of a healthy workplace environment is one that does not tolerate verbal abusiveness. Recent literature indicates that verbally abusive behavior may cause increased levels of stress, increased probability of errors, and feelings of frustration and powerlessness. Roy's Adaptation Model was used as the conceptual framework. There is a lack of research looking at incidence, frequency, and the impact of verbal abuse with respect to the CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) population. One hundred seventy eight CRNA's from an upper Midwestern state in the United States that were mailed questionnaires, 115 were returned and statistically analyzed for this study. …

The Relationship Of Epidural Labor Analgesia And Apgar Scores, Nikki J. Eckman

Theses and Dissertations

Childbirth can be a very painful process. Pain that accompanies labor induces the stress response which is a very dynamic process and can cause maternal and fetal complications. Maternal responses to the stress of labor and delivery include hyperventilation, increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. These effects can adversely impact the fetus by inducing abnormal fetal heart rates and rhythms, fetal acidosis, and low placental blood flow. Epidural labor analgesia is a pain relieving modality that reduces the stress response in the laboring woman.

The purpose of this study was to discover if relationships between epidural labor analgesia and …

A Single-Subject Investigation Of The Effectiveness Of Transitional Objects In Reducing Self-Injurious Behavior, Christen G. Herrick

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effectiveness of transitional objects, in reducing self- injurious behaviors (SIB) from a psychodynamic theoretical perspective through two single-ease designs with middle-aged women. Participants received treatment as usual (TAU) from their on-going individual psychologists during an 8-10 week baseline phase, received a transitional object, and then continued TAU during a 22-23 week treatment phase. Participants completed the Self-Injury Survey (SIS) at weekly administrations during the baseline and treatment phases. Participants completed the Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA-27). Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-fl). Symptom Checklist 90, Revised (SCL-90-R), and Reciprocal Attachment Questionnaire (RAQ) periodically throughout the baseline and treatment …

Therapists' Experience Of Secondary Trauma: Influence Of Trauma Type And Social Support, Rachel E. Darrow

Theses and Dissertations

Individuals who have been traumatized need to gain comfort from others, and they often seek this from mental health care providers. As providers are exposed to traumatic material, they are at risk for becoming victimized themselves. This phenomenon is explained as secondary trauma, and includes Figley’s model of compassion fatigue (CF), and McCann, Pearlman, and Saakvitne’s model of vicarious trauma (VT). The first purpose of this study was to explore factors related to the development of CF and VT in mental health professionals. While many factors have been implicated as moderators of CF and VT, two factors were chosen for …

Questioning The Consumer Culture: A Qualitative Study On Voluntary Simplicity, Timothy S. Beecher

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study documents an understanding of the experiences of people who have adopted a voluntary simple lifestyle. Included in this analysis is the meaning of voluntary simplicity to those who have chosen this lifestyle and their values motivating them to adopt such a lifestyle. Specifically, questions were asked regarding participants’ meaning of voluntary simplicity, values and beliefs that motivate living such a lifestyle, how the participants maintain this lifestyle, and the role their possessions play in their life. Twelve participants were interviewed through telephone correspondence. Participants were recruited through online voluntary simple networks namely, A Center for a New …

College Students Diagnosed With Adhd: Insights Into Their Experiences, Michael Paul Gallo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe and understand the experiences of students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who axe enrolled in a postsecondary institution. The experiences of these postsecondary students were defined as how they made sense of their school experiences and how those earlier educational experiences informed their current educational program and shaped their hopes and dreams for the future. Participants in the study included three university students who have a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Two of the students were diagnosed as children and one student was diagnosed after beginning her second year …

Moral Distress And Change Of Position Of Employment In North Dakota Registered Nurses, Susan A. Owen Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

Nurses may experience distress as they perceive the inability to advocate for their patients as they feel ethically bound to do. due to external factors. Labeled in literature as moral distress, these feelings have been shown to result in significant emotional stress and dissatisfaction with the work environment. This study was designed to explore the relationship between moral distress in North Dakota (ND) registered nurses (RN), and the choice to leave a position of employment. Relationships between moral distress and demographic and workplace variables were also explored.

The basis for this study was the Model for a Theory of Moral …

The Effect Of Alternative Fuels And Aftertreatment Devices On Measured Mobile School Bus Emissions, Andrew Todd Toback

Theses and Dissertations

Since January 2002, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has sponsored a research study at Rowan University to develop strategies for reducing diesel emissions from mobile sources such as school buses and class 8 trucks. This thesis presents research conducted on reducing emissions from school buses during mobile operating conditions. Four fuel blends and three aftertreatment devices were tested on three school bus engines.

For all of the tests, exhaust gas emission measurements were made using a Sensors Semtech-D to measure CO, CO₂, NO₂, NO, O₂, and HC, along with a Sensors PM-300 …

Junior High Students' Perceptions Of The Fitnessgram Fitness Test, Emily Mcomber Welch

Theses and Dissertations

The Fitnessgram is a battery of fitness tests designed for children and adolescents. These tests include aerobic capacity, body composition, muscle strength and endurance, and flexibility. Students are not compared to each other, rather to health fitness standards, specific to age and gender, which indicate good health. The purpose of this study was to identify student perceptions of the Fitnessgram fitness test. This study used surveys (N=82), and follow-up focus-group interviews (N=16) to identify student perceptions of the Fitnessgram fitness test. Results using the constant comparative method revealed three major categories: (1) students' perceptions of the purpose of fitness testing, …

Longitudinal Course Of Body Dissatisfaction In Undergraduate Females At Brigham Young University, Joy Wiechmann

Theses and Dissertations

This research project examined the longitudinal course of body dissatisfaction among undergraduate females at Brigham Young University (BYU) using the Body Satisfaction Questionnaire (BSQ).The research also examined what percentage of undergraduate females have BSQ ratings in the clinically significant range and whether body dissatisfaction ratings varied based on the environment in which the student lived. Results indicate that no significant change in body dissatisfaction occurred over time, nor did living environment appear to play a role in BSQ scores. Results also showed that at any given time over 34% of women on BYU campus have BSQ scores in the clinically …

Contributions Of Family Leisure To Family Functioning Among Single-Parent Families, Laurel Beth Hornberger

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of family leisure involvement to the family functioning of single-parent families among a large national representative sample. Two samples were gathered. The single-parent sample consisted of 384 families (384 parents and 384 youth). The dual-parent sample consisted of 495 families (495 parents and 495 youth). Data were analyzed from the parent, youth, and family perspective using two instruments. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES II) was used to measure family functioning and the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP) was used to measure family leisure involvement. Blocked multiple regression analysis …

The Influence Of Performance Level And Setting On Collegiate Athletes' Motivational Profiles, Shareen Brooke Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if motivational profiles of individual collegiate team sport athletes differ across ability levels (High, Middle, and Low) and settings (Team Practice, Competition, and Personal Practice). The athletes task and ego disposition, autonomy, and contextual motivation, were assessed using the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ), Sport Climate Questionnaire (SCQ), and Sport Motivational Scale (SMS), pre and postseason. Their anxiety levels and situational motivation were measured using the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Situational Motivational Scale (SIMS) during the season. The General Causality Orientations Scale (GCOS) was used pre and postseason to assess …

Social Outcomes Of Students With Language Impairment: An Eight-Year Follow-Up Study, Meghan A. Baldridge

Theses and Dissertations

This study re-examined the language and social skills of four females with language impairment who were initially studied eight years ago (Brinton, Fujiki, Montague, & Hanton, 2000; Fujiki, Brinton, Isaacson, & Summers, 2001). Language measures included the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-Fourth Edition (Semel, Wiig, & Secord, 2003) and a thirty minute language sample. Social measures included the UCLA Loneliness Scale-Version 3 (Russell, 1996), parent, teacher and student forms of the Social Skills Rating System (Gresham & Elliott, 1990), and an interview with each participant's teacher or speech-language pathologist. Results of the current assessment were compared to results from the …

Handling And Analysis Of Public Comments In Natural Resource Planning, Lisette Borchert Thurgood

Theses and Dissertations

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1970 required public input in any federal planning process or action. Consequently, natural resource planning can be characterized as more of a complex situation in recent years due to the increasing involvement of the number of constituents who want to be heard. Likewise, the public wants to know their ideas have been heard and considered. Unfortunately, there is very little information available which identifies how the BLM handles and analyzes public scoping comments that are required under NEPA. The purpose of this research is to identify the handling and analysis methodology used by …