Digital Commons Network^™

Current Treatments Of Cerebral Palsy In Pediatric Patients, Roni Sperle

Theses and Dissertations

Cerebral palsy describes a group of disorders involving movement and posture. In the United States, the rate of children born with cerebral palsy is thought to vary from between 1.5 to 4 per 1000 live births. This amounts to approximately 5,000 -10,000 babies born with cerebral palsy each year in the United States. This project will help health care professionals to diagnosis and identify cerebral palsy. This proposal will also explore literature for current treatment and care of cerebral palsy in the pediatric patient. The high costs linked to cerebral palsy stress the importance of early diagnosis, reducing the prevalence, …

Creating Engaged Citizens, Kristi M. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Male Confederate Ethnic Identity And Actions On Native American And Non Native American "Gambling" Behavior, Casey Mcdougall

Theses and Dissertations

Native American populations have been found to have a two to five times higher rate of problematic gambling than non-Native American populations, but little research from the behavior-analytic and culture perspective has been done on the topic. The present study consisted of an experiment that had male participants play a computer-simulated slot machine. The variables manipulated were the ethnicity of the participant, the research confederate and confederate action. This experiment investigated each variable using a within-subjects design. Each participant (N=16) was required to complete five gambling sessions. Results showed that the confederate's actions during the leave sessions influenced the gambling …

Effects Of Exposure To Perinatal Ultrasound Radiation On Information Processing In The Auditory System, Jennifer Burnett

Theses and Dissertations

Ultrasound (US) has become a standard procedure used during pregnancy to document the health and development of a fetus. When ultrasound was first developed, some researchers urged caution, suggesting that the possibility of hazard should be kept under constant review. Given the routine application of fetal ultrasound imaging, any possibility of deleterious developmental effects resulting from its use is an important public health issue. Rats have a well characterized central nervous system whose neurochemical pathways and neuronal electrophysiology qualitatively correspond to those of humans. Because of this, we opted to use Wistar rats as an animal model to document effects …

Economic Hardship And Children's Social Withdrawal In Romanian Families, Jennifer Denise Pearson

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impact of perceived economic hardship on family processes and children's socially withdrawn (reticent) behaviors in Romania. The sample consisted of 121 Romanian mothers and fathers of 4-5 year old children, as well as children's kindergarten teachers. Drawing on Conger and colleagues' family stress model of economic hardship, the associations among mothers' and fathers' ratings of economic hardship, depression, marital conflict, psychologically controlling parenting, and teacher ratings of child social withdrawal were analyzed. Structural equation modeling using AMOS 7.0 was used to test the model. Findings generally support earlier studies with European American families, as well as …

Stacked Generalization For Early Diagnosis Of Alzheimer's Disease, Hardik P. Gandhi

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder characterized by nerve degeneration and neuronal death. The diagnosis of AD at an early stage is a major concern due to growing number of elderly people affected by the disease, as well as the lack of a standard diagnosis procedure available to community clinics. A biomarker that will allow early diagnosis of the disease would be beneficial. Such biomarker should be noninvasive, simple to obtain, safe, inexpensive, accurate, and most importantly, must be made available to local health clinics for maximum effectiveness.

Recent studies have used wavelets and other signal processing methods to …

Psychometrically Equivalent Trisyllabic Words For Speech Reception Threshold Testing In Cantonese, Misty Noelani Kim

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop, digitally record, evaluate, and equate Cantonese trisyllabic words which could then be used in the measurement of the speech reception threshold. A selection of 90 frequently utilized trisyllabic words were selected and then digitally recorded by male and female talkers of Standard Cantonese and presented to 20 subjects with normal hearing beginning at 6 dB below their pure-tone average (PTA) and ascending in 2 dB increments until one of the following criteria had been met: (a) the participant responded correctly to 100% of the test items, or (b) the presentation level reached …

A Study Of Selected Student Attitudes Toward Factors That Influence Academic Achievement, Marquis L. Bennett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of selected African-American male college students and the impact of financing, role-modeling, high school preparation, college/community acceptance, and family support on academic achievement at Rowan University. The study sought to determine if any of these factors had a significant relationship with academic achievement.

Academic achievement was measured by a self-reported GPA of 2.76 or higher, which was higher than Rowan University's minimum requirement (2.5) for graduation, and honors achievements (awards, certificates, honor societies). Responses were measured using a Likert scale of 1-Strongly Agree to 5-Strongly Disagree.

Respondents reported that financial …

Religion And The Everyday Ritual Of Home Life: A Comparison Of Higher And Lower Family Functioning Groups, Rachel Wadsworth Loser

Theses and Dissertations

As scholarly interest in family religiosity has grown, scholars have called for a closer look at proximal measures of religiosity that are more connected to the individual and familial daily experience (Mahoney et al., 1999). The purpose of this paper is to explore in detail how religion and family religious rituals relate to, interface with, and affect the day-to-day activity of family life. It includes qualitative analysis of interviews with highly religious parents and children in 67 families that belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Grounded theory was employed to analyze the data and a conceptual …

Contributions Of Family Leisure To Family Functioning Among Families That Include Children With Developmental Disabilities, Dorthy Clara Hornberger Dodd

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family leisure involvement and family functioning among families that include children with developmental disabilities. The sample consisted of 154 families (154 parents and 62 youth). Data were analyzed from the parent, youth, and family perspective. The Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP) was used to measure family leisure involvement. FACES II was used to measure family functioning. A scale based upon the definition, classification, and systems of support manual of the American Association on Mental Retardation adapted by Dyches was used to measure the level of support needed by the …

Post-Extubation Residual Neuromuscular Blockade, Jacob J. Reinen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Prospective Program Evaluation: Process And Application, Denise Steinbach

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Facilities Management: Curriculum Development For A New Undergraduate Major, Ryan Barstad

Theses and Dissertations

Facilities around the world need managers to operate them. Those potential managers must be educated in order to run successful facilities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop undergraduate curriculum for a facilities management major within the Department of Technology at the University of North Dakota. The emphasis areas within this degree will be: Sports Facilities Management, Industrial Facilities Management, and Higher Education Facilities Management. To determine the appropriate courses for this major, several existing Facilities Management programs at various higher education institutions will be examined. In addition, a survey will be designed to gather information regarding the …

Phosphorylation And Regulation Of The Dopamine Transporter By Psychostimulant Substrates And Protein -Protein Interactions, Mark A. Cervinski

Theses and Dissertations

The dopamine transporter (DAT) is an integral membrane protein that clears dopamine (DA) from the synaptic space following neurotransmission. DATs amino acid sequence contains numerous serine, threonine and tyrosine residues, some of which are located in protein kinase consensus sites. While DAT phosphorylation and regulation in response to protein kinase C activation is well documented, evidence suggests that multiple signals and interacting proteins also mediate these processes. Previous research has also demonstrated that DAT regulation is influenced by the presence of the DAT substrates amphetamine (AMPH), methamphetamine (METH) and the uptake blocker cocaine. Using 32PO4 metabolic labeling and [3H]DA uptake …

Pain Recall In Primary Dysmenorrhea, Robyn A. Drach

Theses and Dissertations

A fundamental issue hindering research in the area of primary dysmenorrhea is the lack of a gold standard for the diagnosis and assessment of dysmenorrhea. The current study seeks to further the research in the area of memory for menstrual pain and proposes a method of assessment for dysmenorrhea. In addition, this study provides preliminary data for the development of a measure specific to dysmenorrhea. Women with painful menstruation and women with low pain during menstruation were assessed twice, during menstruation and two weeks later, using three different assessment instruments. Participants (N=43) ranged in age from 18 to 24. In …

Academic Motivation, Coping Indicators, Receptivity To Student Support Services And The First-Year University Experience, Hilary Annette Kaisershot

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of first-year students (N = 1,919) entering higher education for the first time after graduating from secondary education. This study categorized attitudes within three primary domains: academic motivation, coping indicators, and the receptivity to student support services. The data were collected from the College Student Inventory instrument that had been administered during freshmen orientation seminars conducted at a research intensive university located in a medium-sized midwestern city. Factor analyses reduced the 100 item survey to 17 independent factors within the three domains. Multiple regression analyses determined the academic motivation domain …

Optimism As A Buffer Against The Negative Impact Of Discrimination, Betsi Little

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that the general expectancy for positive outcomes, optimism, has been linked closely with the ability to positively cope with adverse life events, such as cancer, stress and depression. Being discriminated against has been shown to be a stressful event that has a negative psychological impact such as lowering self-esteem. Traits that have been linked with optimism, such as hardiness and self-efficacy have also been found to help combat the effects of discrimination among women. Although these traits implicate the role of optimism, to date, the possible effect of optimism itself as a buffer against the negative effects …

Decreased Renal Basement Membrane Thickening Is Accompanied By Elevated Renal Antioxidants In The Ames Dwarf Mouse Model Of Delayed Aging, Mandy M. Meyer

Theses and Dissertations

Experimental evidence suggests that disease- and age-related thickening of glomerular (GBM) and tubular (TBM) basement membranes may be related to increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Studies also suggest that antioxidants may function as renoprotectants against such ROS-induced damage. The current study focuses on metallothionein-I/II (MT-I/II) and glutathione (GSH), both of which exhibit potent antioxidant functions. Ames dwarf mice, which exhibit elevated tissue antioxidant levels (catalase, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, GSH) and an average life span significantly greater (50-65%) than wild type controls, were used to test our hypothesis that increased levels of renal MT-I/II and GSH are concomitant with decreased …

Entering Learning Style Preferences And Performance On Content Of Multiple -Choice Exams During The Initial Two Years Of Medical School, William A. Siders

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to: characterize learning style preferences of entering medical students, analyze responses to the learning styles instrument (Soloman and Felder's Index of Learning Styles), and investigate relationships between learning style preferences and performance by content area on multiple-choice question learning assessments. It was hoped that this research would inform learners at the school of the study and possibly optimize the learning experience for all participants. A convenience sample of four consecutive entering classes at one of the "community-based" medical schools in the United States were administered the learning style preference instrument prior to beginning medical …

Culturally Adapted Mental Health Treatments: A Meta-Analysis, Derek Griner

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years psychologists have increased awareness and concern regarding the quality of mental health services provided to people of color. For several reasons clients of color often find traditional mental health services foreign or unhelpful. To help diminish obstacles faced by clients of color, several authors have advocated traditional mental health treatments be modified to better match clients' cultural contexts. Researchers have also begun investigating outcomes associated with culturally modified mental health treatments, often contrasting them with traditional mental health services. Recently numerous studies containing empirical data have been published. To date there has been no attempt to review …

Extending The Reach Of Educational Research: Applying Product Commercialization Processes To Communities Of Practice, Richard Edward Culatta

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to extend educational research beyond the research community could have a great impact on end-users such as teachers, students, or educational administrators. One way to extend the use of educational research is to create tangible educational products; such as virtual simulations, instructional videos, and printed materials; which can be easily and widely distributed. In order to transform research into products, members of the research community must adopt and implement certain product commercialization processes. Effective processes, if not recognized by members of the community, are not helpful for ensuring that quality end products are reached. Likewise, a supportive community …

Feasibility Study Of Variance Reduction In The Logistics Composite Model, George P. Cole Iii

Theses and Dissertations

The Logistics Composite Model (LCOM) is a stochastic, discrete-event simulation that relies on probabilities and random number generators to model scenarios in a maintenance unit and estimate optimal manpower levels through an iterative process. Models such as LCOM involving pseudo-random numbers inevitably have a variance associated with the output of the model for each run, and the output is actually a range of estimates. The reduction of the variance in the results of the model can be costly in the form of time for multiple replications. The alternative is a range of estimates that is too wide to realistically apply …

An Examination Of The Relationship Between Family Leisure That Includes Physical Activity And Family Functioning, Joaquin Fenollar

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family leisure that includes physical activity and family functioning among families that have at least one child (17 years old or younger) at home. The sample consisted of 519 families. Data were analyzed from a parental perspective. Family leisure that includes physical activity was determined by using an adapted version of the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP). Family functioning was determined using FACES II. Univariate analyses indicated significant positive correlations between the amount of the intensity present during physical activity participation and family functioning, cohesion, and adaptability. Multivariable analyses …

Whole-Body Vibration Compared To Traditional Physical Therapy In Individuals With Total Knee Arthroplasty, Aaron W. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to compare total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rehabilitation with and without whole-body vibration (WBV) to 1) understand if WBV is a useful treatment during TKA rehabilitation to increase quadriceps strength and function, and 2) to investigate the effect of WBV on quadriceps voluntary muscle activation. Subject and Methods. Individuals post TKA (WBV n=8, control n=8) received physical therapy with and without WBV for four weeks. Quadriceps strength and muscle activation, function, perceived pain, and knee range of motion were measured. Results. No adverse side effects were reported in either group. There was a significant …

Legislation, Litigation, Regulation, And Implementation Of Paraprofessional Supervision In School Settings, Sungti Hsu

Theses and Dissertations

Since the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2002 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004, there is a strong emphasis on the supervision of paraprofessionals who provide instructional assistance to classroom teachers. Scholars have stressed and litigation has highlighted the importance of paraprofessional supervision. However, there is limited information regarding the definition of supervision, who should and how that supervision should happen. The NCLB and IDEIA legislation leaves room for states to establish state regulation and litigation to interpret supervision. This study explored the current litigation and scholarly works concerning how …

An Evaluation Of American Companies That Outsource Manufacturing To China: Decision-Making And Performance, Michael Kenyon Favreau

Theses and Dissertations

The topic of outsourcing ranks at the top of business issues for a wide variety of companies (Wery, 2004; Ezrati, 2004). The majority of American companies believe that offshore-related matters rank as the most strategic decisions that management is expected to make in the next 12 months (Wery, 2004). “Outsourcing in China can help many companies save money, but it can be very frustrating if not done right" (Ting, 2004). The perceived benefits of outsourcing production to China are tremendously enticing, but a lack of understanding of the total costs involved lures many companies into outsourcing when it is not …

An Examination Of Family Skiing And Its Relationship To Family Functioning, Peggy Lynne Philbrick

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between family downhill skiing patterns and family functioning. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES II), was used to measure family functioning. Questions created by the researcher were used to measure the average number of family ski experiences per year (frequency) and how many years the family has skied together (duration). Satisfaction with family ski experiences was measured using the Satisfaction with Family Skiing Scale. The sample consisted of 110 family units from throughout the United States. The findings from this study found that frequency and duration of family …

The Relationship Between Maternal Employment And Children's Physical Activity, Michael Scott Parker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine children's and parents' activity levels, examine the relationship between mothers' and children's mean step counts, and fathers' and children's mean step counts, and determine if there are differences in physical activity levels among children with mothers who work full time, work part time, or are not employed. Fifty-eight families participated in this 12-day study. Each family member wore a Walk4Life LS 2525 or a Walk4Life LS 2505 pedometer to measure daily step counts. Additionally, all participants completed the pedometer step count logs each night, and parents completed a short demographic form. In …

Separate And Joint Analysis Of Longitudinal And Survival Data, Deepthi Rajeev

Theses and Dissertations

Chemotherapy is a method used to treat cancer but it has a number of side-effects. Research conducted by the Department of Chemical Engineering at BYU involves a new method of administering chemotherapy using ultrasound waves and water-soluble capsules. The goal is to reduce the side-effects by localizing the delivery of the medication. As part of this research, a two-factor experiment was conducted on rats to test if the water-soluble capsules and ultrasound waves by themselves have an effect on tumor growth or patient survival. Our project emphasizes the usage of Bayesian Hierarchical Models and Win-BUGS to jointly model the survival …

Networks And Cultural Bridges: A Case Study With The Tarahumara Of Northern Mexico, Jennifer Marie Nations

Theses and Dissertations

Network and cultural bridge theories predict the source and durability of cultural boundaries, including how cultural boundaries are overcome in order for differing groups to have meaningful exchanges. Ethnographic interview data with three research subjects in Northern Mexico reveals the strengths and weaknesses of each theory. Minita Bustillos, Juan Daniel Villalobos, and Horacio Echeverrí­a contribute to bridging ties between the closed indigenous community of the Tarahumara and outside Mexican and American groups. Their positions elucidate the veracity of theoretical propositions found in network and cultural bridge theories. Findings suggest that though useful in understanding several aspects of network structure and …