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Kujdesi Infermieror Tek Pacientët Me Infeksione Respiratore, Egzona Jashari

Theses and Dissertations

Në këtë punim do t’i trajtojmë disa infeksione të sistemit respiratore. Objektivi i përgjithshëm i temës së diplomës është të ofrojmë njohuri për infeksionet respiratore që të ngrihet vetëdijsimi i popullatës për infeksione respiratore që dita e ditës po bëhet një problem për shëndetin dhe mirëqenien e individëve. Njohja e infeksioneve respiratore është shumë e rëndsishme në parandalimin dhe trajtimin e infeksioneve respiratore si: njohja e simptomave, njohja e shkaktarëve si dhe për faktorët specifik që paraqiten tek infeksionet respiratore. Objektivi specifik është të krijojmë njohuri rreth mënyrës së trajtimit dhe diagnostikimit të këtyre infeksioneve dhe masat të cilat duhet …

Development Of A 3d Computational Vocal Fold Model Optimization Tool, Austin C. Vaterlaus

Theses and Dissertations

One of the primary objectives of voice research is to better understand the biomechanics of voice production and how changes in properties of the vocal folds (VFs) affect voice ability and quality. Synthetic VF models provide a way to observe how changes in geometry and material property affect voice biomechanics. This thesis seeks to evaluate an approach of using a genetic algorithm to design synthetic VF models in three ways: first, through the development of a computationally cost-effective 3D vocal fold model; second, by creating and optimizing a variation of this model; and third, by validating the approach. To reduce …

Comparing The Protective Effects Of Resveratrol, Curcumin, And Sulforaphane Against Doxorubicin-Mediated Inflammation In Macrophages, Haidy Amr Abdelfatah Saleh

Theses and Dissertations

Doxorubicin (DOX) anti-tumor activity is accompanied by severe side effects such as cardiotoxicity and cardiomyopathy. These side effects are hypothesized to be mediated through doxorubicin induced inflammation. The aim of the current study, therefore, was to compare the effect of three naturally derived compounds with anti-inflammatory effects namely, curcumin (CUR), resveratrol (RES) and sulforaphane (SFN) against doxorubicin-mediated inflammation through affecting TLR4 signaling pathway in the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide/Interferon-gamma (LPS/IFN- γ). In present study, RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS/IFN-γ at a concentration of 10 ng/10 U/mL in the absence and presence of DOX (0.1 µM) …

Microgravity Emergency Medical Containment System – A Concept Of Architecture, Prototyping, And Usability Research, Keith Elliott Crisman

Theses and Dissertations

Exploration is intrinsic to human nature but is well understood to be accompanied by inherent risks to the explorer. This is particularly evident in the exploration of extreme environments such as long-duration space habitation; in which risk is increased due in particular to the distance from assistance, services, and replenishment of consumables. One of the major risks to extreme environment survivability is lack of access to emergency medical care. This risk is further amplified in the microgravity environment where terrestrial non-life-threatening conditions can become life threatening due to lack of next-level-care capabilities. The question posed within this research asks, ‘What …

Effect Of Water Consumption On Resting Metabolism In Adults, Brittany Leigh Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed the acute effect of water consumption on resting metabolic rate (RMR). It was hypothesized that water would have a small, nonclinically significant effect on RMR. Men and women ages 18–40 years participated in a crossover study in which each participant received a No Water and Water condition (order determined randomly) with a 7-day washout period between each condition. Both conditions began with visual analog scales to gauge hunger and thirst levels, urine spectrometry to quantify hydration status, and height and weight measurements. The No Water condition consisted of a 30-minute rest period followed by 45 minutes of …

Electronic Image Detectability Under Varying Illumination Conditions, Jeremy J. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

Light in the built environment plays an essential role in the vision and the health of humans through non-visual receptors in the eyes. Unfortunately, image analysts and other Air Force personnel who engage in the detection of objects on softcopy displays are often required to work in very dimly-lit or dark environments as higher illumination reduces the contrast of displayed information. Literature has shown that increases in light exposure improves circadian rhythm entrainment and reduces the negative health consequences of insufficient lighting. This research examines the effects of indoor lighting to determine if increases in ambient illumination or changes to …

Pegylated Chitosan / Doxorubicin Nanoparticles And Conjugated With Monoclonal Antibodies For Breast Cancer Therapy, Omar Helmi Zidan

Theses and Dissertations

The potential of nanobiomedical field for developing a promising therapeutic nano-sized drug delivery system is seen to be a great pharmaceutical trend for encapsulation and release of various antineoplastic drugs. In this context, the current work is targeting preparation of biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP) that have been intended for selective and sustained release of doxorubicin (DOX) within breast tumor microenvironment. Surface modification of these CSNP with Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was performed in order for enhancing its blood circulation time without being opsonized or captured by immunogenic reticuloendothelial system (RES). PEG has maintained high particles stability profile and enhanced its surface …

Examining College Students’ Emotions And Alcohol Usage On A College Campus: Student Chemical Assessment And Review Program (Scarp), Thomas William Solem

Theses and Dissertations

Alcohol use and abuse is an important issue amongst college students, and the totality of impacts are still misunderstood. Identification of high-risk alcohol abuse problems leads universities to intervene; however, the emotional, personal, and academic impacts of such mandated intervention programs is unclear. Helping universities understand students’ alcohol abuse challenges can aid appropriate interventions, as well as improve student well-being and academic success.

The purpose of this study is to examine the Student Chemical Assessment Review Program (SCARP), specifically to explore its impacts on student variables (university motivation, readiness/importance of confidence to change, self-esteem, guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, and resiliency) …

Building Datasets From Publicly Accessible Social Media Images For Biometric Analysis, Giordano Roberto Benitez Torres

Theses and Dissertations

The world is developing at a rapid pace, and some of its advancement can be accredited to technological innovations that are affecting many aspects of society. A field within computer science that is increasingly reaching many industries is Biometrics, specifically the area face recognition. Researchers, scientists, and organizations actively try to improve the performance of tools and algorithms. Nevertheless, for it to occur, there is a need for high-quality datasets to test and develop new techniques. Never had humanity, in the course of the history of civilization, produced massive amounts of data as it currently does. Social media networks play …

The Acute Effects Of Warm-Up With And Without Blood Flow Restriction Cuffs On Lower Body Temperature, Flexibility, And Vertical Jump Power, Phillipe Thomas Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of blood flow restriction warmups (BFR-WU) on skin temperature (ST), range of motion (ROM), and vertical jump (VJ) performance.

Methods: Forty-seven participants performed WU’s with unilateral BFR application. Each participant took part in five different WU durations. Measurements of ST, ROM, VJ were taken at baseline, post-WU, and post-8min.

Results: Significant conditions main effect (p<0.05), condition*time (p<0.05), WUduration*condition (p<0.01), and conditions*time*sex interactions (p<0.05) were found by repeated measures ANOVA.

Conclusion: The current findings reveal that BFR-WU’s react differently throughout time, when compared to NBFR-WU, for ST and VJ performance, but not ROM. The length of duration was only significant …

Age At Menarche, Measures Of The Midlife Gut Microbiome, And Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Yan Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction Early menarche has been associated with greater risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD-related mortality but the mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that early menarche and CVD may share as a common cause, changes in the natural history of the gut microbiome. Methods We obtained data on 2,400 adult female twins from the TwinsUK registry. Participants reported their age at menarche retrospectively and underwent anthropometric and clinical laboratory measures in 1992-2014. They provided fecal samples in 2007-2012. Microbial DNA sequences represent the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. OTU-picking was done using open-reference strategy in QIIME and the …

Initial Development Of A Prototype Sensor Testbed For Fetal Monitoring, Christian Beauvais

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to design and manufacture a device that exhibits some of the bio-physiological signals relevant to fetal health monitoring. Currently, limited options exist for testing the performance of monitoring devices such as the tocodynamometer (TOCO) and electrocardiograph (ECG) that measure the bio-physiological signals of a woman and her fetus. Sensor designers need ways of generating and acquiring signals that do not carry the ethical burden of human testing. The development of such a device, as considered in this work, may involve using muscle wire or an inflatable tube as prospective foundations for simulating uterine contraction. …

Emergent Behavior Development And Control In Multi-Agent Systems, David W. King

Theses and Dissertations

Emergence in natural systems is the development of complex behaviors that result from the aggregation of simple agent-to-agent and agent-to-environment interactions. Emergence research intersects with many disciplines such as physics, biology, and ecology and provides a theoretical framework for investigating how order appears to spontaneously arise in complex adaptive systems. In biological systems, emergent behaviors allow simple agents to collectively accomplish multiple tasks in highly dynamic environments; ensuring system survival. These systems all display similar properties: self-organized hierarchies, robustness, adaptability, and decentralized task execution. However, current algorithmic approaches merely present theoretical models without showing how these models actually create hierarchical, …

Evaluation Of Cobb Mv × Cobb 500 Broiler Response To Various Nutrient Regimens To Maximize Performance And Economics, Rosana Hirai

Theses and Dissertations

To maximize the economics of a new commercial broiler cross, research on its nutritional specifications is necessary. Study 1 investigated the effects of feeding four amino acid densities (AAD) on performance and yield of Cobb MV × Cobb 500 broilers at d 33 and 36. Data demonstrated a stepwise decrease in feed conversion ratio (FCR) as AAD level increased. Improvements in performance, processing, and economic return were observed when feeding higher AAD levels. Study 2 estimated the digestible lysine (dLys) requirements of Cobb MV × Cobb 500 broilers from d 0-14 and evaluated the impact of varying starter dLys levels …

Effect Of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback On Sleep, Joshua Mercadel

Theses and Dissertations

Healthy amounts of sleep is vital for normal human functions such as daily learning, memory, emotional state and cardiovascular function. Studies conducted previously have shown sleep deprivation to be associated with increases in sympathetic activity contributing to autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation. HRV biofeedback (HRVB) training induces HRV coherence, a condition that maximizes HRV and facilitates autonomic and cardiorespiratory homeostasis. This randomized, controlled, intervention trial will test the hypothesis that HRVB can improve HRV coherence and increase overall sleep quality. Patients are randomized to previously established HRVB or sham protocols (n=40 each, total planned enrollment N=80). Each participant completes a …

Agency And Creativity: An Eye On Gender Identity In Four Egyptian Novels, Maha Mosalem

Theses and Dissertations

For most scholars, agency is a term that has most traditionally been coined with free will, resistance, and intentionality (Giddens, 1979; Ahearn, 2001). In this study, however, the construct is examined from a linguistic perspective aiming at exploring its creative dimensions in relation to gender identity in four Egyptian novels; Bayna ʔal-qaṣrayn (Palace Walk), ʔal-Bāb ʔal-maftūḥ (The Open Door), ʔu:ri:du rajulan (I Need a Man), and ʃaġaf (Passion). By adopting a mediated discourse analysis approach (MDA) (Scollon, 2002), this study examined the connections between discourse and action in social interactions. Using the grammatical, semantic, and discursive analysis, the examination focused …

Semi-Automatic Spatio-Temporal Reconstruction Of The Left Ventricle From Cmr, Mohamed Abdelkhalek

Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular simulation and modelling have recently grown into a promising area of research, with a major interest in simulating biophysical phenomena within patient specific environments [1, 2, 3, 4]. With a major focus being faster, less computationally expensive (approaching real time) methods along with reasonable accuracy to actually translate research to application in clinical decision making. This work presents a quick computational framework for building a semi-automatic platform building patient specific spatio-temporal kinematic models of the left ventricle, allowing interactive visualization and detailed quantification of structural e.g. (volume, wall thickness) and functional parameters e.g. (radial Strain, circumferential Strain) of the …

Effects Of A 28-Day Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet On Metabolic And Performance Markers In Professional Firefighters, Hunter Scott Waldman

Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in firefighters (FF) around the nation. Recent observational studies have emerged suggesting that FF consume calorically dense foods, high in sugar and fat, but low in nutritional value which can exacerbate heart diseases and impair performance. The potential to improve cardiometabolic and performance measurements when following a carbohydrate (CHO) restricted diet (CRD) has gained interest in the literature. To date, only one study has employed a nutrition intervention in FF, yet its’ focus was on nutrient dense foods and antioxidant supplements. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the cardiometabolic …

Physiological Approach To Characterize Drowsiness In Simulated Flight Operations During Window Of Circadian Low, Bijay Guragain

Theses and Dissertations

Drowsiness is a psycho-physiological transition from awake towards falling sleep and its detection is crucial in aviation industries. It is a common cause for pilot’s error due to unpredictable work hours, longer flight periods, circadian disruption, and insufficient sleep. The pilots’ are prone towards higher level of drowsiness during window of circadian low (2:00 am- 6:00 am). Airplanes require complex operations and lack of alertness increases accidents. Aviation accidents are much disastrous and early drowsiness detection helps to reduce such accidents. This thesis studied physiological signals during drowsiness from 18 commercially-rated pilots in flight simulator. The major aim of the …

When Empathy Only Goes So Far: Development Of A Trait Parochial Empathy Scale, Anna Maria C. Behler

Theses and Dissertations

Empathy, the ability to feel and/or understand another’s emotional state, plays a significant role in interpersonal interactions, mitigating hostility and enhancing affiliation and helping. However, empathy also biases interpersonal reactions. For example, at the group level empathy can become amplified towards members of their ingroup and blunted towards individuals in outgroups, a term called parochial empathy. Currently, no validated measures of parochial empathy at the dispositional level exist, and development of such a scale would be important to understanding the role of group-based emotions in prejudice and discrimination against outgroups. I conducted five studies to develop and validate a …

Internal Deformation Measurements And Optimization Of Synthetic Vocal Fold Models, Cassandra Jeanne Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Developing lifelike vocal fold models is challenging due to various associatedbiomechanical complexities. Nevertheless, the development and analysis of improved vocal foldmodels is worthwhile since they are valuable tools for gaining insight into human vocal foldvibratory, aerodynamic, and acoustic response characteristics. This thesis seeks to contribute tothe development of computational and physical vocal fold modeling in two ways. First is byintroducing a method of obtaining internal deformation fields within vibrating synthetic vocal foldmodels; second is by presenting an optimization algorithm coupled with a computational vocalfold model to optimize geometry and stiffness of a synthetic vocal fold model to achieve morerealistic vibration …

Co-Infection Of Zika And Dengue Virus In Aedes Aegypti And Aedes Albopictus Mosquitoes, Felicia Vazquez

Theses and Dissertations

The term co-infection describes an event when multiple pathogens infect a single host. For vector-borne diseases, a vector may become co-infected by feeding either on a single host that has multiple pathogens or feeding multiple hosts, each of which may be infected. Co-infection in non-vector hosts has been shown to influence immune response and eventual outcome of disease, and is likely to have a similar impact on vector species. With multiple vector-borne diseases circulating in South Texas, the potential for co-infection exists. We examined when mosquitoes are infected with one virus and subsequently infected with another. We hypothesized that the …

Effects Of Exercise On Clinical Couple Interactions, Samantha Karma-Jean Simpson

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that exercise has the potential to improve couple relationships. This study contributes to current literature by examining the associations between exercise, its duration, and its intensity and daily clinical couple interactions. Participants were 22 married couples in a treatment-as-usual setting who completed daily diaries about daily behaviors and marital interactions. Multilevel models were run, and results showed that wives who exercised were more likely to report a negative interaction with their husband that day. When wives exercised longer, both they and their husbands were more likely to report positive interactions that day. Interestingly, if husbands exercised longer …

Adaptive Spaceship Cockpit Architecture, Ondřej Doule

Theses and Dissertations

This research project is focused on a system design theory and practice of the most complex environment that a human-system architect can ever encounter. It is the environment of the spaceship cockpit or cabin that is affected by forces of propulsion and gravity accelerations and freefall while the direction and magnitude of gravity change during the flight. Furthermore, the hyperbaric, restrictive environment of Intra Vehicular Activity spacesuit adds another layer of complexity. In off-nominal or emergency situations, these environmental effects combine, which results in specific human-system interaction requirements. Considering human-system integration requirements on safety, comfort and efficiency of communication between …

Perceptions And Attitudes Of College And University Administrators Towards Secondary Agricultural Education Programs And The Ffa, Karla D. Turner-Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions and attitudes of college and university administrators toward secondary agricultural education programs and the FFA. The study followed a descriptive survey research design. A researcher-modified questionnaire was sent electronically through Qualtrics to 265 college and university administrators who were in charge or undergraduate programs in agriculture, natural resources, and related science programs were offered. One hundred one individuals responded in the study for a response rate of 38 percent. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA. The study found that current college and university administrators of agriculture …

Human Optimization And Performance Enhancement In Flight Via Real-Time Biofeedback (Project Have Hope), Michael S. Fritts

Theses and Dissertations

A four-phase, chronological, and build-up approach was implemented that commenced with basic hardware testing in a centrifuge and culminated in flights augmented by real-time biofeedback displays. A prototype Portable Electrocardiogram Unit (PECGU) was designed and proven to accurately measure heart rate (HR) and display percent heart rate reserve (%HRR). Results showed that %HRR was not a sole predictor of cognitive state. Cognitive responses indicated some correlation with %HRR, but were influenced by environment (centrifuge vs. flight). Subjective perceived exertion levels did not show statistically significant changes during test with biofeedback. A G-tracking task was evaluated during centrifuge and flight tests. …

Quantifying Extravehicular Activity Performance Degradation Due To Sustenance Deprivation, Eryn Beisner

Theses and Dissertations

Modern EVAs (spacewalks) performed onboard the International Space Station require astronauts to endure up to twelve hours of intense mental and physical exertion without food, as they do not stop to eat nor do they currently have the capabilities to consume sustenance in their spacesuits. With the future of space exploration taking aim at the Moon, Mars, and beyond, EVAs are expected to become more demanding than ever. This is a pilot study to attempt to quantify astronaut performance during an EVA to determine if there is significant performance degradation because of acute starvation. Astronauts conducting EVA training at NASA’s …

The Effects Of Exercise Training On Cardiovascular-Related Circulating Micrornas, Jacob Luther Barber

Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that post transcriptionally modify mRNAs and control gene expression. Circulating miRNAs are significantly altered following a single session of exercise, however the effects of exercise training on the circulating miRNA profile is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of endurance exercise training on the abundance of targeted circulating miRNAs and the association of changes in miRNA levels with concomitant changes in cardiometabolic traits, in a subsample of adults from the HERITAGE Family Study.

METHODS: This exploratory analysis examined 20 previously sedentary adults from the HERITAGE Family …

Gastrointestinal Microbiota Modulate Antinociceptive Tolerance Development In Mice With Chronic Morphine Exposure, Ryan A. Mischel

Theses and Dissertations

In October 2017, the United States government declared a state of public health emergency in response to the burgeoning prescription opioid epidemic. Opioid analgesics are the gold standard of therapy for moderate to severe pain, but their clinical utility is greatly limited by analgesic tolerance – a primary driver of diminished pain control and opioid dose escalations. Integral in this process are primary afferent sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), the first-order components of nociceptive sensation. With surmounting evidence that morphine and other narcotics can alter gut microbial composition and promote bacterial translocation to other tissues, a question arises …

Effects Of The Na-Cl Co-Transporter (Ncc) In Western Diet Induced Metabolic And Cardiac Dysfunction, Zachary S. Cutter

Theses and Dissertations

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine known to be involved in maintaining metabolic homeostasis; however, also capable of inducing cardiac dysfunction. Additionally, IL-18, has been shown to bind to a novel receptor, the Na-Cl Co-transporter (NCC). We hypothesized that NCC mediates IL-18 metabolic and cardiac signaling in mice. Using male C57BL/6J mice, we compared the metabolic and cardiac function changes after at least 8 weeks of high-saturated fat high sugar diet (Western Diet) in NCC knockout (NCCKO), IL-18 knockout (IL-18KO), and wild-type mice. We show that NCCKO mice have significantly increased body weight gain from baseline, no difference in fasting …