Adopting Sustainability Innovations In Restaurants: An Evaluation Of The Factors Influencing Owner-Managers’ Decisions In Richmond, Virginia, Anna Salzberg

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors influencing restaurant Owner-Managers’ decisions to adopt sustainability innovations in restaurants. A cross-sectional survey research design is used for this study, which entails distributing a survey to restaurants in the City of Richmond, Virginia, to gain an understanding of the factors influencing sustainability innovation adoption. Drawing from both the innovation adoption theory and the theory of planned behavior, the researcher contributes a baseline of the restaurants’ sustainability and the Owner-Managers’ intrinsic motivations. By integrating innovation adoption theory’s perceived innovation characteristics and measuring restaurants’ past sustainability behavior, this study increases the overall …

The Relationship Between Program Quality Indicators And Student Achievement In A Braided Prekindergarten Program, Susan L. Flemmons

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between prekindergarten classroom quality indicators and student achievement at the prekindergarten level. Pre-existing data on prekindergarten classroom quality measures and student achievement was utilized. Quality indicators were assessed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) (Pianta, La Paro, & Hamre, 2008) and student achievement was measured by the end of year results on the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) (Invernizzi, Meier, Swank, & Juel, 2004) and the Bracken School Readiness Assessment end of year results (Bracken, 2007).

A quantitative ex post facto correlational research design was employed to identify relationships …

Exploring The Role Of Intersectionality On Cardiovascular Disease Risk In Sexual Minorities, Leia Harper

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Previous research has shown that sexual minority individuals (SM) are twice as likely to smoke, twice as likely to be overweight or obese, and less likely to be physically active than heterosexual persons; all of which place SMs at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). While information on CVD risk by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status is well documented, there is scant literature examining race, gender, and the potential CVD risk in SMs. The purpose of this study was to examine CVD risk in sexual minorities.

Method: The current study used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent …

Exploring Predictors Of Teamwork Performance In An Interprofessional Education Setting, Danah Alsane, Patricia Slattum W. Slattum

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

EXPLORING PREDICTORS OF TEAMWORK PERFORMANCE IN AN INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SETTING

By Danah M. Alsane, MS.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Pharmaceutical Science at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016

Advisor: Patricia Slattum, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Professor and Director of the Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Program

Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to explain how individual characteristics influence teamwork development. In addition, it evaluated how teamwork development, in conjunction with content knowledge, impact students’ performance on a team-based project in an Interprofessional Quality Improvement …

The Relationship Between Ventilatory Threshold And Repeated-Sprint Ability In Hockey Players, Matthew Robert Lowery

Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between ventilatory threshold (VT1, VT2) and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in competitive male ice-hockey players was investigated. Forty-three male ice-hockey players (age 20.0 ± 1.4 years; height 182.5 ± 6.3 cm; body mass 84.8 ± 6.5 kg; percent body fat 11.8 ± 2.8%; relative O2peak 55.0 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min) competing at the Division I, Division III, and Junior A level volunteered to participate in the study during the off-season. Participants first performed an incremental graded exercise test on a skate treadmill to determine their VO2peak, final stage completed, VT1, stage at VT1, VT2, and stage at VT2. Analysis of …

Biodegradation Of Lignin By Fungi, Bacteria And Laccases, Fnu Asina

Theses and Dissertations

Lignin, a heterogeneous three-dimensional biopolymer, is one of the building blocks of lignocellulosic biomass. Due to its limited chemical reactivity, lignin is currently processed as a low value by-product in pulp and paper mills. Therefore, valorization of lignin holds great potential as this would provide a readily available source of aromatic compounds for various industrial applications. In this study, indulin AT biodegradation was assessed by comparing the effects of basidiomycetous fungi (Coriolus versicolor and Trametes gallica) and actinobacteria (Mycobacterium sp. and Streptomyces sp.) to those of two commercial laccases, those from T. versicolor (≥ 10 U/mg) and C. versicolor (≥ …

Hommage Á Trois: A Tale Of Some Very Hungry Grammia Spp. Caterpillars, Katherine Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Larvae of the Arctiinae use an impressive arsenal of defenses to protect themselves against natural enemies. Several species within this subfamily have been studied for their defensive capabilities, specifically the use of plant secondary metabolites. Life history and sequestration patterns of secondary metabolites have been well documented for Grammia incorrupta; however, little information exists for other species of Grammia. Furthermore, information on sequestration patterns during the immature stages of several Grammia spp. is largely unknown. To address these gaps in knowledge, I am conducting a comparative study of the chemical ecology and life history traits for the virgin tiger moth …

Vitamin D Awareness, Prevalence Of Supplementation And Estimated Total Vitamin D Intake In College Athletes, Bennett Leitch

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to investigate the awareness of vitamin D among collegiate athletes and evaluate the association between vitamin D awareness and total dietary intake of vitamin D. Eighty-one athletes completed the vitamin D awareness and dietary intake questionnaire. The results showed that males and females had very little concern over their vitamin D levels. Men reported 20.7% while females 25% for “likely” or “very likely”. Furthermore, overall male and female belief for being at risk for vitamin D deficiency was low. Males reported 24.1% for either “likely” or “very likely” to be at risk for deficiency and females 30.7% …

A Comparative Analysis Of Associate And Baccalaureate Degree Respiratory Therapy Programs' Preparation Of Graduates For Entry Into The Profession, Christine Sperle

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of the factors that contribute to or detract from the educational preparation of graduates between associate (AD) and baccalaureate degree (BD) respiratory therapy programs through the use of graduate and employer survey ratings, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentialing success, and document analysis of various institutional and program mission, course content, and goals.

This study employed quantitative analyses to compare the perceptions of AD graduates and their employers with the perceptions of BD graduates and their employers regarding the educational program’s ability to prepare graduates for entry into the profession. Graduate …

Identity, Wellness, And Academics: A Move Toward A Freshmen Seminar For All Students, Matthew Torgerson

Theses and Dissertations

Using the Dana (2014) inquiry model, research was conducted to discover what traditional first-year students need to be successful in their academic careers. The research consists extensively of literature review along with casual conversations with faculty, staff, and students at a small, rural college in the Midwest. Through this research, identity development, wellness, and academics were found to be the most prevalent needs for freshmen success. This paper discusses each of these areas in depth as well as gives discussion and recommendations on how identity, wellness, and academics can be implemented into a first-year seminar curriculum.

Teacher Perceptions Of Facilitated Video Analysis Of Instruction In Teacher Professional Development, Benson Ayang Bakabaka

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated inservice teachers’ perceptions of facilitated video analysis of instruction (FAVAI) on teacher professional development. The study borrows from the efficiency video of instruction has provided preservice teachers in previous research. The study made use of a group of five inservice teachers who took a professional development course labeled the Bakabaka Video Pedagogy (BVP). These teachers participated in watching and analyzing videos of instruction. A midcourse anonymous online survey was administered four weeks into the course. At the end of the BVP course, a post-viewing interview was administered to all the participants. The key research questions guiding …

Motivations In Exercise, Amanda Dufner

Theses and Dissertations

College students exercise for a variety of reasons, but specific differences in their motivations and perceptions have not been extensively studied. PURPOSE: The main purpose was to see if students whose primary reason for exercise is to lose fat (FATCON), gain muscle mass (MUSC), or maintain health (HLTH) had differences in their exercise motivations, social physique anxiety, and body image self-perceptions.

A secondary purpose was to explore if the participants’ supplement use reflected their exercise priorities.

METHODS: Data were collected at a university Wellness Center, or from exercise classes. Participants (N = 216) completed a packet of four questionnaires: Multidimensional …

New Mothers' Perceptions Of Breastfeeding, The Transition To Parenthood, And The Partner Alliance: A Grounded Theory Study, Jennifer Amy Munch

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine first-time mothers’ perceptions of the interaction between their partner relationship, transition to parenthood, and breastfeeding. The study utilized the qualitative method of constructivist grounded theory (CGT) to achieve these means. Participants included eight primiparous and cohabiting and partnered mothers. Each participant was between 3 to 8 months postpartum when they completed a semi-structured 1.5 to 2 hour phone interview. They were asked questions related to their experiences with becoming new parents and breastfeeding, including changes, challenges, and overcoming barriers. They were also asked to share their views and feelings related to their …

Political Ideology, Beliefs And Values As A Framework For Analysis Of School Nutrition Preferences, Jacquelyn R. Nyenhuis

Theses and Dissertations

Multiple studies have documented the growing controversies in school nutrition public policy. Less is known about the political ideologies, beliefs and diverse perspectives coming from conflicting values and their influence on policy acceptance. Key issues examined are: Does the average US citizen filter their impressions of policies through their core beliefs, values and politics? And, in general, what policies, interventions, and regulations do conservatives and liberals favor?

Utilizing a sequential mixed methods design, Phase I included a survey given to 201 people with both a multi-item closed ended section and an open-ended section. Statistical analysis was performed on the quantitative …

Characteristics Of Adult General Education Learners And Courses: A Correlational Study On The Elements Of Success, Daniel Jennings Stackhouse

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a correlation exists among characteristics common to successful adult career and technical students in the traditional classroom setting, the online mode of instruction, and a hybrid of the traditional and distance mode of instructional delivery. A gap in the literature exists, resulting in a lack of knowledge specific to the reasons for success or failure of these adult career and technical students, specifically in relation to mode of instructional delivery: traditional classroom, online, or a hybrid of both.

This study is a quantitative correlation study of explanatory and predictive design using …

Investigating The Role Of The Nucleosome Remodeling Factor Ino80 In Development And Nurf In Anti-Tumor Immunity, Zeinab Abdallah Elsayed Ms

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding how an epigenetic regulator such as ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complexes modulate processes such as development and/or immune response is essential for our comprehension of cell biology. Deletion of the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factor INO80 is known to be embryonically lethal, however, the mechanism is not known. To identify roles for INO80 in mouse early development we generated Ino80 KO mice. Ino80 KO ESCs (Embryonic stem cells) were viable when maintained at ground state pluripotency but fail to differentiate in vitro and in vivo. Gene expression analysis of Ino80 KO early embryos by in situ hybridization showed elevated Bmp4 expression …

The Effectiveness Of A Preventive Recall Strategy In Children Following Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia, Amanda Kerns Dr.

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PREVENTIVE RECALL STRATEGY IN CHILDREN FOLLOWING DENTAL REHABILITATION UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA

By Amanda Kerns, DDS

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016

Thesis Advisor: Elizabeth Berry, DDS, MPH, MSD

Vice Chair, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry

Purpose: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of a preventive strategy following full-mouth dental rehabilitation (FMDR) in children with early childhood dental caries.

Methods: 130 patients completed FMDR and were included in the analysis. …

Refinement And Pilot Testing Social Networks For Encouraging Healthy Behaviors: The Social Pounds Off Digitally (Social Pod) Study, Sarah B. Hales

Theses and Dissertations

Currently about 71% of adults in the US are considered overweight or obese. Overweight and obesity are associated with higher risk of developing many chronic diseases; however, health risks associated with overweight and obesity can be reduced by as little as a 3% to 5% reduction in weight. Mobile health (mHealth) has shown promise as a way to deliver weight loss interventions, yet maintaining participant engagement over time has been a challenge. The purpose of this study was to develop, refine, and pilot test the Social Pounds Off Digitally (POD) Android app for personalized health monitoring and interaction; revise the …

Relationship Between Job Satisfaction Among Frontline Staff And Patient Satisfaction: Evidence From Community Health Centers In South Carolina, Ashley Lynn Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

The role of frontline staff (FLS) is vital to the success of health delivery organizations as they are often the main point of patient contact and the primary source of feedback regarding the patient experience and satisfaction. Anecdotal evidence suggests that FLS have among the highest turnover rates in health delivery organizations, resulting in high recruitment and training costs as well as disruptions in day-to-day operations. However, few studies have examined the role of FLS and the factors affecting job satisfaction among FLS. Researchers have also not examined the impact of FLS satisfaction on patient satisfaction. To address these research …

Effects Of Cell Adhesion Peptides, Ph, And Matrix Shape On Maintenance Of Breast Cancer Stem Cells In An Engineered Hydrogel Matrix, Leily Daneshian

Theses and Dissertations

Metastasis, resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, and eventual relapse has been attributed to a tumor subpopulation known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are regulated in their tumor microenvironment by various factors. Synthetic hydrogels can be used to investigate the effects of individual environmental factors on CSCs by providing inert 3D matrices. In this thesis, poly ethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel with 5kpa modulus has been used as a culture system to study the effect of; I) integrin and heparin binding peptides, 2) pH, and 3) the shape of the microenvironment on breast CSCs maintenance and tumorsphere formation in PEGDA. …

Dietary Patterns And Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness In African-American And European-American Men, Lara Ryan Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

Several foods and nutrients have been linked to prostate cancer risk, but the effect of overall diet on prostate cancer outcomes is not well understood. Previous research has primarily examined a posteriori dietary patterns in relation to prostate cancer; studies that have used a priori dietary patterns and their relationship with prostate cancer have been inconclusive. Furthermore, racial differences in prostate cancer incidence and aggressiveness are not well understood. Data from the case-only North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) was used to examine the association between overall dietary pattern, as measured by the Mediterranean Diet (MED) score and the Dietary …

Dental Insurance As A Mitigating Factor In Reducing The Risk Of Mortality Among Working-Age Adults With Dental Caries And Periodontitis, Naveed Sadiq

Theses and Dissertations

Background Poor oral health had been associated with increased risk of having systemic diseases and thus mortality. The purpose of this research was to find if dental coverage with health insurance could mitigate the risk of death due to untreated dental caries and periodontitis among working age U.S. adults. Methods Data were drawn from NHANES III (1988-1994) and linked to mortality updated till Dec. 31st, 2011. It was restricted to those in the age range of 20-64 years adults. Furthermore, it was restricted to those who had complete data collection on all measures. Unweighted propensity scores were calculated to control …

Nurses Utilizing The V.O.I.C.E.S. Hiv Prevention Intervention In The Black Church Community, Jason Richard

Theses and Dissertations

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic is a significant problem in the United States, especially in the “Bible Belt” Deep South where the epidemic is hitting this region the hardest. The HIV epidemic in the state of South Carolina is very real, significant, and quite alarming. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) labels South Carolina as an HIV “hot spot.” All racial and ethnic groups are susceptible and impacted by HIV. However, evidence shows that African Americans – especially young adults 18-35, bear the brunt of the burden to the extent that the “new face” of …

Post-Fall Decision Making Among Older Women Living In Continuing Care Retirement Communities: A Mixed Methods Study, Caroline D. Bergeron

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: One in every three adults over the age of 65 experiences a fall every year, with women experiencing more falls than men. Falls can affect how older women perceive themselves and their independence. The purpose of this study was to examine older women's health decision making after experiencing a fall. Methods: I conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 older women living independently in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) who had experienced a fall within the previous six months and 11 individuals the women identified as being involved in their post-fall decision making. I also conducted an exploratory survey on post-fall …

Support For Comprehensive Sexuality Education And Adolescent Access To Condoms And Contraceptions In South Carolina, Sarah H. Kershner

Theses and Dissertations

A statewide random-digit dialed telephone survey was administered to residents of a historically conservative southern state to 1) assess the level of support for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in public schools, 2) assess the support for availability to condoms and contraception as an effective strategy for reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted (STIs) among adolescents and 3) assess the perceived view of reproductive health as a moral or public health issue. Survey data were obtained from 841 South Carolina residents May through June 2013. Findings from the study revealed that the majority (90%) of South Carolina residents support CSE in …

Development Of White Crappie Pomoxis Annularis Reproduction Methods In Closed Aquaculture Systems, Charlie Marcus Culpepper

Theses and Dissertations

Aquaculture methods are limited for white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), reducing production potential. Therefore, reproduction methods, including induced spawning, sperm cryopreservation and out-of-season spawning, were developed in tank systems. A two week acclimation period (15°C; 3-5 ppt salinity) was necessary to reduce disease-related mortality. Afterwards, four spawning induction hormones and a control were examined to induce spawning. Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue and salmonid gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue performed the best in terms of spawning success and %ertilization. Sperm cryopreservation was effective using Hanks or Ca2+ree Hanks balanced salt solutions with 10%-methanol or 5%-dimethyl-sulfoxide as a cryoprotectant, frozen at 40°C/min. Out-of-season …

The Development Of A Model For Vascular Calcification And The Effects Of Magnesium Supplementation On In Vitro Calcification, Joshua Nathaniel Grant

Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease is most deadly medical condition in the United States. Medial vascular calcification is a disease that often precedes other more serious cardiovascular diseases that have high mortality. In order to research new therapies for the treatment of medial vascular calcification, an in vitro cell culture model must be developed that mimics the process in vivo. This disease is shown to be an active, cell-mediated process where the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the arteries are differentiating into osteoblast-like cells and depositing hydroxyapatite mineral in the artery walls. By administering inorganic phosphate to cell culture medium, an osteogenic …

A Role Of Dispersed Phase Carbon-Length And Small Amphipathic Coemulsifier In Bovine Serum Albumin Stabilized Nanoemulsions Designed To Deliver Bleaching Agent To Decolorized Fresh Whey, Jingyi Yan

Theses and Dissertations

Benzoyl peroxide (BP), used to bleach annatto in cheese whey, was encapsulated within the hydrophobic dispersed phase (phi) of nanoemulsions (NEs) to minimize its degradation and extend its efficacy to minimized usage levels. Three purified, saturated short-chain fatty acids of varying chain lengths: butyric (C4), hexanoic (C6) and octanoic (C8) acid, were chosen as the phi to completely dissolve various concentrations of BP. Stabilization was achieved with different concentrations and combinations of primary emulsifier (E), bovine serum albumin, and coemulsifier (CE), Tween 20. Different ultra-high pressures (UHP) were used to generate a stable NE. The best result was made by …

Verticillium Dahliae Causes The Fungal Wilting Disease Of Cotton Plants Grown On The Mississippi State North Farm, Fahad Mohammedsaleh Albukhari

Theses and Dissertations

The emergence and spread of Verticillium wilt were observed in cotton plants at the R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center at Mississippi State during the late summer in 2013 and 2014. Several fungi with different morphology and growth characteristics were isolated from diseased cotton plants. Genomic DNA was extracted from the isolated fungal species and used in molecular typing via PCR amplification and DNA sequencing analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. A total of five fungal genera were identified, and Verticillium sp. was the most frequently isolated genus. The isolated Verticillium strains could be Verticillium dahliae, Verticillium …

Assessing Energy Drink Consumption By College Students Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Justin Adam Treloar

Theses and Dissertations

Energy drink consumption has become an increasing problem in the United States; the overconsumption of these products can lead to a myriad of health issues. Anxiety, increased heart rate, myocardial infarction, and death have been associated with consumption of energy drinks. With the health risks linked to energy drink consumption, understanding the use of these drinks is an important area of research. Few studies have reported on energy drink consumption patterns of college students as well as the perceptions of energy drinks on college campuses. It is important to understand the perceptions of energy drinks to assist in determining the …