Digital Commons Network^™

Using A Multi-Sensory Teaching Approach To Impact Learning And Community In A Second Grade Classroom, Melissa Stoffers

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how multi-sensory education impacts learning and community in a second grade general education classroom. Lesson plans that targeted multiple senses - and oftentimes included team-building activities - were developed and implemented in the classroom. Qualitative data was collected through interviews, focus groups, student work, and a teacher research journal. After analyzing the data, it was revealed that multi-sensory education can lead to student motivation and engagement, as well as provide a generative space for the use of technology and making connections to the outside world. Multi-sensory education can also help teachers to …

Changes In Life History Within An Individual's Lifetime, Eric J. Billman

Theses and Dissertations

A central goal of life history theory is to understand the selective factors that generate the diversity of reproductive patterns observed in nature. Within lifetime changes in reproductive investment will determine an organism's fitness; however, this area of life history theory has received less attention than comparisons among population that characterize life history traits as a single population mean. Reproductive allocation can be affected by multiple cues; the integration of these cues across an organism's lifetime generates the diversity in life history strategies observed in nature. Life history studies should examine the interacting effects of multiple cues on life history …

Spinal Implant With Customized And Non-Linear Stiffness, Eric Ray Dodgen

Theses and Dissertations

There is a need for spinal implants that have nonlinear stiffness to provide stabilization if the spine loses stiffness through injury, degeneration, or surgery. There is also a need for spinal implants to be customizable for individual needs, and to be small enough to be unobtrusive once implanted. Past and ongoing work that defines the effects of degeneration on the torque rotation curve of a functional spinal unit (FSU) were used to produce a spinal implant which could meet these requirements. This thesis proposes contact-aided inserts to be used with the FlexSuRe™ spinal implant to create a nonlinear stiffness. Moreover, …

Thin-Ideal Internalization, Body Misperception, And Their Association With Weight Control Behaviors Among Adolescent Girls, Erin Lindsey Moore

Theses and Dissertations

Negative body image and preoccupation with weight are the norm for most women and girls in Western society, despite their potentially harmful consequences for psychological and physical wellness. While we know that many in this population experience negative feelings towards their bodies, we do not know if their beliefs about their body size are accurate and what effect a correct or incorrect assessment of one's body size has in terms of actual behavior. I examine this question among adolescent girls using data from the 2002 Health Behaviors in School-Age Children Survey. With a sample of 2,784 girls between the ages …

The Molecular Mechanism Of Migraine, Kristin Dawn Watson

Theses and Dissertations

Migraine is a common, episodic neurological disorder that includes headache, nausea and hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli. During the headache phase of migraine, migraine patients can be especially hypersensitive to thermal stimuli. The unpredictable and episodic nature of migraine makes it difficult to treat and much of the mechanism of migraine has yet to be elucidated. A T44A substitution in casein kinase 1δ is inherited with migraine with aura. A transgenic mouse model suggests that animals with this mutation exhibit increased sensitivity to thermal stimuli after injection with nitroglycerin (NTG). We performed behavior assays that measure animal responses to thermal stimuli, …

Critical Components Of Suicide Prevention Programs For Colleges And Universities: A Delphi Study, Colleen A. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Despite debate over whether or not college student suicide rates are greater or less than similar age groups not enrolled in higher education, the rates of college students experiencing suicide ideation, attempting suicide, and successfully committing suicide are indeed rising. A steady increase in these rates over the last 15 years is evidence that this is an issue of great concern that needs further investigation and action. This study was focused on investigating what college and university counseling center employees with expertise in the development and implementation of suicide prevention programs believe to be critical components of an all-encompassing, workable …

Assessment Of Genetic Diversity Among Peruvian Amaranth (Amaranthus Caudatus L.) Germplasm Using Snp Markers, Felix Ruben Jimenez Rondan

Theses and Dissertations

Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus L.) is an important pseudocereal in the Andes. The seed has excellent nutritional value (high in protein, essential amino acids, and minerals) and ample capacity for growth in diverse, harsh Andean subsistence-production conditions such as water deficiency, salt stress, and soil mineral nutrient deficiency. The objective of this study was to characterize and quantify the genetic diversity among a series of 178 mostly Peruvian amaranth genotypes using 96 biallelic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 96 co-dominant, biallelic markers were developed using KASPar™ assays on a 96.96 Fluidigm EP1 array system. The 178 amaranth genotypes …

A Quantitative Analysis Of An Eating Disorder Prevention Program, Rachel Gayle Doyle

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a preventative curriculum entitled Eating Disorders: Physical, Social, and Emotional Consequences, A High School Curriculum about Anorexia, Bulimia, and Compulsive Eating (EDPSEC), a preventative curriculum for eating disorders. Participants included an experimental group of 72 students enrolled in a ninth grade health class and a control group of 39 ninth grade students enrolled in a physical education class. The research examined the administration integrity of the curriculum and participating students' change in eating attitudes and behaviors according to group membership. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and the Eating Survey …

Antioxidants In Cancer Research And Prevention: Assay Comparison, Structure-Function Analysis, And Food Product Analysis, Andrew Robert Garrett

Theses and Dissertations

Recent epidemiological studies have suggested that the development and progression of several chronic diseases may be initiated or augmented by oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species react readily with and can damage nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. While biological systems are equipped antioxidant defenses to cope with oxidative stress, oxidative damage may still occur when oxidative stress overwhelms antioxidant defenses. This damage, if left unchecked, may lead to a variety of degenerative diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and cancer. Several assays have been designed to describe the antioxidant activity of various phytochemicals, vitamins, and …

Communal And Exchange Relationships In Marriage And Their Effects On Ambulatory Blood Pressure In Caucasians And Foreign-Born Mexican Americans, Bryan J. Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

Research shows Mexican Americans typically have better cardiovascular health than European Americans, despite being relatively economically disadvantaged. Given research indicating the importance of relationship quality on one's health, the present study examined whether certain relationship orientations (e.g. communal or exchange) were more prevalent in different ethnic groups and if these orientations could help explain this Hispanic Paradox. 582 adults were recruited from the community. Participants were primarily European American (40%) and foreign-born Mexican Americans (55%). A cross-sectional designed was used where participants wore 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitors and completed self-report measures of relationship satisfaction and relationship orientation. Results …

The Policies Of The State And Targeting The Poor In Egypt: Egypt's Transition To A Welfare State?, Catherine Isaac Van Bebber

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding who the poor are and what defines their level of deprivation is critical in the state's responsibility to its citizens. This thesis looks at how the Egyptian State targets the poor through the narrative of poverty during the last sixty years. While the state has historically addressed this issue within the broader context of societal welfare, it has not always specifically targeted the marginalized and vulnerable groups. The Egyptian State has transitioned from authoritarian socialism, to a rentier economy, and then to a free market state without upsetting the status quo of the ruling bureaucracy and state agents. Recently, …

Parent-Child Communication About Substance Use: Experiences Of Latino Emerging Adults, Kathryn Reid-Quiñones

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current studies was to identify messages that Latino parents communicate to their offspring about the use of legal and illegal drugs and to determine associations between parental messages and substance use outcomes. Previous research has identified parent-child communication as protective against tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use. However, most of these studies have failed to examine the specific messages communicated and those that have focused almost exclusively on non-Hispanic Caucasians. Study 1 identified messages that Latino parents communicate to their offspring regarding legal and illegal drugs through two focus groups with Latino college students (N = …

Video Game Theatre, A Willoughby

Theses and Dissertations

Video games are becoming the fastest growing and most lucrative form of entertainment across the globe. The goal of this project was to take gaming to the next level; to the theatre. I have devised an original piece of theatre using the CIC’s of video gaming: Creativity, Interaction, and Community and put on a production from members of the VCU community. Aside from the project, I have detailed why video games are growing in popularity at an alarming rate and why they belong in the category of ‘Art.’ With new technology and new stories being told, the gaming industry is …

Health And Disease On Hiwassee Island: A Study Of Late-Mississippian Human Remains, Cassandra Pardo

Theses and Dissertations

The intensive agricultural subsistence strategy of late pre-Columbian populations of North America has long been associated with chronic nutritional and disease stress as a consequence of episodic or recurring agricultural shortfall and the compromised community health of aggregate village settlement. Social stratification, defined archaeologically by burial location and grave goods, is thought to be a primary force in shaping different health patterns within these communities.

This study is a bioarchaeological review of the Dallas phase (AD1300-1550) skeletal collection from Hiwassee Island in east Tennessee. The purpose is to gain an understanding of community health and to explore status-related differences in …

The Impact Of Overt And Relational Victimization On Adolescents' Well Being: Moderating Effects Of Ethnicity At The Individual And School Level, Krista Mehari

Theses and Dissertations

The sociocultural influence of ethnicity on peer victimization among youth has received little attention in the research literature. Individual ethnicity within school ethnic composition may influence the frequency of victimization and the effect of victimization on adolescents’ well being. The current study investigated these issues using a data set of 5,581 sixth grade students attending 37 schools located in four sites. Multilevel models examined the extent to which individual ethnicity within school ethnic composition influenced the frequency and impact of overt and relational victimization on changes in life satisfaction. Ethnic differences were found in the frequency of victimization, but these …

The Benefits Of Vitamin D Supplementation In Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis, Kelly Leiphon

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Barriers And Facilitators Of Adolescent Breastfeeding, Darci L. Pelland

Theses and Dissertations

Human breast milk is the healthiest form of milk for human babies, which makes breastfeeding beneficial in so many ways. Breastfeeding promotes health for both the mother and infant, helps prevent disease, and reduces health care and feeding costs. With the superior qualities of breast milk becoming better-established in medical literature, breastfeeding rates have increased; however, many adolescents remain unaware of the role of breastfeeding in health promotion and disease prevention. This independent study identifies the barriers to breastfeeding in which adolescents face as well as strategies to facilitate breastfeeding among this population. The methodology includes a comprehensive review of …

Coping In Parents Of Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Gloria A. Ayuck

Theses and Dissertations

Coping in parents of autistic children has been studied extensively with emphasis on the effect oflong-term disability on families. The increase in the prevalence of autism in the United States increases the likelihood that many families will be managed by midlevel providers including advanced practice nurses (APNs). Parents and siblings of children with ASDs suffer from more stress and mental health issues than families with typically developing children or other disabilities such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Down syndrome. The purpose of this independent study was to review the literature and practice guidelines examinjng coping in parents of …

Vitamin D And Malignant Melanoma Outcomes, Jenna L. Green

Theses and Dissertations

Ultraviolet exposure from sunlight and other sources is the major risk factor for the development of malignant melanoma of the skin. Exposure to sunlight is also the main pathway the human body obtains vitamin D. Cell proliferation, differentiation and inhibition is mediated in part by vitamin D, leading researchers to suspect vitamin D has a protective role in various cancers, including melanoma. The purpose of the project was to review the current available literature focusing on the relationship between vitamin D levels and melanoma outcomes. The review of the literature was designed to address the clinical question: What is the …

Implementation Of An Exercise Program In Assisted Living, Cherise A. Norby

Theses and Dissertations

Assisted living facilities are increasingly becoming a popular option for aging individuals. One thing found lacking in these facilities is a structured exercise program. In a review of literature, it was found that strength training programs have resulted in an improvement in elders' functional performance. It has been shown that an older adult can successfully perform strength training exercises. Strength training exercises can add muscle, increase strength, and enhance the elders' flexibility. This improved functional performance plays a significant role in the elders' ability to maintain their independence with ADLs (activities of daily living), which may result in a better …

Using Advanced Practice Nurses As Care Managers For Community Dwelling Elders With Chronic Disease, Andrea J. Athmann-Luksik

Theses and Dissertations

This study looks at the evidence for using Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) as care managers for community-dwelling older adults with chronic disease. A literature review was conducted and twelve articles were reviewed to look at the potential for care management to (a) decrease resource utilization, (b) improve health outcomes, (c) improve quality of care, and ( d) decrease costs. It then summarizes the best practices of transitional and primary care management programs and how these best-practices could be implemented into a policy and procedure with protocols between a tribal IHS service unit and the associated Tribal Health Depart

Assessment Of Pain In The Older Adult With Dementia, Helen Laferriere

Theses and Dissertations

Pain is common in the older adult as they continue to age regardless of their cognitive ability. Whether the older adult resides in the community, in a nursing facility or is hospitalized, pain is prevalent in this population. The assessment and management of pain in the older adult with cognitive impairment is a challenge for those in healthcare. Based on the severity of the dementia, the older adult may not be able to verbalize or describe their pain. Therefore, it is vital that healthcare providers are able to identify pain in this population. Observational assessment scales, such as the Abbey …

Communication Barriers Between Providers And Parents Of Adhd Adolescent Patients Who Use Complementary And Alternative Medicine, Angela Sietz

Theses and Dissertations

There is increased use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children and adolescents. Some of the most common types of CAM used in ADHD include: modified diet, vitamins/and or minerals, dietary supplements, aromatherapy and chiropractic care. Many parents/patients do not share their use of CAM with their provider. This inadequate communication between parents and health care providers can be dangerous. This paper addresses the prevalence of ADHD, the types of CAM being used and discusses evidence in support of these therapies. Communication between patients and providers regarding the use of CAM …

Aquatic Invertebrate Biomass And Community Composition In Greentree Reservoirs And Naturally Flooded Forests In The Mississippi Alluvial Valley And Interior Flatwoods, Justyn Richard Foth

Theses and Dissertations

The Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) contained vast bottomland hardwood forests into the 20th century. Humans cleared forests, and altered hydrology, yet the MAV remains important for North American waterfowl and other wildlife. To estimate standing crops of aquatic invertebrates as food in hardwood bottomlands for wintering waterfowl, I quantified dry mass of invertebrates in naturally flooded forests (NFFs) and greentree reservoirs (GTRs) during winters 2008–2010. The MAV had greater invertebrate mass in NFFs (x̄ = 18.39 kg/ha; SE = 2.815 [CV = 15.3%]) than GTRs (x̄ = 5.16; SE = 0.492 [CV = 9.5%]), compared with lesser masses in Mississippi …

Effects Of Phosphate Type, Antimicrobials And Processing Methods On The Quality, Shelf-Life And Sensory Characteristics Of Enhanced Catfish Fillets, Sovann Kin

Theses and Dissertations

Catfish fillets that were enhanced with salt and various phosphate treatments through vacuum tumbling or multi-needle injection were evaluated for yield, protein exudate (only tumbling), surface color, pH, cooking loss, tenderness, purge loss and shelf-life. An agglomerated sodium phosphate blend (AGSP) was the optimum treatment for both vacuum tumbling and multi-needle injection and was further utilized in conjunction with potassium lactate (PL) and/or potassium acetate (PA) through vacuum tumbling to determine their effect on the quality, shelf-life and sensory characteristics of enhanced catfish fillets. In addition, the combination of AGSP and PA+PL that maximized shelf-life was further utilized in conjunction …

Predominance Of Bacillus Anthracis In The Biological Population Of An Activated Sludge Reactor, Robert Frederick Hoyt

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and other contaminants on activated sludge and wastewater treatment operations have been studied extensively. However, the potential for infiltration of bacterial species not native to activated sludge has not been extensively examined. This project investigated the effect of the contamination of activated sludge wastewater treatment systems by Bacillus anthracis. From a pure culture of Bacillus megaterium inoculations of two bench-scale, sequencing batch reactors with different solids retention times was studied. Microbial enumeration testing was initially done on the mixed liquor alone, but to further detail the Bacillus path through the reactor, further testing …

The Evaluation Of Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles (Ddgs) As An Alternative Feed Ingredient In Poultry Diets, Robert Earl Loar

Theses and Dissertations

In times of economic hardship, everyone must find ways to adapt, and the poultry industry is no exception. The majority of the cost in an integrated poultry operation is feeding the birds. Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) has been around for decades as a by-product of the beverage industry and more recently as a co-product of the ethanol industry. Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the production of DDGS from U.S. ethanol biorefineries, making the co-product a very economical choice. DDGS have not held a common place in the poultry industry for long though, …

Nestling Provisioning Of Dickcissels In Native Warm-Season Grass Field Buffers, Kristina Lynne Baker

Theses and Dissertations

Grassland birds must have accessible, nutritional prey for nestlings which Conservation Reserve Program practices like CP33—Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds may provide. In 2008—2009, I monitored dickcissel nests in and around CP33 buffers at a farm in north-central Mississippi using video cameras to capture provisioning activities. I simultaneously observed foraging flights and measured distances traveled from nests. Orthopterans were the most commonly chosen prey, and dickcissels brought larger prey items when chicks were older. But, other changes in provisioning were not significantly related to nest age as I hypothesized. Also contrary to my initial hypotheses, provisioning at nests within buffers …

Wildlife Habitat Quality In Southern Mississippi 8 Years After Intensive Pine Plantation Establishment, Tamara Nicole Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

I evaluated effects of 5 pine plantation establishment regimes 6 – 8 years postestablishment on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) growth, vegetation characteristics, nutritional carrying capacity for white-tailed deer, and breeding birds in the Lower Coastal Plain of Mississippi. Treatments combined mechanical site preparation (MSP), chemical site preparation (CSP), and herbaceous weed control (HWC) designed to represent a range of operational intensities. Chemical SP provided greater long-term control of woody competition than MSP, but did not provide significant pine growth advantage. Vegetation richness, diversity, and structure were best maintained with MSP and year 1 banded HWC. Canopy cover appears to be …

Disaster Preparedness Of Licensed Private Veterinary Practitioners In Mississippi, Kathleen Leech Ebers

Theses and Dissertations

This study’s purpose was to describe the disaster preparedness of licensed private veterinary practitioners in Mississippi. A mail survey was distributed assessing disaster training, response plans, and disaster-related organization knowledge. Individuals who have experienced a disaster are more likely to have a personal plan, a clinic plan, or both than those who have not. County residence along the Mississippi Gulf Coast showed 3.62 times likelihood of having a personal plan and 3.09 times likelihood of having a clinic plan than those in other districts. Many veterinarians failed to identify their local emergency management agency as their point of contact in …