Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of Two Different Exercise Modalities On The Components Of The Metabolic Syndrome, Heather R. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Meaning Of Tribal Sovereighty Among Members Of A South Dakota Sioux Tribe, Rae Ann Red Owl

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Stabilization Of Gap Junctions During Plasma Membrane Remodeling Of Astrocytes, Crystal Dawn Hayes

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of The Use Of Climatically Controlled Pankar-Huyus Modules For Cultivating Lettuce, Lucio Guillermo Rocabado Paco

Theses and Dissertations

Pankar-huyus are becoming an alternative solution to the Bolivian Altiplano's climate problems for agriculture and to help provide adequate nutrition for the inhabitants of this region. Pankar-huyus are small modules with mild ambient temperatures that cover roughly 4 m^2. They are built underground and are covered by agrofilm caps that, in this study, were partially opened by day and closed at night. This study evaluated the climactic parameters of minimum and maximum temperature, minimum and maximum relatively humidity inside the pankar-huyus, wind velocity outside and inside the pankar-huyus at 40 cm from the soil and at the level of the …

Evaluation Of The Hayes E. Willis Health Center In South Richmond -- Has It Served Its Targeted Population?, Shannon Nicole Shaw

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The Hayes E. Willis Health Center (HWHC) was opened in a neighborhood of South Richmond in October 1993 to remove the barriers that prevented South Richmond residents from accessing primary healthcare services. The major objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the HWHC in providing primary care to the South Richmond Community deemed to be in need. An additional objective was to describe the changes in characteristics of clinic users and illnesses seen over time.Methods: Patient data was compared from the HWHC�s first full year of operation in which patient data was collected (1995) to the …

Antioxidants As Risk Factors For Gingival Bleeding, Hee-Jeong Bahng

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Studies of gingival bleeding and the effects of antioxidants on extracellular matrix and immunologic and inflammatory responses provide a rationale for hypothesizing that antioxidants reduce the risk for gingival bleeding.Methods: This study evaluated the role of antioxidants as contributing risk factors for gingival bleeding utilizing the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NAHNES III). A sample of 18,825 adults (20 to ≥ 90 years of age), with dental measurement and assessment of serum levels of antioxidants were included in the study. Gingival bleeding was defined as those who had more than 30 percent of gingival bleeding in 28 …

The Comparison Of Loaded Jump Squats Vs. Traditional Parallel Squat Training On Development Of Lower Body Power, Jeremiah T. Moen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Developmental Perspective Of Adolescents Who Were Placed In Residential Care, Kim Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Is Number Of Pregnancies A Risk Factor For Heart Attack In Women?, Pavan Kumar Irukulla

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Studies regarding number of pregnancies and coronary heart disease have shown inconsistent results. In the present study, we assessed the association between number of pregnancies and heart attack (HA) in women.Methods: Using data from NHANES III a cross sectional data analysis of 10634 women aged 17 and above was conducted. We considered socio-demographic factors and other potential risk factors including physical activity, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, BMI, age, and family history of heart attack. We conducted Bivariate analysis to determine prevalence and crude odds ratios. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding variables using SPSS. …

C-Reactive Protein Levels In Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis Patients, Trang Nguyen Salzberg

Theses and Dissertations

Background: There is mounting evidence to indicate that periodontitis may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Periodontitis may be linked to CVD as either an etiologic mechanism or a predisposing factor that can hasten disease progression. Proinflammatory cytokines, elevated fibrinogen, and platelet aggregation are all potential mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to compare and review the serological differences in subjects with severe periodontitis, some of which involve established risk factors for atherosclerosis, particularly heightened C-reactive protein levels. Methods: A total of 184 subjects, comprising of two periodontal subgroups, non-periodontal (NP = 91) and generalized aggressive periodontitis …

Association Between The Frequency Of Physical Education Classes And The Prevalence Of Overweight/Obesity In Adolescents, Collin N. Rice

Theses and Dissertations

Background/Objective: Overweight and obesity has been steadily on the rise in the United States for all groups. The prevalence of obesity for adolescents has tripled since 1980. The purpose of this study is to determine an association between the frequency of physical education classes and the prevalence of overweight/obesity in adolescents in the United States.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that used the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) of the Center for Disease Control. The outcome variable for the study was Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 25 or greater was considered overweight or obese. The main independent …

Obesity And Health Status Among Urban Vs. Suburban Elderly In Philadelphia And Surrounding Counties, Ockidde Dufayne Harris

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is a dangerous health condition affecting approximately 30% of all Americans and can be attributed to 300,000 deaths a year. Obesity has been found to disproportionately affect Blacks, Latinos, and those with lower SES. Although obesity is a problem for all age groups, its prevalence is highest among those 60-74 years of age. Studies have shown that there is an association between obesity and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cancers, and type-2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, chronic health conditions affect 80% of all elderly persons, many times limiting function and decreasing quality of …

Analysis Of Weight-Related Advertisements And Nutrition Articles In Popular Women's Magazines, Jennifer Cardall Jacobson

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to discover whether the weight-related messages and themes from food advertisements in women's magazines reinforce or contradict the messages communicated in nutrition-related articles focusing on weight control within the same magazines.

Design: Content analysis of 48 issues of weight-related content six popular women's magazines, 2001-2002. There were three magazines in each of two categories, "homemaking" and "health." All food and nutrition advertisements were analyzed (n=954), along with all nutrition articles (n=336). Advertisements and articles were identified as being either weight-related or non-weight-related. Type of food/product advertised, claims used to market the product, and …

Effect Of Heavy Metals On Bacteria, Elena Vratonjic

Theses and Dissertations

Heavy metals have become devastating environmental contaminants due to their widespread use in the manufacture of electronics, plastics, batteries and dyes. The discharge of heavy metals into the environment has caused concern about their effects on the ecosystem. Many metals are essential for growth in small amounts. However, at higher concentrations heavy metals are toxic because they bind to organic compounds. This accounts for their effects on some important parts of the cell structure, like their ability to denature protein molecules. The initial objective of this study was to find out the growth rate of E.coli and M.roseus in the …

Prehistoric Timberline Adaptations In The Eastern Uinta Mountains, Utah, Michelle Knoll

Theses and Dissertations

Excavations at a high altitude archaeological site (3350 m) in the eastern Uinta Mountains, Utah, uncovered at least three ephemeral brush structures. These temporary timberline dwellings are the highest structures excavated in Utah to date. The periods of occupation range from the early Fremont period to the post-contact era. It is believed that the Fremont occupations are logistical in nature, possibly representing male hunting parties. Logistical camps imply a departure from, and return to, a residential camp. Ethnographic studies show that most residential camps are located within proximity to culinary plants to facilitate collection by women. In the Uinta Mountains, …

Influence Of Aluminum Ion On The Anaerobic Treatment Of A Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater, Julio Alberto Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

The influence of Al 3+ on the anaerobic treatment of a poultry slaughterhouse wastewater was studied in this work. The soluble COD (SCOD), volatile acid (VA) concentrations, and methane yield values were measured and compared for zero, 15, and 40 ppm Al 3+ runs. Methane yields of 55.4, 144.2, and 215.4 ml CH4/g. COD for zero, 15, and 40 ppm Al 3+ concentrations, respectively, were observed. Furthermore, SCOD and VAs were not detectable in the reactor that was seeded with 40 ppm Al 3+. It was concluded that inhibitory effects of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) on aceticlastic methanogens were …

Concentrated Hog Feeding Operations And The Animal Rights Movement: A Website Diagnostic Frame Analysis, Venita M. Quamme

Theses and Dissertations

The volume of online texts designating hog concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) as problematic serves to illustrate an emerging social problem. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate how five online animal advocate organizations present hog CAFOs as problematic, and warranting intervention. The units of study include: The Animal Welfare Institute, Farm Sanctuary, Humane Farming Association, Humane Society of the United States, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Together, they represent an integral part of the animal rights movement, a descriptive label that does not imply consensus regarding animal “rights.”

In the procedures used to explore …

Coronary Artery Disease And Noncardiac Surgery: Considerations In Anesthesia Nursing, Michelle L. Maund

Theses and Dissertations

The issue addressed in this paper was the concept of patients with coronary artery disease going for non-cardiac surgery, including anesthesia considerations during surgery. The exploration of anesthesia considerations in patients with a history of coronary artery disease is important, because the nurse anesthetist needs to: a) be aware of the incidence of coronary artery disease, b) be knowledgeable regarding the pathophysiology involved in coronary artery disease to assist in prompt diagnosis and treatment of ischemia, c) plan and carry out an appropriate anesthetic plan during surgery, d) be knowledgeable in the treatment of a patient who suffers a myocardial …

Mathematics Instructional Methods And Their Effects On Student Mathematics Scores, Ruth Huovinen

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics instruction is undergoing an evolution in the United States. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) advocates a change from the previous emphasis on computational skills to a greater emphasis on problem solving. The pre-service training most teachers completed did not include extensive exposure to strategies of this type. For that reason, school districts may choose to utilize staff development programs to assist teachers in acquiring these new strategies. This study examined one such staff development program, Developing Mathematical Ideas (DMI), and its effects on the mathematics achievement scores of the fourth grade students in a school district. …

An Overview Of Indoor Air Quality, Raymond Reese Yontz

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is designed to introduce beginning and experienced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineers to common indoor air quality (IAQ) problems and solutions. The bulk of the work is a literature review of common pollutants, pollutant sources, HVAC equipment and systems, and remediation techniques. Pollutants covered include fungi, bacteria, dust mites, viruses, biofilms, microbiological volatile organic compounds (MVOC?s), volatile organic compounds (VOC?s), carbon dioxide, ozone, and radon. The HVAC systems covered are ventilation, direct expansion (DX), desiccant dehumidification, and system filters. The remediation techniques discussed are proper hygiene and maintenance, increased ventilation, humidity control, and proper selection of …

Chemical Oxidation Enhanced Bioremediation Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contaminated Sediments, Ian Kennedy Tiang Kwong Dieng

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the effect of chemical oxidation on the bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminated sediments. Sediments were treated in sequential steps: biotreatment, chemical oxidation, and biotreatment. The first biotreatment step was initiated via addition of nutrients, microbial seeds, co-metabolites, and/or Tween 80 (surfactant). The chemical oxidation step was conducted using Fenton?s Reagent, ozonation, and peroxone (combination of ozone and hydrogen peroxide). The objective was to enhance the PAHs bioavailability via oxidation of natural organic matter and transformation of Heavy PAHs into more biodegradable compounds. Biotreatment was reestablished as a final polishing step to further degrade remaining PAHs …

Socioeconomic Status And Locus Of Control, Allegra Nicole Esposito

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine a possible relationship between locus of control and socioeconomic status. Past studies have shown that children of higher socioeconomic status have a more internal outlook on life, and children of lower socioeconomic status have a more external outlook. Two groups of fourth graders containing both males and females were involved in the study. One group (n=20) were from a school located in a high socioeconomic area, and the other group (n=40) were from a school located in a lower socioeconomic area. Both groups were given The Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control scale, which …

A Link Between Handedness, Gender, Socioeconomics, Race, And Parental Involvement And Learning Disabilities, Heather Reiss

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine if there was a link between handedness, gender, socioeconomics, race, and parental involvement and learning disabilities. The records from a local school where reviewed and compared to the national records. When comparing the local and national records, the school was found to be close in percentage for gender and handedness. The school, however; had a much higher percentage for African Americans and a much higher percentage for free and reduced lunch services than did the national records.

Socioeconomics, Self-Esteem And Locus Of Control In Third Grade Students, Kathryn S. Gipe

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between third grade students' socioeconomic status and their corresponding levels of self-esteem and locus of control. Students who received free or reduced lunch were determined as lower socioeconomic status as compared to those who paid full price for their lunch. Five third grade classes were chosen in a suburban area of Philadelphia. One hundred children were used for the study. Seventy-two children were recipients of free or reduced lunch and twenty-eight paid full price for their lunches. The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory was given as a measure of self-esteem and the …

An Investigation Of The Effects Grade Retention Has On Students' Academic Performance, Tyree Gunter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to examine if grade retention has a positive effect on a child's academic performance, and if females, whether retained or not, improved more academically than males. Language/literacy and mathematics cumulative grades of 58 students in the second and third grade were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results indicated that students who were retained improved more in academic performance than students who were low-achievers but promoted instead and those placed in a transition class. In addition the findings showed that males, whether retained or not, had higher mathematical scores than females, but there was …

Age, Sex, And Socioeconomic Status: Related Factors In Motivations For Exercise, David G. Rochholz

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were (a) to determine if age, sex, and socioeconomic status were related factors in motivations for exercise in adults who participated in planned regular physical activity/exercise (b) to ascertain the differences in motivations/reasons given for participating in planned regular physical activity/exercise, during leisure time, between the regular exerciser and the non-regular exerciser, and (c) to gather demographic data pertinent to adult males and adult females who engage in planned regular physical activity/exercise, during their leisure time, and those who do not. A sample of 692 adults who identified themselves as regular exercisers (87.4%) or nonregular …

The Peripheral And Central Auditory Performance Of A Child With Brachmann-De Lange Syndrome, Anne R. Burgard

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the peripheral and central auditory performance of a 13 year-old male with Brachmann-de Lange Syndrome (BdLS). Clinical, behavioral, and peripheral audiometric tests, and a central auditory processing test battery consisting of seven subtests were administered. The results from the peripheral tests and central auditory processing test battery are reported. This study provides a detailed profile of the auditory performance of one individual with BdLS. In addition, it contributes to the limited literature available on hearing as a characteristic of Brachmann-de Lange Syndrome. The results of this study also provide useful information about the hearing characteristics of a …

Isolated Ventricular Myocyte Contractile Function Is Depressed In Rats Fed High Fat And/Or Marginally Copper -Deficient Diets., David P. Relling

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is influenced by dietary consumption of fat while much of the population consumes a diet deficient of the trace mineral copper. Obesity and copper deficiency can alter cardiovascular function; including cardiac hypertrophy, increased myocyte lipid droplet volume, and cardiac contractile depression. Interestingly, lipotoxic dysfunction is characterized by many of the same mechanistic alterations that are observed in obesity and copper deficiency. Additionally, the sphingolipid ceramide is elevated in lipotoxic dysfunction. However, functional leptin:leptin receptor signaling prevents lipotoxic dysfunction. The purpose of my dissertation was to determine the role of a high fat and marginal copper deficient diet on cardiac …

The Impact Of "Ideal" Images Of Women In The Media: Differences Between College Women Living In Sorority Houses And College Women Living In Residence Halls In The Perceptions And Effects Of Media Images Of Women, Sarah J. Bernhardt

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the differences between college women living in sorority houses and college women living in residence halls in their perceptions of media images and how those perceptions are related to self-esteem, body image, and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance. One hundred thirty four college women living in either sorority houses or residence halls were placed into two groups who either viewed neutral images or those of "ideal" images of women in the media. The groups were randomly assigned and participation was voluntary. It was hypothesized that women living in sorority houses were more negatively affected by images of women …

Physical Activity And Changes In Abdominal Fat Over 18 Months: A Prospective Study Of Middle-Aged Women, Lance Eric Davidson

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To investigate the extent to which changes in physical activity predict changes in abdominal fat in women over an 18-month period, while statistically controlling the effects of possible confounders, such as age, total body fat percent, and energy intake. Design: A prospective cohort design over 18 months. There was no intervention or treatment. Changes in objectively-measured physical activity were used to predict changes in abdominal fat over the study period. Subjects: 110 healthy, middle-aged women (mean: 41.3±3.3 yrs), primarily Caucasian, educated, and married. Measurements: An objective measure of physical activity (ACT) using CSA accelerometers, worn continuously for 7 consecutive …