Digital Commons Network^™

Lead Exposure And Crime, Tara Elaine Martin

Theses and Dissertations

While lead exposure during childhood has been linked to criminal activity later in life, prior research has failed to develop a theoretical foundation explaining why lead and crime rates are positively related at the aggregate level. Utilizing tract-level data, I examine the relationship among elevated blood lead level rates, levels of concentrated disadvantage, and crime rates. Through a biosocial approach, I explore the lead-crime relationship using a measure of concentrated disadvantage to account for the variations across tracts. Finally, I discuss the results of this study as well as implications for public policy and future research.

Classification Of Low Velocity Impactors Using Spiral Sensing Of Acousto-Ultrasonic Waves, Chijioke Agbasi

Theses and Dissertations

The non-linear elastodynamics of a flat plate subjected to low velocity foreign body impacts is studied, resembling the space debris impacts on the space structure. The work is based on a central hypothesis that in addition to identifying the impact locations, the material properties of the foreign objects can also be classified using acousto-ultrasonic signals (AUS). Simultaneous localization of impact point and classification of impact object is quite challenging using existing state-of-the-art structural health monitoring (SHM) approaches. Available techniques seek to report the exact location of impact on the structure, however, the reported information is likely to have errors from …

Understanding Hydrothermal Carbonization Of Mixed Feedstocks For Waste Conversion, Xiaowei Lu

Theses and Dissertations

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an environmentally beneficial means to convert waste materials to value-added solid and liquid products with minimal greenhouse gas emission. Research is lacking on understanding the influence of critical process conditions on product formation and environmental implication associated with HTC of waste streams. This work was conducted to determine how reaction conditions and heterogeneous compound mixtures (representative of municipal wastes) influence hydrothermal carbonization processes. The specific experiments include: (1) determine how carbonization product properties are manipulated by controlling feedstock composition, process conditions, and catalyst addition; (2) determine if carbonization of heterogeneous mixtures follows similar pathways as that …

Genetic Stock Identification And Migration In Black Sea Bass (Centropristis Striata) Along The Western Atlantic Coast And Gulf Of Mexico, Justin Francis Lewandowski

Theses and Dissertations

The black sea bass, Centropristis striata, is a member of the family Serranidae that is commercially important throughout its range, which extends throughout the western Atlantic (from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Cape Canaveral, Florida) and Gulf of Mexico (from Mobile Bay, Alabama to Tampa Bay, Florida). There are two known subspecies, C. striata striata in the Atlantic and C. striata melana in the Gulf, and through behavioral and morphological evidence two separate stocks are managed in the Atlantic, north and south of Cape Hatteras, NC. Recent genetic studies on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have supported this. To further investigate the relationships …

Parental Satisfaction And Teacher Perspectives On Inclusive Education Of Students With Asperger Syndrome: An Educational Tool, Hannah Warren

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate parental satisfaction and anxiety regarding the high school educational experiences of their child with a previous diagnosis of Asperger syndrome (AS), as well as educators' understanding of the diagnosis and what information they deemed important to know about the student. The goal of this study was to develop an educational tool that would aid in initiating communication between parents of a student with AS, or with a new diagnosis of high-functioning autism (HFA), and their teachers. This would be an additional resource of use to pediatric genetic counselors that frequently see families regarding a …

Food Insecurity And Physical Activity Among U.S. Populations, Quyen G. To

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Examine the association between food insecurity (FI) and physical activity (PA) in the U.S. population.

Methods: Accelerometry (PAM) and self-report PA (PAQ) data from NHANES 2003-2006 were used. Those aged less than six years or were older than 65 years, pregnant, with physical limitations, or with family income above 350% of the poverty line were excluded. FI was measured by the USDA Household Food Security Survey Module. Crude and adjusted odd ratios were calculated from logistic regression to identify the association between FI and adherence to the PA recommendation. Crude and adjusted coefficients were calculated from linear regression to …

Antibiotic Usage In Relation To Resistant Bacterial Infections And Liver And Kidney Cancer Outcomes In South Carolina, Prea Thathiah

Theses and Dissertations

Antibiotics are one of the most beneficial discoveries in medicine and public health. However, the use, overuse, and misuse of these drugs have led to increases in antibiotic resistant bacterial infections (ARI). Furthermore, previous epidemiological studies have linked antibiotic use to breast cancer, but these studies have not included effects on metabolic organs, such as the liver and kidneys. This dissertation investigates the role of antibiotic use in infections and liver and kidney cancers in the state of South Carolina. Using ecological study methods and Poisson regression to determine relative risk ratios, it was found that antibiotic use is a …

Comparison Of Confidence Intervals Of Intracluster Correlation Coefficient Estimates For Binary Variables, Ashok Varma Samantapudi

Theses and Dissertations

The present study evaluates the length of the confidence interval and the percentage of time the true parameter is captured by the confidence interval for four intracluster correlation estimators. These are the ANOVA estimator, the Pearson pairwise estimator with constant weights (PEQ), the kappa type estimator called FC, and an estimator using a Resampling method (RM) for binary data. We compared these different estimates by using a large simulation study. The data we simulated is correlated binary data, which assumes an exchangeable correlation structure. We also included different variations of the number of clusters, cluster size, cluster size variation, event …

Mitochondrial Replication From Embryogenesis To Early Adulthood, In Dui Species, Mytilus Galloprovincialis, Ellen Blenn Richardson

Theses and Dissertations

Eukaryotes typically inherit mitochondria strictly maternally. There are however a group of bivalve molluscs that inherit different mitochondrial genomes from each parent. The paternally inherited mtDNA (M-type) is localized to, and dominates over the maternally inherited mtDNA (F-type) in the gonads of the male offspring, but is not normally retained in any tissue of the female offspring. This process is termed Double Uniparental Inheritance (DUI). Using quantitative PCR (qPCR), this study examines mtDNA replication compared to total DNA replication through embryonic stages of development and into early adulthood of the DUI species, Mytilus galloprovincialis. Results indicate that up through the …

A Community-Driven Approach To The Development Of A Digital Decision Aid To Facilitate Informed Decision Making For Prostate Cancer Screening Among African-American Men In Communities Of Faith, Otis Lashaun Owens

Theses and Dissertations

Background: African American (AA) men are significantly more likely to die of prostate cancer (PrCA) than other racial groups. Therefore, it is critical to identify effective strategies for providing information about the risks, benefits, and uncertainties of PrCA screening and the importance of informed decision making (IDM). To assess whether a computer-based IDM decision aid (DA) for PrCA screening would be appropriate for middle-age and older AA men, this formative evaluation study examined participants (1) PrCA risk and screening knowledge, 2) decision-making processes for PrCA screening, and 3) usage of, attitudes toward, and access to interactive communication technologies (ICTs). The …

The Composition And Downward Vertical Transport Of Particulate Phosphorus In The Cariaco Basin, Venezuela, Anne S. Opseth

Theses and Dissertations

In order to understand the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus (P) in a coastal marine ecosystem, the chemical composition and the sinking flux of particulate P was analyzed within sediment trap particles collected in the Cariaco Basin, Venezuela. Total, inorganic and organic P composition was examined across the time series (1995-2010) using a modified Aspila method and sequential extraction techniques. Particulate inorganic P (PIP) dominated the total particulate P (TPP) pool (~52%) when averaged over the entire water column. Relationships between particulate nitrogen (PN) and particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes versus TPP fluxes followed expected canonical Redfield ratios except for a …

The Role Of Microrna In Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B-Induced Inflammation And Acute Lung Injury, Roshni Rao

Theses and Dissertations

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a potent activator of the Vβ8+T-cells leading to the proliferation of nearly 30% of the T-cell pool. As a consequence, excessive amounts of cytokine mediators are released leading to extensive tissue damage and sometimes toxic shock and death. Due to the ease with which SEB can be aerosolized anddisseminated, it is considered a biological weapon. In the current study, we investigated the pro-inflammatory effects of SEB in two mouse models of acute inflammatory lung injury. Specifically, while inflammatory cues are known to elicit changes in key transcriptional factors and gene expression, we explored for the …

Testing Bidirectional Contextual Effects Of Adolescent Risk Factors On Young Adulthood Outcomes: A Life Course Perspective To Gangs, Andrea E. Lamont

Theses and Dissertations

Leading theories in developmental science emphasize the role of the individual as an active agent in shaping her or his environment. Yet, most empirical work has focused on unidirectional models, ultimately treating the individual as a passive recipient of environmental risk. Part of this gap between theory and analysis is methodological in nature – i.e., classical statistical methods typically do not allow for the modeling of bidirectional influences or complex longitudinal relations. Recent advancements in longitudinal methodologies, however, expand our ability to answer more nuanced developmental questions. In this dissertation, I demonstrate how advanced longitudinal methods could be used to …

An Analysis Of Interpreter-Mediated Healthcare Interactions, Robin Dawson Estrada

Theses and Dissertations

The content and quality of communication between nurse practitioners and patients in primary care encounters contributes to diagnostic decision making, the provision of culturally appropriate interventions, and ultimately may impact health outcomes. In caring for patients with limited English proficiency, the addition of language discordance increases the complexity of the interaction and communication processes and the potential for disparate health outcomes. Most prior research on interpreter-mediated healthcare interactions has focused on accuracy, cost, satisfaction, and role enactment, but there is a lack of systematic research examining the actual interaction processes within the context of primary care clinic visits.

The aim …

Smokers, Ajit Dhillon

Theses and Dissertations

Smokers is a multi-perspective surveillance spy thriller that juxtaposes the days leading up to the financial collapse with the days leading to the Bay of Pigs in Cuba. The first three chapters of book set up the multiple narrative point of view construct that will drive the narrative. Opening in New York, March 2007, a year before the financial collapse or the knowledge of the collapse and its implications becomes available to the public. We follow James, an administrative assistant at a hedge fund in the financial district. As the chapter unfolds we learn more about his home life. His …

Bayesian Analysis Of Continuous Curve Functions, Wen Cheng

Theses and Dissertations

We consider Bayesian analysis of continuous curve functions in 1D, 2D and 3D spaces. A fundamental feature of the analysis is that it is invariant under a simultaneous warping/re-parameterization of all target curves, as well as translation, rotation and scale of each individual if necessary. We introduce Bayesian models based on a special curve representation named Square Root Velocity Function (SRVF) introduced by Srivastava et al. (2011, IEEE PAMI). A Gaussian process model for the SRVFs of curves is proposed, and suitable prior models such as the Dirichlet distribution are employed for modeling the warping function as a cumulative distribution …

A Quantitative Analysis Of White-Tailed Deer Harvest Across States And Counties, Rebecca Lynne Cain

Theses and Dissertations

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have gone from locally extirpated to overabundant in many areas in the United States since the early 1900s. Ecosystems with chronically overabundant populations experience many disastrous effects resulting from the selective browsing behavior of deer. White-tailed deer are managed at the state level resulting in different management strategies, harvest data collection, and deer management goals between states. However recreational hunting is the primary tool used by wildlife agencies to control population growth. As such, it is beneficial to understand the influence each regulatory variable has on white-tailed deer harvest.

For this research, I compiled historical harvest …

The Construct Of Self Within A Multicultural Context: A Critical Analysis, Amy Kim

Theses and Dissertations

This critical analysis of the literature explores the construct of self from indigenous perspectives to increase cultural responsiveness in psychological theory, research, and practice. Mainstream psychology addresses various aspects of self, including self-esteem, authentic self, self-actualization, and true self (Elliott & Coker, 2008; Kernis, 2003; Kernis & Goldman, 2006; Maslow, 1964; Rogers, 1961), without defining self or what it means to be a human being. Theories of self are essentially theories of what it means to be a human being (Logan, 1986). Despite the breadth of interest, research, and theory in self, there is a pervasive omission of clear and …

A Resource Manual Of Bullying Intervention Programs For Parents, Educators, And Community Officials In The Los Angeles Area, Angel Michelle Roubin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a resource manual for teachers, educators, and community officials in the Los Angeles area to facilitate identification of an intervention program that meets their specific needs. The methodology of this project involved several steps. First, Internet research identified bully intervention programs in the Los Angeles area, who were contacted for participation in the research study. A total of seven programs were interviewed regarding program elements, including use of "effective" intervention strategies, as identified by previous research. The interview data was organized into a resource manual, along with information about bullying (i.e., definitions, …

An Investigation Of Complex Systems In 16 Dimensions, Jordon M. Huffman

Theses and Dissertations

Sir Isaac Newton studied the world around him. He observed unexplainable phenomena that the math of his time could not prove. With the help of Gottfried Leibniz, he created infinitesimal calculus to prove his theories. The new concepts he created revolutionized science, and opened new realms of science previously unthought of. In 2002, Dr. Stephen Wolfram published A New Kind of Science, He argues that the processes of understanding cellular automata can be applied to other aspects of science. Dr. Rodrigo Obando of Columbus State University took Dr. Wolfram's work and dissected it. By breaking down the rules, he started …

Characterizing Wetland Hydrology, Chemistry, And Soils For An Endemic Crayfish, The Piedmont Blue Burrower, Jess H. Gilmer Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Anthropogenic alteration of Earth's ecosystems has pushed global biodiversity into a state of crisis. Freshwater species have been particularly vulnerable, with crayfish ranking as the second most imperiled taxonomic group in North America. Primary burrowers represent only 15% of crayfish species in North America; however, they constitute 32% of imperiled crayfish. Despite their conservation importance, little is known about the ecology of burrowing crayfish. To advance our knowledge about the habitat characteristics of burrowing crayfish, groundwater hydrology, water chemistry, and soil properties were assessed to determine their importance for the state-listed endangered, primary burrower Cambarns harti. Groundwater hydrology and …

More Than Just A Number: Student And Educator Perceptions About The Transition To Ninth Grade, Jody K. Sloat

Theses and Dissertations

The transition to ninth grade can be a difficult time for adolescents. New students confront the unknown on the first day, and their anxieties combine with new surroundings, teachers, and older students, to make for a stressful experience (Benner & Graham, 2009). Some students enter high school more prepared to meet academic and social challenges, while others have not matured enough to realize success (Graber & Brooks-Gunn, 1996; Steinberg, 2011). This lacking in maturity leads to high numbers of behavior problems and failures in ninth grade (Alspaugh, 1998; Frey, Ruchkin, Martin & Schwab-Stone, 2009). According to stage-environment fit theory, these …

Electrochemical, Interfacial, And Surface Studies Of The Conversion Of Carbon Dioxide To Liquid Fuels On Tin Electrodes, Jingjie Wu

Theses and Dissertations

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into liquid fuels especially coupling with the intermittent renewable electricity offers a promising means of storing electricity in chemical form, which reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and mitigates the negative impact of anthropogenic CO2 emissions on the planet. Although converting CO2 to fuels is not in itself a new concept, the field has not substantially advanced in the last 30 years primarily because of the challenge of discovery of structural electrocatalysts and the development of membrane architectures for efficient collection of reactants and separation of products. An efficient catalyst for the electrochemical …

A Comparative Content Analysis Of Alcoholism Treatment Programs With A Focus On A Native Treatment Alternative, Mike J. Eshkibok

Theses and Dissertations

A historical account of Native American Indian culture is set forth to provide the antecedent events for understanding problems with and solutions to alcoholism among Native American Indians. Two 12-step alcohol treatment programs are explained, compared, and contrasted: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and a Native 12-Step Program.

Qualitative analysis was used to collect information from 13 Native American Indian counselors in alcohol treatment programs and data was analyzed by coding transcripts of taped interviews, then grouping data into categories, determining themes from the categories, and drawing conclusions.

Three conclusions emerged from the qualitative data analyzed from Native American Indian alcohol treatment …

Successful Reorganization Of Rural North Dakota Schools With Declining Enrollment, Steven Lewis Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify perceptions of North Dakota leaders who had been involved in successfully reorganized school districts resulting from declining enrollments and reduced resources. All reorganized districts in this study were affected by serious declining enrollments in their respective rural communities. These successfully reorganized school districts developed reorganization plans and positive cultures within their communities that resulted in each plan being passed by a voting citizenship. The school districts studied laid the groundwork for reorganization with neighboring districts by forming cooperative agreements in athletics, shared staff, and shared special education services.

The researcher sought answers …

Measuring The Effect Of Weighted Devices On Exercise Enjoyment, Nicholas Kruse

Theses and Dissertations

Physical activity provides an important health benefit for both males and females. Seven out of every ten U.S. deaths are from chronic disease and many of those deaths could have been preventable. With a lack of physical activity and poor diet, chronic illnesses such as obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes were reported, (CDC, 2004). There is a steep decline in exercise from high school to college, which indicates that exercise adherence in college students is an issue. In this study, three conditions were examined with students at the University of North Dakota going through a plyometric protocol …

Top Ten Effective Community College Board Trustees Self-Perceived Leadership Attributes, John Newell Henning

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study was designed to discover what community college trustees believe are the most effective leadership attributes. Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees were asked to list in, order of importance, the most effective community college board of trustee leadership attributes. The research questions emphasized the importance of the leadership attributes that occur when board trustees must complete community college goals given the recent increased student enrollment, despite diminished college budgetary resources. The theoretical framework of Stogdill (1974) was used for trait theory, Hersey, Blanchard and Dewey (2012) for situational leadership, and Burns (1978) for transformational leadership. …

Is The College-Ready Teaching Framework Related To Student Achievement?, Narciso Aguda

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the College-Ready Teaching Framework (CRTF), a multiple measure teacher effectiveness rubric created by Green Dot Public Schools. The purpose of the dissertation was to determine whether or not the CRTF as a whole or in part could account for differences in student outcomes (California Standards Test [CST] scores, student growth percentile [SGP], and grade point average [GPA]). The study included teachers and students at Green Dot during the 2012-2013 school year. Correlational analyses were used to determine if there was a relationship between student achievement outcomes and the CRTF. Factor analysis was used to discover other Factors …

The Exit Interview: Millennials' Perspectives On Why They Quit, Hannah Bateman

Theses and Dissertations

Millennials, individuals born approximately between 1982 and 2002 (Howe & Strauss, 2000) are on average, quitting their jobs within 3 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012). Their short job tenure not only impacts organizations negatively (Phillips & Connell, 2003), but it also influences how the Millennials are portrayed in the media. Public perceptions assert (although not supported by substantial evidence) that Millennials quit their jobs because they lack loyalty and have a poor work ethic (Marston, 2013), have extreme confidence in their abilities (Howe and Strauss, 2000), make inappropriate work demands (Erickson, Alsop, Nicholson, & Miller, 2009), and possess high …

Leadership Practice Differences In Positive Climate Schools, Latoya Nicole Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the leadership practice differences in positive climate schools when grouping for school size, poverty index, and gender of the principal. This study utilized Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Practice-Self inventories as a tool for measuring perceptions of leadership practice.

The researcher surveyed 47 South Carolina elementary principals to measure leadership practices in schools with documented positive climate. Principals self assessed their leadership practices on the inventories, measuring 30 behaviors on a ten point Likert scale. The 30 behaviors are categorized into five leadership practices: 1) Model the Way, 2) Inspire a Shared Vision, …