Digital Commons Network^™

Learning To Create: A Collection Of Personal Essays, Naomi Lund Christiansen

Theses and Dissertations

This is a creative thesis that focuses on the infertility experiences of the author. The introduction examines the author's justification for choosing personal essay as a genre and French feminism as the guiding theory in writing the essays. Six personal essays center on the author's attempts to have a child and the discoveries and failures along the way. Throughout literary history, women's bodies have traditionally been viewed from the outside looking in, as objects to be reified and preserved or exploited and used. Using the writing the body critics as a theoretical framework, the essays discuss the comforts and discomforts …

A Hydrothermal After-Ripening Time Model Of Seed Dormancy Loss In Bromus Tectorum, Necia Beck Bair

Theses and Dissertations

After-ripening, the process of seed dormancy loss in dry storage is associated with a decrease in the mean base water potential, one of the parameters of hydrothermal time. The rate of change of the mean base water potential is assumed to be a linear function of temperature above a specific base temperature and as a result can be described by a thermal after-ripening (TAR) time model, an extension of hydrothermal modelling. The thermal requirement for after-ripening is the thermal time necessary for the modelling base water potential of the seed to shift from its original value to its final value. …

The Effect Of Religiosity And Spirituality On Work Practices And Trust Levels In Managers And Their Subordinates In Food And Nutrition Care Departments, Jennifer S. Oler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which religiosity and spirituality affected daily work practices and leader/follower trust levels in foodservice and nutrition directors and their subordinates. A similar 72-item survey questionnaire was developed for both the directors and employees, which was completed by 129 directors and 530 employees. Both questionnaires contained questions on demographics, religious influences on work practices, trust characteristics, and three validated measures of religiosity: 1) worship service attendance (1=Religiosity Score), 2) influence of spiritual beliefs on daily life, and 3) frequency of prayer (2 + 3=Spirituality Score). Frequency data was gathered for …

Body Mass Index And Soft Drink Consumption Among Adolescents, Olivia Love Mccord

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and soft drink consumption among adolescents. It is hypothesized that soft drink consumption contributes to overweight and obesity among adolescents.

Background: Research examining the relationship between body mass index and soft drink consumption is inconsistent. Several studies have found a negative association between total sugar intake and BMI; however, others have found a link between sugar-sweetened drinks and obesity. There are no known studies that have controlled for physical activity.

Data and Methods: Data on approximately 225 adolescents were used. Frequency of soft drink consumption, type of milk, and calcium …

A Cost Effective Approach To Taxonomic Resolution For Bioassessment And Monitoring Programs In The State Of Georgia, Jodi Alene Williams

Theses and Dissertations

The Georgia Ecoregions Reference Sites Project has developed biological criteria for streams in Georgia according to the Rapid Bioassessment Protocols For Wadeable Streams and Rivers. Streams will ultimately be classified into categories of impairment so that management decisions can be made in accordance with the Clean Water Act. A cost-effective approach to accomplish mandates set forth by the Clean Water Act must be employed, as state budgets are limited. One means of examining costs is to assess taxonomic resolution. Taxonomic resolution not only assesses the sensitivity of biocriteria, it also allows one to make recommendations to state agencies regarding the …

The Occurrence And Control Of Disinfection By-Products (Dbps) In Two Water Treatment Plants Utilizing The Same Source, Sam George Khoury

Theses and Dissertations

The influence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) on the operation and design of water treatment plants has been increasing since the early studies by Rook on trihalomethanes (THMs) (Stevens, 1977). Work conducted in the 1980s identified the existence of nonvolatile halogenated organics (non-THM organics), of which the majority produced by chlorination were haloacetic acids (HAAs), within the HAAs, dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) were the dominant members. Concern over potential health effect led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total THMs and HAAs. The disinfectant/disinfection by-product rule (D-DBP Rule) currently proposed …

2004 Gender Study Of The New Jersey Public Relations Society Of America, Megan A. York

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine the climate of New Jersey Public Relations Society of America, 2004. The researcher sought to find logical alternatives to the much-touted theory of the "glass ceiling," that many researchers blame for salary differential between the genders. E-mail surveys were distributed to research salary, title, industry, experience, etc.

Although NJPRSA men and women have much in common, not everything is mutual. The average male is older and more experienced. Overall female dominance continues in the trade, including in two of the three highest-paying industries. Most respondents were in management positions; however, men occupy …

Treatment Of Hypertriglyceridemia With Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review, Amanda Gloria Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To 1) critically appraise available randomized controlled trials (RTCs) addressing the efficacy of long-chain ω-3 fatty acids as a secondary prevention agent of hypertriglyceridemia, and 2) make recommendations for clinical practice.

Data Sources: All RCTs identified from several databases from 1993-2003 were reviewed by two independent reviewers who extracted data from each study and used the previously tested Boyack and Lookinland Methodological Quality Index (MQI) to determine study quality.

Results: Ten studies reported long-chain ω-3 fatty acids to be effective in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. The average decrease in triglycerides (TG) was 29%, total cholesterol (TC) 11.6%, very low …

Pressurized Hot Water And Dtpa-Sorbitol, Viable Alternatives For Soil Boron Extraction, Amanda Kathryn Shiffler

Theses and Dissertations

Pressurized hot water and DTPA-Sorbitol are two relatively new soil boron (B) extraction methods with potential to replace the cumbersome hot water extraction. The objective of this research is to produce data in support of acceptance or rejection of these two alternative B extractions. The three soil tests were used to extract B from samples of calcareous sand and silt loam and limed, loamy fine sand treated with 10 levels of B and incubated for 7 and 28 d. As B application increased so did extractable B with each extraction method. High correlations (r of 0.977 to 0.999) were observed …

Mechanism Governing The Cellular Susceptibility To Secretory Phospholipase A2, Lauren Blackburn Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is an important part of apoptosis and disposal of damaged and dying cells. However, healthy cells are not susceptible to attack by sPLA2. Recent studies have focused on membrane properties necessary to induce susceptibility in both artificial and biological membranes. Hydrolysis of phospholipids by sPLA2 requires at least two preliminary steps: first, adsorption of the enzyme to the cellular membrane, and second, movement of a phospholipid into the active site of the enzyme. We determined the effects of susceptibility on each of the two steps and determined the contributions changing the equilibrium constants have on susceptibility. …

Outdoor Education And Meaningful Learning: Finding The Attributes Of Meaningful Learning Experiences In An Outdoor Education Program, Stacy Tooru Taniguchi

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study sought to identify the common attributes of meaningful learning experiences as found in an outdoor education program. The pragmatic educational philosophy of John Dewey provides the rationale for the essence of meaningful learning in our schools and this research identifies the attributes of educative reflective experiences that are also meaningful learning experiences. Thirteen students enrolled in the Wilderness Writing Program, offered during the fall semester of 2003 at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, made up the focus group of this study. Their participation in four outdoor recreational activities and their reflections about their experiences became the …

Overcoming Resistance To Change: An Analysis To The Department Of Defense's Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, Irene C. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to investigate the impact of change on organizations, in the absence of a preparedness program and to develop strategies for overcoming resistance to change, in the midst of a proposed initiative that has become stalled as a result of mistrust and cynicism. The results of this research suggests a framework of management techniques that will offer leadership approaches to resurrecting a stalled change initiative and overcoming personnel's resistance to a proposed change project, in order for the project to be more widely accepted. A series of personal interviews and focus groups, a qualitative method …

Conduct, Learning, And Substance Use Disorders In An Adolescent Male: A Case Study, Dana F. Wales

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to examine best practice interventions for an individual diagnosed with Conduct, Learning, and Substance Use Disorders. Empirically supported research was evaluated and compared to normative practices of the agency where the client resided. The intervention process included a psychosocial assessment, Differential Diagnosis as well as multiple levels of intervention. Outcome measures were used to assess depression, anxiety, and coping skills. However, a lack of cooperation and follow through by the client and his family invalidated these measures. Clinical observations and staff reports indicated that the overall intervention had mixed results with this client. …

Optimization Of A Quantum Cascade Laser Operating In The Terahertz Frequency Range Using A Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm, Traci A. Keller

Theses and Dissertations

A quantum cascade (QC) laser is a specific type of semiconductor laser that operates through principles of quantum mechanics. In less than a decade QC lasers are already able to outperform previously designed double heterostructure semiconductor lasers. Because there is a genuine lack of compact and coherent devices which can operate in the far-infrared region the motivation exists for designing a terahertz QC laser. A device operating at this frequency is expected to be more efficient and cost effective than currently existing devices. It has potential applications in the fields of spectroscopy, astronomy, medicine and free-space communication as well as …

A Case Study To Determine Best Practice Treatment For A Child Diagnosed With Asperger's Syndrome And Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Amy Schumacher

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to determine the best practice model of therapy to treat a child diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The participant was an eight-year-old Caucasian male who had significant developmental delays. The Behavior Assessment System for Children was used in order to assess the progress John made in the therapeutic setting of which he had been attending. Intervention components included a psychosocial assessment, differential diagnosis, a behavior treatment plan, psychotropic medication and social skills training. A client satisfaction survey was also administered. The normative practice of the agency was compared with empirically …

The Impact Of Urbanization On Macroinvertebrate Communities Of Creeks Within Western Georgia, Jeniffer Susan Lang

Theses and Dissertations

Urbanization is a major cause of stream impairment in the United States, altering stream ecological integrity in a variety of ways. While control of point source pollution has largely improved over the last twenty years, the control of non-point source pollution has proved to be more of a challenge. Urbanization in the area surrounding streams has been linked with elevated levels of sediment, heavy metals, organic matter, and nutrients within streams, as well as with other negative effects. Examining the macroinvertebrate communities within streams has proven to be an effective indicator of the effects of urbanization on water quality. This …

Velocity And Temperature Characterization Of The First Vacuum Stage Expansion In An Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometer, William Neil Radicic

Theses and Dissertations

The inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) is the analytical instrument of choice for trace element detection and quantification. Despite the popularity of ICP-MS, significant degradation in sensitivity and precision occurs as the result of matrix and instrument-induced effects. The sources of these effects are not well understood, characterized, or correlated to particular plasma operating condition settings or matrix compositions and involve both neutral and charged species. The purpose of this study is to characterize the behavior of metastable Ar (I) atom and Ca (II) ion through the measurement of Doppler velocities and fluorescence line width "temperatures."

For the …

N9 Alkylation And Glycosylation Of Purines; A Practical Synthesis Of 2-Chloro-2'-Deoxyadenosine, Minghong Zhong

Theses and Dissertations

(a) The Robins reagent [2-acetamido-6-O-(diphenylcarbamoyl)purine] was utilized for glycosylation under Lewis acid conditions. Regioselectivity of glycosylation depends on the glycosyl donor and its 2-O- or 2-N-protecting group. Regioselective N9 glycosylation of 2-acetamido-6-O-(diphenylcarbamoyl)purine with problematic glucosamine has been accomplished by protecting the amino function as a phthalimido group with consequent stabilization of the oxocarbenium cation, and lowering the activation energy by introduction of trichloroacetimidate at the anomeric carbon.

(b) 6-Heteroaryl functions [6-(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl) and 6-(imidazol-1-yl)] were introduced into purine derivatives for regioselective N9 alkylation. The regiospecificity of alkylation mainly results from steric effects due to the coplanar conformation of the two linked …

The "Fair" Triathlon: Equating Standard Deviations Using Non-Linear Bayesian Models, Steven Mckay Curtis

Theses and Dissertations

The Ironman triathlon was created in 1978 by combining events with the longest distances for races then contested in Hawaii in swimming, cycling, and running. The Half Ironman triathlon was formed using half the distances of each of the events in the Ironman. The Olympic distance triathlon was created by combining events with the longest distances for races sanctioned by the major federations for swimming, cycling, and running. The relative importance of each event in overall race outcome was not given consideration when determining the distances of each of the races in modern triathlons. Thus, there is a general belief …

Effectiveness Of A Treatment Approach For Comorbid Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, And Alcohol Dependence: A Case Study, Vera Biryukova

Theses and Dissertations

This case study evaluates the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy with a focus on therapeutic relationship in the treatment of an adult female who underwent treatment in a community mental health agency. The client was diagnosed with comorbid panic disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol dependence. In addition, the client experienced a variety of psychosocial stressors. The client's psychosocial assessment is presented, and the empirical treatment literature related to the client's diagnoses is reviewed. A variety of outcome measures were used. Results indicated that the treatment was effective: the client experienced a significant reduction in the severity of symptoms. However, further …

Origin And Morphology Of Notches In Carbonate Cliffs And Hillslopes: Implications For Paleoclimate And Paleohydrology, Matthew A. Reece

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Size And Exposure To Predation Threat On Mating Behavior And Predation Response In Male Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia Affinis), Alison Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

Trade offs between mating and predator avoidance advantages were studied in the western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis: Poeciliidae). When tested with green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) predators, larger male G. affinis were found to have a higher number of escapes compared to smaller males. Smaller males were captured more often than larger males in groups of six and in both complex and simple habitat types. Large males, on average, were found to attempt more matings and spend a larger proportion of time near the female than smaller males. When trials with predators were compared to trials without predators, large males decreased mating …

Large Scale Computer Investigations Of Non-Equilibrium Surface Growth For Surfaces From Parallel Discrete Event Simulations, Poonam Santosh Verma

Theses and Dissertations

The asymptotic scaling properties of conservative algorithms for parallel discrete-event simulations (e.g.: for spatially distributed parallel simulations of dynamic Monte Carlo for spin systems) of one-dimensional systems with system size $L$ is studied. The particular case studied here is the case of one or two elements assigned to each processor element. The previously studied case of one element per processor is reviewed, and the two elements per processor case is presented. The key concept is a simulated time horizon which is an evolving non equilibrium surface, specific for the particular algorithm. It is shown that the flat-substrate initial condition is …

Psychotherapy Outcome Measures In A Client With A Childhood Disorder, Amy S. Lawrence

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this case study were to: (1) complete a thorough psychosocial assessment on a psychotherapy client, (2) to attribute the most accurate diagnosis, and (3) explain the most beneficial empirical treatment through research and review. The case study consisted of a single 17-year-old Hispanic male who resided in a group home. Data was obtained through individual therapy sessions and two self-report inventories. Findings indicated that client met criteria for Disruptive Behavioral Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (DBD, NOS). Treatment research was done on Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) for two reasons: (1) due to insufficient studies on DBD, NOS, and …

A Study Investigating Parental Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Of Children With Autism, Kristy Kratz

Theses and Dissertations

This study intended to look at the relationship of obsessive compulsiveness between parents of autistic children and parents of non-autistic children. A screening instrument in the form of a questionnaire was used to screen for traits and characteristics of obsessive compulsive disorder. A sample of 60 adults was used: 34 parents with children with autism and 26 parents of non-autistic children. The sample was further broken down into mothers and fathers of autistic and non-autistic children. Three hypotheses were tested using statistics such as Chi-Square measures. Results indicated that there was no relationship between parents of autistic children and non-autistic …

Family Risk Factors Related To Adolescent Adjudication, Jennifer M. Del Russo

Theses and Dissertations

Family and social relationships have been identified as risk-factors for adolescent adjudication. Ninety-five participants between the ages of 13 and 19 were recruited from the Youth Empowerment System (YES) Shelter & Residential Treatment Facility, Camden Day & Residential Treatment Center, and Camden Catholic High School in Camden County, New Jersey. The participants were administered a survey designed by the experimenter and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Chi-square analyses showed significant relationships between adjudication and who the legal guardian was, marital status of their biological parents and legal guardian, their relationship with their legal guardian, biological parents' criminal record and drug/alcohol …

The Relationship Between Racial Identity Attitudes And The Experience And Expression Of Anger, Kirsten Cristinziani

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the racial identity attitudes of African-Americans and experience and expression of anger. For several decades, theories of racial identity development have been postulated (e.g. Cross, 1971; Helms, 1990). Affective correlates of differing statuses of racial identity development have been hypothesized and widely studied. However, the affect of anger has not been given much systematic attention in the literature, though theoretical models of racial identity development do include assumptions of the role of anger. Specifically, in Helms' model of racial identity development (1990), which this thesis adheres to, anger is …

Margaret Cavendish And Scientific Discourse In Seventeenth-Century England, Alisa Curtis Bolander

Theses and Dissertations

Although the natural philosophy of Margaret Cavendish is eclectic and uncustomary, it offers an important critique of contemporary scientific methods, especially mechanism and experimentalism. As presented in Observations upon Experimental Philosophy and Blazing World, Cavendish's natural philosophy incorporates rationalistic and subjective elements, urging contemporary natural philosophers to recognize that pure objectivity is unattainable through any method of inquiry and that reason is essential in making sense and use of scientific observation.

In addition to its scientific implications, Cavendish's three-tiered model of matter presents interesting sociopolitical associations. Through her own use of metaphor and her theoretical fusion of matter and motion, …

Reinforcements As An Intervention In Children With Bipolar Disorder, Rachel Agin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test social and token reinforcements as an intervention to help eliminate behavior problems that are common in children with Bipolar Disorder. The subject was a six-year-old Caucasian boy diagnosed as bipolar. The experiment was performed during eight non-consecutive group therapy sessions. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in behavior from the baseline measures as compared to post-reinforcement measures. The hypothesis was proven wrong however, because results show the baseline and post-reinforcement measures were almost identical. It was concluded that although the results were not significant, the data shows there …

Children Of Divorce Versus Children Of Intact Families And Their Adjustment To College, Kimberly Martin

Theses and Dissertations

Children of divorce and children of intact families grow up in very different worlds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects that being a child of divorce has on later adjustment in college. A sample of 95 undergraduate students were administered the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire. Of the 95 students, 18 reported being from divorced families, two reported parental death, and 75 reported their parents still being married. Results indicated that the age a child experiences their parents divorce can have a significant impact on their later attachment to college and social adjustment to college. More …