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The Validity Of The Physiological Cost Index At Short Distances, Devin Deboer, John Heyerman, Robert Stout

Masters Theses

Background and purpose. The Physiological Cost Index (PCI) was developed as a tool using heart rate and walking speed to measure energy expenditure during walking. This tool was developed using long distances, therefore, its validity at short distances is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the PCI at short distances.; Subjects. Forty-six subjects aged 20-30 years old were tested. Methods. Subjects walked 600 meters around a 40 meter oval track. Heart rate and walking speed were monitored at various intervals. Results. No strong correlation between short and long distances was found until 80 meters …

Exercise Walking For Obesity Management In Older Adult White Women, Mary I. Dallas

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a program of exercise walking would lead to any changes in the level of physical fitness for obese white women, aged fifty and over. Twenty-two women were recruited from three sites located in Holland, Michigan. The ten week program consisted of exercise walking three times a week for forty-five minutes at 60% to 70% maximum heart rate capacity. Subjects' weight, mean percentage of body fat, waist to hip ratio, body mass index, and the step test were found to decrease significantly between the pre- and post-test measures. As a result of …

The Effects Of An Eleven-Week Therapeutic Riding Program On Motor Skills As Measured By The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency, Angela M. Cripe, Angela A. Schmid

Masters Theses

The purpose of this single-case experimental design study was to determine whether or not therapeutic horseback riding was effective in improving motor skills. The subject was a 7-year-old girl with diplegic cerebral palsy. She participated in a therapeutic riding program for 11 weeks. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form (BOT-SF) was administered a total of seven times (two pretests, three tests during the riding program, and two posttests). Due to the limited number of testing sessions and only having 1 subject, the results of the study are considered inconclusive. However, based on visual analyses of graphs, some improvements in …

Electromyographic Comparison Of Internal And External Obliques Using A Modified Version Of Kendall's Strength Test Positions For Upper And Lower Abdominals, Rebecca A. Currier, Margie L. Johnson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the activity of the internal obliques (upper abdominals) versus the external obliques (lower abdominals) during a modified version of Kendall's upper and lower abdominal strength tests using surface electromyography on adults. The study was not correlated to Kendall's theory due to the necessity to have the internal oblique electrode placed on the anterior abdomen. Twenty-four women and sixteen men participated in the study. All subjects were taught two positions ("easy" and "hard") for both abdominal tests and performed eight trials. A normalized ratio was generated by dividing one "hard" trial by the …

Relationships Among Isokinetic Knee Flexion And Extension Parameters, Three Functional Tests, And Subjective Knee Scores In Acl Reconstructed Patients, Laura Call, Sheryl Chandler

Masters Theses

The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the relationships between isokinetically tested quadriceps femoris and hamstring strength, the subjects' self-assessment of knee function, and three functional tests, and (2) to determine the strength and functional differences between the surgical and non-surgical limbs. Subjects included 18 males and 27 females aged 18 to 45 years who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee strength was measured at 180, 300, and 450{dollar}\sp\circ{dollar}/second and normalized to body weight, while functional hop data were normalized to height. Significant differences existed between limbs for the single, triple, and cross-over hops, and all, but …

Effects Of A Feldenkrais-Based Mobility Program On Function Of A Healthy, Elderly Sample, Barbara Brown, Susan Finney, Carolyn Sarantakis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore whether a program of mobility exercises, based on the Feldenkrais Method, would result in an increase in range of motion and function, as measured by the Functional Reach (FR), modified Functional Reach (modified FR), and Timed "Up and Go" tests. Twenty-eight healthy elderly volunteers participated in the study. The experimental group participated in the program three times a week for six weeks. Measurements were taken before and after the six week program. The Timed "Up and Go" test improved significantly (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05) in the experimental group when age was accounted for. Right ankle dorsiflexion also increased significantly (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05). The FR and modified FR measurements did not demonstrate a significant change. As measured by the Timed "Up and Go" test, a Feldenkrais based program may improve function in healthy elderly individuals. Further research, with healthy and disabled subjects, is needed to understand the benefits of the Feldenkrais Method.

Effect Of Thirty Second Static Stretch On Hamstring Muscle Flexibility In Subjects Over Age 65, Erin Bloomquist

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a thirty second static stretch on hamstring muscle length in a sample of healthy people over age sixty-five. Twelve individuals between the ages of 65 and 89 were randomly assigned to two groups: a treatment group which performed one repetition of a thirty second static stretch of the hamstrings, one time per day for four weeks, and a control group which did not perform a hamstring stretch. ANCOVA results were calculated as p =.046, implying a significant treatment effect. Overall power was calculated as.541. The results suggest that in …

Repeat Violence In The Emergency Department, Jeanne A. Dorsey

Masters Theses

The purpose of this descriptive study was to conduct a secondary analysis of the data set obtained from the Trauma and Emergency Center Violence Project (Dorsey, 1994). It was noted during the original 6 month study of 33,098 emergency department visits that some patients threatened or carried out real violence on multiple visits.; This study (a) identified the percentage of incidents in the initial sample that were perpetrated by repeat offenders, (b) described the types of violent behaviors, (c) explored the relationship between current substance and psychiatric history and the number of threatened or real violence incidents.; A descriptive research …

Nurses' Verbal Responses In Four Types Of Client Situations, Ann V. Dilbeck

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to determine to what degree nurses vary in their utilization of empathy when responding to patients experiencing different types of physical and emotional discomfort. Nurse participants ({dollar}N = 32{dollar}) worked primarily in a hospital setting. They were administered the Behavioral Test of Interpersonal Skills and responded to videotaped vignettes. Actors portrayed patients exhibiting pain, anxiety, depression, or anger. "Feeling", "Content", or "Don't Feel" were the three categories scored. "Don't Feel" responses negate or suppress patient's feelings.; A chi-square was done to compare "don't feel" responses to all other responses. "Don't Feel" responses were generally …

A Study Of The Leadership Practices Of The First Line Nurse Manager, Deborah L.P. Cress

Masters Theses

There is a need for nursing leaders to understand the practices of effective leaders in order to become extraordinary leaders themselves and positively impact the future of healthcare. A descriptive correlational research design was used to examine the relationship between the self assessment and the subordinate's assessment of the leadership practices of the first line nurse managers. The data were collected from a 420 bed midwest community teaching hospital. The data consisted of 84 managers and subordinates who responded to the Leadership Practices Inventory tool. The study revealed that the managers moderately performed the leadership practices. A significantly positive relationship …

Self-Diagnosis And Self-Treatment Behaviors In Registered Nurses, Margaret M. Hatfield

Masters Theses

This is a descriptive correlational study to determine the prevalence of types of self-diagnosing and self-treatment (SD/ST) behavior in registered nurses and how this may influence their use of a primary care provider. It is modeled after a study of this behavior in physicians by Cockerham, Creditor, Creditor, & Imrey (1980). Multiple choice SD/ST responses were made to 13 acute, self-limiting symptom scenarios by a random sample of registered nurse (n = 101). The response choices were grouped as; (1) non-physician dependent (NPD), e.g. treat symptoms with over-the-counter drugs, (2) traditional physician-dependent (TPD): sought care of regular primary care provider, …

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Two Modalities In The Treatment Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Kenneth Newland

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of massage and light exercise in alleviating the signs and symptoms of DOMS. Fifteen male and female subjects were recruited. The subjects were divided into two groups. To obtain a DOMS response, each group performed eccentric exercise on a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer to both arms. As treatment, one group (N = 7) received massage to one arm and light exercise in the form of upper body ergometry to the other arm. The other group (N = 8) received massage to one arm and light exercise in the form of supine …

The Effect Of Anterior Tibial Translation On Quadriceps Recruitment During An Isometric Squat, Natalie K. Howard, Penny P. Tussing

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine how closed chain anterior tibial translation (ATT) affected quadriceps femoris recruitment as evidenced by electromyography.; Forty-three healthy subjects performed a unilateral squat under two conditions: anterior tibial force (ATF) and no tibial force (NTF). Two adjustable-height pulleys produced ATF by each pulling with ten percent of body weight in opposite directions on the proximal tibia and distal femur. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis was monitored using surface electrodes. Percentage change in EMG area between the two squat conditions was averaged across all subjects and muscles. …

The Physical Therapist's Role In Sexual Education Of People With Spinal Cord Injury During Inpatient Rehabilitation, Karen Ellexson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the physical therapist's role in sexual education of spinal cord injured patients during inpatient rehabilitation. Descriptive data were collected by questionnaire from 72 licensed physical therapists working in CARF accredited inpatient spinal cord injury units. The results indicated that although therapists rated sexual education as an important and appropriate topic in physical therapy, they addressed sexual issues only 46% of the time and initiated these discussions only 30% of the time. Significant correlation was present between the frequency of addressing and initiating discussions of sexuality and the therapists' preparedness and comfort level …

The Effectiveness Of Viewing The "Life After Brain Injury" Video Tape By Family Caregivers, Nan Meyers

Masters Theses

Family caregivers readily identify the physical signs of brain injury but the cognitive dysfunction and behavioral change symptoms are less easily recognized. Families need to be knowledgeable about brain injury and how to manage its symptoms. Nurses are in the unique position to provide brain injury education for family caregivers early in the acute hospitalization. This study replicated the works of Sanguinetti and Catanzaro (1987) and Pardee (1993).; Statistical comparison of pretest and posttest knowledge and the pretest and posttest application scores were used to evaluate the effectiveness of family caregivers' ability to apply learned information about brain injury and …

The Effect Of Verbal Commands On Muscle Performance, Lisa M. Marichal, Molly K. Veen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between voice command intensity and maximum torque production of an isometric muscle contraction. Thirty nine healthy subjects ranging in age from 18-30 participated in this study. The maximum torque production of triceps brachii was measured using a Cybex II+ isokinetic dynamometer in response to varied, tape recorded voice commands. Data was analyzed by a series of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for an unbalanced incomplete-block crossover trial design. No significance was found between voice intensity and peak torque. Gender was found to impact torque …

Implementation Of Inquiry-Based Freshman Chemistry Laboratories, Elizabeth Ann Maschewske

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to facilitate the implementation of inquiry-based chemistry curriculum devised by the College University Resource Institute (CURI) into the freshman chemistry labs at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) with the aim of retaining and enthusing chemistry students in general and women and minorities in particular. Pertinent educational research is reviewed and practical strategies are recommended for the process of curriculum implementation. A pilot laboratory section is taught incorporating as many of the recommendations as possible. Pilot labs study the process of implementation and look at student perceptions and academic achievement. An action plan is developed …

Use Of Gum Chewing And Electromyography In The Conservative Treatment Of Unilateral Masseter Muscle Hyperactivity, Marc F. Maday, Ben Rentfrow, Nathan T. Tear

Masters Theses

It is estimated that up to 10% of the American public has some form of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), of whom perhaps 5% may seek or need treatment. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that chewing gum for 5 minutes on the involved side at levels less than maximal contraction will decrease resting muscle tone in the masseter muscle as demonstrated through surface electromyography.; This study examined 40 normal subjects as well as 6 people diagnosed with TMD. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in masseter output after the intervention as measured by EMG in …

Differences Between The Attitudes And Behaviors Of Oncology Nurses: Inclusion Of Sexuality Concerns As A Component Of Care, Mary Diane Ashley

Masters Theses

This was an exploratory descriptive study. The "Wilson and Williams Sexuality Survey" (1988) was used with revisions to include a definition of sexuality. The sample consisted of 109 oncology nurses who care for adult oncology clients from five Midwestern institutions. There was a significant difference in attitudes and behaviors of oncology nurses regarding sexuality as a component of care (t = -.53.96; d.f. = 109; p =0.00). It was expected that positive attitudes would yield more behaviors, this was not the case. However, a moderately strong relationship was found between the attitudes and behaviors (r = .6088; p = 0.00). …

Basic Needs Satisfaction And Social Support In The Adult Trauma Victim, Gail A. Mercer

Masters Theses

Traumatic injury prevention and treatment is an increasingly important focus for the nursing profession as trauma tops the list for causes of death among young people in the United States. The specific purpose of this study was to explore whether a pre-existing state of low basic need satisfaction and low social support contribute to traumatic injury in adults. A descriptive correlational design was used. The theoretical frameworks of Erickson, Tomlin, and Swain (1983) and Lazarus (1964) formed the foundation for this study. Two survey tools were employed, the Basic Need Satisfaction Inventory (Kline Leidy, 1994) and the Personal Resource Questionnaire …

The Effect Of Early Nursing Intervention On Chemotherapy-Induced Fatigue, Jennifer A. Shane

Masters Theses

Chemotherapy-induced fatigue is a common side effect for cancer patients. This experimental study attempted to identify the effects of an early nursing intervention designed to facilitate adaptation to chemotherapy-induced fetigue. Roy’s Adaptation Model was the conceptual framework. A convenience sample (n=49) was randomly assigned to experimental (n= 16) and control (n=19) groups. Each group completed the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) during cycle one of chemotherapy. The control group received the standard teaching regarding 6tigue. The experimental group received additional instruction about fatigue. Both groups completed the PFS again during the third chemotherapy cycle (2-3 months later). No significant differences between …

Vocational Interest Profiles Of Critical Care Registered Nurses, Julene Beth Hannink

Masters Theses

The purpose o f this investigation was to obtain descriptive data regarding the vocational interest profiles o f a population o f currently employed critical care registered nurses. John L. Holland’s Theory o f Careers, which was used as the theoretical fi’amework, describes six major types or characteristics o f vocational personalities: Realistic (R), Investigative (I), Artistic (A), Social (S), Enterprising (E) and Conventional (C). A vocational interest assessment tool, the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) was used to determine a given individual’s vocational interests, with results recorded as a three letter profile.

A convenience sample was obtained from the critical …

Welcome, Order Of The Coif Induction Ceremony, May 10, 1996, University Of South Carolina School Of Law Order Of The Coif

Order of the Coif Programs and Documents

No abstract provided.

Order Of The Coif Program, May 10, 1996, University Of South Carolina School Of Law Order Of The Coif

Order of the Coif Programs and Documents

No abstract provided.

Chattering Reduction And Error Convergence In The Sliding-Mode Control Of A Class Of Nonlinear Systems, Pushkin Kachroo, Masayoshi Tomizuka

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

To reduce chattering in sliding-mode control, a boundary layer around the switching surface is used, and a continuous control is applied within the boundary. The effects of various control laws within the boundary layer on chattering and error convergence in different systems are studied. New functions for chattering reduction and error convergence inside the boundary layer are proposed which are discontinuous in magnitude but not in sign. The internal model principle has been used to generalize the design for the class of nonlinear systems being considered.

A Self-Consistent Numerical Method For Simulation Of Quantum Transport In High Electron Mobility Transistor; Part 1: The Boltzmann-Poisson-Schrodinger Solver, Rahim Khoie

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

A self-consistent Boltzmann-Poisson-Schrödinger solver for High Electron Mobility Transistor is presented. The quantization of electrons in the quantum well normal to the heterojunction is taken into account by solving the two higher moments of Boltzmann equation along with the Schrödinger and Poisson equations, self-consistently. The Boltzmann transport equation in the form of a current continuity equation and an energy balance equation are solved to obtain the transient and steady-state transport behavior. The numerical instability problems associated with the simulator are presented, and the criteria for smooth convergence of the solutions are discussed. The current-voltage characteristics, transconductance, gate capacitance, and unity-gain …

Library Tech Notes, The Unlv Libraries Technology Committee

Library TechNotes

A newsletter containing a variety of sections including:

Camille's Comments

PC Mechanic

Technology Committee Goals 1995-96

Technology Booklist

Vegas.com Presents Las Vegas

Lynx

Rewriting The Lanham Trademark Act To Prohibit The Importation Of All Gray Market Goods, Shashank Upadhye

Seton Hall Journal of Legislation and Public Policy

No abstract provided.

"Three Strikes And You're Out": The Solution To The Repeat Offender Problem?, Meredith Mcclain

Seton Hall Journal of Legislation and Public Policy

No abstract provided.

The Long Journey: From Institutionalization To Adult Day Care, Kristin L Kampschroeder

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This thesis will present a field study of an adult day care center in an attempt to establish a new methodology which will address the different types of clients in the recent phenomenon of adult day care settings. Previous research and field study has only focused on adults within institutional settings or on the institutions themselves. Adult day care, on the other hand, has arisen as an alternate form of care which allows for greater flexibility and concern for clients' needs. This thesis, then, in differentiating adult day care from total institutions and in delineating the types of clients, will …