Digital Commons Network^™

Software Quality Function Deployment : A Method For Building Better Software, Dean Carruthers

Theses : Honours

In recent years it is becoming increasingly more apparent that quality even more than productivity is emerging as the key issue in the development of software. The quality systems currently employed by most software companies however arc simply not up to the task, traditional quality systems focus upon conformance to company standards, automation to eliminate human error and in some cases quality improvement teams. These traditional quality assurance methods lead to quality as defined from the organizations point of view, all work performed is done to their standards, however a what it is that makes a quality product is defined …

The Defendant And The Criminal Trial : Does Providing Knowledge About The Criminal Justice System Help?, Daniel B. Hurley

Theses : Honours

Defendants are required to make many decisions during their encounter with the criminal justice system (i.e., plea, venue, representation, bail and, possibly, appeal). The assumption exists that defendants possess sufficient organizational and pragmatic knowledge of the system to make these decisions. However, research suggests that many defendants lack sufficient knowledge of the criminal justice system to make these decisions, and that this lack of knowledge may lead to feelings of anxiety. As a consequence of these findings, many defendants may be unable to effectively participate in the criminal justice system. By way of remedying this situation, it has been argued …

The Effect Of Compression Following Eccentric Exercise On Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Scott Eric Dickman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study was designed to investigate whether the use of a compression garment worn immediately following repeated bouts of eccentric tricep dips would result in reduced sensation of muscle soreness. A secondary purpose was to investigate whether a compression garment would decrease tissue edema following eccentric dips. Subjects consisted of 17 male and female volunteers from the University of Northern Iowa. Each subject was randomly assigned to either left arm control, right arm experimental or right arm control, left arm experimental. A custom-fit Jobst compression garment was placed on the experimental arm and worn continuously during the 72 hours (hr) …

Affirmative Action Plan, 1999-2000, Affirmative Action Plan 1999-00 Working Team

Affirmative Action Plans

Illinois State University Affirmative Action Plan

Modeling Of Catastrophic Events With Applications To Insurance, Mary Noga

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Tornadoes effect every area in the continental United States. There are great differences in the number and amount of damages caused by tornadoes in different regions. The mid-west is nicknamed tornado alley, because of the large number of tornadoes in this region each year. A tornado is commonly described as a "rapidly rotating, slender, funnel-shaped cloud."

The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has data on tornadoes over the past four years. This data includes the state, date, and damage done by each tornado. For the purpose of this study a data-set including all tornadoes causing over ten million in damages …

The Expression Of The Crf1 Gene In Mouse Embryonic Development, Margaret Gruber

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

A mouse gene cloned in the laboratory of James and Olivia Smith at Baylor College of Medicine was found to be involved in motor function. This gene was named CRFl for Clq-Related Factor 1, and using in situ hybridization, it was found to be expressed mainly in the brainstem of adult mice. There is a gene similar to the CRFl gene in humans. By determining this gene's role in mouse development, more will be known about the development of human motor function.

To determine the stage of embryonic development at which the expression of this gene …

Distributed Artificial Intelligence In A Virtual Reality Setting: A Case Study, Rebecca Lohr

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Artificial intelligence, or Al, is a fascinating area of research. Al refers to the attempt to create a computer program, known as an intelligent agent, which can "think" and operate in a complex, changing environment. Many problems have been discovered in attempting to develop these intelligent agents, including the simulation of learning, planning, and natural language understanding. While researching these issues, a new branch of Al research has developed. Researchers discovered that there are other problems associated with how intelligent agents work together to solve problems. This field of research has become known as distributed artificial intelligence, or DAI.

Agriculture And Nature Conservation In The Moravian Karst (Czech Republic), Ivan Balák, Jozef Janèo, Leos Stefka, Pavel Bosák

International Journal of Speleology

Moravian karst is a narrow strip of limestone with long history of settlement, agricultural use and man impact to karst. It is naturally divided into smaller units - karst plateaus - separated by deep valleys (glens). Each plateau has different proportion of land use, i.e. the percentage of agricultural land, forests, etc. The agricultural land constitutes now up to 70% in the north and max. 30% in the centre and south of the total area of plateaus. Intensive agricultural use of the arable land since 60ties of this Century caused great impact to quality of soils and groundwater by overdoses …

Laureate, 1999, Old Dominion University

University Yearbooks

1999 yearbook of Old Dominion University

“I Only Want To Be”: Black Women Experiences As Depicted In Nikki Giovanni’S Poetry, Lawanda Brown

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Traditional sociology is negligent in the case of recognizing Black women as carriers and standards of knowledge. Sociology is dominated by egotistic white male theories of individuals and groups that exclude and invalidate the existence of Blacks in the United States, especially Black women. Furthermore, no matter how hard we try to free our work and our selves from these Eurocentric Theories, even Black women sociologists such as myself are bound by them. In spite of the limitations imposed by Eurocentric Theories, I show that Black women are carriers of knowledge by presenting an understanding of their lives during a …

Identification Of Barriers To Adherence To Prescribed Schedules For Self-Monitoring Of Blood Glucose, Victoria E. Sawhill

Masters Theses

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify barriers to adherence to prescribed self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) schedules. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 40 diabetic patients from a rural northern Michigan community, ages 18-84, who completed the modified Barriers to Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Scale (BSMBG) (Jones, Remley, & Engberg, 1996). The study’s theoretical framework was the Health Belief Model (HBM) (Rosenstock, Strecher, & Becker, 1994).

The modified BSMBG scale had a reliability coefficient of 0.95 using Cronbach’s alpha. Individual barrier scores were varied indicating a need for individualized assessment of barriers to SMBG. Data analysis demonstrated …

Acute Care Nursing: Are Perceived Work Stressors Different For Nurses Working In Critical Care And Non-Critical?, Mary Jane Rolf

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine, using King’s Conceptual Framework, “stressful” nursing situations that might affect critical care (CC) and non-critical care (NCC) nurses in an acute health care setting. Similarities that existed between the two groups were evaluated using responses to Gray-Toft and Anderson s Nursing Stress Scale (NSS).

The sample of 131 included registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at a 300-bed acute care tertiary hospital in Northern Michigan representing two critical care areas and three non-critical care areas. The NSS, letter of explanation and waiver, and return envelope were sent to participants’ homes. Data indicate …

The Effects Of Prosthesis Use Versus Non-Use On Forward Reach Distance In Children Ages 5 To 15 With Unilateral Upper Extremity Amputation As Measured By The Functional Reach Test, Mary E. Weber, Scot G. Smith

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible differences in maximal forward reaching distance in children with unilateral upper extremity amputations while wearing and not wearing a prosthesis using the Functional Reach (FR) test. Trends were noted between FR scores of these children and children without disabilities.

Four children, ages 5-8, completed the FR test using the intact arm under two conditions, “prosthesis-off” and “prosthesis-on”. A paired, two-tailed t test (a = .05) was used to determine the statistical significance of the means of differences in FR scores between the two conditions.

No statistically significant difference was found …

What Are Female University Students' Perceptions Of Their Healthcare Needs?, Kathleen K. Loose

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to gain a greater awareness of the self-perceived healthcare needs of female university students. An anonymous questionnaire was sent to a random sampling of the total female enrollment at a midwest university. A Healthcare Concern Score was tabulated on 230 completed questionnaires. There were 21 items identified as concerns. Students in the 17-24 year old age bracket had a higher healthcare concern score than individuals in the 24-53 year old age bracket. Orem’s Self-care Deficit Theory (1991) was the conceptual framework for this study. The majority of identified concerns fell within the category of …

Efficacy Of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Evidence Collection: A Northern Michigan Study, Camille J. Griswold

Masters Theses

King’s Theory of Goal Attainment provided the basis for this descriptive, two group comparison study design to determine if sexual assault evidence kits prepared by sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) would be more complete than evidence kits prepared by non-sexual assault nurse examiners. A convenience sample of 100 evidence kits (41 SANE and 59 non-SANE) were analyzed using the Evidence Kit Audit Tool consisting of 18 questions that reflect the standards for submission of evidence.

The kits submitted by SANEs were significantly (t=5.6, df=71, p<.001) more complete (mean=93%) than those completed by non-SANEs (mean=77%). Corrected Chi-square comparisons of the two groups on whether or not individual items of evidence were complete indicated significant differences in 11 out of 18 items. A higher percentage of SANEs completed each item. Therefore, the hypothesis of sexual assault evidence kits prepared by a SANE will be more complete than sexual assault kits prepared by a non-SANE was supported.

Impact Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd) On Parents And Children: What Are The Lived Experiences Of A Parent With A Child With Adhd?, Deborah K. Taylor

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to seek a fuller understanding of and to identify and describe the underlying themes of the lived experiences of a parent with a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Husserelian phenomenological and Giorgi methods of research were utilized in this study. Four meanings emerged: 1) discovery, 2) searching for control, 3) struggling for normalization/overcoming obstacles, and 4) hope. The synthesized structural description of the experience that emerged was described as an emotional experience that progressed in stages that were cyclic and ongoing in nature. The data suggests that chronic sorrow, as it …

Perceived Job Satisfaction Of Nurses Working With Unlicensed Personnel Versus Nurses Working With Licensed Personnel, Wendy J. Koopman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived job satisfaction of nurses who worked primarily with unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) compared to the job satisfaction of nurses working primarily with licensed personnel. A descriptive comparative study was employed using a random sample of 250 nurses registered in the state of Michigan. Data were collected using a survey methodology. One hundred three nurses responded. Data analysis included a comparison of job satisfaction of participants with the amount of time spent working with unlicensed personnel. The area of practice and level of education of the participants were also compared among …

Does The Method Of Treating Bacterial Vaginosis In Early Pregnancy Affect The Re-Occurrence Rate Near Term?, Karen Taylor

Masters Theses

There is no significant difference in the relationship between oral or vaginal metronidazole and oral clindamycin in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in early pregnancy and the re-occurrence rate of BV at 35 to 37 weeks gestation. Treatment of BV in pregnancy has been shown to decrease the preterm delivery rate saving millions of dollars and improving the health of infants. This was a descriptive, correlational study using a retrospective chart review. A constructed checklist was used for collecting data from 186 charts.

Age, parity, and insurance were comparable in each of the three drug groups. The re-occurrence rate …

Functional Effects Of Botulinum Toxin-A Intramuscular Injections In A Patient With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single Subject Case Design, Christina M. Higel, Molly L. Arndt

Masters Theses

This single subject case design sought to evaluated the long-term and short-term effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin-A (BTXA) treatment in conjunction with directed physical therapy on spasticity, active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) scores, and motor performance in a patient with TBI. Researchers hyopothesized that directed physical therapy in conjunction with BTXA would maximize a subject’s motor control and performance. An "A₁-BC-B-A₂” single subject design, scheduled to last six months and three weeks, was proposed. Clinically significant changes were defined as: a decrease by one point for the Modified …

Paraplegic Functional Ambulation With Long Leg Braces And Upper Extremity Support: Predicting Long Term Usage Patterns Utilizing The Functional Independence Measure, Karin Copenhaver, Matthew Sherman

Masters Theses

Individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are frequently taught to ambulate with long leg braces and upper extremity support during their post-acute rehabilitation. In many cases this training fails to carry over once these individuals return to their homes after their rehabilitation course has ended. Subsequently, these individuals rely on their wheelchair as their primary mode of ambulation. Is ambulation training an expropriate intervention for patients in these cases? The purpose of this study was to investigate whether utilization of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) may serve as a predictor of long term functional ambulation with long leg braces …

Validation Of The "Timed Up And Go" Test As A Functional Mobility Assessment Tool In The Pediatric Population, Susan Carman, Christina Rook, Cathy Ruprecht

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the concurrent validity of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) as an assessment of functional mobility in the pediatric population. The TUG scores were correlated with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Eighteen subjects with a variety of cognitive and physical disabilities, aged 6 to 7 years, were recruited. A one-tailed Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient was used to analyze the scores. A weak inverse relationship between the TUG and PEDI scores (r_s = -0.386, p = 0.075) was found when the scores from all participants were analyzed. A moderate inverse …

Quality Of Life In The Hospice Patient, Sidney S. Brush

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if terminally ill patients experience a change in perceived quality of life between admission to a hospice program and after having been in the hospice program for three weeks.

A repeated measures design with a convenience sample was used The sample consisted of 56 subjects who completed the Missoula-Vitas Quality of Life Index (MVQOLI). Twenty completed the second MVQOLL Data were obtained from the scores of this self-assessment tool. Data analysis included a comparison of the relationship of the first and repeated scores. No significant differences were found between the MVQOLI scores …

The Effect Of An Osteoporosis Prevention Program On Knowledge And Self-Efficacy, Kathryn Hayter

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an Osteoporosis Prevention Program on knowledge and self-efficacy for exercise and calcium intake. Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Model was used which describes efficacy expectations and outcome expectations as predictors of behavior.

A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test was used with 32 women, age 40-62, at an urban outpatient center. The experimental group attended an Osteoporosis Prevention Program.

There were significant post-test differences between groups for osteoporosis knowledge and osteoporosis self-efficacy for calcium intake but not for osteoporosis self-efficacy for exercise. Additionally, paired t-tests found a significant improvement in scores pretest …

Early Nursing Interventions And Their Effect On Fatigue In Patients Receiving Chemotherapy, Karla J. Baker

Masters Theses

Fatigue is the number one side effect that patients experience when they receive chemotherapy. They do not always expect it or know what to do when it effects their entire life. This study described the affect of early nursing interventions on fatigue caused by chemotherapy. This descriptive, two group comparative study used a convenience sample of patients, receiving chemotherapy for the first time, to determine the degree of fatigue they experienced. A tool by Barbara Piper RN (1997) was used to describe the effect of early intervention on fatigue experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Internal consistency of this tool …

The Experience Of Nurse Practitioners With Peer Support: A Phenomenological Study, Carol J. Prinzo

Masters Theses

As nurse practitioners move into non traditional roles they sometimes lack a social and professional support. Lack of peer support can cause a feeling of isolation and frustration for advanced practice nurses.

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to discover the lived experience of nurse practitioners with peer support. Four nurse practitioners described their experiences. These descriptions were analyzed for meaning using the Girogi method.

Four common themes emerged: support throughout the educational process, professional support, support from family and friends and frustration. The description of peer support was unique according to level of experience, practice setting and …

Physician Perceptions Of Behaviors Associated With The Nurse Practitioner Role, Elizabeth J. Sperry

Masters Theses

While the number of nurse practitioners (NPs) continues to grow, their role and scope of practice can be misunderstood. King’s interacting systems framework was the theoretical basis for this study. This descriptive study asked a convenience sample of physicians (n=128) to indicate their agreement with 37 behaviors for the NP role. The sample was 74.2% male, 49.2% ages 41-50, and 63 .2% practiced primarily in an office setting. Bambini’s (I995) modification of Hupcey’s (1994) instrument was used and internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha .97. Behaviors perceived as most appropriate for NPs were those that related to education. A …

The Relationship Between Physician Knowledge, Physician Background, Experience With Nurse Practitioners And Role Expectations For The Nurse Practitioner, Heidi Brands Flamming

Masters Theses

This descriptive study examined the relationship between physician knowledge and role expectations as influenced by experience with nurse practitioners. The sample consisted of 111 physicians practicing in West Michigan. Data was collected using a combination of instruments--a nurse practitioner role behavior tool (Hupcey, 1994) and nurse practitioner/physician role appropriate vignettes (Davidson & Lauver, 1984). Physician knowledge of the nurse practitioner role was significantly higher (t = -2.85; p = .005) for the group of physicians who had practiced with a nurse practitioner as compared to the group of physicians who had not practiced with a nurse practitioner. Role expectations between …

Needs Of Families Of Severe Traumatic Brain Injured Individuals During The Critical Care Experience, Victoria L. Meyers

Masters Theses

Traumatic brain injury occurs without warning, disrupts the life of the individual and family, causing stress. The purpose of this descriptive study was three part: to identify the needs of families of severe traumatic brain injured (TBI) individuals during the critical care experience, to identify who met those needs, and to obtain qualitative data regarding nursing care. Family Systems Theory provided the theoretical framework to support this study.

A convenience sample from a large Midwestern teaching institution consisted of 28 family members of severe TBI individuals. The sample received by mail a demographic profile, a questionnaire (Critical Care Family Needs …

Learning Needs Perceived By The Patient Considering Radiation Therapy And The Radiation Oncology Nurse, Kathleen E. Bell

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe the congruency between what the patient who is considering radiation therapy perceives his learning needs to be and what the radiation oncology nurse perceives the learning needs of the patient to be. This descriptive design used convenience sampling. The subjects consisted of 56 patients and 8 radiation oncology nurses who were recruited from a regional hospital system with two separate radiation oncology settings.

Data were obtained after the radiation oncology nurse provided an overview of the (a) purpose of radiation therapy, (b) type of radiation prescribed, (c) mechanism of radiation action, (d) …

The Relationship Of Selected Health Beliefs And Exercise Adherence 8 To 12 Months After A Cardiac Event, Jill Stone

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine differences between health beliefs and cardiac exercise adherence at 6-12 weeks after a cardiac event as compared to 8-12 months post event. Twenty five subjects participated at time one and time two by answering mailed questionnaires designed to measure perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, exercise adherence, and demographic data.

Data analysis did not reveal a significant difference in exercise adherence or perceived benefits, but results did support a statistically significant difference in perceived barriers (p=.02) and self-efficacy (p=.03) from time one to time two. Subjects perceived higher levels of barriers related to …