Digital Commons Network^™

Profile 2: Genesis Of A Dance, Rohan Preston

Democratic Vistas Profiles

Liz Lerman, founder of the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, and her ethical commitment to dance as a means of building community and connecting people across disciplines

Profile 5: 'Art The Works': T. Allan Comp And The Reclamation Of A Toxic Legacy, Erik Reece

Democratic Vistas Profiles

T. Allan Comp's work to drain and refurbish toxic coalmines for use as public spaces

Profile 8: Being Baccara And Chasing Aimee: The Artist As Avatar - A Tale In Two Parts, Wagner James Au

Democratic Vistas Profiles

A look at Second Life and some of the influential artists / avatars of its virtual worlds

Profile 1: Education Of Umberto Crenca, Jon Margolis

Democratic Vistas Profiles

Artist/activist Bert Crenca's role in developing AS220, a youth-centered community art gallery in Providence, RI, that helped to revitalize the city

Synapse, Alabama Health Libraries Association

Synapse - Newsletter of ALHeLa

This is the Winter, 2002 edition of the ALHeLa newsletter - Synapse.

Contents include:

• News from NN/LM
• Photos Anyone?
• ALHeLA Member named MLA Academic Librarian of 2002
• ALHeLA Executive Committee Members (2002)
• ALHeLA Executive Board Meeting (January 25, 2002)

Attributes Of A Mestizo Democracy, John Francis Burke

Political Science Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Making Discoveries That Transform Science, The Rockefeller University

Making Discoveries that Transform Science

Written and designed by the Office of Communications and Public Affairs for The Rockefeller University, this publication spotlights pathbreaking research of a few of the university's 75 major laboratories: Roderick MacKinnon, Maria Karayirgou, Elaine Fuchs, Jan Breslow Jeffrey Friedman, Markus Stoffel, Terry Gaasterland, Madhav Dhodapkar, Marry Hatten, Nathaniel Heintz, and Tom Muir.

Singapore Management University Report To Stakeholders 2002 - 2003, Singapore Management University

Report to Stakeholders

From a start-up institution with great expectations just three years ago, SMU has grown leaps and bounds. This past year was no exception, as we reached new heights while reaffirming the foundational vision of what we are – and want to be. A university with a rigorous curriculum and the right kind of academic and cultural environment for research, exploration and experimentation – where calculated risks can lead to ultimate success. A university full of dynamically talented students and academically outstanding faculty – interactive players in the process of education who make up SMU’s rich intellectual and personally diverse fabric. …

West Virginia Registered Dietitians' Knowledge And Attitudes Of Diabetes Care, Marie R. Gravely

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study addresses diabetes knowledge and attitudes of West Virginia dietitians as they relate to Medicare certified provider guidelines. A questionnaire was developed using the Diabetes Attitude Scale, questions from A CORE Curriculum for Diabetes Education, and demographic questions addressing length and type of practice, route to registration, and specialty credentials. Responses were analyzed to determine overall knowledge and attitude as well as how demographic information affects knowledge and attitude. Results indicated demographic information (except for specialty credentials and hours working with diabetes) did not have a significant effect on the dietitian’s diabetes knowledge and attitude. Specialty credentials did have …

Phylogenetic Structure Of Two Central Mexican Centruroides Species Complexes, William Ian Towler

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Central Mexico is home to numerous species of highly toxic Centruroides scorpions. Two species complexes C. infamatus, (C.L. Koch, 1844), and C. limpidus (Karsch, 1879) typify the complex relationships that exist between and within the complexes. Their existing taxonomic status is based on morphological features such as coloration and morphosculpture. A complete and modern study of these scorpions does not exist, and is needed. In an attempt to clarify the status and relationship between these complexes we initiated a molecular based approach applying mitochondrial gene markers (16S and CO1). This study confirms two divergent clades within C. infamatus; divergence rate …

The Relationship Between Leadership Styles Of Nurse Managers And Staff Nurse Job Satisfaction In Hospital Settings, Jan Warner Ramey

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between leadership styles of nurse managers and job satisfaction of registered staff nurses in hospital settings in an Appalachian state. Names and addresses of 7,190 registered staff nurses were obtained from the state Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses and 200 subjects were selected using simple random sampling. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire was used to measure leadership style of nurse managers as perceived by staff nurses. The Work Quality Index was used to measure job satisfaction of registered staff nurses. A positive, moderate correlation was found between job satisfaction …

This One's For The Children : Collaborative Leadership In A Rural Appalachian Community, Jennifer J. Scharf

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The current research is an ethnographic case study of one collaborative community group that worked toward solving complex problems related to early care and education in their community. The methods used consisted of conducting in-depth interviews and observations, recording and transcribing group meetings, and collecting documents that furthered understanding of the group. The research questions addressed were related to the nature of the relationships among the members, leadership enactment in the group, and how they created positive outcomes and overcame obstacles they faced. Several themes emerged related to each question, confirming and extending current understanding of collaboration and collaborative leadership. …

Comparison Of Domestic Violence Outcomes Among Emergency Department Nurses, Pamela S. Neal

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between domestic violence education, organizational support, screening, danger assessment, safety planning, and referral practices among professional registered nurses in two ED settings.

Sample & Setting: A convenience sample of 63 professional registered nurses provided data from two EDs. An ED located in Kentucky where state mandated continuing education in domestic violence was required (n = 33) and an ED in West Virginia (n = 30) where mandated continuing education in domestic violence was not required was the setting for the study. The samples were separated based on nurses who …

How Behavioral Dimensions Interact With Perceived Social Support Dimensions In First Time Expectant Fathers During Their Wives Pregnancy, Rhonda L. Dunder

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

While changes in women during a pregnancy are apparent, changes in the expectant father are not. However, research has documented the behavioral and attitudinal changes that take place in the soon to be father. The current study investigated which assessment measures of the behavioral dimension, which included anxiety, narcissism, and self-esteem, would correlate with each other to predict a behavior change. Correlations were also measured between variables of the behavioral dimension and perceived social support. Results found a significant positive correlation between self-esteem and narcissism. A significant negative correlation was found between self-esteem and perceived social support. It appears as …

The California Psychological Inventory As An Assessment Method Of Behavioral Change In First-Time Expectant Fathers, Michaela R. Jellen-Tennant

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Thirty-four randomly recruited first-time expectant fathers, ages 24 years to 38 years were individually administered the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) during the first and third trimester of their wife’s pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to assess whether there are attitudinal, behavioral, and personality changes that occur in an expectant father over the course of his wife’s pregnancy. It was hypothesized that the California Psychological Inventory (CPI), which is designed to measure interpersonal behavioral attitudes, behavioral patterns, and personality traits, was able to detect that change. The results suggested that no significant change occurred in the expectant father’s attitude, …

Attachment And Memory : Does Attachment Experience Influence Eyewitness Testimony?, Fani Lougklou

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In an effort to examine the relationship between internal working models of attachment (Bowlby, 1969) and eyewitness testimony for child abuse (Lindberg, Kieffer, & Thomas, 2000), college students first watched a video of a mother hitting her son on the head and knocking him to the floor. After this, they filled out the Attachment and Personality Dynamics Questionnaire (APDQ) (Lindberg & Thomas, 1998). Finally, they were tested about details in the video, their memories for inferences about the characters, and their memories for the gist. They were also given several questions about their personal experiences with the type of discipline …

Average Beverage Intake And Average Bmi In 2-5 Year Old Wic Children, Jenna Lynn Matthews

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Average Body Mass Index (BMI) and beverage intake were examined to determine if children who drank excessive amounts of beverages had a higher BMI than children who drank average amounts of beverages. Ninety-six WIC charts were reviewed. Average total fluid intake was 32.5 oz/day. For juice and total milk, the average intakes were 11.9 oz/day and 15.6 oz/day, respectively. The average intake of other drinks was 2.4 oz/day. Average BMI of children who drank excessive amounts and average amounts of total fluids was 16.143+1.60 and 16.457+1.90, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between BMI and the consumption of total …

A Mechanistic Study Of Myoglobin Nephrotoxicity, Jennifer L. Minigh

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Myoglobin is an endogenous protein that can become nephrotoxic under certain conditions such as crush injuries, drug overdose, and seizures where prolonged contraction of muscle leads to cell death and leakage of myoglobin. The mechanism of myoglobin-induced nephrotoxicity is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize the sequence and mechanistic events associated with the in vitro toxicity of myoglobin in renal cortical slices. Renal tissue was isolated from Fischer 344 rats. Slices of renal cortex were prepared by freehand. These slices were then incubated for 60-180 minutes with myoglobin (0-12 mg/mL) pretreated with 4 mM ascorbic …

Pkcα Translocation And Actin Remodeling In Contracting A7r5 Smooth Muscle Cells, Chenwei Li

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Recent research indicates that protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in smooth muscle contraction. Because PKC activation and specificity of substrate phosphorylation is believed to be associated with the relocalization of the enzyme to specific cell sites, we first investigated the subcellular translocation of PKCα in A7r5 smooth muscle cells by confocal microscopy through use of standard immunohistologic staining and PKCα - enhanced green fluorescent protein (PKCα -EGFP) fusion protein expression. PKCα was diffusely distributed throughout the cytosol in the unstimulated A7r5 cell. Upon stimulation with phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate (PDBu), PKCα was translocated primarily to either the …

A Survey Of Neonatal Suction Techniques Performed By Registered Nurses, Craig H. Register

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the suction practices of the registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Design. A descriptive research design was used to describe the suctioning practices of the registered nurse providing care to the neonatal patient.

Method. Data were collected through the use of demographic and knowledge questionnaires. Frequency and percentages of responses were determined. The independent samples t test was used to determine what, if any, differences in practice existed based upon nursing education, nursing experience, or NICU experience.

Findings. The results of this study demonstrated that the current practices were …

Perceptions Of Job Satisfaction In An Icf/Mr Environment, Jeffrey Shrewsbury

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This paper examines the relationship between perceived communication between employees, their supervisor, and the effect of perceived communication on overall job satisfaction of the employee in an ICF/MR environment. The paper also examines the length of time in a particular job and the potential effects of time as a predictor of overall job satisfaction. Benefits and communication are also examined in an attempt to determine which of the two makes the better predictor of overall job satisfaction for employees working in an ICF/MR environment. The subjects examined came from respondents to an employee attitude survey conducted by a large provider …

Characterization Of Host-Bacteria Interactions Contributing To Group B Streptococcus Colonization, Jennifer Marie Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of life-threatening bacterial infections during the first three months of life. GBS is also a frequent cause of maternal postpartum infections. Both types of infections stem from maternal vaginal and/or rectal colonization with GBS in the perinatal period. Limited information is available concerning how the colonization process occurs and what role the host immune system may play in the establishment of persistent colonization by GBS. The complex interactions between the immune system and GBS normally should end in clearance of the bacteria. However, since colonization by GBS occurs in a large number …

Non-Physical Abuse Behavioral Changes In First Time Expectant Fathers, Sheila Tarr-Stiglich

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The nine months of a pregnancy produce monumental physical and psychological changes in the pregnant woman. Past research has indicated that intimate partner abuse can occur during this time. The objective of the current study was to determine if a change in non-physical abusive behavior occurred in men as they experienced the first pregnancy of the wives, and if so, could it be measured by a particular instrument. Thirty-three men were given the Non-Physical Abuse of Partner Scale, along with a battery of other instruments throughout the course of the pregnancy, in attempt to measure change. Results indicated no significant …

The Effects Of A Token Economy System In Comparison To Social Praise On The Manifest Behaviors Of Elementary Learning Disabled Students, Kimberly Waggy

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a token economy system in comparison to social praise on the manifest behaviors of learning disabled students at an elementary school in West Virginia. The null hypothesis of this study was that there would be no significant difference between a token economy system in comparison to social praise on the manifest behaviors of learning disabled students. The following research question was examined in this study: What are the effects of a token economy system in comparison to social praise on the manifest behaviors of learning disabled students?

Literature relevant …

Effects Of Excessive Nitrogen Deposition On Foliar Nutrient Dynamics, Nutrient Concentrations, And Nutrient Ratios In A Central Appalachian Hardwood Forest, Sarah Beth Burdette

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Many forested systems of the eastern US are becoming significantly nitrogen (N) saturated due to chronic N deposition from the atmosphere. Nitrogen saturation has the potential to alter important internal plant processes, such as nutrient cycling. While extensive research has been conducted on the responses of soil to N saturation, considerably less research has focused on the response of plant nutrient dynamics, nutrient concentrations, and nutrient ratios to excess N. Research was conducted on two watersheds at the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia: WS3 (fertilized with ammonium sulfate annually since 1989) and WS7 (untreated control). Presenescent and senesced leaves …

The Relationship Between Education And Police Stress : Associate Degree Versus Bachelor Degree, Jamie M. Case

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Research was conducted to further investigate whether police officers with Bachelor degrees experience less stress than officers with Associate degrees. Sixty police officers from the Charleston Police Department were the respondents in the study. The officers were measured regarding levels of stress experienced from inter-departmental issues, rule, and regulations. The respondents were also evaluated using the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, Job Satisfaction Index, and Stress Quiz. While there were no significant differences between the two groups, police officers with Bachelor degrees reported less stress than officers with Associate degrees.

The West Wing : President As Symbol, Sarah E. Cavendish

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examines how the character of President Bartlet is constructed on The West Wing. Fifteen episodes from October 2001 to January 2002 were taped and reviewed for this research. Real life presidential settings and presidential roles are used as a starting point for analysis. The application of these characteristics to President Bartlet describes how this character functions as a credible fictional president. Suggestions for future research are also presented.

Journeys: A Critical Analysis Of The Diary Of Sarah L. Wadley, Regina C. Davis

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

As a young woman living in Louisiana during the Civil War, Sarah Lois Wadley documented in her diary the fractured, conflicted perspective that was her experience as a woman living in the war ravaged South. Her writing is evidence of the confusion she felt as a result of the discrepancy between the expectations of Southern patriarchal society and her own needs as a woman. Wadley’s diary is a complex text similar to a novel in that it relates events through a construct that reflects her response to her reader’s/society’s expectations. From a deconstructionist perspective, the power of Wadley’s text lies …

The Relationship Between Education And Police Stress: Bachelor's Degree Versus High School, Cathy S. Gatson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Sixty law enforcement officers from the largest municipality in the state of West Virginia were evaluated concerning levels of stress or anxiety experienced from organizational issues and interdepartmental rules and regulations. These findings were subsequently compared with the officers level of educational attainment, specifically Bachelor’s degree versus high school education. Specifically, comparisons were made regarding officers with a Bachelor’s degree and those with high school education and scores from the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, the Job Satisfaction Index, and the Stress Quiz. Additionally, comparisons of the scores were made between officers with a Bachelor’s degree and officers with a …

Gravistimulation Of Pisum Sativum And Expression Of The Cell Membrane Expansin Proteins, Sherrine A. Ibrahim

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This thesis research investigates the regulation of gene expression in pea stems (Pisum sativum) after changes in orientation to gravity (gravistimulation). Specifically, this project examines the changes in extracellular soluble proteins due to gravistimulation in pea seedlings. This change in gravity alters the cellular growth pattern, which can be directly linked to enzymatic activity resulting in the expression of cell wall loosening proteins called expansins. This loosening of the cell wall matrix subsequently increases elasticity in growing cells, thus leading to an upward curvature of the stems. These changes in enzymatic activity and gene expression are crucial for …