Digital Commons Network^™

Secular Trend Of Infant Mortality Rate During Wars And Sanctions In Western Iraq., Zaid R. Al-Ani, Sahar J. Al-Hiali, Hussain H. Al-Farraji

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVES: To study the infant mortality rate (IMR) trend during wars and sanction periods in Western Iraq. METHODS: Data collected from the birth and death certificates of Haditha Health Vital Statistics Center, Haditha city (80,000 population), Western Iraq, included name, age, gender, residence, and infant9s place and date of births and deaths, in 5 different sanction and war stages of the country from 1987 to 2010, in a study period from July to December, 2010. The IMRs were analyzed and compared between these stages and with other studies. RESULTS: The IMR of last 2 years of the Iraq-Iran war (1980-1988) …

Impact Of Tinnitus On The Quality Of Life Among Saudi Patients., Abdulrahman A. Alsanosi

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of tinnitus on the quality of life of Saudi patients, and to compare the findings with those of other studies. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 100 tinnitus patients, who visited the Otology/Neurotology Clinic at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between January 2008 and December 2010, and completed the 25-item Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), was conducted. Age, gender, duration of symptoms, laterality, and associated hearing loss were included in the data. RESULTS: The mean age of 54 men, and 46 women was 47.1±13.1 years. The male patients had higher THI total …

Intranodal Angiolipoma., Rasha A. Al-Otaibi, Abdulla H. Darwish

Saudi Medical Journal

Angiolipomas are not uncommon tumors of the soft tissue, but are rarely found in other parts of the body. We report a case of intranodal angiolipoma in a 64-year-old man who presented with right inguinal swelling. Histopathological examination showed a tumor composed of mature adipose tissue and prominent vascular component, which is consistent with angiolipoma. We conclude that angiolipoma can be added to the list of conditions or diseases in the differential diagnosis of localized lymphadenopathy.

A Severity Score For Intraventricular Hemorrhage In Preterm Neonates., Sameer Y. Al-Abdi

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Examining The Relationships Between Acculturation Orientations, Perceived And Actual Norms, And Drinking Behaviors Of Short-Term American Sojourners In Foreign Environments, Eric R. Pedersen, Rick A. Cruz, Joseph W. Labrie, Justin F. Hummer

Heads Up!

As little research has examined factors influencing increased and heavy drinking behavior among American sojourners abroad, this study was designed to examine how acculturation orientations (i.e., separation versus assimilation), host country per capita drinking rates, and perceptions about the drinking behavior among other sojourners and natives in the host country predicted alcohol risk abroad. A sample of 216 American college students completing study abroad programs completed a pre-abroad questionnaire to document their pre-abroad drinking levels, followed by a post-return questionnaire to assess drinking while abroad, acculturation orientations and perceived norms of drinking behavior within the foreign environment. A dichotomous variable …

Comparing Greek-Affiliated Students And Student Athletes: An Examination Of The Behavior-Intention Link, Reasons For Drinking, And Alcohol-Related Consequences, Karen K. Huchting, Andrew Lac, Justin F. Hummer, Joseph W. Labrie

Heads Up!

While affiliation with Greek fraternities/sororities and intercollegiate athletic teams is associated with heavier drinking (Meilman et al., 1999), few studies have compared reasons for drinking among these groups. A sample of 1,541 students, identifying as either Greeks or athletes, completed an online survey. Athletes were significantly higher than Greeks on conformity reason for drinking. Tests of independent correlations indicated the magnitude of the past behavior to intention link was considerably stronger for Greeks. Greeks experienced significantly more social problems from drinking. Several group by gender ANOVA models found significant main effects with highest drinking rates, usually among Greek …

Endless Yarns: Interdisciplinary Creative Work In Text And Textile, Louisa Owen Sonstroem

Honors Scholar Theses

In this thesis I explore the relationship between text and textile. What is it that connects them? I engage this question from an aesthetic perspective, through process as much as through theory. The thesis project consists of three components: creative text pieces, creative textile pieces, and an essay that attempts to deal with the questions which arose during my creative process.

Unveiling Jewett's Hidden Voice: Discovering The Aborted Future Of Dunnet Landing In The Country Of The Pointed Firs, Katie Mcclelland

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Recent scholarship addresses a deeper significance to Jewett‟s female characters than was previously attributed in canonical history. Jewett imbues her women with complexity, but intentionally avoids portraying her females as disproportionately heroic. Indeed, a pervading recurrence of abortions and otherwise lost children among the predominately female community of Dunnet Landing creates a framework of death by which to interpret the actions and motivations of Jewett‟s characters. My thesis explores the larger metaphor Jewett establishes by juxtaposing the literal abortions of her female characters and the figurative abortion of Dunnet Landing‟s future; moreover, the aborted futures of Jewett‟s female characters mirror …

The Relationships Between Demographic Variables And Measured Burnout Among Athletic Trainers In Multiple Workplace Settings, Alexander Michael Pinto

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine athletic trainer burnout in multiple workplace settings. Burnout was measured in each of eight identified workplace settings. Demographic data was collected to further describe such burnout. No research to date has explored all workplace settings and a clear lack of data existed for five of eight settings. A random sample of 3200 athletic trainers who were members of the national athletic trainers association received an email requesting participation. A total of 766 useable responses were received. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure burnout on three subscales: Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, …

Basic Astronomical Estimates, Dan Ward, Emma Sturgess, Joseph Whiteman, Laura Jenkins

The Plymouth Student Scientist

We present astronomical estimates about the Earth, Moon, Sun and the nearest fixed stars, in particular of sizes, distances and masses. Our focus is on the question to which extent those were already known in antiquity.

A Study Of A Translocated Population Of Anguis Fragilis In Cornwall, Uk, Casey Fuke

The Plymouth Student Scientist

A population of slow-worms were monitored throughout August and September 2010 at a roadside location near Dobwalls, Cornwall. The population was released onto the site in 2009 and one of the aims of the study was to determine if the population was surviving in their new habitat. Follow up work post-translocation is rarely done in the UK. The vegetation was predominantly saplings, young shrubs and rough grassland and black roof felt was used as refugia to attract the slow-worms. The site was visited two to three times a week and the temperature, weather, invertebrates present, sex or age and location …

The Use Of Near Infrared Spectroscopy In Measuring Haemodynamic Response Of The Primary Visual Cortex To A Visual Bullseye Stimulus With Various Spatial And Temporal Frequencies, Luke Perkins

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The effects of spatial and temporal frequencies of a visual, sinusoidal bullseye stimulus on haemodynamic responses in V1 were investigated using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. Eight psychology undergraduates viewed a reversing bullseye pattern with differing spatial and temporal frequencies and haemodynamic responses in V1 were measured. It was found that optimum responses were recorded when the spatial frequency was 4.00 c/deg and when temporal frequency was 7.55 Hz; however no significant differences between frequencies were found. The mixed findings provided some support for past findings, implying that cells are finely tuned to detect certain stimulus properties, and demonstrated NIRS as a valid …

Social Behaviour In Captive Reticulated Giraffes (Giraffa Camelopardalis Reticulata): Analysis Of Enclosure Use And Social Interactions Between Giraffes Housed At Whipsnade Zoo, Stephanie Perry

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Wild giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) herds have been described as random associations of individuals, but recent research has suggested that giraffe do form social bonds and have a complex social structure. The aims of this investigation were to determine whether a group of three captive giraffe associated randomly or patterned their behaviour and proximity in a way that suggests social relationships. Also to analyse how the giraffe use their enclosure in order for the zoo to develop the enrichment program to encourage the giraffe to use the enclosure more equally. Index of association and maintenance of proximity were used to analyse …

The Invasive Biology Of The Talitrid Amphipod Platorchestia Platensis In North West Europe, Rebekah Simpson

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The talitrid amphipod Platorchestia platensis (Kröyer, 1845) is an invasive species which has been spreading along European coasts over the last 150 years. This paper will review what is known of the distribution of P. platensis to date, before discussing potential distribution methods, evaluating potential management strategies and providing a perspective on the future distribution of this species. Despite P. platensis having worldwide distribution, very little is known about its invasive history. It has been established that the most likely methods of dispersal for P. platensis are on currents and in ballast water, though further research is needed. Although dispersal …

Current And Emerging Issues In Nosocomial Infections And Antibiotic Resistance, Zoe Tridgell

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Antibiotic resistant pathogens are a major cause of nosocomial infections and exhibit an extraordinary ability to constantly adapt and acquire resistance determinants to overcome the effects of commonly prescribed antimicrobials. Glycopeptide resistant Enterococcus faecium, multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium difficile and Escherichia coli are all pathogens of clinical interest, increasing in prevalence and causing large outbreaks of infection within hospitals. On the other hand, the emerging potential of vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) and linezolid resistance in Gram-positive pathogens to follow suite provides a serious concern for the future treatment of hospital-acquired infections.

Investigation Into Inter-Alpha Trypsin Inhibitor Heavy Chain 4 (Itih4) As A Biomarker For Prenatal Screening Of Down Syndrome Using Maternal Plasma Samples, Jessica Elliott-Friend

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Background: Down Syndrome (DS) effects 3 per 1000 births and is a significant cause of fetal loss. Currently screening tests detect ~85% of affected pregnancies, with a 5% false-positive rate, whilst diagnosis requires invasive tests such as amniocentesis which is associated with a ~1% risk of miscarriage. More effective screening methods, or Non Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis (NIPD) methods, are required to reduce the need for invasive diagnostic tests. Aim: This study aims to investigate inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4) as a potential biomarker in DS pregnancies. Method: Samples include 8 non-pregnant controls and 7 pregnant women known to …

Endotoxin Tolerance And The Immune System, Elyce Marshfield

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Endotoxin tolerance is a phenomenon known to cause innate immune cells, like macrophages, to produce a decreased pro-inflammatory response to a pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP), like LPS, after pre-stimulation. Innate immune cells involved have thought to be primarily monocytes/macrophages but evidence has been found for involvement of dendritic cells, neutrophils and T cells. The molecular mechanisms of endotoxin tolerance are vague. However, negative regulators such as SOCS1, IRAK-M and SHIP are believed to play a large role, along with the down-regulation of TLR4 on cell surface and gene re-programming. Clinically, sepsis is a major model of endotoxin tolerance due …

The Effect Of Shifting Between Internal And External Foci Of Attention On Throwing Accuracy, Jeremy Lowen

The Plymouth Student Scientist

A vast quantity of research has identified the benefits of an external focus on the performance and learning of motor actions. This study aims to isolate the effects that shifting attention between internal and external foci can have on performance. A within subjects design tested the throwing accuracy of 40 undergraduate psychology students in both internal and external focus conditions. Participants threw a tennis ball towards a target with their non-dominant hand over a period of 3 x 2 (counterbalanced) sets of 15 throws. The main effect of focus condition was significant; external focus eliciting higher scores of accuracy. The …

Marine Invertebrates In Hypoxia: Developmental, Behavioural, Physiological And Fitness Responses, Rebecca Loddington

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Hypoxia is occurring in the marine environment all around the world as a result of human activities and natural biological processes such as eutrophication and water stratification. Low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) can result in mass mortality and disruption for marine organisms. In this paper the effects of hypoxia (<5mg O2 l -1 ) will be reviewed focusing on developmental, behavioural, physiological and fitness responses of marine invertebrates. Differences in the units used and thresholds when measuring hypoxia, by different researchers, make comparisons difficult. It is clear that negative effects are being observed at higher levels than the 2.8mg O2 l -1 threshold previously proposed by Diaz and Rosenberg. Many responses to hypoxia seem to not affect marine invertebrates directly, but result in a decrease in reproductive output and physiological mechanisms for surviving long-term hypoxia seem to be poorly understood. More research should be completed above the 2.8mg O2 l1 threshold, and a priority should be quantifying the effects of hypoxia. Therefore, management targets can be enforced and a positive step can be made to combat hypoxia.

An Examination Of The Present And Future Selves Of Adolescents: Investigating Possible Selves And Self-Esteem In Relation To Gender And Attachment, Charlene Mcclelland

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Gender differences in self-esteem and possible selves have long been documented, in particular girls have been reported to have lower self-esteem and generate more interpersonally oriented possible selves than boys during adolescence. To explore these findings the current study wanted to look at gender differences and relationship factors i.e. attachment, in regards to possible selves. The study investigated the possible selves generated by 52 adolescents aged 13-16 years, as well as measuring their self-esteem and attachment patterns. As predicted the results supported previous findings on gender differences, with the addition of finding attachment differences. In particular insecure participants had lower …

The Effects Of Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Sports Drinks On Performance And Physiological Function During An 8km Cycle Time Trial, Jack Hornsby

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Background: Supplementation in the form of sports drinks has in latter years become an integral part of professional and amateur exercise. Currently much of the research is directed at carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE) drink supplementation for exercises lasting one hour or above and has been shown to improve performance. However the effects of supplementation prior to and during intense, short term exercise on performance is less understood. Therefore the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of ingesting different CE drinks prior and during exercise on an 8km time trial (TT) performance against a placebo. Methods: Fifteen male subjects …

Undergraduate Student To Postgraduate Teacher: Reflections From Both Sides Of The Coin, Daniel Zahra

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Guest Editorial from Dr Daniel Zahra

A Review In Overhydration Underlying Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia, Jahn Firth

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is hyponatremia occurring during or up to 24 hours after prolonged physical activity. There is clear evidence that the primary cause of EAH is overconsumption of fluids relative to fluid losses. The electrolyte imbalance, in particular sodium triggered by overhydration is the aetiologic basis behind the illness. If untreated, hyponatremia causes cerebral and pulmonary edema resulting in seizures, coma and on occasion, death. Current understanding of overhydration underlying EAH is discussed. Aetiology, pathology, diagnosis, the role of sodium and preventive measures are key focal points in this review. The body of research spans more than two decades …

The Effect Of An Invasive Species On Predation Rates Upon Intertidal Barnacles, Rachel Linaker

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Non-indigenous species invasions are considered a large threat to native biota however the effects of which have been relatively understudied with respect to intertidal systems. Current literature surrounds the movement of species, however relatively little attempt has been made to quantify the effect. Using the invasive oyster drill Ocenebra erinacea and the native dogwhelk Nucella lapillus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of an invasive species‟ on predation rates over a one-week period feeding on the intertidal barnacle Chthamalus montagui. This was conducted by testing for the effects of increased conspecific density (abundance increase) and biodiversity (species number/identity) against …

Helping To Promote Psychological Well-Being At Work: The Role Of Work Engagement, Work Stress And Psychological Detachment Using The Job Demands-Resources Model, Emma White

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The job demands-resources model (JD-R model) underpinned the three main aims of this study: to provide support for the JD-R model‟s account of work engagement and work stress in relation to psychological well-being; to suggest the inclusion of the recovery process, psychological detachment as a theoretical refinement; and to produce comparative, predictive models of psychological well-being at work. 48 employees from an organisation that delivers: education; support and care services participated. The results provide strong support for the JD-R model; provide evidence for the inclusion of psychological detachment as a theoretical refinement; and show psychological detachment and work stress to …

The Cowl - V. 76 - N. 11 - Dec 1, 2011

The Cowl

The Cowl - student newspaper of Providence College. Volume 76 - Number 11 - December 1, 2011. 40 pages.

An Analysis Of Literacy Instruction In Tennessee Reading First Schools With High Levels Of Proficiency In Reading/Language Arts Scores, James Herman

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Reading proficiency has been declining in the US schools. The Reading First (RF) program was designed to combat this trend. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons why some RF programs were successful and some were not. The study brings a Tennessee perceptive to the research of the relationship between literacy instruction implementation factors and school performance. In this study, reading proficiency assessment data were used to assign the included Tennessee RF schools to one of three categories: highly successful, moderately successful, and Unsuccessful. It was somewhat troubling to see that in some schools as many as …

Carrollian Language Arts & Rhetoric: Dodgson's Quest For Order & Meaning, With A Purpose, Madonna Farjado Kemp

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Lewis Carroll (Rev. Charles Dodgson) is a language specialist who has verifiably altered our lexicon and created fictional worlds that serve as commentary on our ability to effectively create meaning within our existing communicative systems. This ability to create language and illustrations of everyday language issues can be traced back to his personal quest for order and meaning; the logician and teacher has uncovered the accepted language and language practices that can result in verbal confusion and ineffective speech, as well as the accepted practices that can help us to avoid verbal confusion and social conflict—all of which reveals a …

College Student Reactions To Health Warning Labels: Sociodemographic And Psychosocial Factors Related To Perceived Effectiveness Of Different Approaches, Carla J. Berg, James F. Thrasher, J. Lee Westmaas, Taneisha Buchanan, Erika A. Pinsker, Jasjit S. Ahluwalia

Faculty Publications

Objective. To examine factors associated with perceiving different types of pictorial cigarette health warning labels as most effective in motivating smokers to quit or preventing smoking initiation among college students.

Method. We administered an online survey to 24,055 students attending six Southeast colleges in Fall, 2010. We obtained complete data for the current analysis from 2600.

Results. Current smoking prevalence was 23.5%. The largest majority (78.6%) consistently rated gruesome images as most effective, 19.5% rated testimonial images as most effective, and only a small proportion rated either standard (1.6%) or human suffering images (0.3%) as most effective. Subsequent analyses focused …

Validation Of A Self-Report Instrument To Assess Social And Emotional Development, Craig R. Seal, Kenneth L. Beauchamp, Krystal Miguel, Amy N. Scott, Stefanie E. Naumann, Qingwen Dong, Suzanne Galal

Eberhardt School of Business Faculty Articles

The current study, using a factor level analysis approach, validity of the Social Emotional Development Instrument (SED education. Although there are a multitude of models and measures that borrow from the premise of emotional intelligence (EI), very few current instruments focus exclusive developmental path of social emotional competenc prior validity studies with these measures fail to include a full spectrum of potential convergent and discriminant analyses assessed at the factor level. SED-I is a reliable, robust and comprehensive measurement for assessing college students’ social emotional competency changes. Limitation discussed.