Digital Commons Network^™

The Foundations Of Student Affairs: A Guide To The Profession, Dallas Long

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Student affairs is a large, complex area of campus operations and is comprised of many departments with professionals from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. Long provides a short history of the student affairs profession, followed by an overview of the departments in a typical student affairs division and the responsibilities and goals of the professionals in those departments. Long also describes the values that guide the work of student affairs professionals and the contemporary challenges they face.

Geographic And Host-Microbe Symbiotic Influence On Secondary Metabolism, Samuel Hamed Abbas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is composed of studies that regard the advancement to the Arctic region and the importance of host-microbe interactions in natural product discovery. Bioactive metabolites have been reported from a myriad of marine and terrestrial organisms around the world including plants, insects, sponges, tunicates, bacteria, and fungi among others. Many macroorganisms, of which the metabolites are found, depend on the symbiotic relationship of microorganisms for metabolite production. The scope of this work is to investigate secondary metabolism of both marine and terrestrial organisms from different areas of the world as well as search for the importance of host-microbe symbiosis …

Identification Of Viral Determinants Of Murine Norovirus Pathogenesis, David Strong

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Human noroviruses are responsible for the majority of cases of epidemic non-bacterial gastroenteritis. Despite their importance as human pathogens, knowledge of the viral life cycle and host pathogenesis is limited due to the lack of practical models to study. In contrast, murine norovirus: MNV) has been a critical surrogate for the study of human noroviruses as it is the only member of this genus that establishes infection in a small animal model, can be grown in cell culture, and has a reverse genetics system. Noroviruses are divided into genogroups which can contain many viral strains. These viral strains can display …

Poverty And Disability: A Vicious Circle? Evidence From Afghanistan And Zambia, Jean-Francois Trani, Mitchell M. Loeb

Brown School Faculty Publications

Disability and poverty have a complex and interdependent relationship. It is commonly understood that persons with disabilities are more likely to be poor and that poverty may contribute to sustaining disability. This interdependency is revealed not only through an examination of poverty in terms of income but also on a broader scale through other poverty related dimensions. Just how robust is this link? This paper compares data collected from household surveys in Afghanistan and Zambia, and explores the potential link between multidimensional poverty and disability. We find evidence of lower access to health care, education and labour market for people …

Measuring Equity In Disability And Healthcare Utilization In Afghanistan, Jean-Francois Trani, Cecile Barbou Des Rosieres

Brown School Faculty Publications

This paper analyses equity in health and healthcare utilization in Afghanistan based on a representative national household survey. Equitable access is a cornerstone of the Afghan health policy. We measured socioeconomic-related equity in access to public health care, using disability– because people with disabilities are poorer and more likely to use health care – and a concentration index (CI) and its decomposition. The socioeconomicrelated equity in healthcare utilization was measured using a probit model and compared with an OLS model providing the horizontal inequity index (HI). We found low rate of healthcare facilities utilization (25%). Disabled persons are using more …

Target Population Involvement In Urban Ciclovias: A Preliminary Evaluation Of St. Louis Open Streets, J. Aaron Hipp, Amy A. Eyler, Jill Kuhlberg

Brown School Faculty Publications

Ciclovias are active street events when roads are open to walkers, cyclists, and families and closed to automobiles. Over 70 cities in the USA have implemented ciclovias to promote physical activity. The authors evaluated four events during 2010 to determine what activities participants perform and who is attending. For two ciclovia events in St. Louis, Missouri, observation reports of activities, gender, and age of 1,452 participants were collected, and 82 adults were interviewed via direct approach. The survey covered six domains: physical activity, travel to event, sense of community, marketing, economic impact, and demographics. Each event occurred within the city, …

What Is It Worth? An Economic Evaluation Of The Mfh Tobacco Initiative, Center For Public Health Systems Science, Sarah Shelton, Dan Gentry, Stephanie Herbers

Center for Public Health Systems Science

This report presents results from the second economic evaluation of the Missouri Foundation for Health Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Initiative. The results of the economic evaluation for TPCI during the specified time period show a net positive benefit across the overall initiative, as well as for the Community Grants, Tobacco Policy Change, and Quitline Enhancement strategies individually.

Innovative Funding Summary Report, Center For Public Health Systems Science, Nikole Lobb Dougherty

Center for Public Health Systems Science

This summary report for the Missouri Foundation for Health Healthy & Active Communities (H&AC) Initiative presents findings from the Innovative Funding strategy. The findings can be used to recognize strengths and challenges in implementing innovative strategies in obesity prevention and inform future funding decisions by the Foundation.

St. Louis County Cppw Evaluation Final Report, Center For Public Health Systems Science, Sarah Moreland-Russell, Bobbi Carothers, Virginia Houmes

Center for Public Health Systems Science

This report presents final evaluation results from the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) Initiative, implemented from February 2010 through June 2012. The final results show CPPW partners implemented a number of activities to achieve the main objectives of the Initiative. In particular, advocacy and policy change, cessation, and media outreach were important areas of focus.

Sustainability Assessment Report: Year 4, Center For Public Health Systems Science, Nikole Lobb Dougherty

Center for Public Health Systems Science

This report provides a summary of findings based on Healthy & Active Communities (H&AC) grantees’ responses to a sustainability assessment tool. This sustainability summary was prepared for Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) staff and Board of Directors to assess accomplishments and challenges in funding, training, and capacity-building activities for H&AC grantees. Results can help to inform the design of future funding opportunities and capacity-building activities in the future.

The Role Of The Intestinal Microbiota In Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Seth Bloom

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Inflammatory bowel disease: IBD) arises from complex interactions of genetic, environmental, and microbial factors. The intestinal microbiota is crucial for IBD induction and complex shifts in microbiota composition occur in IBD, but disease has not been consistently associated with presence or absence of a specific microbe. It is thus controversial whether fulfilling Koch's postulates for individual bacterial species is relevant to IBD and whether disease-associated alterations in microbial colonization are predictive of underlying etiology. Resolving these controversies has been challenging due to paucity of animal models with rapid disease onset, experimental reliance on gnotobiotic animals, and difficulty specifically isolating many …

Effect Of Honey On Anaerobic Performance In Male Collegiate Soccer Players, Katelyn G. Woolfolk

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Author's abstract: Carbohydrate supplementation has been associated with increased performance in aerobic and anaerobic activity. Honey, specifically, has shown to increase performance in aerobic exercise as well as provide other health benefits. The purpose of this study was to see if honey, a natural substance, has a positive effect on anaerobic performance, rates of perceived exertion, and gastrointestinal distress. Subjects consisted of 18 healthy, Division 1 collegiate male soccer players (19.39 ± 0.85 yr, 75.39 ± 7.97 kg). All had no allergies and were cleared for participation by a certified athletic trainer. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three …

Examination Of Mediational Models Of The Hostility-Health Link, Carol Goulet

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated health behavior as a possible mediator of the link between hostility and poor physical and psychological health. The relations of health behavior, character strength, and virtuous behavior to hostility and health were also examined. A sample of 689 undergraduate participants (69.4% female) completed a series of on-line assessments that measured hostility, physical health, psychological health, health behavior, social support, character strength, and virtuous behavior. Health behavior was examined and found to be a significant partial mediator of the relations between hostility and physical and psychological health. Furthermore, the results of multiple regressions revealed that gender, hostility, and …

Apparent Prevalence Of Swine Brucellosis In Feral Swine In The United States, Kerri Pedersen, Sarah N. Bevins, Brandon S. Schmit, Mark W. Lutman, Michael P. Milleson, Clint T. Turnage, Troy T. Bigelow, Thomas J. Deliberto

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Samples were collected in 35 states as part of a national monitoring system to detect multiple diseases in feral swine (Sus scrofa). During March 2009 through December 2010, we collected serum samples from 4,479 feral swine from 13 states, and 159 animals tested were seropositive for brucellosis. No difference in likelihood of infection was found between males and females, but adults were more likely than sub-adults or juveniles to be exposed to brucellosis. Feral swine sampled during winter months also were more likely to be seropositive than animals sampled during other seasons. Apparent prevalence varied among states, and …

The Lived Experience Of Parenting A Child Adopted From An Institution In Eastern Europe, Kimberly A Curry-Lourenco

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to explore the lived experience of parenting a child adopted from an institution in Eastern Europe. A hermeneutic, phenomenologic method following the Utrecht School was used. The setting for this study was a southern state on the east coast of the United States. The sample consisted of 11 participants, nine mothers and two fathers, self- identified as adoptive parents to children from institutions in Eastern Europe. Semi-structured interviews, with thematic analysis of transcriptions were conducted. Five major themes were identified: choosing-being chosen, weaving the fabric, the importance of doing, remaining mindful, and looking-in, looking out. Conclusions were …

Interpreting Material Cooperation As A Function Of Moral Development To Guide Ministry Formation, Steven Squires

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While not exactly back room political bargaining, the traditional use of cooperation has been by moral theologians attempting to define the level of cooperation for a particular situation. This chosen definition, in turn, may help focus the range of appropriate actions in response to the situation's circumstances. In this customary usage, an organization's associates (employees) may assist the implementation of relevant responses to a cooperation analysis, whether the issue is clinical or organizational in nature. They have not been integral to the decision-making process - until now. Cooperation has been the proverbial candle under the bushel (Matthew 5:15). This paper …

Vitamin D Mitigates Age-Related Cognitive Decline Through The Modulation Of Pro-Inflammatory State And Decrease In Amyloid Burden, Teresita L. Briones, Hala Darwish

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Increasing evidence shows an association between the use of vitamin D and improvement in age-related cognitive decline. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D on age-related brain changes and cognitive function.

Methods

Male F344 rats aged 20 months (old) and 6 months (young) were used and randomly assigned to either vitamin D supplementation or no supplementation (control). A total of n = 39 rats were used in the study. Rats were individually housed and the supplementation group received a subcutaneous injection of vitamin D (1, α25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) 42 I.U./Kg …

An Assessment Of Animal Agricultural Producers Within North Carolina In Relation To Their Perceptions Regarding The Animal Agricultural Industry, Jessica Gowins

Theses

The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceptions of North Carolina animal agricultural producers relative to the sociological, biological, and economic aspects of the animal agricultural industry. A survey instrument was used in this study to obtain perceptions as well as demographic information. The survey was distributed to producers at the producer meetings and randomly throughout the state. A one-week interval, three round data collection method was used. Convenient sampling was used to collect 88 surveys. Producers agreed or strongly agreed that: people’s perceptions of animal agricultural industry are affected by animal rights groups; the prevention and control …

Uracil Accumulation In Folate Depleted Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts, Eneida Doko

Wayne State University Theses

Folate is a water-soluble vitamin B that plays a critical co-enzyme in the de novo nucleotide synthesis and other biochemical processes including DNA metabolism, DNA repair, DNA methylation, and cellular growth. Folate deficiency has been associated to increase the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) and cancers of the lung, breast, colon, cervix, esposphagus and brain. Most importantly, folate deficiency has been shown to increase uracil misincorporation into DNA and therefore induce DNA damage repaired by the base excision repair (BER) pathway. In response to folate depletion, levels of thmidylate decrease in the deoxyribonucelotide pool, resulting in uracil being misincorporation …

Alexithymia, Social Constraints, And Self-Efficacy As Moderators Of Written Emotional Disclosure And Coping Skills Training: For Which Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Do These Interventions Improve Pain And Physical Functioning?, Jennifer Carty

Wayne State University Theses

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes pain, disability, and inflammation. Written emotional disclosure (WED) and pain coping skills training (CST) improves adjustment, but effect sizes are small to moderate; research needs to identify patients most likely to benefit from WED and CST. A moderator analyses was conducted to determine if alexithymia, social constraints, or self-efficacy predicted health outcomes from interventions at 1-, 4-, and 12-month follow-up. Health assessed at baseline and at each follow-up. Patients were randomized to WED or equivalent control (Health Behavior Writing), and to CST or equivalent control (Arthritis Education). Findings from this study suggest that alexithymia and social …

The Use Of Metabolomics To Investigate Biomarker Profiles As Potential Early Risk Factors For Development Of Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus, Jennelle Lynn Arnew (Getty)

Wayne State University Theses

ABSTRACT

THE USE OF METABOLOMICS TO INVESTIGATE BIOMARKERS PROFILES AS POTENTIAL EARLY RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TYPE II DIABETES

by

JENNELLE ARNEW

MAY 2012

Advisor: Dr. Smiti Gupta

Major: Nutrition and Food Science

Degree: Masters of Science

Type 2 Diabetes affects an estimated 17.5 million individuals in the United States and is considered to be one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. To date, the exact cause of type 2 diabetes remains unclear, however, it is considered to be an interplay between environmental and genetic factors. Emerging technologies for metabolomics analysis increases the capacity to …

Adolescent Characteristics And Peer Influence As Predictors Of Antisocial Behavior In Males, Benjamin D. Goodlett

Wayne State University Theses

Deviant peer influence during adolescence has been found to predict substance use, delinquency, and aggression. This study examined youth characteristics (prosociality, daring, and verbal ability) along with peer influence (deviant talk) as predictors of antisocial behavior. Peer influence, in the form of deviant talk, was also examined as a potential mediator between youth characteristics and antisocial behavior. The current study added to the literature by examining a slope measure of deviant talk as an organizing feature of peer discussions. Data were collected prospectively from a subsample of 178 youths participating in the Pitt Mother and Child Project. Findings supported daring, …

Psychological And Physiological Responses Of Males Viewing Same Gender Advertisements, Phil Dittmer

Wayne State University Theses

Body image has been a well established research topic in the field of sport and exercise psychology. However, most of the literature focuses on female body image and ignores male body image. It has been established by current literature that men react the same way as females when presented with pictures of the ideal body of the same sex; a negative body image affect. However, it is unknown in both females and males if this negative body image affect is a strong enough response to elicit a physiological stress response. This master's thesis serves as an explorative project to bridge …

Father Involvement As A Predictor Of Preschool Children's Academic Readiness And Socioemotional Competence, Travis Alexzander Goldwire

Wayne State University Theses

Predictors of father involvement (FI) were examined. Associations between learning encouragement (LE) and socioemotional support (SS) in relation to later school readiness outcomes were examined. A subsample of residential fathers (n = 6150) from the ECLS-B was used. Hierarchical linear regressions and conceptual path analysis were used to conduct statistical analyses. Child sex, paternal employment, and the mother-father relationship were significant predictors of LE at 9 months. The mother-father relationship predicted LE at 2 years and SS at 9 months. LE at 9 months was a significant predictor of academic readiness indicators at preschool. LE at 2 years significantly predicted …

The Effects Of Oil Palm Phenolics On Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Relation To Amyloid Beta Plaques In Fad-Mutant And Wild Type B103 Cells, Lindsay Michelle Godsey

Wayne State University Theses

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects approximately 35.6 million people in the world today (35). It is expected that by year 2050, an individual will develop AD every 33 seconds (8). Unfortunately, the etiology is not well known. Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) occurs due to specific genetic mutations, making it possible to replicate them in cells. Using B103 rat neuroblastoma cells transfected with a cDNA construct, wild type cells and FAD mutant cells were used in this research.

Natural ingredients such as oil palm phenolics (OPP) contain antioxidants. After finding the optimal experimental parameters, OPP was found to aid in the destabilization …

The Ethical Significance Of The Virtuous Organization Inspired By Catholic Mission For The Delivery Of Health Care, Theadora Krause

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Virtuous organizations are those displaying behaviors and works consistent with social norms, organizational core values, and mission. Through relationships and behaviors, organizations formulate character for which they are known. This dissertation has proposed three secular components essential to the character of a virtuous organization: agency, social responsibility and ethical environment. When Catholic mission is the impetus to organizational purpose, the secular components of the virtuous organization are deepened from that faith perspective's mission related religious teachings. A discussion of the secular and religious discourse pairs agency with sanctity of human person, social responsibility with common good, and ethical environment with …

The Role Of Forensic Nurses In Communities Experiencing Environmental Contamination, Wendy Robinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to provide an understanding of the self-perceived physiological and psychosocial needs of persons living in communities which have been exposed to environmental contamination, and to provide an understanding of how forensic nurses can be utilized in these communities.

Background

This study was conducted to provide an opportunity for forensic nurses to advance their profession by finding ways that they can move beyond their traditional roles. Dixon and Dixon's Integrative Environmental Health Model was the theoretical framework.

Research Design

This cross-sectional triangulated study used quantitative and qualitative methods. The Community Environmental Health and Rights …

The Effect Of Resveratrol On Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Dopaminergic Deficits And Bv-2 Cell Activation, Katherine Marie Rose

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Neuroinflammation is a common pathology found in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). PD involves a loss of dopamine (DA) neurons and an increase in activated microglia with subsequent proinflammatory cytokine secretion in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum. A loss of DA neurons is found in the offspring of animals exposed prenatally to the bacteriotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (Ling et al., 2002). Activation of the extracellular regulated kinases, ERK1/2 and ERK5, the downstream targets in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, has been shown to be involved in the dysregulation of the inflammatory process (Cuschieri and Maier, 2005). Consequently, LPS-induced activation …

Medication Expenditure And Resource Utilization Among Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders: Analysis Of 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Data, Nipun Atreja

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To estimate the national prevalence and direct incremental expenditures of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's) using the 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data.

Methods: A retrospective database analysis was conducted and individuals with MSD's (ICD-9-CM codes 274.00; 710.00-738.00) were identified. Dependent variables were total health care and other service category expenditures. The study utilized descriptive and regression analyses.

Results: In 2007, the national prevalence of MSD's was 33 million with incremental costs of $886.49 per person. The inpatient expenditures ($33,461.85) were the highest cost component in MSD's and the predictors of total health care expenditures were age, marital status, and presence …

Chromate Reduction By Desulfovibrio Desulfuricans Atcc 27774, Ning Zhang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chromium has been used extensively in the industry process of metal refinishing and electroplating. It is also a byproduct of the processing of fissionable materials at United States Department of Energy facilities. Chromate (Cr (VI)) is soluble and readily absorbed by cells, while the reduced form of chromium, Cr (III), is insoluble. Thus means of reducing Cr (VI) to Cr (III) in the environment is a potential means of remediation. Desulfovibrio desulfuricans strain 27774 is a sulfate reducing bacterium that can reduce Cr (VI). It also can respire nitrate to ammonia. As some sites of chromium contamination also contain high …