Digital Commons Network^™

Student Healthcare Providers' Illness Narratives: Impact On Family-Focused Care, Lindsey Ann Lawson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In this study, we interviewed 30 students training for three areas of healthcare: medicine, nursing, and medical family therapy (MedFT). Through grounded theory analysis of these interviews, we looked to understand how these providers connected their own experiences with illness to their clinical work, particularly in including patients’ family members in care. The majority of participants, and especially those in medicine and nursing disciplines, described a tension between their desire to connect with patients and families and their developing definition of professionalism. For others, the impact of students’ personal experiences with illness seemed to provide a different definition of professionalism, …

Radiosensitization Of Head & Neck Carcinoma Cells By Linifanib, A Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Heng-Wei Hsu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Tumor angiogenesis is a hallmark of advanced cancers and promotes invasion and metastasis. Over 90% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) express angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Since radiotherapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for HNSCC, it is imperative to identify the interactions between antiangiogenic therapy and radiotherapy, and to develop combination therapy to improve clinical outcome. The mechanisms between antiangiogenic agents and ionizing radiation are complicated and involve many interactions between the vasculature, tumor stroma and tumor cells. The proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells rely on angiogenesis/blood vessel formation. …

The Log-Beta Generalized Half-Normal Regression Model, Rodrigo R. Pescim, Edwin M. M. Ortega, Gauss M. Cordeiro, Clarice G. B. Demtrio, Gholamhossein Hamedani

Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Faculty Research and Publications

We introduce a log-linear regression model based on the beta generalized half-normal distribution (Pescim et al., 2010). We formulate and develop a log-linear model using a new distribution so-called the log-beta generalized half normal distribution. We derive expansions for the cumulative distribution and density functions which do not depend on complicated functions. We obtain formal expressions for the moments and moment generating function. We characterize the proposed distribution using a simple relationship between two truncated moments. An advantage of the new distribution is that it includes as special sub-models classical distributions reported in the lifetime literature. We also show that …

An Examination Of The Governance Policies Of Maine Nonprofits As They Relate To Endowment And Cash Reseve Accounts, Kenneth S. Spirer

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

For my Capstone project, I examined whether Maine nonprofit organizations have established policies to manage their endowment and cash reserve funds. Based on survey responses and a literature review, I have identified governance policies that represent best practices for nonprofit organization’s responsibilities for the endowment assets. I also have drafted a sample Investment Policy Statement “template” for small nonprofits to use as a basis for developing their own policies.

Consequences Of Prenatal Ethanol Exposure And Maternal Stress On Offspring, Miranda C. Staples

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Extensive evidence in humans suggests that exposure to insults during gestation, such as ethanol or maternal stress, can negatively impact the developing fetus in manners which can last into adulthood. These deleterious effects can include various behavioral challenges including cognitive impairments and increases in anxiety. These findings have been replicated in animal models of prenatal ethanol exposure and prenatal stress exposure, but little work has been conducted on measuring the interactive effects of the two prenatal insults in combination. Currently, there is no animal model of combined prenatal ethanol and prenatal stress exposures which has been utilized to systematically evaluate …

The Voice Of Latino Adolescent Parents: A Focus Group Approach, Brenda Pereda

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Background Adolescent Latina mothers are at high risk of rapid repeat pregnancy with poor economic, educational and health outcomes. Identifying barriers to use of the most effective contraception—long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC)—in adolescent Latino parents may help in the development of strategies to reduce unintended pregnancy in this high risk group. Objectives Primary Aim: • To identify the barriers to use of LARC by Latina adolescent mothers. Secondary Aims • Understand the context of contraceptive conversations and decision making. • Explain factors that influence contraceptive adoption and adherence. • Explore the Latino adolescent males perspective on contraception. Methods A sequential, …

Gene-Environment Interactions Affect Long-Term Depression (Ltd) Through Changes In Dopamine D2 Receptor Affinity In Snap25 Haplodeficient Mice, Michael J. Baca

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Genes and environmental conditions interact in the development of cognitive capacities and each plays an important role in neuropsychiatric disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. Multiple studies have indicated that the gene for the SNARE protein, SNAP-25 is a candidate susceptibility gene for ADHD, as well as schizophrenia, while maternal smoking is a candidate environmental risk factor for ADHD. In this study, mice heterozygous for a Snap25 allele and deficient in SNAP-25 expression were utilized to model genetic effects in combination with prenatal exposure to nicotine to explore genetic and environmental (G x E) factors and interactions. …

Procedural Design And Terror Victim Compensation, Janet Cooper Alexander

DePaul Law Review

No abstract provided.

C-Rel Is A Transcriptional Target Of Mesoderm Inducer In Xenopus Like 1 (Mixl1), Aaron C. Raymond

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

MIXL1, an evolutionarily conserved, paired-type homeobox transcription factor induced by BMP4/TGFb signaling, is a critical regulator of embryonic and adult hematopoiesis. Several lines of evidence implicate MIXL1 in hematopoietic transformation: (i) Aberrant MIXL1 expression is seen in human CML ( Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia) in blast crisis, AML (Acute myelogenous leukemia), B cell lymphomas and pediatric ALL (Acute lymphocytic leukemia). (ii) Retroviral transduction of Mixl1 induces AML in murine models. Nonetheless, mechanisms underlying MIXL1 mediated proliferative, survival advantages are unknown.

The goal of my studies is to understand if and how aberrant MIXL1 expression contributes to leukemogenesis. As a first step, …

Introducing A Novel Method For Genetic Analysis Of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sepideh Nouri

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Autism is a spectrum of neurological disorders that is characterized by repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, lack of social skills in verbal and non-verbal communications, and intellectual disability. Recent statistics shows that 1 out of every 88 children in the US is affected by autism.

In this thesis, I first review previous studies on genetic association analyses of autism spectrum disorder. A large number of these studies fall into two categories: Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and sequencing studies. Although GWAS are able to identify multiple common risk variants associated with different diseases, these common variants explain only a small portion …

The Efficacy Of Partial Squats On Measures Of Strength And Explosiveness: An Exploratory Study, Caleb D. Bazyler, Kimitake Sato, Craig A. Wassinger, Hugh S. Lamont, Michael H. Stone

ETSU Faculty Works

Abstract available in the 8th Annual Coaches and Sport Science College.

Measuring Performance Excellence: Key Performance Indicators For Institutions Accepted Into The Academic Quality Improvement Program (Aqip), Paul J. Ballard

Dissertations

Given growing interest in accountability and outcomes, the North Central Association's Higher Learning Commission developed a new path for accreditation, the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). The goal is to infuse continuous improvement and quality in the culture of higher education, and to blend traditional accreditation with the philosophy and techniques of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. Yet, little is known about the key performance indicators (KPI) that colleges and universities are using to improve their quality and continuous improvement processes.

To this end, my research involved a content analysis of the Systems Portfolios submitted for accreditation by 34 purposefully …

The Impact Of Institutional Culture On Student Activism: A Multi-Case Study In Christian Higher Education, Brian E. Cole

Dissertations

This study contributes to the description and meaning of student activism within the context of Christian college environments and cultures, and is interpreted through the sociological concept of symbolic interactionism. The purpose of this study is to help fill the void in the literature on student activism at Christian colleges and universities, positioning it within literature of broader Christian culture and activism, Christian higher education, generational history of college student activism, and student development theories and leadership models. The goal of the study is to help create an understanding of how students at Christian institutions understand and engage in activism …

"A Christmas Carol" Promotion, Central Theatre Ensemble, Central Washington University

CWU Theatre Programs

"A Christmas Carol" was performed by the Central Theatre Ensemble at Central Washington University in December 2013. The production was written and directed by Brenda Hubbard, Scenic design was by Marc Haniuk. Costume design was by Kelsey Sheppard. Wig design by Caitlin Cardinale. Lighting design by Amanda Lehr. Sound design by Brenda Hubbard and Ashley Thayer. Choreography by Brenda Hubbard and Carly Hutchison. The properties master was Josh Tavenner. The dialect coach was Michael J. Smith. The assistant director was Kate Gregory, and the stage manager was Kathleen Jones.

"A Christmas Carol" Program, Central Theatre Ensemble, Central Washington University

CWU Theatre Programs

"A Christmas Carol" was performed by the Central Theatre Ensemble at Central Washington University in December 2013. The production was written and directed by Brenda Hubbard, Scenic design was by Marc Haniuk. Costume design was by Kelsey Sheppard. Wig design by Caitlin Cardinale. Lighting design by Amanda Lehr. Sound design by Brenda Hubbard and Ashley Thayer. Choreography by Brenda Hubbard and Carly Hutchison. The properties master was Josh Tavenner. The dialect coach was Michael J. Smith. The assistant director was Kate Gregory, and the stage manager was Kathleen Jones.

Glacier Slip And Seismicity Induced By Surface Melt, Peter L. Moore, J. Paul Winberry, Neal R. Iverson, Knut A. Christianson, Sridhar Anandakrishnan, Miriam Jackson, Mark E. Mathison, Denis Cohen

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

Many of the key processes governing fast glacier flow involve interaction between a glacier and its basal hydrological system, which is hidden from direct observation. Passive seismic monitoring has shown promise as a tool for remotely monitoring basal processes, but lack of glacier-bed access prevents clear understanding of the relationships between subglacial processes and corresponding seismic emissions. Here we describe direct measurements of basal hydrology, sliding, and broadband seismicity made in a unique subglacial facility in Norway during the onset of two summer melt seasons. In the most pronounced of these episodes, rapid delivery of surface meltwater to the bed …

Brocade & Cal Poly Project Challenge, Andy Vallejo

Architectural Engineering

No abstract provided.

Managing The Veterinary Clinic Enterprise, Shelby N. Smyly

Animal Science

This document serves as a guideline for the student management of the Veterinary Clinic Enterprise.

An Economic Analysis Methodology For Project Evaluation And Programming, Yi Jiang, Guangyuan Zhao, Shuo Li

JTRP Technical Reports

Economic analysis is a critical component of a comprehensive project or program evaluation methodology that considers all key quantitative and qualitative impacts of highway investments. It allows highway agencies to identify, quantify, and value the economic benefits and costs of highway projects and programs over a multiyear timeframe. This research was conducted to provide the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) with a uniform economic analysis methodology. The developed economic evaluation model applies the methodology of life-cycle benefit cost analysis to perform economic analysis for proposed highway projects. As a result of this research, an Excel based computer program, the Indiana …

Performance Of Portland Limestone Cements: Cements Designed To Be More Sustainable That Include Up To 15% Limestone Addition, Timothy J. Barrett, Hongfang Sun, W. Jason Weiss

JTRP Technical Reports

In 2009, ASTM and AASHTO permitted the use of up to 5% interground limestone in ordinary portland cement (OPC) as a part of ASTM C150/AASHTO M85. When this project was initiated a new proposal was being discussed that would enable up to 15% interground limestone to be considered in ASTM C595/AASHTO M234 cement. This project was initiated to provide rapid feedback to INDOT for use in discussions regarding these specifications (this has become ASTM C595/AASHTO M240). PLC is designed to enable more sustainable construction which may significantly reduce the CO2 that is embodied in the built infrastructure while extending the …

Updated Methods For Traffic Impact Analysis, Including Evaluation Of Innovative Intersection Designs: Volume Iii—Reviewer’S Guide, Gerald T. Bollinger, Jon D. Fricker

JTRP Technical Reports

The INDOT Reviewer’s Guide to Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) is a product of SPR-3605 Updated Methods for Traffic Impact Analysis. It is intended to provide guidance to individuals who are charged with the responsibility to evaluate the Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) reports submitted to INDOT (or other public agencies). This guide replaces the 1992 Reviewer's Guide for Traffic Impact Studies. The 1992 Guide was essentially an extended version of the 1992 Applicant's Guide to Traffic Impact Studies. This time, the Reviewer’s Guide is written with the knowledge that the Applicant’s Guide is available to both applicants and …

Updated Methods For Traffic Impact Analysis, Including Evaluation Of Innovative Intersection Designs: Volume I—Technical Report, Gerald T. Bollinger, Jon D. Fricker

JTRP Technical Reports

In 1992, an Applicant’s Guide and a Reviewer’s Guide to Traffic Impact Analyses to standardize the methodologies for conducting traffic impact analyses (TIAs) in Indiana were developed for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The methodologies were meant to help streamline the process of preparing and reviewing TIAs. The methodology is applicable for other transportation and government entities as well. Because 20 years have passed since the publication of the guides, INDOT wished to evaluate how effective the guides have been, determine what in the guides has worked well, revise parts of the guides that have not worked well, and …

Finite Element Analysis Of Frp Debonding Failure At The Tip Of Flexural/Shear Crack In Concrete Beam, Tayyebeh Mohammadi, Baolin Wan, Kent Harries

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

One of the most common failure modes of strengthened RC beams with externally bonded FRP is intermediate crack (IC) debonding of FRP initiated at the tip of flexural/shear cracks. This study presents a method, using extended finite element method (XFEM), to model IC debonding in an FRP-strengthened concrete beam. In XFEM, as soon as a damage initiation criterion is reached in an element, additional degrees of element freedom are added to model crack initiation. Crack propagation is then modeled using fracture energy criterion. This method can be used to simulate debonding failure along an arbitrary, solution-dependent path without the requirement …

Heavy Vehicle Performance During Recovery From Forced-Flow Urban Freeway Conditions Due To Incidents, Work Zones And Recurring Congestion, Alexander Drakopoulos, Yue Liu, Alan Horowitz

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Information contained in the Highway Capacity Manual on the influence heavy vehicles have on freeway traffic operations has been based on few field data collection efforts and relied mostly on traffic simulation efforts. In the 2010 Manual heavy vehicle impact is evaluated based on “passenger car equivalent” values for buses, recreational vehicles and trucks. These values were calibrated for relatively uncongested freeway conditions (levels of service A through C) since inadequate field data on heavy vehicle behavior under congested conditions were available. A number of field data collection efforts, that were not included in deriving the passenger car equivalent values …

Solomon Islands Standardised Tests Of Achievement (Sista). English And Mathematics. Year 4 And Year 6. Report 1 Main Study 2013, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

Assessment and Reporting

The SISTA program is a key monitoring tool of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development and has the capacity to serve multiple functions to a wide range of educational stakeholders. This report provides analysis of year 4 and year 6 Literacy and Numeracy of SISTA 2013. The SISTA results contain a wealth of data about how well students have responded to items that are indicators of curriculum attainment. The observed improvements in overall performances may be attributed to: a. Better tests and improved alignment of the tests with the target population; and b. In the case …

After The Final Rose: Effects Of The Bachelor On Viewers’ Perceived Realism, Relationship Satisfaction, And Expectation Of Sexual Timing, Macy Boschee

Communication Studies

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ABC’s The Bachelor on viewers’ ideology of dating and relationships. Ninety-eight participants voluntarily took part in a survey, posted to Facebook. The survey measured whether increased exposure to The Bachelor affects viewers’ perceived realism of television, relationship satisfaction, or expectations of sexual timing. The role of viewing habits on each of these factors was also examined. The effects of exposure to The Bachelor on the dependent variables, perceived realism and relationship satisfaction, were measured using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Effects of exposure on expectations of sexual timing were …

Continuities On Subspaces, Timothy James Glatzer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

We define a generalized continuity by declaring that for any family S of subsets of a topological space X, a function f : X → Y is S -continuous if for each S∈ S , the function f ↾ S : S → Y is continuous. This is easily seen to generalize such well known concepts as separate continuity and linear continuity. Using this definition as a way to unify several disparate results, we attempt to create a theory of S -continuity. As a part of this program, we give constructions for S -continuous functions for several natural classes S …

Increasing Student Engagement In The Middle School Classroom, Elisa V. Biancalana

Dissertations

There is a need to improve student engagement in the middle school classroom. This change plan seeks to determine the level of student engagement in the classroom using the Instructional Practices Inventory tool. Classroom walkthroughs will be conducted to determine the level of engagement in the classroom. The data collected during the walkthroughs will drive the professional development needed for teachers in order to be able to implement teaching strategies that increase the level of student engagement in the classroom. The effective implementation of this change plan will ensure that teachers will work collaboratively in order to design engaging instruction …

Wind And Wake Sensing With Uav Formation Flight: System Development And Flight Testing, Trenton Jameson Larrabee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Wind turbulence including atmospheric turbulence and wake turbulence have been widely investigated; however, only recently it become possible to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as a validation tool for research in this area. Wind can be a major contributing factor of adverse weather for aircraft. More importantly, it is an even greater risk towards UAVs because of their small size and weight. Being able to estimate wind fields and gusts can potentially provide substantial benefits for both unmanned and manned aviation. Possible applications include gust suppression for improving handling qualities, a better warning system for high wind encounters, and enhanced …

Characterizations Of Concretes With Alkali-Activated Binder And Correlating Their Properties From Micro- To Specimen Level, Arkamitra Kar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The manufacturing of portland cement (PC), the main binder of concrete, generates large amount of CO2 (a greenhouse gas), cement kiln dust (solid waste), and consumes significant amount of heat energy. Alkali-activated binder (AAB) is increasingly being considered as an environmentally friendly or green alternative to PC. The AAB is produced by alkali activation of aluminosilicate compounds as precursors with or without calcium ions in them in the temperature range of 60° C to 90° C. Since most of the precursors are waste or by-products, the AAB is regarded as sustainable and green construction material with great potential for its …