Digital Commons Network^™

Predictors Of Surrogate Involvement In Advance Care Planning Behaviors, Donya Sorensen

Open Access Master's Theses

Advance care planning (ACP) is a framework used to describe the process of end-oflife care planning. ACP includes four behaviors: completing a living will that documents end-of-life wishes, appointing a health care proxy (HCP), discussing the use of interventions with loved ones, and discussing quality versus quantity of life with loved ones. Studies have found that the number of individuals engaging in ACP is low. Further, even those who have completed a living will and HCP often have insufficient communication with loved ones regarding their end-of-life wishes, often leading to discordant end-of-life care. The present study used constructs from the …

A Case Study Of Project-Based Learning In An Elementary School Setting, Lauren Nicole D'Ambra

Open Access Master's Theses

Project-based learning (PBL), a form of learning that has its roots in medical schools, has been frequently studied at the secondary and undergraduate/graduate levels. Few studies of this learning approach have been conducted at the elementary level. This study addressed the question of what project-based learning looks like and how it is implemented in the elementary years, as it exists within the context of a whole school. A qualitative case study design was used for the study. A purposeful sample of K through 6 elementary staff was interviewed over a period of 8 months. Analysis of the data showed that …

Evaluation Of A Snap-Ed Family Meal Based Nutrition Education Curriculum, Aaron Slader

Open Access Master's Theses

Background: Families who have more frequent family meals make more healthy food selections and their children are less likely to be obese than families who eat together less frequently. A nutrition education curriculum that results in increased family meal frequency could be an effective approach to reducing obesity in children through improved nutrition eating behaviors.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a SNAP-Ed 4-week family meal focused nutrition education pilot curriculum to improve family meal frequency among low-income parents in Rhode Island.

Design: This study used a prospective, quasi-experimental design. Low-income parents at one …

Mood And Violence Sensitivity: Using An Emotion Elicitation Paradigm To Assess Perceptions Of Violence Severity, Justine Egan

Open Access Master's Theses

This study aimed to examine the effects different emotions had on perceptions of violent behaviors. Students from an introductory psychology course (n = 517), were randomly assigned to one of five different emotion elicitation conditions (anger, fear, sadness, happiness, and neutral) using one of two methods (automatic story recall and film clip procedure). Perceptions of violence were measured using a modified version of the Violence Sensitivity Magnitude Estimation Scale (VSMES) which asks participants to rate a series of behaviors as to the severity of violence. Trait aggression was found to mediate the relationship between emotion and perceptions of violence. No …

Ecology And Conservation Of The Bamboo Pit Viper: Natural History, Demography And Effects Of Translocation, Elizabeth Anne Devan-Song

Open Access Master's Theses

The bamboo pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris, Gray 1842) is broadly distributed through South and Southeast Asia. This venomous snake occurs in high abundances in Hong Kong, and frequently comes into contact with humans. Thus it is viewed as a ‘nuisance’ species and is commonly translocated away from areas of human habitation. Despite being relatively abundant and a frequent focus of humansnake conflict in the region, very little is known about the ecology, demography, and the effects of long-distance translocation on this species. I captured 104 T. albolabris from throughout Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China and collected …

Facebook, Twitter, & Qr Codes: An Exploratory Trial Examining The Feasibility Of Social Media Mechanisms For Recruiting Youth Participation To An Online Survey, Lucy L. Gu

Open Access Master's Theses

This study examined the effectiveness of three social media based recruitment channels for sampling rural adolescent populations for online health research. At present, there is no consensus on the optimal social media based vehicle for recruiting adolescents due to limited research. This exploratory study compared Facebook ads, Twitter, and QR code postcards at three different but demographically similar rural high schools. The results showed that QR code postcards had the highest response percentage and the lowest cost per recruited participant, whereas Twitter had the lowest response percentage and Facebook had the highest cost per recruited participant. Although this is the …

Portable Microfluidic Fluid Handling System For The Detection Of Protein Biomarkers In Whole Human Blood, Michael Franzblau

Open Access Master's Theses

The thesis focused on the design and construction of a proof-of-concept polymer based microfluidic Point of Care (POC) device that is portable, requires little user interaction, and is sensitive enough to reliably test for protein biomarkers from a small sample of whole human blood. Specific contributions to the presented system include novel microfluidic channel geometries that support improved fluidic handling, and an improved technique for the fabrication of the poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic chip. Additionally, a commercially available plasma separation membrane was integrated into the microfluidic chip using presented structures and techniques to achieve cellular filtration of whole blood on-chip, yielding …

2014-15 Men's Basketball Media Guide, University Of South Florida. Athletic Communications Office, Steven Schoon, Lindsey Morrison

Men's Basketball Media Guides

The media guide for the University of South Florida Bulls' 2014-2015 men's basketball season. Included are sections on the 2014-2015 season outlook, coaches and staff, player profiles, a 2013-2014 season review, history and records, and information about the University of South Florida Athletics. The Bulls finished the season with a 9-23 record.

Cytotoxic Clinical Isolates Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Identified During The Steroids For Corneal Ulcers Trial Show Elevated Resistance To Fluoroquinolones, Durga S. Borkar, Nisha R. Acharya, Chelsia Leong, Prajna Lalitha, Muthiah Srinivasan, Catherine E. Oldenburg, David J. Evans

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Pharmacy

Background: To determine the relationship between type three secretion genotype and fluoroquinolone resistance for P. aeruginosa strains isolated from microbial keratitis during the Steroids for Corneal Ulcers Trial (SCUT) and for two laboratory strains, PA103 and PAO1.

Methods: Confirmed P. aeruginosa isolates from the SCUT were divided into exoU(+) or exoU(−). The exoU(+) strains contained the gene encoding ExoU, a powerful phospholipase toxin delivered into host cells by the type three secretion system. Isolates were then assessed for susceptibility to fluoroquinolone, cephalosporin, and aminoglycoside antibiotics using disk diffusion assays. Etest was used to determine the MIC of moxifloxacin …

Comparative Study Of Helminth Parasites Of The Many-Ribbed Salamander, Eurycea Multiplicata And Oklahoma Salamander, Eurycea Tynerensis (Caudata: Plethodontidae), From Arkansas And Oklahoma, A, C. T. Mcallister, M. B. Connior, C. R. Bursey, H. W. Robison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Ninety many-ribbed salamanders, Eurycea multiplicata and 135 Oklahoma salamanders, Eurycea tynerensis were collected between April 2010 and April 2014 from 14 counties of Arkansas and McCurtain County, Oklahoma (E. multiplicata only) and examined for helminth parasites. Twelve (13%) E. multiplicata were infected, including two (2%) each with Brachycoelium salamandrae, Bothriocephalus rarus, Batracholandros magnavulvaris, Cosmocercoides variabilis, and Omeia papillocauda, and one (1%) each with an oligacanthorhynchid cystacanth and Fessisentis vancleavei. Forty-one (30%) of the E. tynerensis were infected, including seven (5%) with Gorgoderina tenua, two (1%) each with Phyllodistomum solidum and cyclophyllidean tapeworm cysticerci, one (0.7%) with Cylindrotaenia americana, six (3%) …

Growth And Reproduction In The Ouachita Madtom (Noturus Lachneri) At The Periphery Of Its Distribution, R. Tumilson, J. O. Hardage

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Ouachita madtom (Noturus lachneri) occurs primarily in drainages of the upper Saline River and in a few small tributaries to the Ouachita River in Arkansas, USA. We collected specimens by hand and by use of aquarium dipnets on 29 occasions from 20 October 1999 through 25 July 2000 in Cooper Creek, presently a feeder creek into Lake Catherine on the Ouachita River. Total length was measured, reproductive attributes were noted, and individuals were released at the capture site (with exception of 3 gravid females retained to assess fecundity). We recognized 2 age (size) classes during most of the year …

New Records Of Ectoparasites And Other Epifauna From Scalopus Aquaticus And Blarina Carolinensis In Arkansas, M. B. Connior, L. A. Durden, C. T. Mcallister

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Journal Of The Arkansas Academy Of Science- Volume 68 2014, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Toad (Anura: Bufonidae) Limb Abnormalities From An Aquatic Site In Scott, Pulaski County, Arkansas, C. S. Thigpen, D. Beard, S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We collected and examined 16 Fowler’s toads, Anaxyrus fowleri, and one dwarf American toad, Anaxyrus americanus charlesmithi, in central Arkansas in 2011. Collection was initiated by observation of abnormal toads. Toads were euthanized, measured, photographed, and deposited in the Arkansas State University herpetological collection. Several toads were radiographed. We found various abnormalities in both forelimbs and hindlimbs and on both sides of the body. The causes of the abnormalities remain unknown and will require further studies to determine if the environment is imperiled.

Hours Equity Is The New Pay Equity, Nantiya Ruan, Nancy Reichman

Villanova Law Review (1956 - )

No abstract provided.

Gvsu Press Releases, 2014, Grand Valley State University

University Press Releases, 1961-Present

A compilation of press releases for the year 2014 submitted by University Communications (formerly News & Information Services) to news agencies concerning the people, places, and events related to Grand Valley State University.

Kappa Opioid Regulation Of Depressive-Like Behavior During Protracted Withdrawal From Ethanol, Sorscha Jarman

McNair Scholars Journal

No abstract provided.

Structure Based Discovery Of A Novel Inhibitor Of Oxa-1 Β-Lactamase, Leslie Wyman

McNair Scholars Journal

β-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, are among the most commonly prescribed group of antibiotics. These antibiotics are characterized by a four-membered β-lactam ring in their molecular structure, and they act by binding to transpeptidase enzymes found exclusively in bacteria, also called penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). Once the β-lactam binds to this target, bacterial cell wall biosynthesis is disrupted and the bacteria lyse and die.

Unfortunately, due to the heavy use of these antibiotics, bacteria developed mechanisms that can render β-lactams inactive and lead to resistance. Antibiotic resistance in humans and in animals poses a serious public health threat and is …

2014-2015 Course Catalog, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of The Registrar

University of Montana Course Catalogs, 1895-2024

An annual catalog of courses and course descriptions offered at the University of Montana.

Fcs 5158 : Implications Of Childhood Obesity, Fcs

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Ecology And Engagement: The Importance Of Direct Experience Of Nature In Culture And Scholarship, Chris Baldwin Humm

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Our culture is becoming increasingly detached from nature. We spend more of our time indoors than ever. While the indoors may offer certain benefits, it’s becoming increasingly clear that our alienation from nature has serious downsides. We depend upon nature for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and without it. The opposite of detachment is engagement. Engagement involves direct experience of nature, whether in national parks, wilderness, backyard woods, or unkempt vacant lots. If we want to reverse the problems associated with detachment, we need to encourage engaged alternatives. Only through a culture of engagement, one that recognizes and values …

A Treatise On The Assault On Language Sovereignty In The United States: History, Education, And Implications For Policy, Annie Thornburg Oakes

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This dissertation examines the revitalization of endangered Indigenous languages in the United States in relation to the concept of sovereignty. I investigate historical reasons for language destruction in the United States as a means of understanding the mechanism used in conquest and the long-range effects on the educational system. I use the term "language sovereignty" to reflect the right of tribal organizations in the US to assert the use of traditional languages as a means of self-identifying as distinct sovereign nations. I draw from initiatives in Hawaii and Europe to demonstrate how regional and linguistic minority languages have been revitalized …

The Association Between The Social Context Of Mealtime, Children's Diet, Caregiver's Experiences With Discrimination And Household Food Insecurity, Michael Patrick Burke

Theses and Dissertations

The social context of mealtime---defined as the social interactions and practices during mealtime---plays an important role in children's diet. Household food insecurity disrupts or causes worry about the household food supply, and therefore may negate the positive effect of the social context of meals; however, little research has examined household food security and the social context of mealtime. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between various aspects of the social context of mealtime---dietary modeling, parenting style, eating together, mealtime screen time, and priority and atmosphere of mealtime---and dietary quality among children within food-insecure households. The results …

Nonlinear Magnetic Dynamics And The Switching Phase Diagrams In Spintronic Devices, Shu Anthoney Yan

Theses and Dissertations

Spin-transfer torque induced magnetic switching, by which the spin-polarized current transfers its magnetic moment to the ferromagnetic layer and changes its magnetization, holds great promise towards faster and smaller magnetic bits in data-storage applications due to the lower power consumption and better scalability.

We propose an analytic approach which can be used to calculate the switching phase diagram of a nanomagnetic system in the presence of both magnetic field and spin-transfer torque in an exact fashion. This method is applied to the study of switching conditions for the uniaxial, single domain magnetic layers in different spin-transfer devices. In a spin …

Family Support Caseloads--Determinants Of Kentucky's Division Of Family Support Personnel Allocation, David Bachert

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

This paper is an examination of the determinants of Family Support employee allocation. Specifically, related to Kentucky, the goal of this research is to determine if public assistance caseloads are equitable across nine geographic regions. A review of relevant literature provides a larger context to this topic. Literature primarily suggests three mechanisms by which Family Support resources might be allocated: legal regulations, postcode lottery, and Tiebout migration.

Supported by literature the larger context for this paper leads to the examination of five independent variables: (1) percent of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients \, (2) total population, (3) percent of the …

Study Of Thoroughbred Workers: Physical Health, Mental Health, And Income, Marina Byrd

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Horse racing is a well-known sport and the part of the horse industry best known to the public; however, there is little information on the health status and health needs of people who work in this business. Past research shows that the thoroughbred worker population faces a myriad of health challenges. Swanberg et al. (2013) studied demographics, working conditions, and health of Latinos who work on thoroughbred farms in the United States by analyzing phone interviews, face-to-face interviews, and injury logs. The majority of injuries in this study are general injuries such as getting kicked or injuring fingers.

This study …

Myscouting: An Assessment Of User Satisfaction And Suggestions For Improvement, Donald H. Combs Iii

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

The Boy Scouts of America was established as a non-profit organization in 1910 and now has over three million active volunteers in the United States. Since the organization was founded in America, the program has grown not only in membership, but also in complexity with many new awards, training requirements, and programs. Originally the organization tracked this information via paper submission. After the development of the disk operation system (DOS), the organization started tracking and storing information in this data system. Yet, while today the DOS-based databases are outdated, the Boy Scouts of America still continues to use this technology …

Does Overhead Spending Affect Fiscal Performance Of Nonprofits?, Shan Sandee Huang

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Overhead spending has been used to view nonprofits for decades. Donors consider overhead cost as extra “price” of a donation’s impact and would like to apply limits on overhead costs, thus improving impact ratios. However, nonprofit practitioners and researchers claim that constraints on overhead spending may hinder organizational development. This paper aims to analyze whether overhead spending affects positive fiscal performance.

The research employs the NCCS (National Center for Charitable Statistics) database containing all the data reported on IRS 990 Forms from 1,397 arts, culture and humanities organizations from 2000 to 2003. This paper uses two regression models to evaluate …

Postsecondary Instruction: Changes In The Academic Workforce And State Appropriations For Community Colleges, R. Ryan Kendrick

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Over the last 30 years continued decline in state appropriations for public institutions has been accompanied by an increase in the use of part-time instruction. Community colleges have been particularly susceptible to both of these problems. Two-year institutions have less freedom than their larger counterparts to raise tuition rates and part time instructors constitute a larger percentage of their workforce. Less revenue has resulted in fewer resources to devote to instruction and student support. Part-time time instruction, on the whole, results in lower student retention and graduation rates.

This analysis intended to establish a connection between cuts to state appropriations …

Analyzing Perceptions Of Barriers To Self-Sufficiency Of Local Social Service Officials And Their Priorities For Local Government Funding, Zheng Li

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Self-sufficiency means a family can adequately meet their basic needs without repeated assistance from public or private social service organizations. However, there are many barriers preventing Fayette County residents from becoming self-sufficient. Because Lexington Fayette Urban County officials wanted to consider a new way to allocate local government resources, a needs assessment was conducted to assess the barriers to self-sufficiency for residents in Fayette County. As one part of the needs assessment, my research was to design and analyze a survey instrument to assess the perceptions of barriers to self-sufficiency of local social service providers and their priorities for local …