Digital Commons Network^™

Patient Rule Induction Method For Subgroup Identification Given Censored Data., Patrick James Trainor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The identification of subgroups in clinical studies is an important aspect of personalized medicine. In order to develop tailored therapeutics, the factors that characterize subgroups with differential prognosis, response to treatment, and incidence of adverse events or toxicities must be elucidated. We present a generalization of a statistical learning algorithm, Patient Rule Induction Method (PRIM), that is well suited for this task given a right-censored time-to-event outcome measure. This algorithm works to recursively partition a covariate space into mutually exclusive boxes that can be utilized to define subgroups. Conceptually the algorithm is similar to classification and regression trees but rather …

An Analysis Of The Creation Museum : Hermeneutics, Language, And Information Theory., Steven Mark Watkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation analyzes the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky with respect to hermeneutic, linguistic, and information theories. The popularity of the CM, with an excess of 1.6 million visitors to date and future plans to build a one-hundred million dollar theme park, raises concerns among religious and non-religious people. The CM has drawn the attention of all the major news networks and has been reported on extensively in print media. The number of visitors and money raised by the CM dwarfs other museums in the area with large federal endowments. This dissertation draws the interest of popular educated audiences as …

The Performance Of The K6 Scale In A Large Adolescent Sample., Nicholas Chalmer Peiper 1982-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is an applied research study to examine the performance of the K6 scale that measures serious emotional disturbance (SED) among adolescents. As the K6 was included in the 2012 administration of the Kentucky Incentives for Prevention Survey (KIP), three specific aims are included: 1) confirm the unidimensional structure of the K6 among adolescents using factor analysis; 2) define the prevalence and correlates of adolescent SED among Kentucky students; and 3) utilize latent class analysis (LCA) to empirically derive clinically relevant subtypes of adolescents with SED. Of the 122,718 students who completed the KIP in 2012, approximately 89% provided …

Ligand Centered Reactivity Of Metal Stabilized Thiyl Radicals In Solution, Solid And Gaseous Phase., Rajat Rajat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents ligand centered reactivity studies of metal stabilized thiyl radicals in solution, solid, and gaseous phases for catalysis and sensing based applications. Chemical oxidation of tris(2-diphenylphosphinebenzenethiolato )ruthenate(II) [Ru -1]- with ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate in the presence of ethylene yields [Ru-1·C,H.]PF6, from addition of the alkene across cis sulfur sites. In the presence of base [Ru-1·C,H.]+ is selectively deprotonated at the pseudoequatorial proton on the carbon a to the sulfur trans to phosphorus, yielding the vinyl metallosulfonium derivative [Ru-1·C,H3]. "H and 31p NMR spectra of [Ru-1'C,H3 ] are temperature dependent, associated with inversion of the sulfur lone pair at the …

Predictions Of Nox Emissions In Pulverized Coal Combustion., Niko Hachenberg 1981-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research work was to develop a transferable mathematically simple model which gives the possibility to make fast and easy predictions regarding the NOx emission behavior of a broad–spectrum of coals within a certain combustion environment. In this context, this thesis is a further step of a common ongoing investigation focused on predicting NOx emissions from self–sustaining, pulverized coal combustion in dry bottom firing systems. A comprehensive literature research focused on already published NOx prediction approaches from scientific publications based on fundamental quantitative relationships or empirical algorithms and statistical relationships was also carried out in this context. …

Synthesis Of N-Heterocycles Through Cyclization-Triggered Tandem Additions To Alkynes And The Study Of Promoters In Ionic Reactions., Junbin Han

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Our research mainly focused on three parts related to the rapid construction of N-heterocycles and the search for ionic reaction promoters. First, N-heterocycles of different ring sizes and with different substitution patterns constitute extremely important structure classes (e.g., alkaloids) in the search for bioactivity. A contemporary challenge in organic synthesis is the mapping of new chemical spaces through tandem or cascade reactions in an atom economical fashion. Our strategy to access these biologically important heterocycles is through a cyclization-triggered tandem addition to alkynes catalyzed by readily available alkynophilic coinage metals like copper. In this manner, a variety of functional groups …

Leaching Characteristics Of Selenium From Coal Fly Ash, Mark Allen Cantrell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Selenium (Se) contamination can be a potential groundwater concern near un-lined coal ash landfills. Out of all the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority and non-priority pollutants, Se has the narrowest range between what is considered beneficial and detrimental for aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The effects of ash type (i.e., fresh and weathered), water-extractant type (i.e., deionized water, rainwater, and groundwater), and extraction time (i.e., 2- and 6-hours) on Se, arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) concentrations were investigated from Class C, subbituminous coal fly ash produced at the Flint Creek Power Plant located in Benton County, AR. Water-extractable Se concentrations differed …

Vape Away: Why A Minimalist Regulatory Structure Is The Best Option For Fda E-Cigarette Regulation, Nick Dantino

University of Richmond Law Review

No abstract provided.

Individual Gains: A Personal History Of Learning, Writing, And Teaching, Nate Whipple

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This essay began as an attempt to understand my students. When I chose to write about the students in my writing classes, I was immersed in research for my thesis. The topic of my thesis at the time was higher education and reform in the United States. In general, voices from my research asserted, students in higher education are increasingly apathetic, lazy, negligent, and as a result are underachieving at a higher rate than ever before.

Learning Two Languages: Maze Behaviors In Narrative Discourse For Spanish-English Bilinguals, Joel Hopper

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This study was designed to determine whether mazing behavior in narrative retells of bilingual English and Spanish speaking children was affected by language, complexity of sentence structure, and language development over time. Language transcripts were analyzed from English and Spanish narrative retells elicited from 216 children between the ages of 5 and 9 at the beginning and end of kindergarten, first, and second grade years. Findings revealed a statistically significant difference in the average maze scores and sentence types. A significant interaction was also found between time and language, with maze scores remaining nearly level over time in English and …

The Effect Of Harsh Parenting On Anxiety Levels In Adolescents As Moderated By Rsa And Family Stability, Laura B. Welburn

Psychology

The present study examines the relation between harsh parenting experienced during adolescence on anxiety symptoms during adulthood as moderated by the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity and family stability. Participants completed questionnaires assessing parenting styles, the regularity or family activities, and current anxiety symptoms (61 adults; mean age = 19.39 years; 50.8% European American; 47.5% male). PNS activity was measured by resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). The results suggest that among males, relatively high RSA buffers the effects of harsh parenting on anxiety symptoms. Also, for males, the stability of home life at relatively high levels can be a protective …

Investigating Cell Phone Radiation Exposure: Actions Of The Us Government, Tasa Proctor

Research Papers

Almost every man, woman, and child in America has used a cell phone at some point in time. Cell phones make staying connected more than just a phrase. They make almost all forms of communication possible. However, the grisly reality about cell phones is, they emit radiation. The source of the radiation is the phones’ antenna. Although thought to be harmless to humans, the type of radiation they emit is under investigation for causing adverse effects on human health. In 2001, peer–reviewed research findings on cell phone radiation brought to the attention of the World Health Organization caused the organization …

Gauging Wetland Restoration Status Using Benthic-Based Structural And Functional Metrics, Claudia Alejandra Tamez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Efforts to restore Bahia Grande, a 2630 hectare, historically sea grass dominated playa lake, are currently underway and describing its current ecological status is critical to recommending any future physical manipulations to the immense basin. A benthic community based study was conducted on three estuaries in Cameron County, Texas (2012 to 2013) in order to compare the polychaete community dynamics and ecosystem productivity rates of the restored basin to that of two older adjacent reference sites (i.e. South Bay and San Martin Lake) in an effort to gauge system status. All three sites were once contiguous with the Lower Laguna …

Manufacture And Characterization Of Silver And Copper Nanostructures Produced Via Forcespun Nylon 6 Nanofibers, Wenqian Zhao

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Nylon 6 nanofibers were produced using the Forcespinning® method and were deposited with silver or copper thin films using the high vacuum thermal evaporation technique for surface functionalization of nanostructures. The changes in surface composition, morphology and surface energy of native and metallic coated Nylon 6 nanofibers were examined. Their antibacterial properties of native, silver or copper coated Nylon 6 nanofibers were tested. Furthermore, the Nylon 6 nanofibers were used as templates in order to obtain silver or copper nanotubes where the polymer was removed after high temperature calcination. The metallic coated Nylon 6 nanofibers and metallic nanotubes morphology and …

An Assessment Of The Emas Pump And Its Potential For Use In Household Water Systems In Uganda, Jacob Daniel Carpenter

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Rural improved water supply coverage in Uganda has stagnated around 64% for a number of years and at this point more than 10 million rural people do not have access to an improved drinking water source. It has been recognized that progress toward improved water supply coverage and increased service levels may be gained through Government and nongovernmental organization (NGO) support of private investment in household and shared water supplies, commonly known as Self-supply. Self-supply can be promoted by introducing and building local capacity in appropriate and affordable water supply technologies such as hand-dug wells, manually drilled boreholes, low-cost pumps, …

Algae: Opportunities For Biomass Feedstock Production, Wastewater Treatment And Educational Outreach, Trina Cassandra Halfhide

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Algae are a diverse group of simple organisms that lack roots, stems or leaves and are able to use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients to produce complex compounds, such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. These compounds, especially lipids, are highly sought-after by agricultural, nutraceutical and energy interests. Although there is great potential for algae derived biofuels, there are technical and economic challenges associated with their cultivation. Relevant to this dissertation, the environmental impacts associated with algae cultivation can be reduced by using municipal and agricultural wastewaters as a water and nutrient source. This research was divided into three sections to …

Asymmetric Unilateral Transfemoral Prosthetic Simulator, Tyagi Ramakrishnan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

amputation, which includes reduced force generation at the knee and ankle, reduced control of the leg, and different mass properties relative to their intact leg. The physical change in the prosthetic leg leads to gait asymmetries that include spatial, temporal, or force differences. This altered gait can lead to an increase in energy consumption and pain due to compensating forces and torques. The asymmetric prosthesis demonstrated in this research aims to find a balance between the different types of asymmetries to provide a gait that is more symmetric and to make it overall easier for an amputee to walk.

Previous …

An Experimental Study Of Bio-Inspired Force Generation By Unsteady Flow Features, Wesley N. Fassmann

Theses and Dissertations

As the understanding of the workings of the biological world expands, biomimetic designs increasingly move into the focus of engineering research studies. For this thesis, two studiesinvolving leading edge vortex generation for lift production as observed in nature were explored intheir respective flow regimes. The first study focused on the steady state analysis of streamwise vortices generated byleading edge tubercles of an adult humpback whale flipper. A realistic scaled model of a humpbackflipper was fabricated based on the 3D reconstruction from a sequence of 18 images taken whilecircumscribing an excised flipper of a beached humpback whale. Two complementary modelswith smooth …

Project Finance Investors: Solution To Populismo, Jenny Small

Brigham Young University International Law & Management Review

No abstract provided.

Significant Distinct Branches Of Hierarchical Trees: A Framework For Statistical Analysis And Applications To Biological Data, Guoli Sun

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

One of the most common goals of hierarchical clustering is finding those branches of a tree that form quantifiably distinct data subtypes. Achieving this goal in a statistically meaningful way requires (a) a measure of distinctness of a branch and (b) a test to determine the significance of the observed measure, applicable to all branches and across multiple scales of dissimilarity. We formulate a method termed Tree Branches Evaluated Statistically for Tightness (TBEST) for identifying significantly distinct tree branches in hierarchical clusters. For each branch of the tree a measure of distinctness, or tightness, is defined as a rational function …

Synthesis And Biological Evaluation Of Second And Third Generation Of Taxoid Anticancer Agents, Xin Wang

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Cancer is a group of diseases leading by uncontrolled cell growth, and is responsible for approximately one in four deaths in the United States. While significant advancements have been made in chemotherapy, combating drug resistant strains have remained a major challenge. Traditional chemotherapeutic agents, Taxol® and Taxotere®, have showed little efficacy in treating melanoma, pancreatic, gastric, brain and renal cancers. Also, in clinical treatment, repeated administration of Taxol® may lead to multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenomenon. Therefore, it is essential to develop new taxoid anticancer agents with superior pharmacological properties, fewer side effects, and improved potency against various classes of tumors, …

Potential And Flux Field Landscape Theory Of Spatially Inhomogeneous Non-Equilibrium Systems, Wei Wu

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

In this dissertation we establish a potential and flux field landscape theory for studying the global stability and dynamics as well as the non-equilibrium thermodynamics of spatially inhomogeneous non-equilibrium dynamical systems. The potential and flux landscape theory developed previously for spatially homogeneous non-equilibrium stochastic systems described by Langevin and Fokker-Planck equations is refined and further extended to spatially inhomogeneous non-equilibrium stochastic systems described by functional Langevin and Fokker-Planck equations. The probability flux field is found to be crucial in breaking detailed balance and characterizing non-equilibrium effects of spatially inhomogeneous systems. It also plays a pivotal role in governing the global …

Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Regarding Hiv/Aids Among Adult Fishermen In Coastal Areas Of Karachi., Mubashir Zafar, Nighat Nisar, Masood Kadir, Zafar Fatmi, Zeeshan Ahmed, Kashif Shafique

Community Health Sciences

BACKGROUND:

Migrant populations are at high risk of Human Immuno Deficiency Virus infection (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Studies of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and practices among fishermen in developing countries have shown gaps in knowledge and fear of contagion with ambivalent attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and inconsistent universal precautions adherence. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding HIV/AIDS among adult fishermen in a coastal area of Karachi, Pakistan.

METHODS:

Community based cross sectional study was conducted among fishermen in coastal area of Karachi from June to September 2012. A total of 297 adult …

Primocane-Fruiting Blackberry: Optimum N-Fertilization, Jose Carlos Reynoso Campos

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted in 2011 at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville to determine the optimum rate and time of nitrogen (N) application for `Prime-Ark® 45' primocane-fruiting (PF) blackberries under high tunnel conditions. There were four N treatments: Control (0), 10, 10-split, and 20 kg*ha-1 (Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4, respectively). In a randomized complete block (RCB) design, the following variables were compared: total and marketable yield, fresh weight of plant above ground, and cane diameter. Total fruit yields for Treatments 2 and 3 (2.5 and 2.5 kg, respectively) were highest and significantly different from the other treatments (p< 0.05). Marketable yield had a similar trend as total fruit yield, although not significantly different. Cane diameter and plant fresh weight were not significantly affected by fertilizer treatments. There were not significant differences in N content in leaves among treatments. Results indicated that either a single or split N application of 10 kgN*ha-1 could result in better yields.

Four …

2014 May, Office Of Communications & Marketing, Morehead State University.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for May of 2014.

Measuring The Effects Of An American Physiological Society’S Phun Week Activity On 2nd Grade Students, James Edelman

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the last few years the United States has been on the decline in the fields of science and technology. The American Physiological Society (APS) has developed a program to engage young minds with scientists. Physiology Understanding Week (PhUn) is the APS initiative to use interactive experiments to engage school-age children with science and physiology. Even though PhUn Week has been going on since 2005, systematic assessment of the activities effects is rare. Here, we sought to assess if an APS PhUn Week activity enhances physiology understanding and interest in science in second grade children form a rural area. The …

Relationship Between Leadership Styles Of High School Teachers, Principals, And Assistant Principals And Their Attitudes Toward School Wide Positive Behavior And Support Implementation, Geneva Cosweller Lampton-Holmes

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if seventh through twelfth grade educators’ attitudes towards School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) are affected based on their gender, years of experience, school discipline policy, leadership style, and knowledge of SWPBS.

Through an online survey, an analysis of the leadership style and knowledge of SWPBS of Mississippi teachers and administrators was conducted. Other variables included the school discipline policy and participants’ gender and years of experience. The study found that knowledge of SWPBS and school discipline policy had a significant impact on the educators’ attitudes towards SWPBS. Leadership style, gender, and years …

Linking Mineral Deposits To Speleogenetic Processes In Cova Des Pas De Vallgornera (Mallorca, Spain), Bogdan P. Onac, Joan J. Fornós, Antoni Merino, Joaquín Ginés, Jacqueline Diehl

International Journal of Speleology

Cova des Pas de Vallgornera (CPV) is the premier cave of the Balearic Archipelago. Over 74 km of passages develop within two carbonate lithofacies (reef front and back reef), which ultimately control the patterns of the cave and to some degree its mineral infilling. The diversity of speleothem-forming minerals is four times greater around or within hypogene-related features (vents, rims, cupolas), compared to any other vadose passages in the cave. The mineralogy of speleothems (crusts, nodules, crystals, earthy masses) associated with hypogene features in the seaward upper maze of Sector F is characterized by the presence of aragonite, ankerite, huntite, …

Citizens Without A Nation: The Construction Of Haitian Illegality And Deportability In The Dominican Republic, Saha Miranda

Master's Theses - Sociology and Anthropology

Migrant “illegality” has increasingly become a popular topic in political debates around the world, but illegal populations are not random or self-generating, they are created and patterned (DeGenova 2002:422). Through the recent enforcement of new and existing immigration laws, the Dominican State has begun to move large populations of Haitian immigrants and their descendants into irregular or “illegal” immigration status. A historical analysis of the relationship between the Dominican State and Haitian immigrants presents a paradox: the Dominican economy has become increasingly dependent on Haitian migrant labor, yet the Dominican State has persistently worked to force Haitians and their descendants …

Openline Newsletter, May 2014, Civil Service Council

OpenLine Newsletter

A monthly newsletter for Civil Service employees, Volume XXXVIII, Number 11, May 2014.