Digital Commons Network^™

Relations Among Dimensions Of Emotion Regulation And Aggressive Behavior, Jessica M. Baker

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

In the absence of the ability to adaptively regulate one’s emotions, individuals may turn to impulsive and maladaptive methods of regulation, including engaging in aggressive behavior. Gratz and Roemer’s (2004) model of emotion regulation (Multidimensional assessment of emotion regulation and dysregulation: Development, factor structure, and initial validation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 26(1), 41-54) includes the dimensions of nonacceptance, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior, impulse control difficulties, lack of emotional awareness, access to emotion regulation strategies, and lack of emotional clarity. This study sought to identify the relations among these dimensions and …

What Is The Negro Woman's Story?: Negro Story Magazine And The Dialogue Of Feminist Voices, Maureen Convery

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Too often, writing by and about Black women has been sidelined in scholarly work about African American writing prior to the post-World War II era. This is especially true in the recently emergent school of work surrounding the Chicago Black Renaissance. This thesis focuses on a single literary magazine, Negro Story, in order to explore the complexity of Black female identity in the 1940s through the work of the female editors and contributors to the periodical. These contributors come from varied racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, but their work takes on a cohesive quality as the stories are constantly in conversation …

The Diversity Of Participants In Clinical Trials Involving Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients, Tracey Churay

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This thesis set out to examine whether the demographic diversity of participants in clinical trials involving allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients matched the diversity of the actual allogeneic recipient population overall. It is important that clinical trials study new therapies in a population that represents characteristics of the overall treatment population in order to gain accurate safety and efficacy data. The actual diversity of the allogeneic transplant population was determined using data reported to the Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) registry. Then, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the population of allogeneic transplant recipients …

Student Intent To Persist Relative To Perceptions Of Service Quality And Satisfaction With Selected Onboarding Services In Community Colleges, Matthew Robert Fall

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Low persistence rates have continued to plague community colleges. A framework linking perceived service quality, satisfaction, and behavioral intent has been identified in the existing literature and found to be useful in various service sectors outside of higher education. Purpose: To explore the relationship between community college students’ perceptions of service quality, satisfaction, and behavioral intent (intent to persist) regarding first interactions with their colleges. Setting: Three community colleges representing large, medium, and small enrollment headcount from a Midwestern state were selected to represent that state’s community college student population. Subjects: A proportional number of students were selected randomly …

"You Are Coming With Me": A Phenomenological Exploration Of Urban Speech-Language Pathologists, Audrey Michelle Farrugia-Bernard

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Using phenomenology and symbolic action theory as a theoretical framework, this qualitative study explored the experiences and practices of urban, school-based speechlanguage pathologists (SLPs). The study focused on the assessment, certification, and service of students in urban schools, a majority of whom are members of minority groups in light of the disproportionality of students of color in special education. This study aimed to capture the urban SLP’s point of view and illuminate the power that they may use or abuse in a school system. The understanding of the lived experiences and practices of 11 White, female SLPs practicing in urban …

The Effectiveness Of A Breastfeeding Class On Initiation And Duration Of Breastfeeding In Wic Participants, Mary Hrabonz

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This study examined the effects of attending a breastfeeding class on initiation and duration of breastfeeding in low-income women who participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Oakland County, Michigan. Racially and culturally diverse pregnant women over the age of 18 years of age who took part in the WIC program were surveyed. The control group (n=75) did not attend a breastfeeding class but expressed an interest in breastfeeding. The intervention group (n=75) participated in the breastfeeding class. Breastfeeding data were collected until six months postpartum. Women who attended the breastfeeding class, breastfed …

Illustrating Adolescent Awareness: Teaching Historical Injustices And Promoting Agency Through Picture Books In Secondary Classrooms, Melissa Hoak

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Picture books, often marketed to and written for young children, are typically thought of only as tools to inspire early literacy. They rarely make their way into secondary lesson plans, and with their seemingly simple illustrations and text, they are mostly deemed (socially, if not academically) inappropriate for accomplished readers. This thesis explores the advantages of including picture books when teaching four young adult texts: Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Esperanza Rising (2000), Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief (2005), Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming (2014), and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis (2003). Picture books can serve as valuable companions to anchor texts such as …

A Comprehensive Literature Review Of Juvenile Programs, Policies, And Monitoring Systems, Jason Herter

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This paper investigates past literature on juvenile-based programs, policies, and monitoring systems. It shows what strides practitioners have taken to reduce recidivism and how programs have tried to limit past failures. By showing what has worked and what has failed, we can develop future research and designs, measure the effects of different theories, and even add more important categories to future programs. This research presents information that may assist practitioners who work directly with juveniles and those who are involved in researching and developing future juvenile programs and policies.

What Are The Barriers Affecting Accessibility Of Dietetic Internships?, Samantha Moelter

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Objective: To explore the disparity between number of students completing degrees in dietetics, students matched to internships, and current and projected field needs. Methods: An electronic survey covering a variety of factors potentially affecting internship accessibility was distributed to 251 internship program directors, 200 preceptors, and accreditation board, staff, and review members. Results: Of 193 total respondents, 60% agreed that accreditation competencies prepared dietetic interns well and that internship costs may hinder diversity among interns. Seventy-two percent of program directors (n=115) reported difficulties in preceptor recruitment and 56% reported difficulties in preceptor training/orientation. Conclusion: The overarching goal of ACEND®, dietetic …

The Vaccine And The Virus: An Autoethnographic Account Of Hpv, Sex Education, And The Psychosocial Effects Of Sti's, Jamie L. Morgan

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

In 2006 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Gardasil vaccine to assist in the protection from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The leading contributor to cervical cancer. After stressing the importance of the vaccine, but disregarding its inadequacies, young women were subjected to invasive and excessive protocols. This study utilizes autoethnographic methods to understand the psychological and social effects of the individuals who were diagnosed with HPV before the release of the Gardasil 9 vaccine in 2014 and forced to go through these unnecessary procedures before the medical field began adopting imperative changes to treatment.

Haec Fortis Sequitur Illam Indocti Possident: A Linguistic Analysis Of Demonstratives In Genres Of Early Latin Fragments, Erica L. Meszaros

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This study examines the claim that demonstratives are used more frequently in Latin comedies than in other genres (Karakasis, 2014; Palmer, 1975), as well as additional hypotheses regarding the use of demonstratives within this language. To examine these claims, I created a corpus composed of fragments of Early Latin authors of comedic, tragic, and non-dramatic works. I examined demonstratives within this corpus for frequency, form, syntactic role, affective force, co-occurrence with personal pronouns, and use in multimembral demonstrative sets. This study provides the first quantitative evaluation of demonstrative use for often neglected authors of Early Latin. It also identifies those …

Effects Of Emotional Intelligence On Academic Achievement In The Alternative High School Classroom, Rhonda L. Marcum-Phillips

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This study examines the impact of emotional intelligence, academic self-efficacy in science and technology, and family background on academic achievement of alternative high school students. Gender, age, learning style, and ethnicity of the student are analyzed to determine any moderator effect on these relationships. Seventy-five students, ages 14 to19, who attend a public alternative high school were surveyed. Analysis of the data revealed a positive relationship for males between self-efficacy in STEM classes and family background (support) and their academic achievement in science class. A positive relationship was shown between self-efficacy in STEM classes and academic achievement, between self-efficacy in …

Comparing Healthy Eating Index Scores To Physical Activity Levels In Adults Using 20007–08 And 2009–10 Nhanes Data Sets, Lori Nedescu

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Research suggests diet intake among adults lacks in healthfulness, which contributes to poor quality of life and increased disease outcomes. This study assesses the relationship between diet quality, using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), and presence of physical activity (PA). Participants included 11,167 adults ≥ 20yrs with valid NHANES 2007–08 and 2009–10 diet interviews and PA questionnaires. Subjects were divided into sedentary, 1–149 minutes per week of PA (moderate exercisers) and ≥150 minutes per week PA (meets or exceeds PA guidelines) groups based on guidelines set by the Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary interviews were scored for quality …

Breastfeeding Education And Support Needs For Women After A Cesarean Delivery Or Epidural Anesthesia, Joy Petzoldt-Hansell

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Cesarean delivery and epidural anesthesia may require specific education and interventions for breastfeeding success. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of breastfeeding initiation and duration and explore specific breastfeeding needs for women who have had a Cesarean delivery or epidural anesthesia. Sixteen postpartum women aged 27 to 41 were recruited through a Lamaze center in Michigan. The women were interviewed with a questionnaire exploring their breastfeeding experiences and support needs after delivery, and use of artificial infant milk. All women initiated breastfeeding; 81% (n=13) breastfed their infant for at least 12 months. Cesarean delivery was associated …

Capabilities Eroded And Childcare Dilemmas: A Phenomenological Study Of Low-Income Single Student Mothers In Higher Education In The United States And Germany, Katja Robinson

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lifeworlds of low-income, single student mothers in two contrasting welfare regimes, the United States and Germany, to understand how their individual experiences as students and as mothers at the micro-level were shaped by policies regarding childcare and financial support at the macro-level. As single mothers represent a marginalized constituency, the capabilities approach in combination with the concept of defamilisation was used as an analytical framework that focused on their individual and social well-being. The objective of this cross-national study was to provide a deeper understanding of how the issues of …

Construction Of An Optical Fiber Strian Gauge, Najwa Sulaiman

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This project is focused on the construction of an optical fiber strain gauge that is based on a strain gauge described by Butter and Hocker. Our gauge is designed to generate an interference pattern from the signals carried on two bare single-mode fibers that are fastened to an aluminum cantilever. When the cantilever experiences flexural stress, the interference pattern should change. By observing this change, it is possible to determine the strain experienced by the cantilever. I describe the design and construction of our optical fiber strain gauge as well as the characterization of different parts of the apparatus.

Self-Defense In The United States: A Review Of The Literature, Jake Shields

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This literature review examines self-defense as a general concept and in the context of specific legal doctrines. It looks at general issues of self-defense, such as philosophical principles, morality, and social norms; general guidelines of proportionality and force; and how non-lethal technology does not change these principles and guidelines. From there, the paper exams three major legal doctrines—Duty to Retreat, Castle Doctrine, and Stand Your Ground— and discusses their definitions, histories, legal significance, applied usages and specific study results, and the arguments and controversies surrounding them. The paper then analyzes the concept of self-defense through the theoretical perspective of Donald …

Fragmented Lives: A Qualitative Study Of The Experiences Of Black Youth Who Have Aged Out Of The Foster Care System, Dawn L. Stewart

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Each year, growing numbers of black foster youth, ages 18 and older, are emancipated from the child welfare system. Prior to termination, they are provided with a montage of independent living services aimed at teaching self-sufficiency skills. Nevertheless, many of these youth find themselves alone without the necessary aptitude, resources, and support needed to assume the intimidating responsibilities of adulthood. Although the literature regarding emancipated youth and their outcomes is extensive, there has been minimal research conducted on the unique experiences of Black youth as well as the factors that contribute to their success or failure in their transition to …

The Effect Of Electronic Devices Self-Efficacy, Electronic Devices Usage And Information Security Awareness On Identity-Theft Anxiety Level, Sushma Sanga

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Identity-theft means stealing someone’s personal information and using it without his or her permission. Each year, millions of Americans are becoming the victims of identitytheft, and this is one of the seriously growing and widespread issues in the U.S. This study examines the effect of electronic devices self-efficacy, electronic devices usage, and information security awareness on anxiety levels of southeastern Michigan students in becoming victims of identity-theft and whether there is any significant relationship between these variables. This research study used the effect of electronic devices self-efficacy, electronic devices usage and information security awareness on identity-theft anxiety level among southeastern …

Mobile Device Acceptance In Nursing Education, Deanna Gapp

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are being used in healthcare settings for better patient outcomes. By laying the foundation for mobile device use in the educational setting, students can be better prepared for nursing practice in this technology-rich environment (National League for Nursing [NLN], 2008). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the mobile device acceptance (MDA) model that guides nursing students’ decision to use mobile devices as educational tools. The MDA model also guides the measurement development and psychometrics testing for the MDA constructs in order to understand mobile device use and to examine correlates …

What Motivates Patients To Remain In Longitudinal Observational Studies?, Sravanthi Kaza

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Abstract Background: Low retention rates threaten the validity of clinical research studies and generalizability of the results.

Aims: To survey Hepatitis B Research Network (HBRN) Cohort Study participants to evaluate University of Michigan retention strategies, to develop best practices, and to identify other strategies that will improve retention.

Methods: 90 patients that are currently participating in the HBRN Cohort study at the University of Michigan were surveyed.

Results: Participants were a good mix of male (51.2%) and female (46.5%), mostly non-Hispanic, between the age of 40 and 60 years (50%). Roughly half were Asian Chinese (50.2%), had some graduate school …

Foodservice Employees Behaviors And The Presence Of Foodborne-Illness Responsible Microorganisms On Smart Phones, Louise Louise De Gracia, R.D.

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

As technology advances, smart phone (SP) use is on the rise, including in foodservice establishments. Likewise, the incidence of foodborne-illness in the United States remains high. The presence of disease-responsible microorganisms on health care employees’ mobile phones is well-documented, but little research has examined this relationship concerning foodservice employees’ SPs. Employees (n=50) from a Michigan foodservice establishment were surveyed for their SP use behaviors, and their SPs were swabbed to detect Salmonella, coliforms, and norovirus. Poor hygienic behaviors, such as SP use in the bathroom (75.5%, n=37) were widespread. ServSafe®-certified employees (46%, n=23) were significantly (p=0.041) less likely to use …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Geology Tools Used During The Apollo Lunar Program And Their Suitability For Future Missions To The Moon, Lindsay Kathleen Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

With the current push to return to planetary exploration it is important to consider what science will be performed on such missions and how it is to be performed. This study considered three hand tools used for geologic sampling during the Apollo missions to determine whether handle redesigns guided by NASA-STD-3001 improved the performance of the tools. The tools of interest were the large adjustable scoop, the rake, and the 32-inch tongs, selected for relevance and usability in the test location. The three tools with their original and modified handle diameters were tested with two subjects wearing the NDX-1 Planetary …

Community College Faculty Members’ Perceptions Of Creating Digital Content To Enhance Online Instructor Social Presence, Karen M. Arlien

Theses and Dissertations

Current technologies, specifically asynchronous video, allow instructors to enhance their online instructor social presence (OISP) by creating digital content in which they can simultaneously convey their unique persona verbally and nonverbally while supplementing course content. A strong OISP has been shown to contribute toward students’ successful course completion, which continues to be an issue at community colleges. Existing research on the use of digital content to enhance OISP, however, has primarily focused on students’ perceptions even though faculty members are responsible for establishing OISP. The purpose of this study was to ascertain community college faculty members’ perceptions of creating asynchronous …

Fasd, Verbal Comprehension And Maladaptive Behavior, Anthony Brian Athmann

Theses and Dissertations

A Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Diagnosis is comprised of various levels of physical

dysmorphia and behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions. Early identification and diagnosis is difficult, requires specially trained practitioners and often results in the delay of receiving necessary services. This is particularly true for those individuals living in

underserved rural areas. However, screening children with commonly used assessment

tools may help to more quickly identify children who have been prenatally exposed to

alcohol. The purpose of the present study was to contribute to the development of a

neurobehavioral profile of alcohol-exposed children through examining if relationship

exists between verbal comprehension deficits …

The Relationship Between Athletes' Perceptions Of Coaching Efficacy And Collective Efficacy In Collegiate Soccer, Frazer Atkinson

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between athletes’ perceptions of their coaches’ confidence and team confidence in a sample of 272 collegiate soccer players (M = 19.84 years; SD = 1.42) from the NCAA and NAIA. Athletes’ perceptions of their coaches’ confidence were assessed using a modified version of the Coaching Efficacy Scale (CES) (Feltz, Chase, Moritz & Sullivan, 1999), and a single item measure asked participants to rate their perceptions of their coaches’ confidence. Team confidence was assessed using the Collective Efficacy Questionnaire for Sport (CEQS) (Short, Sullivan & Feltz, 2005). Athletes also reported the results of their team’s previous …

Negotiating Higher Education In The Us: Voices Of Ghanaian Graduate Students At A Midwestern University, Mildred Emefa Biaku

Theses and Dissertations

In this case study, there was an examination to gain a deeper understanding of the

effects of social interactions experienced by Ghanaian Students with various actors in

curricular and co-curricular departments and perceptions of the support during these

social interactions. Recommendations were made for ways to enhance social interactions.

Data for this qualitative study was collected using three methods; non-participant

observation, interviews, and focus group discussions. Participants for the study were six

Ghanaian international students and five service providers selected from departments

across the campus of a university in the Midwest. It was found that there were systemic

issues that …

Identification And Characterization Of A Putative Populus E3 Ring-H2 Ubiquitin Ligase That When Over-Expressed Is Correlated With Insect Resistance To Orgyia Leucostigma, Justin Burum

Theses and Dissertations

Insect herbivory is a major stress on plants that results in significant economic losses to forest plantations and natural forests. In response, Populus have evolved a suite of constitutive and inducible defenses to deter insect feeding. Despite advances in technologies and the sequencing of the Populus trichocarpa genome, defensive pathways against insect herbivores are poorly understood. With the creation of activation tagged (AT) Populus we can use a forward genetics approach to identify genes involved in insect resistance (IR). To explore the genetic architecture of tree defenses, we conducted a forward genetics screen of AT Populus tremula x Populus alba …

The Effects Of Habitat Management On Grassland Birds In The Northern Tallgrass Prairie, Jerry Sterling Cole

Theses and Dissertations

Grassland birds have been under threat since tallgrass prairie was first used for agricultural cultivation and grassland acreage continues to be converted for row-crop agriculture. The loss of suitable native habitat for grassland birds makes effective management of the little grassland that remains that much more important. While it is widely recognized that grassland birds use vegetation cues for habitat settlement during the breeding season, little study has been done on how vegetation structure influences grassland bird abundances in the northern tallgrass prairie, particularly vegetation structure as it is shaped by different forms of management. Therefore this study aims to …

Trash Matters: An Investigation Into The Current Waste Management And Recycling Strategies In Rural North Dakota And Foreseeable Solutions, Amy Densborn

Theses and Dissertations

Rural North Dakota is behind the times for establishing an economically and socially beneficial method for collecting recyclables from residents, and in some areas providing sustainable trash removal. As the waste stream continues to grow, so will the burdens on our landfills, our resources and our environment for generations to come. An even worse alternative to landfilling garbage is the use of burn barrels, which release dioxins into the local environment, settling on vegetation and waterways and further bio-accumulate in the food chain. Rural residents currently do not have conveniently located or affordable disposal options for household generated waste and …