Digital Commons Network^™

A Healthy Body, A Healthy Mind, Marlen Bonilla Amador

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The prevalence of chronic health problems among youth has nearly doubled in current years. Due to the lack of knowledge on chronic illnesses rising among youth, many teenagers find themselves uninformed and suffering the aftermath of these illnesses. Consequences such as obesity, asthma, learning disabilities, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health are significant as they grow into young adults. To raise awareness among youth at Learning for Life Charter School, we have implemented the program A Healthy Body, A Healthy Mind. The program A Healthy Body, A Healthy Mind is an educational outreach program that promotes resources, healthy eating …

Barriers From Youth Participation In Monterey County, Erika Ramirez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Monterey County Behavioral Health (MCBH) aims to serve residents who suffer from mental illnesses in the Monterey County area to help them live a healthy and productive life. Currently there are low service participation rates from the youth population with mental health issues in Monterey County. The purpose of this research project was to develop and distribute a survey to identify different service acquisitions to increase youth participation in overall services offered. Data from the Monterey County website showed that 12,154 youth that are eligible for services, yet only 779 actually went in for one or more visits for mental …

Creating Access With Technology, Guadalupe Lopez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Encompass Head Start and Early Head Starts main office located in Watsonville, CA, is where the behind the scenes work for the 18 toddler sites within Santa Cruz county is performed; including designing methods for family recruitment. Encompass Head Start and Early Head Start has been designated as Chronically Under Enrolled for its continuous trend of under enrollment in its programs, with Early Head Starts Home Base/ Home Visitors program impacted the most. An online form was implemented to add to the methods of collecting applications for Encompass Early Head Start Home Base/ Home Visitors program. Families will have more …

Housing First In Monterey County, Maury Vasquez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The mission of The Coalition of Homeless Services Providers is to eliminate homelessness in Monterey and San Benito Counties by promoting interagency coordination to develop and sustain a comprehensive system of housing. The Housing Management Information System is the department where the project is implemented. Monterey County has an increasing number of chronically homeless who are suffering from a mental illness and need help. Drug use and lack of specialized services at agencies in Monterey County have contributed to the issue. Local agencies in Monterey County are unequipped to help this rising number of chronically homeless who suffer from a …

Spreading The Wealth: Understanding Inadequate Housing And Family Resource Centers, Danielle Cervantes

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For this project, we worked with a local Family Resource Center that provides resources to help families. Four families were interviewed to understand how they view poverty related issues and their impacts on mental health and what they think could be done to address the issues. Based on an analysis of the data and the relevant research literature, the researchers used what they learned to formulate an action that responds to the focus issue. More specifically, the data suggested the importance of informing families about the benefits they can get from utilizing their local family resource center.

The Domino Effect Of Challenging Behaviors, Stephanie Montezuma

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Challenging behaviors in special education have been an issue in special education classroom settings. In recent years it has become more evident that there is a need for improvement, although schools around the country have worked diligently to implement behavioral support plans that could improve or eliminate challenging behaviors. Many teachers in special education are under or unprepared to tackle these issues. After conducting research and interviewing two special education teachers, it was determined that most classrooms were in need of extra personnel support, staff training, and/or more effective parental involvement. In order to implement one of these action options, …

Take Action Curriculum, Christina Yasay

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Safe Ag Safe Schools (SASS) is a coalition of 30-plus organizations, and individuals who work together to reduce pesticide exposure to Monterey County residents. Despite efforts to reduce pesticide use near schools, large amounts of drift-prone pesticides continue to be applied near our most vulnerable population. Our children are the ones who attend these schools and suffer the consequences. The Take Action curriculum was created to increase knowledge on pesticides while encouraging students to be civically engaged in their community. The Take Action Curriculum was taught at El Sausal Middle School to an 8th grade history class for 4 days. …

Let’S Talk About It: Special Education Communication Barriers With General Education Teachers, Claire Going, Edith Diaz, Clarissa Carrillo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone Project is the communication barriers between Special Education and General Education educators. The importance of this issue is the lack of time given in order for all subject departments to have efficient time to collaborate during the school year. The negative effects on teachers are then reflected on students academic achievements. Unfortunately, this has issue has been around for decades yet no effective methods have been put in place. Methods that have been considered are more teacher training, peer-mediated instruction, and time allotment between Special Education and General Education teachers. Data was collected from interviews …

Friends Of Walnut Avenue, Elena Owens

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center (Walnut Avenue) is a nonprofit agency that provides services to women, children, and families in Santa Cruz County. Programs include domestic violence services, early childhood education, and youth engagement. To provide these services, Walnut Avenue depends heavily on restricted funds, but this can be an unstable revenue stream. If an unexpected cost arises, restricted funds designated to a specific program cannot be reappropriated to alleviate the expense. Losing a critical grant may also force an organization to make cuts in programs or staff, impacting the quality of services. In order to expand revenue sources …

Free Trade And Corporate Social Responsibility: Ethical Dilemmas In Global Economic Development, Sarah Papion

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Through the lens of the free-trade-optimist, it is black and white: corporations bring jobs, and jobs equal a happy and healthy economy. A major oversight in this neoliberal Utopian ideology is that corporations are not in the business of building communities, nor do they have an interest in keeping their operations stationary enough to allow economic growth to occur over a span of years. Corporations abandon communities as quickly as they arrive to find their next cheap labor hub. Quite contradictory to the original purpose of free trade, economic growth in Free Trade Zones is not long term or secure. …

First-Generation Students’ Satisfaction With The Csumb Academic Advising Program, Daniela Zaragoza

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The aim of this study was to examine first-generation students’ satisfaction with advising services from the Center for Advising, Career, and Student Success at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). To this end, a survey was administered to 78 first-generation students at CSUMB. Concepts from the Developmental Academic Advising Model created by Terry O’Banion were applied in the analysis of data to explore the quality of information provided by advisors during advising sessions. Also, concepts from Social Cognitive Theory by Albert Bandura were applied to examine how academic advising affect students’ self-confidence and strategies for developing academic and career objectives. …

Swiping Your Life Away Failing To Find Love Through Dating Apps, Jesus A Ramirez Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This essay focuses on examining the dating experience and interactions in the age of digital technology, specifically where social disempowered users of dating applications tend to reinforce systemic social oppression. This research draws from literature about communication ethics, critical theory studies, digital media studies and includes personal observations and experiences. Even though some apps have allowed minorities; the LGBTQ community, people of color (POC) and other groups, to interact in a platform where they share common interests, there are still some dating apps which are more mainstream. Dating within the same platform where ethical communication and intent has been swayed …

Tennessee Birth Defects Data Report 2010-2015, Tennessee. Department Of Health.

Tennessee Birth Defects

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Study Of The Global-Mindedness Of Freshmen And Senior Students At Northern Michigan University, Anthony Barnes

All NMU Master's Theses

Our global society has become increasingly interconnected. It is therefore necessary, no matter who you are or where you live, to be globally-minded and understand that now more than ever the consequences of our actions will have global implications. Although studies have been done to measure the global-mindedness of university students, and more specifically pre-service teachers, research was needed to compare the global-mindedness between freshmen and senior pre-service teachers. This quantitative study measured the global-mindedness of freshmen and senior university students at Northern Michigan University using the global-mindedness survey (GMS) designed by Hett (1993). The results showed no statistically significant …

The Effects Of Stress On American Football Overhand Throw Accuracy, Cale Anderson

All NMU Master's Theses

The American overhand football throw is a highly scrutinized position because of all the different kinds of stress both physical and psychological that are put onto those players. The current study sought to develop a formula using psycho-emotional and physical variables to predict the performance of an American overhand football throw under stressful/non-stress situations. Participants were tested on two days. The stress situation is where tennis balls were thrown, and the subject did not know where they were going to throw. The non-stressed was a 3 step drop without knowing what target they were throwing at and these conditions were …

‘Presume Not That I Am The Thing I Was’: Altering Perceptions Of The Disabled Via The Staging Of Disability In Early Modern England, William Nyfeler

All NMU Master's Theses

Attitudes toward people with physical or mental disabilities have varied throughout history. Each society collectively defines what is considered normal and abnormal, and those values change over time. Many cultural factors impact how much these views change, including the dominant social philosophies and religions of an era. In Early Modern England, the rise of large public theaters and an increasingly permissive society contributed to the development of plays becoming a powerful tool for swaying public opinion.

Using this new pulpit, Shakespeare and his contemporaries staged plays that often depicted disability and deformity in negative ways, including the implications that a …

Biomechanical Adaptations To An Implemented Ramp Angle In Recreational Alpine Skiers, Stephanie R. Moore

All NMU Master's Theses

Most ski boot-binding complexes have a negative ramp angle. This angle is not regulated or reported in the alpine ski industry, but may influence skier balance and pressure control. Thus, joint coordination and center of pressure maintenance in alpine skiers (n = 19) was investigated during simulated ski squat and balance tasks with increasing binding ramp angles (0°, 1°, 2°). Greater sagittal plane center of pressure excursions were observed with ski-booted tasks compared to barefoot conditions during squats and balance simulations. Squat tasks performed on skis resulted in more uncoordinated knee-ankle movement, however, this effect was reduced with the highest …

Pride And Protectionism: U.S. Trade Policy And Its Impact On Asia, Mark Zandi, Steve Cochrane, Ryan Sweet, Ruth Stroppiana, Katrina Ell

Asian Management Insights

U.S. trade policy and its impact on Asia.

Many of the trade policies of the United States President Donald Trump’s administration are aimed at addressing the perceived adverse impact of trade on the country’s manufacturing employment, and improving trade deals the President sees as not being in U.S. interests. These appear to be worthwhile goals, but crafting trade policy to address them is difficult.

Adenosquamous Carcinoma Of The Tongue, Yeshwant B. Rawal, Kenneth M. Anderson

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

A 51-year-old white female presented with a painful ulcer of the left ventrolateral tongue. An incisional biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of adenosquamous carcinoma. The adenosquamous carcinoma is an uncommon malignant tumor with histopathological features of a squamous carcinoma and an adenocarcinoma. A definitive diagnosis requires histopathological examination of a deep biopsy involving the submucosal tissue. This malignant tumor shows aggressive behavior with early invasive growth and a poor prognosis. The histopathological findings and differential diagnosis of a case of adenosquamous carcinoma of the tongue are discussed.

An Experimental Study Of Thermal Performance Of An Organic Two-Phase Closed Thermosyphon In Waste Heat Extraction., Gamal Sultan, Mohamed Awad, Ahmed Hegazi, Mohamed Elmougith

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Thermosyphon and passive heat exchanging devices become more popular in industrial applications due to its high capability of transferring heat with low fabrication cost. In this experiment, a thermosyphon made of copper with an internal diameter of 1.8 cm and outside diameter of 2.5 cm was investigated in recovering the wasted heat from a 4-stroke, 4-cylinder diesel engine. Waste heat from the engine comes in form of exhaust which is emitted to the atmosphere at higher temperatures. The evaporator section, which is 40 cm in length, is attached to a duct which has internal fins to guide the exhaust to …

Good Agricultural Practices Training For Limited-Resource Produce Growers And Extension Educators, Agnes Kilonzo-Nthenge, John C. Ricketts, Dharma Pitchay

Journal of Extension

We delivered to growers and Extension educators a workshop addressing good agricultural practices (GAP) for produce safety. To assess the workshop's effects as applicable to behavioral intervention theory, we studied past behaviors, behavioral intentions, and changes in knowledge. Workshop participants had been aware of but did not fully understand certain GAP, such as implementing written food safety plans; after the workshop, both groups reported improved understanding of various concepts. Producers were mixed regarding intent to make GAP-related changes after workshop participation, whereas the educators overall were likely to make changes related to teaching GAP. We concluded that producers need more …

Resident Perceptions Of A Proposed Environmental Education Center And Demonstration Farm, Lisa Pennisi, N. Qwynne Lackey, Kim Meendering, James R. Brandle

Journal of Extension

To gauge community support for a proposed environmental education center and demonstration farm, we surveyed 514 local residents. Our intent was to assess community members' support for the project and relevant programming interests and to determine the roles that level of community satisfaction, perceived economic impact, and demographics played with regard to project support. We found that most community members supported the development and that levels of community satisfaction, perceptions of economic impact, background, gender, and age were significantly associated with level of support. Our research also revealed that community members were most interested in programs about nature and growing …

Developing A Socio-Ecological Approach To Extension Natural Resources Programming, William A. Warren

Journal of Extension

This article proposes the concept of socio-ecology as a natural resources programming model in Extension. After a brief review of the concept, I link it with the original vision of Extension and more recent Extension scholarship that addresses the human–environment conundrum. I then suggest socio-ecology as both a guide for programming and a vision for directing Extension leadership in developing a path forward for sustainable, and just, natural resources allocation and use.

Women Leaders In Agriculture: Data-Driven Recommendations For Action And Perspectives On Furthering The Conversation, Lauren L. Griffeth, Lori Tiller, Jenny Jordan, Rochelle Sapp

Journal of Extension

The presence of women in positions of power in the agriculture industry is lacking. This article highlights findings generated from the 2016 Southern Region Women's Agricultural Leadership Summit attended by women from 13 southern states. The research revealed that women working in Extension should (a) formally connect with leadership mentors, (b) envision themselves in leadership roles, and (c) support one another as they work to lead in the agriculture industry. To further the conversation, we provide recommendations that are inherent in the data and intended to assist early-career women professionals as well as middle managers and administrators who desire to …

Validity Of A Wireless Inertia Measurement Device In Quantifying Performance In Vertical Jumping Tests, Nicholas G. Anagnost, Alexandra Lates, John P. Wagle, Christopher B. Taber

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

The use of technology in sport and fitness training has rapidly become a tool for both athletes and coaches in monitoring performance variables for optimizing training stimulus and recovery (Duking, Hotho, Holmberg, Fuss, & Sperlich, 2016; Peake, Kerr & Sullivan, 2018). Wireless fitness trackers, GPS and accelerometry devices are growing in popularity with the athletic population outside of the clinical setting due to their lower cost and ease of use compared to traditional clinical measurement tools (Dellaserra, Gao & Ransdell, 2014). With the increased popularity of these devices comes the necessity to understand and validate the information collected from them …

Anti-Proliferative And Total Erk1/2 Inhibitory Effects Of Plant Flavonols On Human Cervical Cancer (Hela) Cells, Sookruetai Boonmasawai, Ladawan Sariya, Arpron Leesombun, Kridsada Chaichoun, Jarupha Taowan, Orathai Thongjuy

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Kaempferol, myricetin and quercetin are abundant flavonols in edible fruit and vegetables. Much previous data has shown the beneficial effects of these flavonols in cancer treatments. Thus, the cytotoxic effects on rhesus monkey kidney epithelial cells (LLC-MK2) and the anti-proliferative effects on human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells through total ERK protein expression of kaempferol, myricetin and quercetin have been investigated. The cytotoxic assay at 24h revealed the high safety of three flavonols on LLC-MK2 cells. Kaempferol (1-1000 µM) did not have any significant effect on the viability of these normal epithelial cells. The cytotoxicity of myricetin and quercetin was 5 …

High Infection Rate Of Zika Virus In Mosquitoes Collected From An Area Of Active Zika Virus Transmission In Eastern Thailand, Apiwat Tawatsin, Atchara Phumee, Usavadee Thavara, Patcharawan Sirisopa, Wanapa Ritthison, Kitsanaphong Thammakosol, Proawpilart Intayot, Yutthana Joyjinda, Supaporn Wacharapluesadee, Thiravat Hemachudha, Padet Siriyasatien

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Zika virus (ZIKV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) are emerging and re-emerging arboviral diseases. These viruses are transmitted to humans through the bites of Aedes mosquitoes. Recently, ZIKV infection has been described as an emerging disease in Thailand and many countries, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Specific drugs and vaccines against these infections are unavailable; therefore, effective disease control relies on vector control measures only. To understand the transmission cycle of these viruses and mosquito vectors, this study is designed to investigate the natural infection of ZIKV, CHIKV and DENV in field-caught mosquitoes by molecular techniques. Adults …

Hemostatic Efficacy Of Sheep-Derived Fibrin Glue For Liver Biopsy In Swine, Siriluck Luckanahasaporn, Theerawat Tharasanit, Passakorn Briksawan, Sumit Durongphongthron

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Fibrin glue has been widely used for controlling hemorrhage and sealing tissue in surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of sheep-derived fibrin glue. Six Marino sheep were used to collect concentrate fibrinogen preparation by the ammonium sulfate precipitation method. Crossbred pigs (n=6) were used to evaluate hemostatic efficacy by monitoring whole blood clotting time by the glass slide method, bleeding time and bleeding quantity during liver biopsy. Mean whole blood clotting time on a glass slide started at 201.1±90.47 and 4.43±3.73 seconds, and was completed at 447.83±63.77 and 31.93±4.28 seconds in control and treatment …

Small Dosages Of Alpha1 Adrenoceptor Antagonist On Goat Semen Quality And Seminal Fluid Volume, Sakdichod Kimsakulvech, Sookruetai Boonmasawai, Dulyatud Gronsang, Chowalit Nakthong, Yupaporn Lanamtiang

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The frozen goat semen process must wash seminal fluid from goat semen. A small dosage of alpha1 adrenoceptor antagonist or tamsulosin may reduce seminal fluid in goat. A latin square 4x4 was applied to twelve male goats to receive either normal saline (NSS), tamsulosin 3, 6 and 9 µg/kg intramuscular injection at one-week intervals. Semen collection by artificial vagina and libido scoring was performed within one-hour post injection. Semen quality and seminal fluid were evaluated after semen collection The results showed that none of the libido scores in the groups was different. Anejaculations occurred in 1 (8.3%), 3 (25%) and …

Computed Tomographic Contrast Enhancement And Tumor Angiogenesis In Canine Oral Tumors, Urapa Klansnoh, Wijit Banlunara, Nan Choisunirachon

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The potential value of bolus tracking contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of oral tumors in dogs was investigated by examining the relationship between contrast-enhanced CT image density and microvascularization. Among 20 dogs with oral tumors, aged 8 – 17 years, weight 3.6 – 40.0 kg, 13 dogs were suffering with melanoma (MM), 4 with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 3 with fibrosarcoma. Based on contrast-enhanced CT scan, the time lag from the injection of contrast medium into the right cephalic vein until the contrast medium returned to the mid-cervical external jugular vein at the level of the …