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Effect Of Access To Health Services On Neonatal Mortality In Uganda, Imelda Atai Madgalene Musana

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Since 2006, Uganda has experienced a nonchanging neonatal mortality rate of 27 out of 1,000 live births, which is higher than the global average of 19 deaths for every 1,000 live births. The purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to determine factors affecting access to health services and their impact on newborn deaths in Uganda. Mosley and Chen's model for child survival in developing nations provided the framework for the study. Secondary data from the 2016 demographic and health survey (UDHS) collected by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOs) was used. A total of 7,538 cases were used and …

Bioterrorism Hardening: An Exploratory Study Of Emts Preparedness And Practices, Ndubuisi Chinemerem Ejike

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The 2001 anthrax attacks heightened awareness of the possibility of weaponizing biological agents such as Ebola, anthrax, and smallpox and hence, the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 to prevent biological attacks and reduce bioterrorism threats and vulnerabilities. However, the 2014 Ebola epidemic raised concerns about unpreparedness for bioterrorism within the healthcare community and about secondary infections from healthcare workers. Using Kingdon's conceptualization of multiple streams as the foundation, the purpose of this case study was to explore the nature of bioterrorism threats and the level of preparedness of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who were involved in the 2014 Ebola epidemic in …

Development Of An Open-Source, Custom Environmental Data Logger For Spatially Scalable Data Collection, Tim Anderson

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Characterizing the processes that lead to differences in ecosystem productivity and watershed hydrology across complex terrain remains a challenge. This difficulty can be partially attributed to the cost of installing networks of proprietary data loggers that monitor differences in the biophysical factors contributing to vegetation growth or hydrological processes. Studies that aim to compare concurrent time-series data sets across multiple locations must therefore balance the high cost of these data logger systems with the need for spatial resolution in their data. Here, we present the design, implementation, and case study for an open-source “Pinecone” data logger system, released under the …

Freshwater And Marine Survival Of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus Kisutch) As A Function Of Juvenile Life History, Grace Katherine Ghrist

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in coastal California streams exhibit various life history strategies during their freshwater development. One strategy of interest to managers and conservationists is the early migrant. Juvenile early migrants emigrate from natal habitat into lower parts of the watershed or estuary during their first fall or winter, where they rear before migration to the ocean. By contrast, the more prevalent spring migrant resides in natal reaches over the winter and migrates directly to the ocean the following spring. Salmon monitoring programs generally estimate juvenile production and demographic rates using only spring migrants, and these …

Estimating Space Sharing Between Seabird, Pinniped, And Human Use In The Northern California Coast, Claire Marie Nasr

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Rocky coastlines incur high impacts from human use, but these places are also essential habitat for marine wildlife including seabirds and pinnipeds (seals and sea lions). Marine wildlife use coastal rocks to breed, rest, and engage in social interaction and exhibit different habitat use during the breeding and non-breeding season. Peak timing of human use occurs in spring summer, coinciding with breeding seasons for colonial seabirds and gregarious pinnipeds. The high potential of spatial and temporal overlap between human and seabird use of rocky coastlines could lead to high risk of disturbance events. I investigated the relative risk of disturbance …

Distribution And Habitat Use Of A Recently Discovered Population Of Humboldt Martens In California, Holly E. Gamblin

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The Humboldt marten (Martes caurina humboldtensis) has declined from over 95% of its historic range in California, with only two populations remaining. In response to the forthcoming listing of the Humboldt marten a conservation assessment and strategy was developed to address the most important conservation needs for this species. This assessment identified an area near the California – Oregon border as the second extant population area in California based on a small number of recent detections. However little else was known of this population, and this prompted my investigation to determine 1) the distribution and potential population size …

Seaweed Community Structure Along Environmental Gradients In An Ocean-Dominated Estuary, Saskia A. Raether

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Macrophyte community structure in estuaries that have been modified by the addition of hard substrata are poorly documented, especially in relation to the physical and environmental gradients that shape them. Therefore, this study describes the summer macrophyte flora that occurs on hard and soft substrata throughout Humboldt Bay, CA and tests how the macrophyte communities correlate to measures of horizontal and vertical environmental gradients. The percent cover of macroalgae, vascular plants, cyanobacteria, lichens, diatom film, sessile invertebrates, and substratum types were quantified during the summers of 2017 and 2018 at eleven intertidal locations in the bay and outer coast. Horizontal …

Elucidating Patterns Of Bat Species Occupancy Across A Disturbed Landscape In California's Central Valley, Trinity N. Smith

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

California’s Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, is home to 14 species of resident and migratory bats. The Central Valley has been identified as a crisis ecoregion, and a high number of species are at risk due to anthropogenic land use. In addition, the Central Valley has faced severe drought, effects of which are intensified on the natural landscape by agricultural irrigation practices. In response to the historical drought of 2012-2015, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) implemented the Terrestrial Species Stressor Monitoring (TSSM) project, which in part aimed to collect information on …

Class Schedule - Spring 2019, Office Of Registrar

Semester Schedules and Information

No abstract provided.

The Anatomy Of Extinction: Stories Of People As Place, Mason Parker

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Adaptive Potential To Camouflage Mismatch: Plastic And Evolutionary Responses To A Climate Change Stressor, Marketa Zimova

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Animals that occupy temperate and polar regions have specialized traits that help them survive in harsh, highly seasonal environments. One particularly important adaptation is seasonal coat colour (SCC) moulting. Over 20 species of birds and mammals distributed across the northern hemisphere undergo complete, biannual colour change from brown in the summer to completely white in the winter. But as climate change decreases duration of snow cover, seasonally winter white species (including the snowshoe hare Lepus americanus, Arctic fox Vulpes lagopus and willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus) become highly contrasted against dark snowless backgrounds. The negative consequences of camouflage mismatch and adaptive …

The Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Pigmentation And Their Evolutionary Importance In Birds, Nicholas David Sly

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Integumentary pigmentation is a phenotype of fundamental importance to animals, with major impacts on survival and fitness. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying pigmentation can help illuminate general principles about how adaptive variation is generated and maintained in populations. Here, I present a dissertation that is aimed at understanding the developmental, regulatory, and genetic mechanisms that underlie variation in avian plumage color, and their evolutionary importance.

In my first chapter, I addressed how the modular organization of plumage traits may impact their evolution. The production of color in developing feathers is a modular process, with several mechanisms combining to produce the …

Knowledge And Practice Among Housekeeping Staff On Methods Of Bio-Medical Waste (Bmw) Management, Nanda Kumar Paniyadi Mr, Asha P. Shetty Dr, Alice Minj Ms, Edavathra Jennie Varghese Ms

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Waste is any substance that is not useful. Bio-medical waste (BMW) is any kind of waste containing infectious material. Inappropriate and inadequate handling of health care waste has serious public health issues and significant influence on environment. Objective: Objective of the study is to find out the relation between knowledge and practice regarding the method of BMW disposal. Methodology: A descriptive study design with non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to collect the data from 65 housekeeping staff of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar after obtaining administrative approval from the authorities. Structured knowledge questionnaire on BMW disposal and observational checklist for the practice …

Social Health And A Healthy Social Life Based On Wisdom And Intellectuality, Alireza Atarodi, Meisam Dastani, Ahmadreza Atarodi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction:

Human kinds are social animals, and are pleased living together pleasantly and positively in mental and physical forms. Without positive living and to live in challenges and clashes is bad and catastrophic, but what’s the way out? One of the way that seems not so costly, with no war and seems that can direct and put the world in peace or in a good running order will be wisdom and intellectuality transfused by many scientific centers and the wise men, then we intended to survey the social health and a healthy social life based on wisdom and intellectual …

Examining K-6 Teachers' Stages Of Concerns Related To Implementation Of I-Ready, Cristy Mckinley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Low reading proficiency rates have been observed throughout the United States including a rural school in southwestern New York State. Although the Outstanding School District (pseudonym) purchased i-Ready, an adaptive diagnostic and instructional program, only 35% of students in Grades 3 through 8 demonstrated proficiency in reading in 2018. The problem is that i-Ready has not been implemented as intended. The purpose of this case study was to investigate teachers' concerns related to implementation and use of i-Ready. The guiding research questions examined the teacher's most common concerns and challenges faced during implementation. The Concerns-Based Adoption Model served as the …

Law Enforcement Perception Of Social Media As An Influence In Mass Shootings, Jazma Mekelle Parker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mass shootings have been a persistent issue in the United States, and the underlying factors that continue to influence this crime are not yet evident. This study explored the effects of social media as an influence on mass shootings in the United States. Its purpose was to address the role of social media in spreading opinionated ideologies. The research question addressed the role of social media in influencing the actions of perpetrators of mass shootings in the United States. The study framework was based on the social-ecological model to facilitate classification of the susceptibilities of social media users to adverse …

Assessment Of Adaptability Of A Supply Chain Trading Agent’S Strategy: Evolutionary Game Theory Approach, Yoon Sang Lee, Riyaz T. Sikora

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

With the increase in the complexity of supply chain management, the use of intelligent agents for automated trading has gained popularity (Collins, Arunachalam, B, et al. 2006). The performance of supply-chain agents depends on not just the market environment (supply and demand patterns) but also on what types of other agents they are competing with. For designers of such agents it is important to ascertain that their agents are robust and can adapt to changing market and competitive environments. However, to date there has not been any work done that assesses the adaptability of a trading agent’s strategy in the …

Development Of A Biomarker Panel For Identifying Stressed Marine Mammals, Laura Pujade

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Increasing anthropogenic disturbance in marine ecosystems such as fishing, oil-drilling, and noise pollution can have detrimental effects on the reproduction and survival of apex predators such as marine mammals. Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in increased circulating glucocorticoid (GCs) hormones, which alter expression of target genes encoding metabolic enzymes and other mediators of stress. Prolonged HPA axis stimulation may increase catabolism of nutrient stores and suppress immune and reproductive functions, impacting the fitness of marine mammals. GCs measurements are used to identify wild animals experiencing stress. However, these measurements may not be sensitive enough to distinguish between an …

Evaluating Methods Of Obtaining Male Pheromone From Hymenochirus Sp. Using Analytical Chemistry, Vincent Wing-Kun Leung

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Male Hymenochirus sp. frogs are known to release pheromone that attracts females of the same species. Four methods for collecting secretions containing pheromone in Hymenochirus sp. were tested: norepinephrine injection, gonadotropin-releasing hormone injection, homogenization of gland tissue, and electrostimulation of the skin over the breeding gland area. The samples collected were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. The HPLC chromatograph for the male norepinephrine sample contained a peak at 6.4 min that was not in the female norepinephrine sample HPLC chromatograph. The male norepinephrine sample mass spectrum had a peak of m/z 292.0 not in the female …

Phylogenomic Analyses Clarify Butterfly Species Within The Genus Speyeria Despite Evidence Of A Recent Adaptive Radiation, Erin Thompson

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The North American genus Speyeria is an especially challenging radiation of butterflies due to ongoing hybridization, incomplete lineage sorting, and similar morphological characters among species. Adaptive radiations often require considerable evidence in order to resolve the evolutionary relationships of closely related individuals. Previous studies of this genus have found paraphyly among species and have been unable to disentangle these taxa due to a lack of data and/or incomplete sampling of the genus. As a result, the interspecific relationships among Speyeria remain unresolved. In an attempt to achieve phylogenetic resolution of the genus, we conducted population genomic and phylogenomic analyses of …

Expression, Purification, And Characterization Of Recombinant Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor In Pichia Pastoris, Henry Hieu Minh Le

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Wounds in the mouth, occurring after oral surgery, take time to heal. No ointment can be added to help with the healing process because mouth saliva will constantly wash it away. In order to combat this problem, we propose engineering a normal flora microbe to grow at the site of injury and secrete a recombinant growth factor to promote healing of the damaged tissue. Our goal is to have the yeast Pichia pastoris produce human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which aids in cellular proliferation. P. pastoris is a good choice for this application because not only is it considered …

Characterization Of The Blood-Feeding Patterns Of Culex Quinquefasciatus In San Bernadino County, California, Aelish Ann Guinn

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Culex quinquefasciatus has been identified as one of the most prominent vectors of West Nile virus (WNV) in Southern California. WNV is a zoonotic disease that is endemic in North America and is known to primarily cause flu-like symptoms in humans, and in rare cases, life-threatening conditions. The goal of this study was to identify which animal species are most frequently fed upon by these mosquitoes in this region. To examine the relationship between blood-feeding patterns and West Nile virus activity in San Bernardino County, the feeding patterns of Cx. quinquefasciatus are determined in a variety of habitat types, which …

A Trio Of Sigma Factors Control Hormogonium Development In Nostoc Punctiforme, Alfonso Gonzalez Jr.

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes capable of oxygenic photosynthesis, and for many species, nitrogen fixation, giving cyanobacteria an important role in global carbon and nitrogen cycles. Furthermore, multicellular filamentous cyanobacteria are developmentally complex, capable of differentiation into different cell types, including cells capable of nitrogen fixation and cells for motility, making them an ideal platform for studying development, as well as for practical use in biotechnology. Understanding how developmental programmes are activated require an understanding of the role of alternative sigma factors, which are required for transcriptional activation in bacteria. In order to investigate the gene regulatory network and to determine the …

Poison Ivy's Green Screen Debut: A Rhetorical Criticism On Erasing Identity On Screen, Jennifer Baney

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This project investigates the loss of power on screen for female comic book characters. Specifically, I investigate how scenes create narratives using heteronormativity and over-sexualization of female characters. The artifact of analysis included in this project is Batman and Robin (1997). This text focuses on Poison Ivy, including the background of the character before dissecting her role in the film. Turning to Sonja J. Foss (2009) and her feminist critique as a guide to understanding the implications of this research. Using feminist criticism, I argue that Poison Ivy was put in a lesser position, removed of her power, and was …

Lipid-Coated Magnesium Phosphate Nanoparticles For Intrapulmonary Protein Delivery In Mice, Mallika Vadlamudi

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Proteins are a diverse category of biomolecules with great therapeutic potential. Intracellular delivery of proteins can augment the deficient activities of dysfunctional or poorly expressed innate proteins and therefore represents a promising strategy to treat the associated diseases. One major barrier to intracellular protein delivery is the translocation of the protein across the cellular membrane. Endocytosis provides an important pathway for protein nanocarriers to enter cells across the plasma membrane. However, the cargo protein must then promptly escape from the endosomes to avoid degradation in the lysosome and to exert its cellular function.

Previously, we reported a cationic lipid-coated magnesium …

Oral Health Care: An Autoethnography Reflecting On Dentistry's Collective Neglect And Changes In Professional Education Resulting In The Dental Hygienist Being The Prevention-Focused Primary Oral Health Care Provider, Maureen Patricia Mcweeney Harrington

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Many factors influence poor oral health among disadvantaged populations including socioeconomic circumstances, knowledge of disease prevention strategies and ability to implement those strategies, public policies, insurance status, insurance policies, dental providers and other challenges to accessing dental care. Often these issues converge and result in early disadvantages to achieving good oral health (Horton & Barker, 2010). Addressing even some of the factors that contribute to poor oral health may provide ways to change the dental health status of historically underserved populations. The purpose of this research is to explore my role as a practitioner and researcher in the creation of …

Investigating The Effect Of Rutaecarpine On The Benzo[A]Pyrene-Induced Dna Damage In Vitro, You Li

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), is one of the most potent mutagens and carcinogens known. It requires metabolic activation through cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1 to yield the ultimate carcinogenic metabolite, benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE). BPDE can bind to DNA and form predominantly covalent (+) trans adducts at the N2 position of guanine causing DNA damage. Rutaecarpine (RTC) is an herbal medicine that has been used to treat several diseases such as headache, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, amenorrhea, and anti-inflammation. It has also been reported as a potent inducer of CYP enzymes, including CYP1A1, and CYP1A2. The mechanisms underlying up-regulation of CYP1A1 by RTC is dependent on aryl …

Kindergarten Teachers’ Perspectives On And Usage Of Picture Books In Efl Classrooms In Shanghai, Yuan Shi

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

In Shanghai, an increasing number of parents believe that learning English at an early age will bring their children an advantage in future competition. As a result, kindergarten English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes have become popular in recent years. Although previous studies revealed that picture books are frequently used as teaching materials in kindergarten EFL classes, what is happening in these kindergarten EFL classes and the ways teachers use picture books to teach children English still remain largely unknown. To have a better understanding of the kindergarten EFL classes in Shanghai, this study aimed to explore kindergarten EFL …

Effects Of Vertical Transmission Of Maternal Antibodies To Mycoplasma Gallisepticum On Growth And Condition Of Eastern Bluebird Nestlings (Sialia Sialis), Mckenzie Xiang Denton

Honors Theses

Mothers display maternal effects to influence the development and success of offspring through processes such as resource allocation. In birds, this occurs largely through the egg yolk with the vertical transmission of antibodies to offspring to protect the vulnerable young from disease. Specifically, poultry and eastern bluebirds across the eastern United States are commonly infected by the bacteria Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), for which mothers may produce antibodies against. To test for the vertical transmission of MG-specific antibodies from mothers to nestlings in eastern bluebirds and the associated fitness effects, bluebird boxes were set up and monitored during the field season. …

This Is Your Brain On Music: The Study Of Musical Influence On The Cognitive Mindset And Learning, Allysa N. Lipsey

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the use of musical influence on the brain with an emphasis on the effects on cognitive mindset and learning in mathematics education. It explores the idea of the use of different trials and methods to potentially unlock new knowledge about the brain through listening to music during in-class group work, individual work, and class assessments. It allows for an analysis of the music’s effect on the brain and creates discussion in multiple classrooms and age groups through the eyes of a participant observer in an ethnographic research scenario. By analyzing behaviors of body language, musical taste and …