Digital Commons Network^™

Targeting The Nad Salvage Pathway For The Treatment Of The Parasitic Disease Schistosomiasis, Michael David Schultz

All ETDs from UAB

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is the third most common parasitic infection worldwide and a major source of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Caused by trematodes in the genus Schistosoma, this parasitic disease has no vaccine therapy and resources for drug development are scarce. Despite an unknown mechanism of action, praziquantal has become the primary source of treatment due to its efficacy against all species of Schistosoma. However, with increased drug resistance in endemic areas and low activity against immature parasites, relying on this single drug is unsustainable and risky. Hence, there is a growing need for new, safe …

Examining The Impact Of Couple Relationship Factors On Male Engagement Pregnancy Health And Communal Coping, Pamela Musoke

All ETDs from UAB

Focusing on male partner engagement in HIV prevention is an important aspect of intervention and policy development and implementation within the sub-Saharan African context. However, engaging male partners safely and effectively to improve the impact and sustainability of HIV prevention modalities remains challenging due to continued impact of traditional gender roles that may affect the willingness and confidence to engage in pregnancy health. Additionally, the lack of knowledge of how best to engage in pregnancy health beyond financial support makes it difficult for male partners to engage. This dissertation’s overall aim is to explore aspects of male partner engagement's influences …

Optimizing Toc Removal For Dbp Reduction In Drinking Water While Overcoming Source Water Variations, April Nabors

All ETDs from UAB

Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering University of Alabama at Birmingham ABSTRACT This dissertation used a holistic approach to research ways to optimize disinfection by-product (DBP) reduction during each sector of the conventional drinking water treatment process, regardless of the source water type or quality, in an overall effort to meet the USEPA Stage 2 Disinfection/Disinfection By-Products Rule (D/DBPR). DBPs are formed from the reaction between naturally occurring total organic carbon (TOC) in the water and disinfectants used during the treatment process. For this dissertation, effective treatment was measured by the amount of TOC that was removed through the …

Effects Of Differential Fore Aft Resistance On Propulsive Force Generation During Walking In Nonimpaired And Poststroke Individuals, Avantika Naidu

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Impaired paretic limb-loading dynamics and force-generation ability due to hemiparesis are partially responsible for permanent locomotor deficits poststroke. During walking, inability of the paretic limb to generate sufficient propulsive-forces causes reliance on compensatory strategies, wherein the nonparetic limb generates the majority of propulsive-forces needed for forward progression and speed modulation. Purpose: To investigate factors that can improve paretic limb propulsion and walking function, I present four studies. The first pertains to a protocol for a poststroke body-weight-support treadmill-training (BWSTT) study, while the others concern a mechanistic exploration of propulsive-force generation during walking against combined and differential FA resistance. Methods: …

A Deep Learning Approach For Identifying Key Biomarkers In Medical Imaging Applications, David Odaibo

All ETDs from UAB

Although Deep Leaning has achieved great success in many domains in recent years, research into its applicability and effectiveness in medical applications has been limited for various reasons. Some of these barriers are related to the historic impression that neural networks are black boxes, especially when applied to medical diagnosis and offer no in terpretation into prediction. In this dissertation, I demonstrated that deep learning can be an effective utility in medical diagnosis and biomarker detection. In particular, I have developed deep learning models that can identify biomarkers in brain hemorrhage, brain tumor, pneumonia, diabetic retinopathy and Parkinsons disease, with …

Exploring The Effectiveness Of Promotions Used By Bgsu Athletics, Christopher R. Novak

Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

Promotions are commonly used to bring people to athletic events from anywhere to youth levels all the way up to professional levels. Elements of the promotional mix include advertising, sales promotions, personal selling, and public relations. Understanding what elements of the promotional mix the greatest influence on increasing attendance at athletic events along with what motivates fans to attend is critical to developing a strong marketing plan. This is especially true for universities that have issues with attendance at athletic events. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate what forms of promotions BGSU Athletics currently execute and to …

Functional Movement Testing And Subjective Well-Being Of Female Track And Field Athletes: Pre- And Post- Indoor Season, Aliyah Gustafson

Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

Track and field is a sport that is comprised of running events and field events. Running events include sprints, middle- and long-distances, and hurdles. Field events are comprised of throwing and jumping events (e.g., shot put, discus, javelin, and high-jump). Track and field athletes have a wide range of body types, energy system demands, and specific skills/techniques during performance of these varied events. The purposes of this study were to evaluate functional movements and subjective well-being (positive affect and satisfaction with life) of female track and field athletes at Bowling Green State University prior to and following the 7-week indoor …

Cognitive Strategies During Moderate-Intensity Running: Psychologicaland Performance Outcomes In Non-Elite Runners, Diana Curtis

Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

Cognitive strategies allow athletes and recreational exercisers to shift their focus of attention to achieve psychological benefits and performance enhancements. The types of cognitive strategy utilized, association and dissociation, can differentially affect individuals’ psychological and performance outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to examine the potential relationships between cognitive strategies and enjoyment, mood, time to completion, heart rate, perceived exertion, and self-efficacy by randomly assigning participants to two interventions: an Association intervention and a Dissociation intervention. Participants (N = 12) included male, college-age recreational exercisers who exercised for at least 120 minutes per week in the previous month. …

Analysis Of Microbial Load And Diversity In Crickets (Gryllus Bimaculatus And Scapsipedus Icipe) Used As A Source Of Protein For Food, Jedida Wanjiru Gatheru

All Master’s Theses

Crickets are drawing interest as sustainable source of protein for food and feed worldwide. However, there is little information on microbial quality of edible crickets thus the need for a profound insight into their safety. The objective of the study was to determine the microbial load of two edible cricket species Scapsipedus icipe and Gryllus bimaculatus and to evaluate the efficiency of different processing methods (boiling, sundrying, freeze-drying, snap freezing and deep frying) in reducing microbial counts. The wild-caught crickets were obtained from Nguruman (Kajiado County) and Mbita (Homa Bay County) while the farmed crickets were reared at Animal Rearing …

Fertilizer - Root Knot Nematodes Interactions In High Tunnel Tomato Production, Daisy Chepkoech Ngeno

All Master’s Theses

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the important vegetables grown in Kenya. It is the second leading vegetable in terms of production and nutritional value after the potato. Tomatoes are mainly grown by small scale farmers in most arable areas with the main production areas being in Kiambu County. Production of tomatoes in Kenya has been mainly under open field conditions until recently where modified high tunnels (‘greenhouse') were introduced. Tomato production in greenhouse in Kenya is hampered by pests and diseases mainly Meloidogyne spp., known as root knot nematodes (RKNs).RKNs are the most serious threat to utilization of the …

Smu Sharpens The Global Edge Of Its Undergraduates, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

In partnership with 31 leading universities, SMU will organise the 2019 Study Abroad Fair to boost global exposure opportunities for students

Editors' Preface & Precedential Opinion Summary, Valerie Caras, Jason Kurtyka, Timothy J. Muyano, Thallia Malespin

Villanova Law Review (1956 - )

No abstract provided.

Fifty Years Of Foia In Operation, 1967-2017, Tuan N. Samahon

Villanova Law Review (1956 - )

No abstract provided.

The Future Of Foia In An Open Government World: Implications Of The Open Government Agenda For Freedom Of Information Policy And Implementation, Daniel Berliner, Alex Ingrams, Suzanne J. Piotrowski

Villanova Law Review (1956 - )

No abstract provided.

Chance Wanderer And Other Tales Of Hunger, Camille Goodison

Publications and Research

Goodison's collection explores the lives of a range of people who find themselves at a pivotal point in life, often brought there through unpredictable, unseen forces. The characters are seemingly ordinary individuals -- teachers, shoemakers, shop clerks -- who at some point reveal themselves to be loners, dissidents, artists, seekers and sages; essentially, representatives of traditions under test. The many material fetishisms of modern life never satisfy or replace our individual desires, and so these characters attempt to offer new perspectives, new ways to look at the world that’s already around them. While the stories are told realistically, they sometimes …

Postpartum Celebrity Images: Influence On Self- Thoughts And Appearance Management Behaviours Of Postpartum Women, Alyssa Dana Adomaitis, Kim K. P. Johnson

Publications and Research

Within previous decades, opinions about pregnancy and post-partum behaviour featured in various news articles and within popular literature emphasized issues related to pregnancy and liquor; campaigns against teen pregnancy; pregnancy and weight gain; and pregnancy and dieting behaviour. Attention has shifted from these issues to appearance-related topics including rapid weight loss, exercise regiments and food restriction. For example, photographs of celebrities have provided visual evidence that women can gain weight during pregnancy, give birth and within weeks revert to a thin, pre-pregnant body size. A qualitative method was used to explore to what extent, if any, images of post-partum celebrity …

Violence In Popular Culture: American And Global Perspectives, Rob Tench

Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

The Potential Use Of Seagrass Herbivory Patterns As An Indicator Of Herbivore Community Change After Tropical Marine Protected Area Establishment, John M. Carroll, Amber D. Stubler, Christopher M. Finelli, Bradley J. Peterson

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Throughout the Caribbean, fishing pressure has decreased the abundance of many species, including both large predators and larger-bodied herbivores. In an effort to reverse these trends and reduce harvest pressure on vulnerable fish populations, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been established throughout the Caribbean. Yet, the effort to monitor fish communities, is variable, and there are MPAs where no monitoring program exists. It is possible that other metrics may be used to determine whether the impact of MPA establishment. By comparing two seagrass herbivory experiments, one pre- and one post-MPA establishment, we provide evidence that the MPA established in Discovery …

Remote Battery Testing System, Jeffrey Snow

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Large storage/backup batteries are used everywhere around us, from fire alarms to our automobiles. However, we often forget they are even there. This leads to failures going unnoticed until the time of need. Then, it’s too late. The Remote Battery Testing System addresses this with the following features:

• Tester installed at location of batteries
• Tests automatically on a schedule
• Results of tests are sent back over network
• Results indicate health of batteries (not just charge)

Deep Neural Network Learning-Based Classifier Design For Big-Data Analytics, Krishnan Raghavan

Doctoral Dissertations

"In this digital age, big-data sets are commonly found in the field of healthcare, manufacturing and others where sustainable analysis is necessary to create useful information. Big-data sets are often characterized by high-dimensionality and massive sample size. High dimensionality refers to the presence of unwanted dimensions in the data where challenges such as noise, spurious correlation and incidental endogeneity are observed. Massive sample size, on the other hand, introduces the problem of heterogeneity because complex and unstructured data types must analyzed. To mitigate the impact of these challenges while considering the application of classification, a two step analysis approach is …

The Implications Of Childhood Trauma For Education Professionals, Travis William Walls

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students in all areas of the world have experienced trauma that has impacted both their educational and social development; this epidemic has become clear over the last 20 years. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study recognized seven negative exposures that were believed to have a detrimental effect on health and wellbeing later in life. After more research, the list of known traumatic experiences has grown to include other negative impactors like parental divorce, bullying at school, or abuse. In reality, any experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope and adapt properly can be considered traumatic. Thankfully, there are now many …

Concepts Of Caring: Uncovering Early Concepts Of Care In Practice For First Year Occupational Therapy Students, James Battaglia

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Caring for others is a central ideal of most health care professions. The ability to facilitate caring behaviors in occupational therapy students is essential to developing students who are well prepared to provide both technically and emotionally competent care. This study explored the early concepts of care of Master of Science Occupational Therapy students at the start of their graduate education through use of a questionnaire and follow-up interviews. The three most frequently identified student concepts of care were: (1) caring as it relates to time, (2) caring as a personal quality, and (3) caring through their communication with clients. …

Occupational Therapy Student Conceptions Of Self-Reflection In Level Ii Fieldwork, Susan L. Iliff, Gaylene Tool, Patricia Bowyer, Diane Parham, Tina S. Fletcher, Wyona M. Freysteinson

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Self-reflection is paramount to the development of professionalism and serves as the foundation of adult education and lifelong learning. Pedagogical approaches in health sciences programs that promote self-reflection are growing in popularity. Current literature identifies a gap in what and how students conceive self-reflection and whether self-reflection is creating professionals that meet the challenges of today’s healthcare climate. This qualitative study explores the conceptions of self-reflection for occupational therapy students in Level II Fieldwork. The use of phenomenographic methodology guided the collection of information-rich data through semi-structured interviews. Twenty-one occupational therapy graduates volunteered to participate in the interviews. Verbatim transcripts …

Development Of A Training Program To Increase Student Clinician Competency When Communicating With People With Aphasia, Meghan Doherty, Chevie Lay

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The Washington University in St. Louis Stroke Clinic is a student-run free clinic (SRSC) designed to enhance student learning and provide the community with no-cost evidence-based occupational therapy services. Aphasia is a common communication impairment after stroke that affects the ability to access services and give and get information, and impacts life participation and satisfaction. Conversation partner training is an evidence-based treatment approach to improve communication with people with aphasia (PWA). The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of student clinician training about communicating with PWA using conversation partner training in the SRSC. This study …

The Perceived Value And Utilization Of Occupational Therapy Models In The United States, Rhonda Davis-Cheshire, Kailey Davis, Lindsay Drumm, Sydney Neal, Emma Norris, Melanie Parker, Christina Prezzia, Colleen Whalen

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study investigated United States (U.S.) occupational therapy (OT) practitioners’ perceived value and utilization of OT models in practice. In addition, this research explored correlations that might impact practitioner value and choice of models as related to entry-level OT educational program, practice setting, and frequency of model utilization. The study utilized a cross-sectional research design. A convenience sample of 219 OT practitioners completed an 18-question online survey capturing participant demographics, perceived value, and utilization of models. Practitioners indicated they used models (79.45%, n = 174) in practice with 77.63% (n = 170) reporting they somewhat or strongly agreed that models …

Using Case-Based Learning To Facilitate Clinical Reasoning Across Practice Courses In An Occupational Therapy Curriculum, Lynne F. Murphy, Jennifer C. Radloff

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Although occupational therapy educators have historically used cases as a means to prepare students for clinical practice, there is little evidence that this instructional method actually facilitates clinical reasoning. This convergent, parallel mixed methods study examined how the use of varied case formats, built on the tenets of case-based learning, facilitated specific components of clinical reasoning, and explored how the cases contributed to readiness for professional practice. Case formats included text, video, role-playing, simulated patients, and a client. Case-based learning activities included application of models and frames of reference, conducting assessments, planning and implementing interventions, clinical documentation, and identification of …

Application Of Theory To Guide Development Of A Rehabilitation Service-Learning Project In Guatemala, Mary Zadnik, Suzanne Trotter, Cindy Mathena

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

International community-based rehabilitation service-learning projects in physical and occupational therapy education programs may impact underserved communities internationally. The intentional inclusion of learning in service activities has been identified as service-learning. Extending the impact and education beyond the service project is necessary in order to provide a sustainable outcome for the community. Faculty at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences partnered with Potter’s House Association International to develop an interprofessional program to address the rehabilitation needs and continuity of care following a one-week project serving the community members of the Guatemalan City Garbage Dump. The purpose of this article …

Online Terms As In Terrorem Devices, Colin P. Marks

Faculty Works

Online shopping has quickly replaced the brick-and-mortar experience for a large portion of the consuming public. The online transaction itself is rote: browse items, add them to your cart, and check out. Somewhere along the way, the consumer is likely made aware of (or at least exposed to) the merchant's terms and conditions, via either a link or a pop-up box. Such terms and conditions have become so ubiquitous that most consumers would be hardpressed to find a merchant that doesn't try to impose them somewhere on their website. Though such terms and conditions are pervasive, most consumers do not …

Job Retention Of Childcare Workers In A Military Child Development Center, Janet Marie Hooten

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored the low retention rates of childcare workers at a military child development center in the northeast United States. The purpose of this case study was to explore the work experiences of childcare employees during their first year of employment at a child development center to discover the factors that influenced their decision to resign. The conceptual framework that guided this study was a 2-factor approach of motivator and hygiene factors associated with experiences and perceptions. Transcripts from interviews with 15 current and prior childcare workers and management team members were coded, triangulated, and thematically analyzed. The themes …

What Drives Underprepared Students From The First Year On, Shanetta S. Lillard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

College students often enter college academically unprepared, as evidenced by low high school cumulative GPAs or poor SAT scores. In response to this problem, administrators at a 4-year university in the Mid-Atlantic region of the Unites States implemented an intensive, semester-long program to introduce and acclimate conditionally admitted students to the rigors of collegiate life. The purpose of this study was to understand how to assist students in moving from Year 1 to full admission and beyond. In accordance with Bandura's reciprocal causation of social cognitive theory model, the research questions centered on conditionally admitted students' descriptions of their experiences …