Digital Commons Network^™

Generating Youth Interest In Science Careers Through 4-H Health Science Explorations, Thomas Hutson, Sharon Pahlman

Journal of Youth Development

Health Science Explorations is a Maryland 4-H Program for youth ages ten and older. Hospital-based multi-day summer sessions and clubs that meet regularly, enable youth to interact with health care professionals in authentic medical settings. The program introduces youth to local health career opportunities, fosters science literacy and interest in science careers, and teaches healthy lifestyle practices. The authors share strategies to guide other educators through the process of developing their own science career exploration programs

An Experiential Model Of Evaluation: Incorporating Graduate Students In The Collection And Reporting Of Mixed-Method Data, Nancy Deringer

Journal of Youth Development

A graduate level course was developed which incorporated the experiential learning philosophy of “learning by doing.” Students gained knowledge about program development and evaluation through using an on-line course management system as well as practicing what they learned during on-site evaluation visits. All background and supplementary reading materials, assignments, chats, and discussions were managed on-line. Students applied what they learned and collected quantitative and qualitative data while conducting site visits throughout the semester. Through this experiential learning evaluation course students made meaning from their direct experiences, took time to reflect upon their learning, and felt confident in their abilities as …

Together For A Better Education Program (Juntos Para Una Mejor Educación), Tracy Martz, Jeremy Green, Jamie Davis

Journal of Youth Development

A new program entitled Together for a Better Education Program or Juntos Para Una Mejor Educación (2011) targets underserved and minority audiences to help build a stronger alliance with families, schools and community based youth serving agencies to help youth reach their goals for a rewarding future. The primary goal of the program is to allow the dream of college to be a reality for youth as well as their families. This six (6) session workshop series is designed so families and youth participate in activities and lessons congruently to develop and reach shared goals focused on graduating from high …

The Leadership Program’S Violence Prevention Project: Infusing The Arts Into Conflict Resolution, Lisa Chauveron

Journal of Youth Development

While the demand for youth violence prevention programs increases, the ability of the traditional school day schedule to accommodate violence prevention program time requirements has diminished. School reforms, such as No Child Left Behind, have pressed schools to focus more tightly on academics, often to the exclusion of subjects such as physical education and the arts. Viable violence prevention programs must offer components that supplement classroom curriculum as well as reduce violence and strike a balance between brevity and effectiveness. The Leadership Program’s (TLP) universal Violence Prevention Project (VPP) meets this call with a conflict resolution model for students in …

Control-Theoretic Utility Maximization In Multihop Wireless Networks Under Mission Dynamics, Sharanya Eswaran, Archan Misra, Thomas La Porta

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Both bandwidth and energy become important resource constraints when multi-hop wireless networks are used to transport high data rate traffic for a moderately long duration. In such networks, it is important to control the traffic rates to not only conform to the link capacity bounds but also to ensure that the energy of battery-powered forwarding nodes is utilized judiciously to avoid premature exhaustion (i.e., the network lasts as long as the applications require data from the sources) without being unneccesarily conservative (i.e., ensuring that the applications derive the maximum utility possible). Unlike prior work that focuses on the instantaneous distributed …

Meld Score: Utility And Comparison With King's College Criteria In Non-Acetaminophen Acute Liver Failure., Om Parkash, Khalid Mumtaz, Saeed Hamid, Syed Hasnian Ali Shah, Wasim Jafri

Department of Medicine

Objective: To compare Model for End-stage Liver Disease Score (MELD Score, MS) and King’s College Hospital (KCH) criteria for finding correlation of mortality in non-acetaminophen induced acute liver failure (NAI-ALF).

Study Design: An analytical cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from 2005 to 2007.

Methodology: The study included patients with NAI-ALF. KCH criteria were labelled as good and bad prognosis groups. MELD score were calculated by using the MELD calculator. ROC was plotted and sensitivity analysis was done. ETA was used to see correlation between MELD and KCH.

Results: Ninety-one patients with mean …

Extending The Window For Thrombolysis In Acute Stroke., Muhammad Faisal Wadiwala,, Ayeesha Kamran Kamal

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Upper Extremity Biomechanical Model For Evaluation Of Pediatric Joint Demands During Wheelchair Mobility, Alyssa J. Paul, Brooke A. Slavens, Adam Graf, Joseph Krzak, Lawrence Vogel, Gerald F. Harris

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Current methods for evaluating upper extremity (UE) dynamics during pediatric wheelchair use are limited. We propose a new model to characterize UE joint kinematics and kinetics during pediatric wheelchair mobility. The bilateral model is comprised of the thorax, clavicle, scapula, upper arm, forearm, and hand segments. The modeled joints include: sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, elbow and wrist. The model is complete and is currently undergoing pilot studies for clinical application. Results may provide considerable quantitative insight into pediatric UE joint dynamics to improve wheelchair prescription, training and long term care of children with orthopaedic disabilities.

The Gaise College Report: The American Statistical Association Meets Sound Pedagogy In Central Virginia, Beverly Wood

Publications

Research in undergraduate statistics education often centers on the introductory course required for a large percentage of college students. While acknowledging the diverse setting, audience, and purpose of introductory courses, existing research assumes that courses offered by different disciplines share the same goals and teaching practices. The purpose of this study is to examine the objectives for student outcomes and pedagogical delivery of introductory statistics courses in various academic departments to provide explicit evidence for this assumption. The American Statistical Association’s Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education (GAISE) are meant to apply to all introductory courses. The College …

Testing The Effects Of Social Bond Factors On Delinquency And The Moderating Effects By Gender And Race/Ethnicity, Yurino Kawashima

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Ethical Issues In Religious And Spiritual Diversity Training., Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

International Trauma: Gender And Trauma In India, Kristie Knows-His-Gun, Rodger K. Bufford, Tahney Gaige, Tajuana Wade, George F. Rhoades

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Training In Supervision, Rodger K. Bufford, Winston Seegobin, Serita Backstrand, David Gleave, Jessica Lee, Carlos Taloyo

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

Book Review Of Leading God’S People: Wisdom From The Early Church For Today, By Beeley, C.A. (2010), Stan Patterson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

My Quest For Biblical Spirituality, Stan Patterson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Long-Term Survival Of Anoxia Despite Rapid Atp Decline In Embryos Of The Annual Killifish Austrofundulus Limnaeus., Jason Podrabsky, Michael Menze, Steven Hand

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Embryos of the annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus can survive for months in the complete absence of oxygen. Survival of anoxia is associated with entry into a state of metabolic dormancy known as diapause. However, extreme tolerance of anoxia is retained for several days of post-diapause development. Rates of heat dissipation in diapause II and 4 days post-diapause II embryos were measured under aerobic conditions and during the transition into anoxia. Phosphorylated adenylate compounds were quantified in embryos during entry into anoxia and after 12 hr of aerobic recovery. Rates of heat dissipation were not affected by exposure to anoxia in …

Depression As A Risk Factor For Breast Cancer : Investigating Methodological Limitations In The Literature., Patrick Pössel, Erica Adams, Jeffrey C. Valentine

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Purpose: A relationship between depression and the development of breast cancer has not been convincingly shown in the research conducted over the past three decades. Methods: In an effort to better understand the conflicting results, a review was conducted focusing on the methodological problems associated with this literature, including time frame between the assessment of depression and the diagnosis of breast cancer and the use of somatic items in measuring depression. Fifteen breast cancer prospective studies were reviewed. Results: While twelve of the studies found positive associations between depression and breast cancer development, three studies found negative associations. With regards …

Socio-Economic Determinants Of Out-Of-Pocket Payments On Healthcare In Pakistan, Ashar Muhammad Malik, Syed Iqbal Azam Shah

Community Health Sciences

BACKGROUND:

Out-of-pocket (OOP) payment on healthcare is dominant mode of financing in developing countries. In Pakistan it is 67% of total expenditure on healthcare. Analysis of determinants of OOP health expenditure is a key aspect of equity in healthcare financing. It helps to formulate an effective health policy. Evidence on OOP in Pakistan is sparse. This paper attempts to fill this research gap.

METHODS:

We estimated determinants of OOP payments on healthcare in Pakistan. We used data sets of Pakistan Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) and Pakistan Standard of Living Measurement (PSLM) Survey for the year 2004-05. We developed a …

Carrs Surveillance Study: Design And Methods To Assess Burdens From Multiple Perspectives, Manisha Nair, Mohammed K. Ali, Vamadevan S. Ajay, Roopa Shivashankar, Viswanathan Mohan, Rajendra Pradeepa, Mohan Deepa, Hassan Mehmood Khan, Muhammad Masood Kadir, Zafar Fatmi, Srinath Srinath Reddy, Nikhil Tandon, Km Venkat Narayan, Dorairaj Prabhakaran

Community Health Sciences

Background: Cardio-metabolic diseases (CMDs) are a growing public health problem, but data on incidence, trends, and costs in developing countries is scarce. Comprehensive and standardised surveillance for non-communicable diseases was recommended at the United Nations High-level meeting in 2011.
Aims: To develop a model surveillance system for CMDs and risk factors that could be adopted for continued assessment of burdens from multiple perspectives in South-Asian countries.
Design: Hybrid model with two cross-sectional serial surveys three years apart to monitor trend, with a three-year prospective follow-up of the first cohort.Sites: Three urban settings (Chennai and New Delhi in India; Karachi in …

Aloe Striata Plant Defense Compounds Produced In Response To Jasmonic Acid, Salicylic Acid, And Eriophyid Mite Salivary Extract Elicitor Compounds, Fritz Light

Master's Theses

Aloe mites are herbivores of the genus Aloe (ALOACEAE) and are associated with hyperplastic growth in various aloe species, but the biochemistry of this interaction is poorly understood. In an effort to characterize plant defense responses to herbivory in the genus Aloe, a salivary extract was isolated from aloe mites (Aceria aloinis Keifer) and its bioactivity was tested using a hypocotyl elongation assay. Subsequently, Aloe striata plants were treated with jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and the mite salivary extract. Using water and methanol, compounds of different polarity were extracted from aloe tissues that had been frozen …

A Comparative Analysis Of Low Cost Localization Methods For A Mario Kart Game Application, Anuranga Sajith Gunaratne

Master's Theses

In vehicle navigation systems, it is important to have accurate estimates of vehicle positioning. The process of determining positioning is called localization. There are two methods for localization, absolute positioning and relative positioning [1]. An absolute positioning system, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), determines the localization by using external distance and heading measures. Relative localization determines the position of an object based on its previously known location and through sensors that determine speed and heading. Examples of relative positioning sensors include wheel encoders, inertial sensors and accelerometers.

The objective of this thesis is to analyze different methods to perform …

Engineering Performance Of Polymer Amended Soils, Gary E. Welling

Master's Theses

A laboratory test program was undertaken to evaluate a series of engineering properties over a range of soil types; amendment types and addition rates; and moisture contents to enhance understanding of the engineering significance of polymer amendment. Four soils were manufactured and tested with varying ranges of fines and plasticity. A proprietary elastic copolymer was tested at addition rates of 0.5% to 2.5% (dry weight basis). Cement was tested at addition rates of 1% to 4%. Lime was tested at an 8% addition rate. Water addition rates ranged from 4% dry of optimum to 4% wet of optimum. Engineering properties …

Scale Model Shake Table Testing Of Shallow Embedded Foundations In Soft Clay, Steven Kuo

Master's Theses

This research involves shake table testing of 1g scale models that mimic the coupled seismic response of a structure on a shallow mat foundation and foundation soil (known as soil-foundation-structural-interaction or SFSI). In previous research, SFSI effects have been quantified through analytical models, numerical analyses, and limited field data. This research works towards increasing the amount of empirical data through scale model shake table testing. A suite of earthquake time histories is considered in evaluating a nominal 10^th scale soil-structure model using a flexible wall barrel on a 1-D shake table. San Francisco Young Bay Mud (YBM) is used …

Touchspice Vs. Reactive-Spice: A Human-Computer Interaction Perspective, Joshua Martin O'Hara

Master's Theses

Traditional SPICE simulation tools and applications of circuit theory lack real-time interaction and feedback. The goal of this thesis was to create an interactive physical environment to allow the manipulation and simulation of discrete electrical components in near-real-time while optimizing and streamlining the human-computer interaction (HCI) elements to make the user experience as positive and transparent as possible. This type of HCI and near-real-time simulation feedback would allow for the instant realization of how the parameters of each discrete component or hardware module affect the overall simulation and response of the circuit.

The scope of this thesis is to research, …

Sí: La Biblia Apoya La Ordenación/Comisión De Mujeres Como Pastores, Richard M. Davidson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Yes: The Bible Supports The Ordination/Commissioning Of Women As Pastors, Richard M. Davidson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Extension Service And Rural/Frontier Disaster Planning, Response, And Recovery, Myron A. Eighmy, Thomas E. Hall, Eunice Sahr, Debra Gebeke, Marie Hvidsten

Journal of Extension

The purpose of the study reported here was to (a) determine the role of Extension in disaster response, (b) identify the information needs, and (c) disseminate education and training modules through the EDEN. Extension staff should know their county's emergency plan and the role identified for Extension. Extension staff should attend local emergency management meetings, be knowledgeable of local and state resources, and redirect citizen calls to agencies. Extension has a primary responsibility for providing the public with educational materials congruent with Extension's program areas. Topics were identified for disaster-related educational materials and new materials were developed.

Taxonomy For Assessing Evaluation Competencies In Extension, Michelle S. Rodgers, Barbara D. Hillaker, Bruce E. Haas, Cheryl Peters

Journal of Extension

Evaluation of public service programming is becoming increasingly important with current funding realities. The taxonomy of evaluation competencies compiled by Ghere et al. (2006) provided the starting place for Taxonomy for Assessing Evaluation Competencies in Extension. The Michigan State University Extension case study described here presents a field-tested and reliable survey to measure evaluation competencies of Extension professionals in three domains (situational analysis, systematic inquiry, and project management) as well as indicates opportunities for professional development training themes to enhance the evaluation competencies of Extension academic professionals.

Fun With Foodella: A Pilot Study For Determining The Efficacy Of A 2nd Grade Nutrition And Physical Activity Curriculum, Elizabeth M. Winter, Suzanne Stluka, Karlys Wells, Howard Wey, Teresa M. Kemmer

Journal of Extension

Fun with Foodella is a nutrition and physical activity workbook designed for elementary-aged youth. The objective was to determine if the Fun with Foodella program increased participant preference for fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and physical activity. Four intervention (53 students) and four control (68 students) schools participated. Significant results within the intervention group included a positive preference change for cucumbers, celery, pineapple, flavored milk, cheese, yogurt, and physical activity. This pilot Foodella program, coordinated by Extension professionals, demonstrates that promoting nutrition education, taste testing and physical activity in second graders results in positive change.

Developing And Evaluating The Impact Of An Extension-Based Train-The-Trainer Model For Effectively Disseminating Food Safety Education To Middle School Students, Jennifer Richards, Carrie Pratt, Gary T. Skolits, Janie Burney

Journal of Extension

Adolescents are an understudied, but meaningful, population when it comes to food safety education. With the proliferation of pathogenic microbes and changes in eating habits of Americans, today's youth are more at risk of contracting a foodborne illness than previous generations. Hands On: Real World Lessons for Middle School Classrooms provides effective food safety education for adolescents. However, rapid expansion of the program created the need for a train-the-trainer model of professional development. The study reported here evaluated the efficacy of a train-the-trainer model. Results indicate that the model can effectively train classroom teachers to implement the Hands On program.