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Meaningful Use And Meaningful Curricula: A Survey Of Health Informatics Programs In The U.S., Kai Koong, Madison Ngafeeson, Lai Lui

Journal Articles

The introduction of the US government’s Meaningful Use criteria carries with it many implications including the training curriculum of healthcare personnel. This study examines 108 health informatics degree programmes across the USA. First, the courses offered are identified and classified into generic classes. Next, these generic groupings are mapped to two important frameworks: the Learning to Manage Health Information (LMHI) academic framework; and the Meaningful Use criteria policy framework. Results suggest that while current curricula seemed acceptable in addressing Meaningful Use Stage 1 objective, there was insufficient evidence that these curricula could support Meaningful Use Stage 2 and …

Auto-Fluorescence Lifetime And Light Reflectance Spectroscopy For Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Potential Tools For Intraoperative Margin Detection, Vikrant Sharma, Shivaranjani Shivalingaiah, Yan Peng, David Euhus, Zygmunt Gryczynski, Hanli Liu

Bioengineering Faculty Publications - Archive

This study investigates the use of two spectroscopic techniques, auto-fluorescence lifetime measurement (AFLM) and light reflectance spectroscopy (LRS), for detecting invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in human ex vivo breast specimens. AFLM used excitation at 447 nm with multiple emission wavelengths (532, 562, 632, and 644 nm), at which autofluorescence lifetimes and their weight factors were analyzed using a double exponent model. LRS measured reflectance spectra in the range of 500-840 nm and analyzed the spectral slopes empirically at several distinct spectral regions. Our preliminary results based on 93 measured locations (i.e., 34 IDC, 31 benign fibrous, 28 adipose) from 6 …

Planning For Crime: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design In Bishop Arts District Neighborhood, Oak Cliff, Dallas., Sharmila Gurung, Ardeshir Anjomani

Planning Masters Professional Reports - Archive

There is a lack of emphasis in the planning world, both academically and in the field, on preventing crime. Defensible Space and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) has been the two main approaches taken by planners and criminal justice officials that is design-based and that has brought some level of collaboration between the two professions. This study analyzes the built environment of select crime hotspots in the Bishop Arts District Neighborhood from a design-based crime prevention perspective in order to draw correlations between high crime areas and elements of design-based theories. Using GIS software, crime map is plotted to …

Reassessing Damage Remedy To Online Copyright Infringement, Yang Sun

Maurer Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Binding The Executive (By Law Or By Politics), Aziz Huq

Public Law and Legal Theory Working Papers

No abstract provided.

Profiles Of Asian American Subgroups In Massachusetts: Vietnamese Americans In Massachusetts, Shauna Lo, Thao Tran

Institute for Asian American Studies Publications

Vietnamese Americans are the third largest Asian American subgroup in Massachusetts. In the 2010 decennial census, the Vietnamese American population in the state numbered 47,636, an increase of nearly 30% since 2000.

The largest concentration of Vietnamese Americans is in the city of Boston, while Worcester also has a significant population. There are also sizable communities of Vietnamese Americans just to the north and south of Boston—to the north in Malden, Everett, Medford, Revere, Chelsea, and Lynn, and to the south in Quincy, Randolph, and Braintree.

The greatest area of growth of Vietnamese Americans in the state is to the …

A Systematic Review Of Psychological Treatments For Combat-Related Ptsd, Benson G. Munyan Iii

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

With ongoing military operations spanning the globe, a new population of combat veterans is emerging. Posttraumatic stress disorder is an enormous issue for veterans, and knowing the status of psychosocial treatments for it seems necessary. The current study seeks to provide a more comprehensive description of the current status of outcome research for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder, including treatments being utilized, attrition rates, percent responders/nonresponder, and population conflict (i.e., OIF, OEF, Vietnam). The literature was systematically reviewed and 10 randomized controlled trials were identified that focused solely on veteran populations with posttraumatic stress disorder. Treatments utilized in these studies included …

Parental Engagement On Student Academic Self-Efficacy And Educational Attainment Expectation For Immigrant Youth., Casey N. Griffith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the increase of immigration to the United States, immigrant children have a unique position in the education system. Immigrant parents influence their children through different academic engagement practices. It is important to understand how parents impact students' academic experiences. Employing the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002, statistical analyses evaluated a sample of 2,514 high school sophomore immigrant students. The impact of parental engagement on the dependent variables were also compared between native language groups to learn whether or not specific cultural engagement practices impact student self-efficacy and attainment expectation differently. Findings revealed that parental engagement impacts academic self-efficacy and …

The Influence Of Social Contextual Conditions And Basic Psychological Need Fulfillment On Self-Management And Emotional Distress Among Urban African American Adults With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus : A Mixed Methods Study., Sula Marie Hood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: African Americans are disproportionally diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes, and have been observed to have poor self-management, which increases risk of complications. Social influences are commonly associated with diabetes-related outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess whether and how socio-contextual factors influence self-management and emotional distress in urban African American adults living with type-2 diabetes, as well as to assess whether social support facilitate relatedness need fulfillment within this population. The study also sought to gain an understanding of the psychosocial support needs and preferences of urban African American adults living with type-2 diabetes. Methods: The descriptive …

Metacognitive Processes In Social Anxiety : A Path Analysis., Ryan Patrick Hosey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Social anxiety is prevalent and debilitating. Contemporary models of social anxiety posit that negative, self-focused thought aids in the maintenance of social anxiety symptoms. Although these models emphasize in-situation cognition, recent findings have linked two perseverative thought constructs, anticipatory processing (pre-event) and post-event processing (post-event), to social anxiety symptoms. The current study was designed to investigate whether these maladaptive thinking styles are perpetuated by the superordinate process of metacognition. In particular, three domains of metacognition were included in the current study: metacognitive beliefs, metacognitive monitoring, and metacognitive (attentional) control. A hypothesized model wherein these three metacognitive processes maintain social anxiety …

Child Behavioral Inhibition, Parental Overcontrol, And Parental Anxiety As Predictors Of Adolescent Anxiety., Benjamin M. Keizer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the prediction of anxiety symptoms over time during developmentally significant periods - the transition to middle school (12 years old) and the transition to high school (15 years old). Specifically, relationships between child behavioral inhibition, paternal anxiety, maternal anxiety, and parental control and concurrent levels of adolescent anxiety at each time point were analyzed. Despite a strong research base supporting individual connections between child behavioral inhibition, levels of parental control, parental anxiety symptoms and adolescent anxiety, the joint longitudinal associations have received scant attention in the literature. The current study also compared two different models of adolescent …

Preparing Students For Post-Secondary Success : Exploring The Efficacy Of An Information Technology Certification Program., John Lawless Lanham 1967-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Career and Technical Education (CTE) has a long and rich history of achievement among diverse populations. Two recent events have added to the complexity of CTE. First, the accountability movement forces traditional programs to show growth and achievement with students. Accountability trends affect the content and delivery of almost all programs. Perhaps more significantly, measureable performance is increasingly becoming tied into program funding with CTE programs. Second, while CTE in general has enjoyed a long history in secondary education, an emerging subcomponent is gaining attention. Information Technology (IT) classes have been present in secondary institutions for over 30 years. Business, …

Increasing Positive Sleep Behaviors In Young Children Who Are Blind : The Significance Of Auditory Sleep Association Stimuli., Donna Brostek Lee 1978-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research has confirmed that individuals with blindness have an increased risk of developing sleep problems; this is especially problematic for families with young children who are blind. Not only does the lack of sleep impact the growth and development of the child, but it also directly affects the entire family. A single-subject A-B-A-B research design was implemented with three young children having visual acuities of light perception or no light perception that were having sleep problems. At the start of study, none of the children had any other major medical diagnosis other than their visual impairment. The intervention (B phases) …

Mentoring Of Nurse Managers The Experience Of New Nurse Managers In Rural Hospitals : Does Mentoring Make A Difference?, Leigh Lindsey 1972-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine rural nurse managers' experiences with mentoring once assuming their new management role. This research study used qualitative methods to examine mentoring experiences in relatively new and inexperienced nurse managers in the rural setting. Social Learning Theory was used as the theoretical framework, and the conceptual framework consisted of Stewart and Krueger's (1996) concept analysis ofmentoring in nursing. Stewart and Krueger's concept analysis identified the following six essential attributes of mentoring in nursing: a teaching-learning process, a reciprocal role, a career development relationship, a knowledge or competence differential between participants, a duration of …

Blockade Of Cxcr4 Inhibits Porphyromonas Gingivalis Colonization In Vivo And Subsequent Periodontal Bone Loss., Megan L. Mc Intosh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chronic periodontitis is strongly associated with composition of the oral biofilm occupying the gingival crevicular aspect of the tooth and its associated root. Some gram-negative, "red complex" bacteria instigate periodontal bone loss in patients, principal among these Porphyromonas gingivalis. P. gingivalis is a "late colonizer", indicating not only its physical location within the oral biofilm, but also the pathogenic dynamic of the interaction between P. gingivalis and the host innate immunity. Among several other subversive tactics, P. gingivalis has been shown to compel receptors vital to the orchestration of an appropriate immune response to co-associate and consequently signal in a …

Teenagers' Safety At Work : Dangerous Tasks And Safety Training., Teresa Jane Mcgeeney 1987-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teenaged workers are twice as likely to be injured on the job as adult workers, and face a number of differences developmentally and psychosocially that present challenges for their safety at work. Little research has focused on the tasks that teenagers perform at work and what factors mediate their performance of hazardous tasks and tasks prohibited by law. Data used for this thesis was collected through a survey of 884 teenagers enrolled at two public high schools in Louisville, Kentucky in Spring 2011. Focus groups and interviews were also conducted with 42 employed teenagers in Spring 2010 to provide qualitative …

A Systems-Based Approach For Detecting Molecular Interactions Across Tissues., Fahim Mohammad

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Current high-throughput gene expression experiments have a straightforward design of examining the gene expression of one group or condition relative to that of another. The data is typically analyzed as if they represent strictly intracellular events, and often treats genes as coming from a homogeneous population. Although intracellular events are crucial to nearly all biological processes, cell-cell interactions are often just as important, especially when gene expression data is generated from heterogeneous cell populations, such as from whole tissues. Cell-cell molecular interactions are generally lost in the available analytical procedures and as a result, are not examined experimentally, at least …

Water Treatment And Distribution Simulation For A Scada Security Testbed., Kyle Thomas Moss

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are used in almost all industrial processes including use in the nation's critical infrastructure. The electric, water, and gas industries are merely a few that rely heavily on the use of SCADA systems in order to provide reliable service to the public. Any disruption in these systems would lead to major issues in day to day life and could produce a hazardous environment until the services are restored. SCADA equipment was first implemented decades ago, and in some cases the equipment deployed at that time is still in use today. As network technology …

3-D Lung Deformation And Function From Respiratory-Gated 4-D X-Ray Ct Images : Application To Radiation Treatment Planning., Mohammadreza Negahdar 1979-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many lung diseases or injuries can cause biomechanical or material property changes that can alter lung function. While the mechanical changes associated with the change of the material properties originate at a regional level, they remain largely asymptomatic and are invisible to global measures of lung function until they have advanced significantly and have aggregated. In the realm of external beam radiation therapy of patients suffering from lung cancer, determination of patterns of pre- and post-treatment motion, and measures of regional and global lung elasticity and function are clinically relevant. In this dissertation, we demonstrate that 4-D CT derived ventilation …

The Effect Of Implant Placement And Simultaneous Soft Tissue Augmentation In The Esthetic Zone Using Either Connective Tissue Autograft Or Acellular Dermal Matrix Allograft., Thomas L. Peterson 1980-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aims. The primary aims of this randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial were to compare the hard and soft tissue response following either a connective tissue (CT) or acellular dermal matrix (ADM) graft placed simultaneously with a laser-grooved implant. Methods. Twenty-four patients received a single tooth implant in the maxillary anterior that was bordered by two teeth. Twelve patients were randomly selected, using to coin toss, to receive either an ADM (test) or a CT (control) graft. At the 2-month uncovering appointment a lab constructed provisional was placed. At 4 months, following 2 months of tissue shaping, a fixture level impression …

Cobalt Mof-5 : A Novel Catalyst For Co2 Conversion To Carbonates., Christine Elizabeth Phillips 1989-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As more attention is focused toward carbon dioxide emissions into the environment, conversion of CO2 to useful chemicals can utilize the extra carbon dioxide captured from power plant stack gas, instead of sequestration. The mainstream method of producing carbonates and carbamates utilizes toxic phosgene. The cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to epichlorohydrin, or other epoxides, can produce carbonates without the use of phosgene. A catalyst with high surface area, Lewis acid sites, and an affinity for carbon dioxide is required to develop carbonates using carbon dioxide. A cobalt doped metal-organic framework-5 (Co21-MOF-5) was developed to test the cycloaddition reactions with carbon …

Enhancement Of Virtual Colonoscopy System., Rosario J. Pusateri

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer, and the fourth leading cause of cancer related death in the United States. It also happens to be one of the most preventable cancers provided an individual performs a regular screening. For years colonoscopy via colonoscope was the only method for colorectal cancer screening. In the past decade, colonography or virtual colonoscopy (VC) has become an alternative (or supplement) to the traditional colonoscopy. VC has become a much researched topic since its introduction in the mid-nineties. Various visualization methods have been introduced including: traditional flythrough, colon flattening, and unfolded-cube projection. In recent …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Response To Intervention : Comparing The Reading Achievement Of Ells And Native English Speakers., Philip Kiersten Sapienza

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teaching reading in the mainstream classroom is a challenge. This challenge is compounded when trying to meet the needs of English language learners. Recently, Response to Intervention (RTI) has been suggested as a framework for classroom teachers to use in order to meet the wide range of needs of their students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an RTI reading instructional model when used with English language learners (ELLs) in mainstream classrooms. A mixed-method, quasi-experimental, pre/post design was implemented. A purposive sample was drawn from third grade students in schools that integrated ELLs and native …

First-Time Homebuyers' Perceived Preparedness: A Realtors' Perspective, Jordan Jerome Aaberg

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Realtors are usually homebuyers' first contact in buying a home. It is the realtor's goal to work in the best interest of the client. Agents provide all avenues of opportunity to first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) such as FTHB programs, mortgage options, and connections with inspectors, appraisers, and title companies. Realtors work with clients and other real estate agents in connecting sellers and buyers and creating real estate transactions. FTHBs have the option to trust their agents wholeheartedly and accept what they are saying to be true and in their best interest, or they can become educated about the home-buying process and …

The Effect Of Growth Parameters On The Height And Density Of Carbon Nanotube Forests, Robert Welch Call

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Rolled-up graphene sheets, known as carbon nanotubes, are grown in vertically aligned arrays called carbon nanotube forests (CNTFs). CNTFs make extremely dark surfaces. They are being investigated for use on space crafts as calibration surfaces and to protect optical sensors from unwanted signals. These CNTFs are grown by injecting a precursor consisting of a metal catalyst particle and a hydrocarbon component into a furnace at high temperature (~700°C). This study investigates the influence of several different growth parameters on the final height and density of the CNTF. Height and density influence the absorbance of the surface at different wavelengths.

Root Uptake Of Organic Contaminants Into Plants: Species Differences, Naho Orita

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Xenobiotic organic contaminants are widely found in the environment, including soils, sediments, surface waters, wastewater streams, and even in drinking water. Food chain contamination resulting from the uptake of these contaminants by plants is a concern. Although the uptake of a variety of xenobiotic organic contaminants by plants has been reported but the differences between plant species are not fully understood. The emphasis of this thesis research is to further investigate the unique root to shoot transfer ability of “gold rush” zucchini that has been reported repeatedly in recent years.

A pressure chamber technique was used to measure transpiration stream …

The Effects Of Habitat Manipulations On Utah Prairie Dogs (Cynomys Parvidens) And Their Habitat On The Awapa Plateau Recovery Area In South-Central Utah, Gretchen Elizabeth Caudill

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Utah prairie dogs have been listed, in some capacity, under the Endangered Species Act since 1972. The lack of suitable habitat, particularly cool season grass cover,
has been identified as the primary factor impeding species recovery. Due to reproduction costs, Utah prairie dogs require a large quantity of cool season grasses. Lack of recovery has also been attributed to poor juvenile survival. Increased resources have been shown to increase weights, which would increase survival through the winter.

Beneficial habitat management techniques for Utah prairie dogs have yet to be determined for the Awapa Plateau recovery area. Utah prairie dogs require …

An Exploration Of The Relationships Among Connectedness To Nature, Quality Of Life, And Mental Health, Peter G. Tauber

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In recent decades, a new branch of psychology has emerged—ecopsychology. This field looks at the complex relationship between human beings and the natural world. Previous research has shown the importance of direct experiences in nature for the promotion of human health and well-being. However, it is still not understood why these experiences in nature carry so much importance.

It is possible that the concept of connectedness to nature (CTN) plays a role in this relationship between nature and wellness. CTN is defined as feelings of close affiliation with the natural world in a physical, cognitive, and emotional manner. Previous research …

Waste Heat Utilization In An Anaerobic Digestion System, Brett Boissevain

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Anaerobic digestion has great potential as an energy source. Not only does it provide an effective method for waste mitigation, but it has the potential to generate significant quantities of fuel and electricity. In order to ensure efficient digestion and biomass utilization, however, the system must be continuously maintained at elevated temperatures. It is technically feasible to supplement such a system with outside energy, but it is more cost effective to heat the system using only the produced biogas. While there is considerable literature covering the theory of anaerobic digestion, there are very few practical studies to show how heat …

Design And Characterization Of Circularly Polarized Cavity-Backed Slot Antennas In An In-House-Constructed Anechoic Chamber, Mangalam Chandak

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Small satellites have become important vehicles for space exploration. One of the challenges on these satellites is their limited surface area, which creates problems in allocating resources for devices such as antennas. Also, an effective satellite communication system often requires circularly polarized antennas. Therefore, integrating cross slot antennas around solar cells to form a multifunctional solar panel is one of the best solutions for small satellites. The cross geometry provides circular polarization and the slot configuration does not compete for any additional surface space. The main goal of this thesis was to design, fabricate, and test such type of slot …