Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Self-Esteem: The Impact Of A Course In Growth And Development On Fifth Grade Students, Mary Jang

Master's Projects

Teens in the United States have the highest pregnancy, abortion, and sexually transmitted disease rates among the developed countries. The social and financial costs of teen births are staggering. Research shows that high self-esteem is significantly related to resistance to group pressures, willingness to express unpopular opinions, family adjustment, creativity, and effective communication between parents and youth. The research question is: Will a 5-hour course in growth and development increase the level of self-esteem in fifth grade students? A convenience sample of 20 students (13 girls and 7 boys) who attend a public elementary school in San Jose, California, comprised …

The Effect Of Pain Management Education On Nurses' Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Opioids And Adjuvants, Lynne Hopper Mccoy

Master's Projects

The purpose of this research was to determine if a pain management class improved nurses' knowledge and influenced nurses' attitudes regarding pain management. The design was quasi-experimental using pretest-posttest intervention. 83 participants completed the Nurses Knowledge and Attitude Survey Regarding Pain twice. Those who attended a class showed improvement in their pain management knowledge and attitude scores on the survey. Implications for staff development and inservice educators are that continuing education increases nurses knowledge about pain management and must include opportunities for class members to apply concepts.

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Health Education Program For Classroom Assistants, Patricia A. Robinson

Master's Projects

Classroom Instructional Assistants are being used more frequently to provide care for medically fragile children who are mainstreamed into the regular education setting. The purpose of this evaluative study was to develop a beginning health curriculum that could be provided as an inservice program for classroom Instructional Assistants. Content for the inservice consisted of handwashing, medication administration, asthma, and seizures. This study used a pretest and posttest design to look at the effectiveness of the educational inservice. There were 17 participants, 16 of whom completed the pretest and posttest. A pretest was administered prior to the inservice followed by a …

Portal Imaging Using A Csi (Tl) Scintillator Coupled To A Cooled Ccd Camera, Amit Sawant

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The purpose of this research was to design a high performance digital portal imaging
system, using a transparent x-ray scintillator coupled to a cooled CCD camera. Theoretical
analysis using Monte Carlo simulation was performed to calculate the QDE, SNR and DQE of
the system. A prototype electronic portal imaging device (EPID) was built, using a 12.7 mm
thick, 20.32 cm diameter, CsI (Tl) scintillator, coupled to an Astromed ® liquid nitrogen cooled
CCD TV camera. The system geometry of the prototype EPID was optimized to achieve high
spatial resolution. Experimental evaluation of the prototype EPID was performed, by
determining its …

The Lived Experience Of Bosnian Refugees Who Have Suffered As A Result Of Genocide, Gazelle Raven Animalia

Masters Theses

In 1992, Bosnian Serbian and Serbian forces launched a campaign of genocide against Muslim and Croatian civilians in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This nightmarish odyssey ended for many non-Serbians when they escaped to other countries. Many of these families chose to come to the United States.

The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experience of Bosnian refugees who suffered as a result of genocide. The research method used for this study was a phenomenological method based on Husserlian philosophy. Four Bosnian refugees, who escaped to a midwestem state during and after the war, were asked to answer the following research …

A Study On The Effects Of The N-Terminal Amino Acid Sequence On The Activation Of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Protease, Hidayah Muhammad Kendall

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTL V-1) is dependent upon the enzymatic activity of its protease for maturation. Maturation of the protease is facilitated by cleavage of specific amino acid residues, followed by dimerization. The effects of the amino acid sequence located N-terminally to the cleavage site on the ability of the protease to become active were the focus of the current study. These amino acid sequences were contributed by the plasmid vector into which the protease gene was inserted.

Surface probability analyses (SPAs) of the vectors, as well as for native sequences which produce the mature protease and …

Abnormal Electrical Potentials In Lower Limb Muscles After Ankle Sprain Grades I, Ii And Iii, Talal A. Al-Shatti

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Fibrillation and positive sharp wave potentials have been found after ankle sprain in muscles around the injured joint. The purpose of this study was to better define and explain the reaction of the muscles around the ankle joint after grades I, II and m ankle sprains. Methods: Fifteen subjects (9 males and 6 females, mean age of 33.2 years) with ankle sprains voluntarily participated in this study. A stress x-ray was done to determine the grade of ankle sprain. Nerve conduction velocity and EMO studies were done three weeks after the injury. None of the patients in this study manifested …

Various Presentation Styles For Informing Parents About Pediatric Dental Procedures, Tracy Dean Walker

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The treatment of pediatric dental patients can only be as effective as the degree to which the parent consents to treatment. This study was designed to A) determine the most effective method of communicating a dental procedure to the parent of a pediatric patient and B) determine the impact that various presentation methods would have on a parent's willingness to give informed consent.

Methods: A Pulpotomy procedure was explained to each parent by one of the following methods; 1) written, 2) written and model, 3) verbal or 4) verbal and model.

Results: A statistically significant relationship was shown between …

The Effect Of Mandibular First Molar Tip Back On Mandibular Incisor Long-Term Stability, Barton L. Soper

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine if mandibular first molar distal tip back during orthodontic treatment will result in improved long-term alignment of mandibular incisors. Our pre and posttreatment sample consisted of 57 Class I and Class II patients (40 female and 17 male). Incisor irregularity was recorded at T2 and T4 (average of 12.9 years postretention at T4). Molar tipback was evaluated T1 to T2 and T2 to T4. The sample was divided into 3 groups - molars tipped distally 1 degree or more during treatment, molars essentially not tipped, and molars tipped mesially 1 degree or …

Clinical Debonding Simulation Study Of One Metal And Two Ceramic Brackets, Hyunsup Shim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study is to compare two mechanical debonding methods on ceramic brackets (TP MXi and 3M Clarity) and a metal bracket (GAC OmniArch) with four different bonding materials (light-cured, one-step chemical-cured, two-step chemical-cured, and Fuji GIC) in clinical simulation, where the diametral force was applied on the handle of the pliers. The effectiveness of mechanical debonding technique was determined by evaluating the following variables: the amount of force required to debond the bracket, the amount of residual adhesive remaining on the enamel surface, the frequency of unexpected bracket failure, and the prevalence of visible enamel damage. The …

Neuronal And Metabolic Increases In Pedunculopontine Nucleus Of Parkinson's Rats, Jonathan Dennis Carlson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The theoretical mechanisms underlying the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are based on dysfunctional output from the basal ganglia projected to the cortex via the thalamus. However, the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and substantia nigra pars reticularis (SNr) as part of the basal ganglia, also project to the brainstem, in particular to the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). Both the STN and SNr have altered neuronal activity in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) Parkinson’s model rat. Thus, it is hypothesized that the PPN is altered in this model of Parkinson’s disease.

This hypothesis was examined by comparing the rates of glucose metabolism and spontaneous neuronal activity …

Regulation Of Connexin43 By Phosphorylation, Maithili M. Shah

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Gap junctions play a crucial role in embryogenesis, especially of the heart where connexin43 is thought to be important for its formation as well as synchronized contraction. Several reports have shown that connexin43 protein is phosphorylated on serine residues in vitro and in vivo.

Studies performed in our laboratory have demonstrated that cell-to-cell communication in cells expressing connexin43 can be controlled rapidly and reversibly by microinjection of active protein kinases or phosphatases that target serine or threonine residues. Phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) seems to favor channel opening, whereas the effect of protein kinase C (PKC) on channel gating …

Predicting Aggression And Stress In Law Enforcement Using The Mmpi : A Vulnerability Hypothesis, Byron Earle Greenberg

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study addresses the use of scales and subscales from prehire MMPI’s to predict levels of aggression and stress among law enforcement professionals in the field (n=75). Multiple regression analysis revealed promising results in support of the MMPI’s predictive utility.

Two scales, Aggression (AGR) and Stress Vulnerability (SYS) were developed as outcome measures through a three step validation process: (a) theoretical-substantive, through a literature review and analysis of pilot data (n = 202); (b) internal-structural, statistical analysis on sample data and (c) criterion-external, through corelational analysis with externally derived departmental assessments of each officer. The final Aggression index (AGR) is …

Family Communication And Competence Among Siblings Of Pediatric Oncology Patients, Kimberly Olvera Butler

Master's Projects

Pediatric oncologic diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among children. The chronicity of the treatment requires the family to adjust their daily routines to care for the ill child. The changes are experienced by all the family members: the ill child, the parents, and the well siblings. The literature reflects variable effects on the well sibling. There has been limited research that evaluates the effects of family interaction patterns. This pilot study examined communication within the family and sought to determine if communication, as measured on the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale, correlated with competence, as measured on the …

Impact Of Direct And Indirect Exposure To Shooting Violence On Young People, Diondre Watkins

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Gun ownership has risen dramatically in the United States since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with it, the number of gun violence incidents. Because of this, children and adolescents are being affected, whether directly or indirectly, by the violence in their communities. While there are many debates within the political realm on how best to prevent these incidents from happening, counselors, both clinical and school, are needed to help mitigate the short- and long-term effects. This literature review aims to compile some of the existing research on what adverse health effects may result in children who are exposed …

Children's Health Perceptions, Amy Forrest

MSN Research Projects

Little empirical knowledge exists regarding children's perceptions of health. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to determine the health perceptions of children with a convenience sample of fourth-grade students at a small elementary school in Northeast Mississippi. The theoretical framework utilized was Bandura's Social Learning Theory. The directional hypothesis in the proposed study was school-age children have a positive perception of health. The Children's Health Rating Scale was utilized as a measurement tool that ranked 17 health-related questions on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = most negative, 5 = most positive). A high cumulative score indicated …

Young Adult Women's Reflections Of Contraceptive Practices During Their Adolescence, Dana Martin

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore reasons for adolescent contraceptive choice and compliance as identified by young adult women.

Identification Of Needs In Treatment Of Breast Cancer, Luann Massey

MSN Research Projects

Breast cancer has been documented as the second leading cause of death in American women. Many needs are realized during the phases of treatment for breast cancer: at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, and after treatment. The purpose of this descriptive exploratory study was to identify the needs of women with breast cancer during phases of treatment. With the Neuman Systems Model as a theoretical framework, the research question was as follows : What are the needs of women with breast cancer during the phases of treatment? Data were obtained using the Massey Subject Profile and the Massey Questionnaire. …

The Relationship Between Homicidal Fantasies And Dangerousness, James C. Peterson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aggressive behavior is a serious problem in the United States and has been studied from a variety of perspectives. Psychologists in many different settings are frequently asked to assess the risk of future dangerous behavior by individuals. Due to their important role, research into the prediction of dangerousness has dramatically increased in the past ten years. However, to date, research has offered few reliable predictors that can be used in such assessments. This exploratory study was designed to examine whether homicidal fantasies can be used to reliably discriminate between violent and non-violent individuals. Undergraduate male students (N=l42) completed a questionnaire …

Psychopathology Of Incarcerated Males And Severity Of Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms, Karen L. Cropsey

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has demonstrated the link between depression and severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This study investigated depression and other psychopathology as predictors of severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms among incarcerated males forced to quit smoking due to prison policy. Four hundred and ninety current Smokers, Ex-Smokers, and Non-Smokers completed a baseline questionnaire one week prior to smoking cessation. Three hundred and sixty-nine participants completed the second follow-up questionnaire four days after cessation, an attrition rate of 24. 7%. Two hundred and fifty-six participants completed the final follow-up assessment one month after implementation of the smoking ban, an overall attrition …

The Relationship Between Intramuscular Temperature, Skin Interface Temperature, And Skin Fold Measurements During And After Cryotherapy, Lisa S. Jutte

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Many studies have questionably measured skin temperature to assess the efficacy of cryotherapy. In addition, there is controversy owr the relationship between subcutaneous adipose thickness and intramuscular temperature. Thcret'ore. the twofold purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between skin and intramuscular temperature and to describe the relationships between muscle temperature, skin temperature, room temperature, body core temperature, and subcutaneous adipose thickness. Design and Setting: A multiple linear regression was used. The independent variables were skin temperature, body core temperature, subcutaneous adipose thickness, and room temperature. The dependent variable was intramuscular temperature. Subjects: Fifteen volunteers (age= 22.9 …

Coping Strategy And Social Support Differences Among Copd Patients: Effects On Psychological Well Being, Functional Status, And Health Care Utilization, Terri Belville-Robertson

Dissertations

This descriptive study examined coping strategies and social support among thirty-three patients with moderate to severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to assess relationships to psychological and functional status, and health care utilization. More specifically, the qualitative and quantitative differences in coping strategies and social support were examined in relation to anxiety, depression, activity level, and use of emergency and inpatient medical services. Subjects participated in a one-session screening that included a brief clinical interview, battery of questionnaires and exercise tolerance test. Health care utilization data were obtained from subjects’ medical records. Subjects' primary support persons also provided collateral data …

Evaluating The Social Acceptability Of Persons With Habit Disorders: The Effects Of Topography, Frequency, And Gender Manipulation, Douglas W. Woods

Dissertations

Literature suggests that children who exhibit habit disorders are less socially acceptable than children who do not exhibit such disorders. This series of studies investigated the social acceptability of adults who exhibit habit disorders. In Studies 1 and 2, undergraduate students rated the social acceptability of individuals who exhibited motor tics, vocal tics, hairpulling, and no habit. Results showed that the individuals with no habit were more socially acceptable than the individuals who exhibited either motor tics, vocal tics, or hairpulling.

In Study 3, videotapes were created in which actors simulated motor tics, vocal tics, Tourette’s Syndrome, and Trichotillomania. The …

Job Satisfaction Of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists In Tennessee, Kelly M. Nelson

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Job satisfaction had been linked with improved job performance, increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, decreased job turnover rates and increased quality of care. For these reasons, employers have sought to determine what constitutes job satisfaction and what factors affect it. A wealth of information is available regarding job satisfaction in general and job satisfaction of nurses, yet little research has been done related to the job satisfaction of CRNAs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate overall job satisfaction of CRNAs; to evaluate CRNAs' level of intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction as components of overall satisfaction; and to explore the effects …

Signaling Mechanisms For Muscarinic Receptor-Mediated Coronary Vasoconstriction In Isolated Rat Hearts, Yi Zhang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The signaling mechanisms for muscarinic receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in coronary resistance arteries were studied in KCl-arrested isolated rat hearts perfused at a constant flow rate. The cholinergic agonists acetylcholine and bethanechol were given by bolus injection or constant infusion. The coronary vascular resistance was monitored by measuring the changes in perfusion pressure. The selective muscarinic agonist bethanechol caused a similar vasoconstrictor response as ACh, but with less potency and efficacy. Bolus injection of bethanechol evoked a phasic vasoconstriction in a dose-dependent manner, while infusion of bethanechol evoked a tonic vasoconstriction without producing tachyphylaxis. Coronary vascular responses to bethanechol were further examined …

Knowledge Level And Teaching Practices Of Hospice Nurses Regarding Terminal Dehydration, Kristi Adams Acker

MSN Research Projects

A current controversy exists whether or not to continue aggressive hydration in the terminally ill patient. Emerging research has suggested that terminal dehydration can be a palliative treatment option in end-of-life care. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the teaching practices and knowledge level of hospice nurses regarding terminal dehydration. The Integrated Clinical Judgment Model (Gordon, Murphy, Candee, & Hiltunen, 1994) guided this study. A researcher-developed questionnaire. Teaching Practices of Hospice Nurses Regarding Terminal Dehydration, consisting of six questions asking to identify personal teaching practices regarding terminal dehydration, and a second researcher-developed questionnaire. Terminal Dehydration Knowledge Level …

Nurse Pracitioners' Assessment Of Sexuality Among Elders, Michelle Banks

MSN Research Projects

As older adults age, they are presented with a perplexity of lifestyle adaptations. Primary care providers often view physiologic losses elders have as inevitable. Sexuality accounts for one example of these losses that elders feel are important, but have difficulty discussing with health care providers. Thus, the purpose of this descriptive/exploratory research study was to explore the nurse practitioner's assessment of sexuality among elders. The theoretical framework used in this study is Shippee-Rice’s Conceptual Model of Sexuality. The model focuses on four elements: the self, the components of sexuality, significant others, and environmental variables. The research questions were: 1) How …

The Use And Effectiveness Of Coping Mechanisms In Parents Of Children With Type 1 Diabetes, J. Shelley Dornan

MSN Research Projects

Coping with the responsibility of raising a child with diabetes is a serious challenge for parents. The methods parents use to cope can influence the child's future outcome. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the use and effectiveness of coping mechanisms among parents of children with Type 1 diabetes. A convenience sample of 4 0 parents with a diabetic child was obtained from a diabetic support group and a pediatric endocrinology clinic in the Southeastern United States. Data were collected using the Jalowiec Coping Scale and the researcher-designed Demographic Survey. Analysis of data was conducted using …

Outcomes Of A Teaching Intervention On College Cigarette Smokers, Jeanne Benson

MSN Research Projects

Even though there has been a significant decrease in the number of adults who smoke in recent years, adolescents are initiating the habit at an alarming rate. Cigarette smoking is the number one preventable cause of death and illness in the United States. The purpose of this quasi­ experiment al pretest/posttest study was to explore the knowledge levels and attitudes of college students in Northeast Mississippi regarding cigarette smoking. The study was guided by two null hypotheses. The convenience sample consisted of 53 college students enrolled in a public community college in Northeast Mississippi. The Cigarette Smoking Questionnaire was utilized …

Knowledge And Behaviors Related To Safe Sex In Young Adults, Paula Decanter

MSN Research Projects

Young adults engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unwanted pregnancies. The focus of this descriptive study was knowledge and behaviors related to safe sex behaviors in young adults. Pender's Health Promotion Model served as the theoretical framework for the study. The following research questions were answered: What are the knowledge level of young adults about safe sex and what effect does knowledge about safe sex have on sexual behaviors of young adults? The target population included young adults who answered questions via …