Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Nurse Manager Role Stress, Rosemarie Mohn

Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of decision-making style, and right and left brain function on nurse manager role stress. Data were collected from 48 nurse managers employed at four acute care facilities along the Atlantic seaboard. A nonexperimental correlation descriptive design was utilized to determine if any positive or negative correlation existed between study variables and levels of stress. Findings suggested that nurse managers experienced moderate amounts of role stress, including role conflict and role ambiguity. One significant statistical correlation existed between role ambiguity and the decision making dimension of intuition. Recommendations for future research …

Reliability Of Assessment Of Postural Control In The Sitting Position In The Hemiplegic Subjects By Use Of A Functional Reach Task, Karen Dreher Carter

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

No single standardized and reliable method exists for measuring postural control in sitting in the stroke patient population. Postural control in sitting is often a portion of the total physical therapy assessment of the hemiplegic patient. The purpose of this research was to investigate the reliability of a functional reach test as a measure of postural control in sitting in the adult hemiplegic population. The measurement method was performed on 23 adult hemiplegic subjects, ages 62-88 years (mean= 73.6 + 7.9 years). Two physical therapists scored the subjects on the functional reach task. once the functional reach measure was obtained …

High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Separation Of Different Types Of Collagen, Yongjoo Chung

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this research was to develop a method for the separation of different types of collagen using a large pore size (100 nm) reversed-phase C-8 column. Three different types of collagen (type I, III, and V) were sufficiently separated on the column using a mobile phase containing water-acetonitrile-trifluoroacetic acid. Collagens found in each HPLC peak were identified using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to assay the column effluents.

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was used as an ion pair reagent. This compound improved the chromatographic profile for these proteins on a reversed-phase column. It was observed that with …

Faculty Standardization Of Dental Hygiene Instrumentation Skill Evaluation: A Calibration Exercise, Diane-Marie Smela

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Faculty must be standardized so that student skills are assessed in an unbiased, equal fashion. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of calibration on dental hygiene faculty standardization. Examples of correct and incorrect instrumentation skill performance were demonstrated and discussed during the calibration exercise. Groups simultaneously viewed instrumentation skills while assessing correct or incorrect performance. Group standardization was determined through analysis of answer key agreement, intra-rater reliability, and inter-rater reliability. Data were statistically analyzed through the use of a z-test for both answer key agreement and inter-rater reliability, and chi-square (x²) for inter-rater reliability …

Transplantation Of The Mammalian Pineal Gland: Studies Of Survival, Revascularization, Reinnervation And Recovery Of Function, Wutian Wu

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The survival, revascularization, reinnervation, and recovery of function of transplanted newborn rat pineal glands were studied following grafting into four different locations in pinealectomized rats. These locations were the third cerebral ventricle, in situ (where the pineal gland is normally located), the renal capsule, and the anterior chamber of the eye.

Pinealocytes in the grafts maintained high metabolic activity as evidenced by the presence of euchromatic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, infolded nuclear envelopes, numerous mitochondria and Golgi apparati, and relatively abundant endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes. In addition, morphological correlates of two putative secretory processes were observed in the grafts. The first …

The Role Of Gaba In Reproductive Neuroendocrine Systems, Robert Carter Mcree

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Local gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) neurons in the hypothalamus can modulate the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) pulse generating system.

Two animal models (intact and ovariectomized rats) were used to determine the nature of modulation of LHRH release by GABA. The experiment determined the release of LHRH, serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) during two hormonal states with each model. In the intact rat the proestrus and estrus states were examined, and in the ovariectomized rat in-vitro release was determined with (OVX₂) and without (OVX) estradiol treatment.

In-vivo experiments studied the effect of stimulation of GABA receptors …

Body-Image Attitudes And Perceptions Among African-Americans And Whites As A Function Of Socioeconomic Class, Christopher Eugene Huffine

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

While many facets of body image have been extensively researched, relatively few studies have examined racial and social class differences in body image. The present paper consists of two studies examining racial and class differences in body image among males and females. Study 1 utilized a national sample of respondents to a 1985 Psychology Today survey to examine racial (Black and White) and educational differences in body image among men and women. Study 2 utilized a smaller sample of Black subjects, half drawn from several Southeastern universities and the other half from non-academic locations in the Tidewater area of Virginia …

Osteoinductivity Of Demineralized Bone: A Quantitative In Vitro Assessment, Yihong Zheng

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Acid demineralized bone (DMB) implanted in extraosseous sites induces bone formation. In vivo studies have shown that DMB stimulates the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into osteogenic cells. In this study an in vitro system was developed to demonstrate the osteoinductivity of DMB quantitatively. This in vitro working system was used to assess the osteoinductivity of variously processed DMB products as a means to evaluate their processing protocols. A human dermal fibroblastic (HDF) cell line was initiated from tissue explants as a working model, along with a human periosteal (HPO) cell line as a control. Ground DMB processed by LifeNet Transplant …

Short-Term Effects Of The PoliswabR On Supramarginal Bacterial Plaque Removal And Gingival Health In A Spinal Cord Unit Population, Beth Elaine Mckinney

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the short-term efficacy of a mechanical device (Poliswab^R) on supramarginal bacterial plaque removal and gingival health. The sample consisted of 15 residents in a spinal cord unit at the Hampton Veterans' Affairs Medical Center. A single blind, split-mouth, pretest-posttest design was used in the study with each subject serving as his own control. Over a two week period, each participant had his teeth cleaned once daily by a dental hygienist using a Poliswab^R containing sodium bicarbonate and dentifrice on one side of the mouth and a toothbrush without dentifrice …

Preventative Oral Health Services Provided By Nurses' Aides To Nursing Home Residents, Deborah Lewis Hardy

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purposes of this investigation were to identify: 1) what preventive oral health services were provided by nurses' aides to nursing home residents, 2) how frequent preventive oral health services were performed by nurses' aides, 3) who nurses' aides reported abnormal or suspicious findings detected in the resident's mouth, 4) what factors discouraged and encouraged nurses' aides performance of oral health services, and 5) how nurses' aides rated their oral health knowledge of services they performed. The study population was comprised of a random sample of 40 percent of nursing home facilities in southeastern Virginia. A 14-item questionnaire was administered …

Gender Effects On Recall, Clinical Judgement And Treatment Recommendations For A Combination Of Major Depression And Alcohol Dependence Symptoms, Jodi L. French

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

This study investigated the effect of client gender on several aspects of clinical decision-making processes and clinical judgement when a client presented with a combination of depressive and alcohol-dependent symptoms. Forty-four male and 44 female clinicians, who came from various mental health disciplines (i.e., psychology, social work, counseling, nursing, and psychiatry), volunteered to participate as subjects.

The subjects were assigned to hear one of four audiotapes (two male tapes and two female tapes) in which mock clients gave the same initial presentation of symptoms and problems. After listening to the tapes, the clinicians were asked to engage in a number …

A Descriptive Study Of Commitment Practices In A Selected Jurisdiction, Louis A. Pesnicak

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the application of commitment procedures in one urban community in Virginia. The study investigated: the concordance rates of clinical recommendation for treatment and the outcome of the commitment hearing. the time lapse between detention of an individual and the hearing outcome. the presenting symptomatology and outcome. and the pre-detention compliance to treatment and outcome. The study's findings showed a concordance rate of 64% between clinical recommendation and outcome. It provided no significant differences in symptomatology/outcome, compliance/outcome, and time lapse/outcome. The lack of any significant findings seems to suggest that application of commitment laws might benefit from institution …

An Analysis Of Quality Assessment Efforts In Health Care, Margaret M. Curran

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine whether consensus could be reached by experts in the field of quality assurance on the most important indicators of health care quality and to determine whether cause and effect relationship could be attributed to the process and outcome indicators suggested in our survey. We invited participation by a representative sample of experts in a Delphi Panel to address these issues. There were 49 respondants to our Round One Questionnaire and they evaluated the relative importance of 50 process and 50 outcome indicators. Panelists were asked to establish cause and effect relationships between …

Identification And Ranking Of Stressors Specific To The Acute Head Care Nurse, Joan A. Breen

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Development And Characterization Of Monoclonal Antisperm Antibodies: Potential For Contraception, Dilrowshan H. Haque

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

There is an expressed need to develop a greater variety of safe contraceptive methods which would find acceptance worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Immunization against spermatozoa might be such a method as judged by the accumulated evidence from studies on human females and in a number of female animal species.

Two extraction techniques were used for sperm membrane antigen isolation. The first technique involved NP-40 detergent for antigen extraction from human motile sperm and the second technique employed homogenized human testis for antigen extraction. Using these immunogens, sperm membrane-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were developed. When these antisperm MAbs were subjected …

Formal And Informal Educational Activities Of Transformational Nurse Leaders In Urban Hospitals, Sue Waltrip Young

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

Absence of educational programs designed to develop a specific leadership style has prompted educators in nursing administration to consider designing such programs. As the cost of hospital care escalates and the recruitment and retention of individuals into hospital nursing remains problematic, it is essential that methods be developed to address these issues. This study described the educational processes experienced by transformational nurse leaders employed in urban hospitals. By discovering the relative importance and amount of these activities for nurses identified as transformational leaders, data are provided for the design and testing of educational programs created to enhance a transformational leadership …

Problems And Coping Styles Of Antepartal Patients Being Treated For Risk Of Preterm Labor, Janet Wiehrs Rogers

Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the range of problems and coping strategies as perceived by antepartal patients experiencing medical treatment to decrease risk of preterm labor. In this qualitative, interpretive study problems and coping strategies were identified through semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of seven antepartal patients. Using content analysis of interview data, identified problems were categorized, and for each problem, coping strategies were identified and grouped using the categories of the Jalowiec Coping Scale. Major categories of problems were: bedrest, role change, finances, uncomfortable emotions, and reactions of families and friends. Supportant, palliative, and confrontive …

Identification Of Health Promotion Behaviors, Perceived Health Status And Perceived Health Education Needs Of Older Women, Susan Carol Fellinger Reynolds

Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The health-promoting behaviors, perceived health status, and perceived health education needs of older women were identified in this non-experimental, descriptive, correlational study. Fifty women over 60 years of age, living in three housing complexes for the elderly, disabled and handicapped in two southeastern United States cities were asked to complete The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile, The Perceived Health Status Questionnaire, The Health Education Needs Questionnaire, and Demographic Data Sheet. It was concluded that the women engaged in a high level of health-promoting behaviors. The participants rated their health as good and rated their health as good compared to that of other …

Promoting Careers In Dental Hygiene: The Dental Hygienist's Role, Taline Dadian

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether practicing dental hygienists promote their profession as a desirable career. A self-designed, 48 item questionnaiire, Dental Hygienists' Participation in Career Recruitment, was mailed to a random sample of 600 dental hygienists residing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Data were obtained from 393 dental hygienists for a 65.5 percent response rate. Responses from each item were analyzed by frequency distributions, percentages and chi-square test for independence at a 0.05 level of confidence. The factors determined to influence dental hygienists' decisions towards promoting careers in dental hygiene included the perceived image of the …

Norfolk Resource Mothers Program Evaluation, Margaret Moore Konefal

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Management

This study uses the post-test only design to assess the preliminary effects of a community-based policy initiative, the Norfolk State University Resource Mothers Program (RMP), on the gestational ages, birth weights, and survival rates of infants born to participating adolescent mothers.

The RMP uses experienced mothers or paraprofessionals similar in race and socio-economic status to the participating teenagers. These persons are trained to assist pregnant adolescents and teen parents with nonmedical dimensions of pregnancy and child care. They recruit teens into the RMP, encouraging them to get early prenatal care. Resource Mothers provide teen mothers and their families with practical …

A Comparative Analysis Of Nurse Leaders' Degree Of Transformational Leadership And Staff Nurse Job Satisfaction, Kathie Sawyer Weatherly

Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The intensified pressure for change in nursing organizations has presented nurse leaders with opportunities to transform bureaucratic settings into professional practice environments. Transformational leadership has been identified as supporting the changing values of staff nurses and promoting job satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to explore nurse leaders' degree of transformational leadership and the relationship between transformational leadership and staff nurse job satisfaction. Quantitative analysis, using an independent t-test, indicated a significant difference between nurse leaders' and staff nurses' perception of the nurse leaders' degree of transformational leadership. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship between transformational leadership and …

Effects Of Ultrasonic Scaling And Hand Scaling On Root Typography, Kim Lee Herremans

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of scaling and root planing with the modified P-10 Cavitron^R tip and curet instruments on root surface topography. Sample specimens included 20 periodontally involved extracted human teeth. Specimens were carved into a three split root design, each sample specimen acting as its own control. Control and experimental surfaces were randomly assigned to each specimen. Scaling techniques were applied on the assigned experimental surfaces for 2 minutes and 14 seconds. A scanning electron microscope was used to examine and micrograph root surface topography of experimental surfaces. Photomicrographs were evaluated using …

The Effects Of Wellness Activity Choices On Urban Employees' Psychological Mood States And Job Satisfaction, Ruth Porter Holland

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This ex-post-facto study was designed to examine the effects of varied levels of physical activity participation choices on employees' mood states and job satisfaction. A six (group) x two (sex) x three (times) ANCOVA method analyzed the relationship of three independent variables (group, sex and repeated exercise sessions) to ten dependent psychological measures (seven mood states and three job satisfaction components). Comparisons by group, sex, and time were made to determine whether four treatment groups of male and female employees who made choices to participate in varied levels of physical activity over an eight week period differed significantly from two …