Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Comparative Study Between Army Civilian Workforce And Private Industry Workforce Workers' Compensation Claims Management, Melanie Claire Hart

Online Theses and Dissertations

This study compares the Department of the Army, Civilian Worker's Compensation Program to the Private Industry Workforce Worker's Compensation Program. Quantitative research is implemented throughout the study and will compare the cost of workers compensation (WC) claims between the Army and Private Industry. Ultimately, the study will analyze the following items; (a) the Army's current WC program and case management procedures, (b) the description of a gold standard private industry WC program and case management procedures, and (c) a comparison of the costs and outcomes of both programs.

Specific research and methodology included an investigation of the Army and Private …

Management Commitment In Occupational Safety And Health As It Relates To Federal Agency Programs, John Sterling Crumbley

Online Theses and Dissertations

By asking the question "in what areas of 29 CFR 1960 are Federal Agency Program leaders deficient with regard to committing to their OSH programs;" this research project explored the commitment issue(s) Federal Agency Leaders encounter while administering their OSH programs. Since the inception of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and their revelation that management commitment is critical to OSH program success, senior leadership has struggled exercising this concept. Many safety professionals, such as those cited in the Literature Review of this study have also examined this issue. However, while many articles and peer-reviewed journals indicate there is …

Experience Of Occupational Therapists Practicing In Rural Kenya, Picoty Cherotich Leitich

Online Theses and Dissertations

In Kenya, occupational therapy, which is slowly gaining attention, is still concentrated in the cities with a very small number working in rural areas. Occupational therapy practice in rural areas is impacted by various factors that are naturally occurring in rural settings such as poor infrastructure, cultural beliefs and values, language barriers, economic statuses, lack of resources, geographical barriers, lack of transportation and limited number of occupational therapists. In this study, three occupational therapists were interviewed as well as photographs of the resources used in these rural settings were collected in order to understand the nature of their work in …

Compliance Of Scba Training In The Lexington Fire Department, Jordan Peter Saas

Online Theses and Dissertations

From 2010 through 2013, an average of 90 firefighters died in the line of duty each year (USFA, 2014). Firefighters who are off-duty continue to die as well, however, it is extremely difficult to determine whether their deaths are a result of on-duty-related exposures or not. Medical and field research has consistently found associations between smoke inhalation and acute and chronic illnesses that highlight the dangers of on-duty exposure to smoke. This study investigates the early removal of the SCBA by firefighters in one fire department while operating at fire incidents. The findings indicate that firefighters are mostly aware of …

Augmentative And Alternative Communication In The Intensive Care Unit, Jonathan Todd Sizemore

Online Theses and Dissertations

Current research is lacking on the frequency of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system use in intensive care units (ICU) and clinical decision making patterns. AAC is use of any alternative method of communication when oral communication cannot be achieved (ASHA, 2013). Patients in the ICU may become nonverbal for many reasons including tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation (McKinley, Pooke, & White, 2010) and intubation (Radtke, Bauman, Garrett, & Happ, 2011). Being nonverbal in the ICU may lead to poorer health outcomes (Patak, Wilson-Stronks, & Costello, 2009). AAC systems may improve outcomes by allowing patients to communicate more clearly with family, friends, …

Physical, Emotional, And Competitive Aggression Tendencies In Contact And Non-Contact Collegiate Athletes, Samyra Rose Safraoui

Online Theses and Dissertations

Differences in aggression tendencies between athletes who play a contact sport and athletes who play a non-contact sport at the collegiate level were investigated. Specifically, emotional, physical, and competitive aggression tendencies were measured for both groups and then compared to each other using independent t tests and effect sizes. One hundred student-athletes from a medium sized midwestern university participated in the study, with an even split between contact and non-contact athletes. Student-athletes were sent an electronic survey via email and Survey Monkey; all materials were approved by the university's Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Athletics department.

It was determined that …

The Occupational Participation Of A Family Of Children With Disabilities, Kim Steele

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to obtain an understanding of how one family of children with disabilities views their occupational participation. A qualitative case study was used to provide a holistic view of occupational participation from individual family members. Data were gathered through interviews with all members of the family, observations of the family engaging in typical occupations, and artwork collected from the children. Data collected during interviews and observations were analyzed using the a priori coding method, with the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) serving as the theoretical framework used to identify codes. Current findings indicate that an …

The Art Of Collaboration In Academic And Clinical Partnerships, Kelsey Spencer Bennett

Online Theses and Dissertations

Occupational therapists in various settings share a professional identity valuing occupation. Their socialization into a practice setting is context-dependent, in terms of the skills needed and roles to be enacted. Collaboration between occupational therapists in clinical and academic settings benefits each participant, along with presenting challenges given the systems where they work. The purpose of this project was to delve into understanding the culture of the settings (academic and clinical) influencing a community-based research partnership. Through a mini-ethnographic approach, similarities and differences of culture emerged describing the depth of components for the collaboration between research group members. This description may …

The Description Of Life Experiences Of A Person With Pediatric-Onset Tetraplegia During His Upper Teen And Young Adult Years, Kelsey M. Yarberry

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this narrative case study was to understand how a young man with pediatric-onset tetraplegia described his life experiences during his upper teen and young adult years. Data was obtained through two individual semi-structured interviews and observations. Interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed by the primary investigator at the home of the participant. The participant provided information about his life including his experiences with family, friends, and healthcare providers. Six themes that emerged from the data included I always have someone with me, I'm not easily broken, I'm stubborn, I've made it the best I can make it, …

An Examination Of The Day Of Week And Sampling On Injury Occurrence, Michael D. Turner

Online Theses and Dissertations

This study hoped to answer two questions: first, when trying to determine on what days of the week saw an increase in reported injuries within the central region of XYZ Distribution, could a small, random sample be pulled from the region, and proved to be statistically similar to the region as a whole, allowing it to be studied with accuracy; and two, was there a significant difference in the number of injuries when comparing days of the week that could allow the company to focus their resources in an attempt to lower incident rates? In order to answer those questions, …

The Effectiveness Of Risk Assessment Training On Self-Reported Safe Behaviors Of Employees Of A Manufacturing Organization, Jeffrey Tate Preston

Online Theses and Dissertations

This study is to examine the effectiveness of risk assessment training on self-reported safe behaviors of individuals who are employed by a manufacturing organization in a central Kentucky organization. The analysis was comprised of 31 participants that worked in the production and office areas of a manufacturing organization. These individuals volunteered to participate in the study through the use of informed consent.

A pre-test was conducted prior to a risk assessment training being conducted at the facility. Three weeks after the training was preformed a post-test was taken to evaluate the effectiveness of the training. By determining the a summary …

How Not Being Able To Drive Can Affect Routines And Occupations Related To Transportation, Stedmon Deon Hopkins

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how individuals who have experienced a TBI described the effects not being able to drive has on their routines and occupations related to transportation. Two participants were interviewed, using a semi-structured interview protocol, about their participation in daily routines and occupations related to driving cessation after experiencing a TBI. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data was analyzed by coding significant phrases, grouping the codes into categories, and generating descriptions of the participants' perceptions. Member checks were performed for trustworthiness. After analyzing the data, four themes emerged. The themes were; hoping to …

Neuroprotective Effects Of Gamma-Glutamylcysteine Ethyl Ester On An In Vivo Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury-Mediated Model And In Vitro In Cortical Astrocytes And Neurons, Jooyoung Cho

Online Theses and Dissertations

Neurodegeneration is the loss of neuronal structures or functions, while neuroprotection is the delay or prevention of neurodegeneration. In traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegeneration can occur as the result of oxidative stress, the imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants levels; therefore, antioxidant approaches can be effective therapeutic methods for neuroprotection by attenuating oxidative stress. Glutathione (GSH), a naturally occurring antioxidant, plays an important role in the maintenance of intracellular redox homeostasis by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). In this thesis, we attempted to evaluate the abilities of a GSH precursor, gamma-glutamylcysteine ethyl ester (GCEE), to prevent …

Farmers With Upper-Limb Amputations And Their Daily Routine, Emily Louise Fintel

Online Theses and Dissertations

For upper-limb amputees who are associated with the farming industry, the process of completing daily occupations may be challenging, especially for those who have not received guidance from occupational therapy. Currently, there is little research in the area of farmers with amputations and their daily routine. The purpose of this phenomenological case study was to explore the attitudes, beliefs, and needs related to the daily routines of upper-limb amputee who is currently working or has previously worked in the farming industry. Participant was asked to share his/her daily routine and how the amputation has affected her ability to perform everyday …

Building Advocacy In Healthcare: The Impact Of Intergroup Dialogue On The Cultural Sensibility Outcomes Of Health Profession Students Using An Individual Diversity Development Framework, Chassity Leeshell Holliman Douglas

Online Theses and Dissertations

Racial and ethnic minorities suffer disproportionately from persistent health disparities such as heart disease, hypertension, cancer, asthma, obesity, and diabetes among others (Sullivan & Mittman, 2010). Several social inequalities influence the characteristics of minority health disparities including higher levels of poverty, insufficient education, unemployment, poor housing conditions, and lack of health insurance. However, healthcare disparities are also influential contributors to health disparities. Healthcare disparities are brought about through differences in access to or availability of quality facilities, care, and services. Given the unequal circumstances that are formed from health and healthcare disparities for minority populations, the increase in the diversity …

A Retrospective Analysis Of Paramedic Student Performance Under Simulated Stress, Nicholas Franklin Miller

Online Theses and Dissertations

The paramedic profession is an inherently difficult, dangerous and stressful profession. The paramedic is constantly barraged with acute stressors during the performance of his duties. These stressors have predictable, documented, negative effects on performance. The acute and chronic exposure to stress can negatively impact the safety and the well being of the paramedic. These stressors, if not successfully managed, can also result in negative effects to patients. Despite the overwhelming presence of stress in the paramedic environment, most paramedics receive little or no training to successfully perform under stress. One exception was a program called Trauma Lanes that was held …

Male Clients Of Male Escorts: Satisfaction, Sexual Behavior, And Demographic Characteristics, Christian Grov, Margaret Wolff, Michael D. Smith, Juline A. Koken, Jeffrey T. Parsons

Publications and Research

Few studies have examined male clients who pay for sex with male escorts. In 2012, clients (n = 495) completed an online survey about their most recent hire. Most clients were White/Caucasian (87.7%), HIV negative (89.5%), employed full time (71.1%), single (58.6%), with a mean age of 54. Three-quarters of clients were gay identified, 18% bisexual, and 4% heterosexual. The median rate paid to escorts was $250 per hour with a modal appointment time of 1 to 2 hours (41.6%). Oral sex was common (80% gave, 69% received), 30% reported anal insertive sex, and 34% reported anal receptive sex. In …

Drive And Tension - Coordinated Care Organization (Cco) Case Studie, K Bruce Bayley, Lauren Broffman, Kristin Brown, Jill Rissi, Lucy Savitz

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Malaria: The Story Of Struggle, Suffering, And Eradication, Stevey Willey

Honors Projects

Every year over two million men, women, and children around the world are affected by malaria, a disease that can easily be prevented with awareness, education, and support. In April 2014 I held a malaria event in which guests had the opportunity to witness the effects malaria has on people, not just physically, but emotionally and economically as well. The death rate has moved from one person every 30 seconds to one every 60 seconds since 2010. The improvement in the rate of deaths has resulted from the increase in awareness of this disease. It is my goal with this …

Impact Of Positive And Negative Health Behaviors On Female Mice And/Or Their Offspring, Kristen M. Platt

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Obesity is an ever-growing concern in the developed world that carries with it a plethora of health issues. For example, obesity increases an individual’s risk for Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Pregnancy is a vital time for a woman to maintain optimal health, both for her own benefit as well as that of her offspring, and yet almost half of women in the United States who are of age to bear children are overweight or obese. In mice, we found that offspring born to dams fed a high fat diet did not have impaired glucose tolerance, contrary to our …

What We Are Not Talking About, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Adolescents undergo significant physical and cognitive changes during their pubertal development. These changes contribute to and impact their future development. Educating adolescents at an early age about their expected development decreases the possible anxiety associated with this period of life and also helps adolescents make better choices in regards to their sexuality. In order to assess the degree of education regarding pubertal development and sexuality, we conducted a survey of late adolescents (median age 19 years) and parents of adolescents. A total of 409 adolescents (237 females, 172 males) and 124 parents completed the survey. 14.4% of teens (36.6% of …

The Influence Of Task Type And Working Memory On The Syntactic Complexity Of Narrative Discourse Production In Healthy Aging Adults, Kacie N. Gamm

Theses and Dissertations--Communication Sciences and Disorders

This study investigated the lifespan influences of task type and working memory on the syntactic complexity of narrative discourse production. Participants included 180 healthy adults across three age cohorts: 20-29 years (Young Group), 60-69 years (Older Group) and 75-89 years (Elderly Group). Participants completed standardized working memory measures and four discourse tasks (single/sequential picture description, storytelling and personal recount). Syntactic complexity for each sample was measured via clausal density yielding a complexity index. For analysis, participants were placed into one of two groups based on working memory scores above (High Working Memory Group) or below (Low Working Memory Group) the …

A Life Span Approach To The Relationship Between Cholesterol, Late Onset Alzheimer’S Disease, And Cognitive Functioning Among Older Adults, Brian Downer

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

There is evidence that cholesterol presents an important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the direction of this relationship is modified by age. High cholesterol during midlife and low cholesterol during late life are both associated with an increased risk for AD. This dissertation research engaged a life span approach to study the relationship between cholesterol, AD and cognitive functioning among older adults. The purpose of this research was to determine if trajectories of cholesterol from midlife through late life differ according to AD status and if these trajectories are associated with cognitive functioning during old age.

This research …

Westgate Shootings: An Emergency Department Approach To A Mass-Casualty Incident, Benjamin Wachira, Ramadhani Abdalla, Lee Wallis

Emergency Medicine, East Africa

At approximately 12:30 pm on Saturday September 21, 2013, armed assailants attacked the upscale Westgate shopping mall in the Westlands area of Nairobi, Kenya. Using the seven key Major Incident Medical Management and Support (MIMMS) principles, command, safety, communication, assessment, triage, treatment, and transport, the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH,N) emergency department (ED) successfully coordinated the reception and care of all the casualties brought to the hospital. This report describes the AKUH,N ED response to the first civilian mass-casualty shooting incident in Kenya, with the hope of informing the development and implementation of mass-casualty emergency preparedness plans by other …

A Boston Man: Sir Oliver Wendell Holmes, Bailey Fitzgerald

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Interview With Dr. Matthew Pravetz, Sherry Liou, Margaret Nguyen

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Interview With Dr. Marietta Lee, Sherry Liou, Margaret Nguyen

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Convocation Of Thanks Remarks, Christopher Monson, Vinod Ravikumar, Israel Ackerman

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Addressing The Health Of Refugees: Vitamin D, Laura B Madsen

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Crossroads, Parvati Singh

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.