Physical Activity Health Communication for Adults with Mood Disorders in the United States

Using national representative data, this study sought to examine receipt of physical activity communication and counseling among adults with mood disorders in comparison to the general population in the United States. The sample consisted of adult primary-care visits in the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care and National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between mental health status and receipt of physical activity communication and counseling. Overall, less than 20% of visits included physical activity communication and counseling. Controlling for covariates, visits for adults with a mood disorder diagnosis were associated with an increased odds of including physical activity communication and counseling, odds ratio = 1.25, 95% confidence interval = [1.08, 1.45]. Although adults with mood disorders were more likely to receive physical activity communication and counseling, most primary-care visits for adults in the United States did not include physical activity communication and counseling

A sustainable infrastructure delivery model: value added strategy in the Nigerian construction industry

The current economy reforms strategy by the Nigerian government promotes competition among private contractors, which are comprised of local and foreign contractors, in order to achieve value added infrastructure delivery. Resulting competitive bidding processes between multinational construction corporations (MCC) and local construction contractors (LCC) has had mixed comments among stakeholders, with a need for a more sustainable and holistic value approach identified. The aim of this research is to develop a sustainable infrastructure delivery model (SID). The key research methodology is based on extensive literature review and questionnaire survey. SID is developed on the principles and philosophy of soft system methodology (SSM) and analytic network process (ANP). In order to evaluate the significance of MCC and LCC through SID model, questionnaire surveys were conducted. Feedback was collected from experts in the Nigerian construction sector who assessed the relative importance of formulated decision criteria, which were sought under 7 key factors. Data simulation revealed that, through competitive bidding, significant achievements have been made in the delivery of constructed facilities. It was also found that the policy lacked holistic value principles that integrated ethical stance and monetary returns on investment. In this study, SID framework has been presented, clearly showing needs for integration of economic and ethical stances in order to achieve a sustainable infrastructure delivery

Construction costs and value management: study of multinational practices in Nigeria

The practice of multinational construction corporations (MCC) in Nigeria construction industry has been viewed as a value for money approach through construction cost management. Assessment of the opportunity cost of the initiatives is equally important in order to gauge the progress of millennium development goals (MDGs), set up by the United Nations in 2000 on human development in developing countries. The study is aimed at the evaluation of current infrastructure procurement framework, introducing novel sustainable infrastructure delivery (SID) model as a holistic value management methodology and a decision making technique. Key components of the model are Checkland’s soft system methodology (SSM) and analytic network process (ANP) by Saaty. SID input data is collected from the pilot questionnaire with the professionals in Nigeria’s construction industry, reinforced by a thorough literature review. Questions sought paired comparison judgements on key aspects of project management and implications on sustainable infrastructure procurement. The concept is discussed in the methodology section. Preliminary findings reveal that current practice lacks a holistic decision making technique, reflected in divergent value interests among stakeholders on infrastructure procurement through different views on the constitution of values. Though there is practical evidence regarding the growth in the construction sector, quantification of the implications on local economy and human development are less visible and require further investigations

Exploring the Professional Growth of a First-Year Middle School Mathematics Teacher Utilizing the Model of Holonomy

This thesis was written by a first-year middle school mathematics teacher who acted as a vulnerable observer while exploring the beginning of a career in education. During this first year experience I participated in a graduate program, CADRE (Career Advancement and Development for Recruits and Experienced Teachers) that enhanced my knowledge regarding the profession of education and supported me through the events that I encountered during this first year of teaching

Norms, attitudes, perceptions, and intentions for benzodiazepine prescription drug abuse among adolescents

A cross-sectional, quantitative study was utilized to test the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) regarding the prediction of adolescents’ behavioral intentions for benzodiazepine abuse. Subjective norms, perceived harm, and perceived behavioral control were measured to predict intentions to abuse such drugs. Similar measures for alcohol and marijuana also were assessed for comparison purposes. A survey was administered to 371 students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades from the Chelsea School District (CSD) in March 2011. Inferential statistics, including binary logistic regression, chi-square, and repeated measures ANCOVA were used to test the null hypotheses. It was found that behavioral intentions for benzodiazepine abuse were significantly predicted by subjective norms, perceived harm, and perceived behavioral control for these drugs, specifically regarding taking someone else’s prescription medication. More assessment is needed to validate and generalize the results of the present study

The effect of scheduling models for introductory algebra on 9th-grade students, test scores and grades

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of pacing and scheduling of algebra coursework on assigned 9th-grade students who traditionally would qualify for pre-algebra instruction and same course 9th-grade students who traditionally would qualify for standard algebra instruction. Students were selected based on completion of first-year algebra by the end of their 9th-grade year. This study will compare all students’ math EXPLORE test scores, PLAN test scores, algebra common summative assessments (CSAs), geometry CSAs, fall grade point averages (GPAs) and spring GPAs

Initial Understandings of the Perceptions to the Self-Efficacy in Interpreters Working in K-12: Potential Underlying Factors

The intent of this research is to utilize the self-efficacy construct in the profession of signed language interpretation specific to those in the K-12 environment and identify factors potentially influencing self-efficacy. Perceived self-efficacy influences the cognitive, motivational, affective, and selection processes in the behaviors of people (Bandura, 1977). Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their capabilities “to organize and execute the course of action required to manage prospective situations” (Bandura, 1997, p. 2). Research demonstrates that teachers with high self-efficacy influence successful student outcomes and persistent in teaching (Henson, Kogan, & Vacha-Hasse, 2001). In a survey of educational interpreters, participants described conflicting responses between the self-efficacy Likert scale ratings and open-ended comments. The data revealed interpreters are highly influenced by multiple aspects of the environment. Some patterns emerged that may be substantiated by future research. This survey resulted in unexpected findings. Self-efficacy demonstration and belief may reveal itself as the ability to enact professional agency in the interpreter role defined by the environmental expectations, understanding and application of interpreter role. Additional findings revealed 97% of the respondents indicated the need for more training, 50% indicated the need for being included in collaboration as a valued member of the educational team and factors included a felt need for national standardization of educational interpreters. 47% of the respondents identified the need for clearer consistent guidelines and parameters within this specialization. This represents initial understandings of self-efficacy and its potential influence on the beliefs and behaviors of those who work in the educational system

Golfing The Ho Chi Minh Trail

A Thesis Submitted to The Graduate School at the University of Missouri – St. Louis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Fine Arts – Creative Writin