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Description
The purpose of my honors thesis project was to generate the tools needed for in vivo imaging by determining the optimal plasmid-fluorophore combination. To determine the optimal plasmid and fluorophore, asd plasmids were constructed with various promoters, origins of replications, and red fluorophores. The optimal asd plasmid for fluorescent in vivo imaging was determined by the plasmid stability, growth rate, and growth phase dependence on fluorescent intensity. The end goal is to be able to use the asd plasmid in vaccine strains for the purpose of in vivo imaging of the recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccine (RASV).
ContributorsEudy, L. Adam (Author) / Curtiss, Roy (Thesis director) / Roland, Kenneth (Committee member) / Forbes, Stephen (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2012-12
Description
Microfinance is a term that refers to providing basic financial services to the poor; it has become a powerful tool for poverty alleviation. The idea is a relatively new one - modern microfinance began through experiments in the 1970's - but it has grown quickly and currently serves over 155 million clients worldwide. There are many studies that provide evidence of the positive impact of microfinance and the movement has an array of enthusiastic proponents. It is certainly not the only solution in the battle against poverty, however, and there are also studies that question the true depth of its impact. In looking at microfinance around the globe, one thing becomes clear: although it is an international phenomenon, microfinance has definitely found more success in some regions over others.
ContributorsEdgell, Bailey (Author) / Mendez, Jose (Thesis director) / Schoellman, Todd (Committee member) / Forbes, Stephen (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2012-12
Description
Prospective memory is defined as remembering to carry out specified actions in the future. Research has suggested that prospective memory retrieval is reliant on multiple cognitive processes to function, and the ways in which these different processes are used is dependent on a variety of variables relating to the prospective memory task at hand. The current study focuses on the strength of the association between the prospective
memory cue and the prospective memory intention. Based on literature suggesting that aspects of prospective memory are reliant on executive control functioning, the current study examined the possibility that executive control depletion would affect prospective memory ability on subsequent tasks. Results showed that depletion of executive control resources, measured objectively, did not impair prospective memory in either a low or
high cue-association condition. However, participants‟ subjective assessment of their own fatigue correlated significantly with their subsequent prospective memory performance, regardless of association condition. The results of the study indicate that depletion studies that fail to account for both objective and subjective measures suffer from an unclear interpretation of effects, and that recognition of perceived expectancies
of cognitive resource limitation can assist in improving prospective memory ability.
memory cue and the prospective memory intention. Based on literature suggesting that aspects of prospective memory are reliant on executive control functioning, the current study examined the possibility that executive control depletion would affect prospective memory ability on subsequent tasks. Results showed that depletion of executive control resources, measured objectively, did not impair prospective memory in either a low or
high cue-association condition. However, participants‟ subjective assessment of their own fatigue correlated significantly with their subsequent prospective memory performance, regardless of association condition. The results of the study indicate that depletion studies that fail to account for both objective and subjective measures suffer from an unclear interpretation of effects, and that recognition of perceived expectancies
of cognitive resource limitation can assist in improving prospective memory ability.
ContributorsCook, Carson (Author) / Brewer, Gene (Thesis director) / Presson, Clark (Committee member) / Homa, Donald (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2012-12
Description
Social proof and mismatch of self-preference have been assumed to play an important role in the inference of value. They can be influential factors when it comes to decision-making in a mate-selection environment. In this thesis study, participants took an online survey in the form of a dating website. They answered a series of questions about the traits they would like to see in a potential mate. They were then presented with four potential mates and asked to rank them by their preferences. The results show that participants most preferred the potential mate with a high social proof and a low mismatch of self-preference and least preferred the potential mate with a low social proof and a high mismatch of self-preference. When comparing just social proof and mismatch of self-preference, there was not an interaction effect between the two. I conclude that even though social proof is a powerful influencing factor by itself, it did not have the power to trump the mismatch of self-preference.
ContributorsAkhter, Sumbal (Author) / Kwan, Virginia (Thesis director) / Knight, George (Committee member) / Cohen, Adam (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2012-12
Description
Patient-physician interactions are the cornerstone of healthcare delivery, with the potential to significantly influence patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. The quality of patient-physician interactions is pivotal in facilitating efficient communication concerning patient care and treatment. This relationship impacts the patient's adherence to medical advice and trust in healthcare. Considering the diversity of the patient population, there are a multitude of pertinent variables to take into account, including but not limited to English proficiency, race, educational attainment, age, gender, and socioeconomic status. How do patient-physician communication patterns and demographic variables impact patient comprehension, perception of communication efficacy, and healthcare outcomes across diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds? The purpose of this thesis is to comprehensively understand the characteristics underlying effective patient-physician communication and its impact on patient compliance, retention of medical information, and healthcare outcomes. By addressing racial, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic disparities in healthcare, the research aims to establish a universal foundation for augmenting patient-centered care. The methodology of this research included an extensive literature review, shadowing of clinical visits, and patient care, along with the distribution of a survey to patients to gain insight into their satisfaction with healthcare. Practical applications include the development of targeted interventions, communication training programs for healthcare providers, and the formulation of policies aimed at improving patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiency. This research paper investigates the impact of physician attitudes on patient understanding and overall health through a comprehensive analysis of survey data collected from 115 individuals attending various clinics. Our findings highlight the significance of quality healthcare delivery in fostering favorable patient experiences, with 63.5% of respondents rating their visits as excellent or very good. Effective communication emerges as a key determinant of patient satisfaction, with 64.4% of respondents rating communication as excellent or very good. However, a notable proportion of respondents (26.9%) rated their overall satisfaction as neutral or dissatisfied, indicating areas for improvement in patient satisfaction related to unaddressed concerns or inadequate communication. Gender-related concerns, reactive versus proactive medicine, mental health, and shared decision-making emerge as overlooked topics in current clinical practice. Our observations underscore the need for a holistic approach that addresses patients' psychosocial and emotional needs alongside medical concerns. Gender-related differences in care delivery are evident, with female patients reporting feeling dismissed or misunderstood by male doctors, particularly regarding issues related to pain or reproductive health. Female physicians are associated with a greater likelihood of receiving preventive counseling and gender-specific screening, highlighting the importance of gender diversity in healthcare. Furthermore, patients express frustration with a reactive approach to medicine, advocating for a higher focus on addressing the underlying causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. Patients also desire more information about natural remedies and holistic treatment options, emphasizing the importance of incorporating these discussions into shared decision-making between doctors and patients. The study underscores the pivotal role of specific provider qualities such as communication, empathy, and attention to patient comfort in patient-centered care delivery. The comprehension and cooperation rating between the doctor and patient was 81.8% excellent and good with a remaining of 18.2% indicating the need for a more interactive visit. Based on the survey, the important qualities of a provider from highest to lowest ranking include: communication (listening and understanding), empathy and kindness, medical knowledge proficiency, and quality listening. Due to the heavy importance on communication, it is imperative for healthcare providers to gain the necessary skills to cater to and address many of the concerns of their patients outside of simple medical knowledge. Given the doctor explanation comprehension rating of 25.2% being somewhat clear and not so clear, it is necessary for providers to develop their patient communication skills to optimize patient satisfaction and compliance. Cultural competency emerges as a critical aspect of providing effective and equitable care to patients from diverse backgrounds. However, there are limitations to the study, including the relatively small sample size and potential response bias. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the doctor-patient interaction and underscore the importance of effective communication, patient-centered care, and shared decision-making in promoting positive patient outcomes. According to the patient experience survey, talking more in depth about the patient treatment plan and taking the time to display eagerness to help and be active in one’s health will significantly enhance visit satisfaction. In addition to patients' ratings of physician level of empathy and respect consisting of 93% of respondents as exceeded or met expectations, the patient confidence in their health situation out of 10 was 6 and above for 90 percent of the survey respondents. However, with the shared decision making rating, 28.3% of respondents felt being somewhat involved or a little involved in their own care. By addressing patient needs and preferences and fostering collaborative relationships between physicians and patients, healthcare providers can enhance patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment recommendations, and overall health outcomes.
ContributorsAbdul, Zahir (Author) / La Crosse, Amber (Co-author) / Agu, Nnenna (Thesis director) / Markabawi, Bashar (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This study examines the complex relationship between depression and students' experiences in active learning science courses. We uncover the significant impact of depression on cognitive functioning, particularly affecting energy levels, motivation, and self-doubt, especially among women. Highlighting the intersectionality of gender and depression, we stress the need to address disparities and bolster confidence in academic settings.
ContributorsClark, Sarah (Author) / Cooper, Katelyn (Thesis director) / Brownell, Sara (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Dean, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The project investigates the differences in the left and right hemispheres during a sensory gating paradigm in people with dyslexia compared to neurotypicals. The sensory gating paradigm included repeated pure tones, and each response's negative amplitudes during the first and second tones were recorded. It was determined that the response to the second tone can predict the response to the second tone. Still, there was no significant difference between participants with dyslexia and controls in the gating magnitude. There were no significant results when determining if gamma and beta power could predict the level of gating magnitude.
ContributorsBienz, Owen (Author) / Peter, Beate (Thesis director) / Daliri, Ayoub (Committee member) / Kim, Yookyung (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The present study was conducted in order to better understand how stuttering appears in bilingual Spanish-English (SE) speakers in Arizona. The primary purpose was to determine whether the frequencies and types of speech disfluencies that are produced by bilingual speakers vary depending on the language they are speaking in. In addition, the study attempted to determine whether there exists a variation of the frequencies or types of speech disfluencies that are produced by a bilingual speaker based on their approximate dominance of the language they are speaking in. For the purpose of the study, two elementary school children (2 boys, 7 and 10 years old), who were identified as diagnosed stutterers by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), were recruited and interviewed for 45 minutes. The two participants were identified as typically fluent in both English and Spanish from conversations with their parents and the pre-interview parental questionnaire in which their level of exposure to and approximate competence in each language was established. The interviews consisted of a speech and reading portion in both English and Spanish, in which spontaneous and non-spontaneous speech data was recorded. The results of the study indicate that there does seem to be a difference in the frequencies and types of speech disfluencies that appear depending on the language that a bilingual individual is speaking in. Additionally, there seems to be a relationship between approximate language dominance and the types or frequencies of speech disfluencies that are produced, however further research is recommended on this topic with a larger sample size of participants.
ContributorsKhakhanova, Anastasiya (Author) / Gradoville, Michael (Thesis director) / Daliri, Ayoub (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This study evaluates the level of human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and knowledge among students and healthcare workers at Arizona State University (ASU). The significance of understanding HPV awareness and knowledge is paramount in the context of global public health as HPV is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States and can cause various health conditions, most notably cervical cancer. This study employed an anonymous, cross-sectional survey design to test for HPV awareness and knowledge among ASU students and healthcare workers. It most notably found that while approximately 90% of students are aware of HPV as a potential STI, only 54% are aware that HPV can cause various warts, only 30% are aware that HPV can cause six types of cancers, only 61% have been and/or know someone who has been vaccinated against HPV, and 80% have never been tested for HPV. Data was unable to be collected from healthcare workers on campus due to logistical conflicts with ASU Health Services. Overall, the study showed general awareness of HPV among ASU students but less functional knowledge about HPV, such as the health conditions it can cause, that could play a part in prevention behaviors, most notably with getting vaccinated and tested. While this study is a good start and baseline for ASU, it should be noted that it may not be entirely reflective of the university as a whole due to the majority of participants being white, cis, and female, so future work for data collection and subsequent outreach prevention programs is recommended to be complete.
ContributorsEsquerra, Sebastian (Author) / Quezada, Blanca (Thesis director) / Leaver, Jill (Committee member) / Ackerley, Hunter (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The social determinants of drug use are critical factors that influence patterns of substance use across urban and rural populations. This paper explores these determinants by comparing the prevalence and types of drug use within these diverse environments, drawing upon data and insights from recent studies. In urban areas, the variety and availability of drugs, coupled with socioeconomic disparities and cultural diversity, lead to distinct patterns of drug use. Conversely, rural areas face challenges like limited healthcare access and higher rates of prescription opioid misuse, often exacerbated by economic and social isolation. Significant differences in the social fabric between urban and rural settings influence drug use behaviors. Urban environments, characterized by dense populations and a wide array of available substances, report higher incidences of cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drug use. These areas often benefit from more extensive healthcare services but also face challenges such as higher levels of homelessness and crime, influencing substance use patterns. In contrast, rural areas deal with issues such as limited healthcare services and greater social stigma, which can deter individuals from seeking help, thus perpetuating cycles of substance abuse. This study underscores the importance of understanding the social determinants of health as they pertain to drug use. Factors like socioeconomic status, education, age, religion, gender, and sexual orientation play significant roles in shaping these patterns. By addressing these root causes through targeted public health interventions and policies, it is possible to effectively mitigate the impact of drug use across both urban and rural landscapes. This approach not only aids in substance abuse prevention but also ensures that interventions are equitable and culturally sensitive, thereby improving public health outcomes for diverse populations. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive strategies that consider both the unique and shared challenges faced by urban and rural communities in managing drug use. This nuanced understanding is crucial for developing interventions that are not only effective but also inclusive, addressing the broader social and economic dynamics that contribute to substance abuse.
ContributorsBahl, Shivani (Author) / Smith, Lisa (Thesis director) / Daniulaityte, Raminta (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor)
Created2024-05