Browsing by Subject "Screening"
Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item Developing a screening measure for at-risk and advanced beginning readers to enhance response-to-intervention frameworks using the Rasch model(2011-12) Weisenburgh, Amy Boward; Vaughn, Sharon, 1952-; Dodd, Barbara Glenzing; Linan-Thompson, Sylvia; O'Reilly, Mark; Rieth, HerbThe Rasch model was employed to analyze the psychometric properties of a diagnostic reading assessment and then create five short forms (n = 10, 16, 22, 28, 34 items) with an optimal test information function. The goal was to develop a universal screening measure that second grade teachers can use to identify advanced and at-risk readers to enhance Response-to-Intervention frameworks. These groups were targeted because both will need differentiated instruction in order to improve reading skills. The normative dataset of a national reading test developed with classical test theory methods was used to estimate person and item parameters. The measurement precision and classification accuracy of each short form was evaluated with the second grade students in the normative sample. Compared with full bank scores, all short forms produced highly correlated scores. The degree to which each short form identified exceptional readers was also analyzed. In consideration of classification accuracy and time-efficiency, the findings were most robust for the 10-item form.Item Development of a measure of the process of informed decision-making about prenatal genetic screening in expectant women(2015-05) Kaur, Mandeep, Ph. D.; Rew, Lynn; Walker, Lorraine; Brown, Adama; Champion, Jane; Bonevac, DanielExisting literature shows low levels of informed decision-making regarding prenatal genetic screening (IDM-PGS) in expectant women. In an attempt to increase autonomy and promote more ethical healthcare, this study aims to develop an instrument to measure of an expectant woman’s informed decision-making regarding prenatal genetic screening. The instrument was developed based on review of the literature. Thorough psychometric testing including content validity analysis, cognitive interviewing, and readability analysis, as well as exploratory administration for criterion-related validity, construct validity, factor analysis and reliability was performed. The population of interest is women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, between the ages of 18 and 34, with no known genetic predispositions. A sample of eight women was recruited for the cognitive interviews, 433 for the exploratory administration and 111 participants in the two-week retest. Results show the instrument is a valid and reliable measure of IDM-PGS. Content validity was achieved after two rounds of expert review and feedback. Cognitive interviews showed high understanding of items in the instrument. Readability analysis resulted in a high grade level, but was justified in the highly technological nature of the information. Criterion-related validity showed a statistically significant ability for the instrument to predict participant action based on results from the IDM-PGS. Construct validity was validated by exploratory factor analysis and known group analysis. Factor analysis resulted in factor loading in line with the developed conceptual model. Known group analysis showed individuals with medical training were significantly more likely to measure high on the IDM-PGS. Reliability was confirmed. The highly valid and reliable nature of this instrument shows its general applicability to various settings. Thus, healthcare providers can apply this instrument in clinical settings to measure the IDM-PGS in expectant women. The instrument is adaptable and should be adapted in diverse populations. In addition to future implementation and study, the results of this study indicate policy implications as well. Policy level changes and implementation of this instrument could increase IDM-PGS for all expectant couples.Item Essays in financial intermediation and household finance(2018-04-19) Cespedes Telleria, Jacelly Carolina; Sialm, Clemens; Liskovich, Inessa; Starks, Laura; Parrino, Robert; Trejo, StephenThis dissertation empirically analyzes the credit contract decisions made by borrowers. In particular, I exploit a new source of quasi-experimental variation in interest rates to study borrowers’ choices of loan amounts within a credit contract and whether borrowers’ sub-optimal decisions can be used for screening. In the setting, the interest rate schedule features discrete jumps at specific loan amount thresholds, which create strong incentives for bunching below the cutoffs. First, using bunching methods, I find substantial heterogeneity in sensitivities to interest rate changes across broad credit-rating groups. Subsequently, I examine different hypotheses for the lack of responsiveness. I find that sophistication accounts for most of the heterogeneity, while liquidity constraints, adjustment costs, and information availability play marginal roles. Finally, exploiting the introduction of the interest rate notches, I find that unresponsive borrowers are 18% more likely to default, are 24% less likely to receive funding from institutional lenders, and their loans take 20% more time to get funded. The findings suggest that borrowers’ sub-optimal credit decisions can be used to reduce information asymmetries in credit markets.Item Exploring the eukaryotic gene expression machinery using a single-cell yeast gene expression reporter(2014-08) Sorenson, Matthew Richard; Stevens, Scott W.; Ellington, Andrew D.; Iyer, Vishwanath R.; Johnson, Arlen W.; Marcotte, Edward M.It has become increasingly evident that gene expression processes in eukaryotes involve communication and coordination between many complex, independent macromolecular machines. To query these processes and to explore the potential relationships between them in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we designed a versatile reporter employing multicolor high-throughput flow cytometry. Due to its design, this single reporter exhibits a distinctive signature for many defects in gene expression including transcription, histone modification, pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA export, nonsense-mediated decay, and mRNA degradation. Analysis of the reporter in 4967 non-essential yeast genes not only revealed striking phenotypic overlaps between similar functions, but also provided us a dataset in which to compare additional genetic or chemical perturbations. Utilizing a binning and clustering algorithm we developed we are able to compare reporter expression data from thousands of mutants in a semi-automated fashion, essentially grouping mutants or conditions based on the levels of reporter signal. I further utilized our reporter to screen a vast library of in vivo produced cyclic peptides using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), identifying a cyclic peptide that resulted in mild gene-specific pre-mRNA splicing inhibition. Additionally, I adapted our reporter assay to perform a high-throughput small molecule screen to identify inhibitors or modulators of specific gene expression processes. Our efforts led to the identification of a small molecule that inhibits pre-mRNA splicing in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, I utilized our reporter system to quickly identify loss-of-function mutants in the poorly characterized gene SWM2. The three mutants of interest have reduced interaction with Tgs1p, the conserved trimethylguanosine synthase, which we believe leads to decreased hypermethylation of the 5’ caps of spliceosomal snRNAs. Altogether this work describes the development, validation and utility of the versatile gene expression reporter system we developed, providing our lab and others a valuable tool to interrogate a wide-range of gene expression processes in yeast.Item Preventing cervical cancer in rural Tanzania : a program model for health worker trainings(2015-12) Morrison, Peter Barclay; Weaver, Catherine, 1971-; Harrell, Melissa BlytheWith a focus on Northern Tanzania, this report seeks to demonstrate the need for increased resource allocation to cervical cancer interventions, examine best practices for cervical cancer screening promotion, and develop an intervention and program evaluation framework. The intervention is a training program designed for dispensary-level healthcare providers in the Northern Zone of Tanzania and aims to increase provider awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer, and build skills among providers to educate patients on cervical cancer prevention and screening and treatment resources. This report is purely a program design and planning tool; no new data was collected, nor interventions implemented in the development of report. The first objective of the report is to develop an intervention to be presented to Foundation for Cancer Care in Tanzania (FCCT) and the second is to develop an evaluation framework to be presented to FCCT. FCCT is a non-profit agency working to bring comprehensive cancer services to the region. The program will complement existing and planned services related to cervical cancer prevention and treatment in the Northern Zone of Tanzania, and will be considered for implementation by the Foundation for Cancer Care in Tanzania (FCCT). Part I of the report reviews published literature and data to demonstrate the need for increased resource allocation to cervical cancer interventions and the appropriateness of Northern Tanzania as a case selection. Part I also examines best practices for cervical cancer screening promotion in Northern Tanzania, providing evidence from the published literature to inform Part II, the intervention design and program evaluation framework. Included in the intervention design is a logic model for change, detailed training plans and curriculum, and guidelines for selecting trainers. The report recommends appointments to a local planning team and estimates a timeline and budget for the program. Additionally, the report designs a thorough program evaluation, the objective of which is to measure the effect of training and health education materials on dispensary-level healthcare providers’ awareness, knowledge, and skills regarding cervical cancer prevention.Item Screening and assessing the CO₂ storage potential of CO₂-EOR in onshore oil fields in Louisiana(2021-07-24) Aluge, Arnold Oseiy; Hovorka, Susan D. (Susan Davis); Nuñez-López, VanessaCO₂ enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR) is a form of carbon storage that has the potential to minimize CO₂ emissions while also increasing energy output from newly recovered oil. Louisiana is the 5th largest emitter of energy-related CO₂ in the United States, with about 200 million metric tonnes of CO₂ emitted annually. Louisiana has over 20,000 oil and gas reservoirs and 287 CO₂ point sources. This study used a screening methodology at the reservoir level to identify appropriate CO₂-EOR candidate reservoirs in Louisiana and their CO₂-EOR reserve estimates. Also, an economic analysis of CO₂-EOR was carried out in this thesis, which included sensitivity and scenario analysis. In Louisiana, this study identified 217 reservoirs across 86 oil fields as potential CO₂-EOR candidates. According to the Louisiana assessment, the 217 candidate reservoirs have a total of 1.4 billion STB of OOIP and a 205 million STB incremental oil potential worth $12.3 billion. The CO₂ storage capacity of these reservoirs is projected to be 100 million metric tons. There are several other suitable candidate reservoirs in Louisiana that were not taken into account in this analysis. When combined with the reservoirs described in this thesis, the incremental oil recovered potential and CO₂ reservoir storage capacity will reach 1.5 billion STB and 2.6 billion metric tons, respectively. In Haynesville, Bayou Segnette, and Paradis, case studies were conducted for suitable CO₂-EOR candidate reservoirs. The sensitivity studies revealed that the net income and economic viability of a CO₂-EOR project are highly dependent on oil price, CO₂ cost, and tax policy. CO₂-EOR would benefit greatly from the high oil price, low CO₂ cost, and low tax policy. Given the current economic situation, the economic analysis indicates that operating successful CO₂-EOR projects would be difficult. However, the study also shows that CO₂-EOR projects can be made economically feasible by combining 1. tax reductions/exemptions in areas such as royalties, income tax, and severance tax. 2. negotiating lower CO₂ prices 3. Increase in tax credit for capturing facilities to lower CO₂ prices for storage parties