Browsing by Subject "Survival"
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Item African American Women in Appalachia: Personal Expressions of Race, Place and Gender(2014-06-04) Barbour-Payne, Yunina CarolAfrican American women in Appalachia have lived, survived and long been overlooked by dominant narratives that support stereotypical depictions of the Appalachian region and its inhabitants. A little over twenty years ago, poet and scholar Frank X Walker coined the term ?Affrilachia? to describe people of African American decent in the Appalachian region. Though Walker?s term announces the presence of blacks in Appalachia, in a multidimensional sense of cultural identity place is a central theme, along with race, gender, and class, in the identity experiences of Appalachia?s African American women inhabitants. As a marginalized group in the region of Appalachia, Black Appalachian women discussed in this work provide a compelling case for understanding identity experiences within the region. This thesis works to acknowledge and analyze the ?intersectionality? in the personal expressions, poetry and creative works of Black Appalachian women. This thesis investigates the personal expressions of four modes of survival by African American women in/of Appalachia to understand the multiple dimensions of Affrilachian identity and memory. This research project brings together scholarship of performances studies and Kimberle Crenshaw?s notion of intersectionality to explore the unquestionable intersection of place and other dimensions (race, class, gender) of the African American women?s experience in Appalachia. This thesis explores how themes of survival and place manifest in the oral history, personal narratives and creative works of Black women in Appalachia. The investigation and analysis of Affrilachian women?s identity from the point of view of Affrilachian women, offers an opportunity to exponentially increase our understanding of the intersections of class, gender, race and place in performances of the everyday life.Item Bayesian hierarchical parametric survival analysis for NBA career longevity(2012-05) Lakin, Richard Thomas; Scott, James Gordon; Powers, DanielIn evaluating a prospective NBA player, one might consider past performance in the player’s previous years of competition. In doing so, a general manager may ask the following questions: Do certain characteristics of a player’s past statistics play a role in how long a player will last in the NBA? In this study, we examine the data from players who entered in the NBA in a five-‐year period (1997-‐1998 through 2001-‐2002 season) by looking at their attributes from their collegiate career to see if they have any effect on their career longevity. We will look at basic statistics take for each of these players, such as field goal percentage, points per game, rebounds per game and assists per game. We aim to use Bayesian survival methods to model these event times, while exploiting the hierarchical nature of the data. We will look at two types of models and perform model diagnostics to determine which of the two we prefer.Item Behavior & cause-specific mortality of Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) fawns on the National Rifle Association Whittington Center of North Central New Mexico(2013-08) Taylor, Chase A.; Gipson, Philip S.; Wallace, Mark C.; Cox, Robert D.Declining trends have been reported in most mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations in New Mexico and other western states. This includes the Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus) population on the National Rifle Association Whittington Center (WC) in north-central New Mexico where our study was conducted. Our objectives were to determine causes of mortalities of mule deer fawns and estimate seasonal survival rates. We hypothesized low fawn survival rates due to high predation rates by Black bears (Ursus Americana). We radio marked fawns (n=50) born on the WC during 2011 and 2012. We applied a series of biological covariates (age, sex, birth weight, resistance, stability, vocalization, total body length, chest girth and habitat types) to estimate survival rates at 14 days post capture and weekly survival through summer and fall. Survival analyses were performed using Program MARK (6.2). We implemented corrected Akaike’s information criteria (AICc) to determine covariates that were significant to survival. Our observations suggested the habitat types where fawns were captured might have been correlated to survival, but we failed to detect a significant relationship. Predation was the major source of neonate mortality accounting for 86.8% of deaths. Black bear were the highest source of predation on fawns ( 57.5%, n=19) and total mortality (49.9%), verifying our hypothesis. Coyotes (Canis latrans) were the second highest predation source ( 36.3%, n=12) and total mortality (31.6%). Eight month mean survival estimate was 24.4%. These survival estimates are slightly higher than those from a previous investigation in the same area. We also observed and analyzed behaviours of fawns from parturition to two weeks of age that influenced mortality rates. I intended to develop recommendations that landowners and game agencies can use to manage habitats and help reduce declines of mule deer populations.Item Comorbidity measures to predict clinical and economic outcomes among elderly gynecologic cancer survivors(2016-05) Park, Chanhyun; Lawson, Kenneth Allen, 1952-; Barner, Jamie C.; Powers, Daniel A.; Rascati, Karen L.; Wilson, James P.The incidence of gynecologic cancers increases with age, and elderly cancer survivors are more likely to have additional comorbid conditions. However, little is known about the relationships between comorbidity and health outcomes among elderly gynecologic cancer survivors. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between comorbidity and health outcomes, and the secondary purpose is to compare the performance of commonly used comorbidity indices to predict health outcomes among elderly gynecologic cancer survivors. This retrospective data analysis study used the 2007-2010 SEER-Medicare data. The study population was elderly gynecologic cancer survivors in the US. The primary independent variable was each comorbidity index: diagnosis-based indices (Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Elixhauser Index (EI), National Cancer Institute comorbidity (NCI) index) and medication-based indices (the Chronic Disease Score (CDS) and RxRisk). The dependent variables were: survival (overall survival time and one-year mortality), the numbers of healthcare utilization events (emergency room (ER)/inpatient visits, outpatient visits, and office-based practitioner visits), and healthcare costs (ER/inpatient visit, outpatient visit, office-based practitioner visit, pharmacy, and total healthcare). Cox models with time-dependent covariates, Poisson regressions, negative binomial regressions, and gamma regressions with a log link were used. A total of 4,063 survivors were included. Among them, 27.59% died within one year after diagnosis, and the mean (SD) of total healthcare costs was $40,605 ($34,014). The diagnosis-based indices were associated with a shorter overall survival time and an increased mortality and outperformed the medication-based indices in predicting them. Regarding healthcare utilization and costs, the CCI and CDS-1 scores were better predictors for ER/inpatient visit-related outcomes and total healthcare cost, while the CDS-2 and RxRisk scores were better predictors for office-based practitioner visit-related outcomes. None of the comorbidity indices were significant predictors for outpatient visit-related outcomes and prescription costs. Since the ability of the comorbidity indices varied depending on the outcome of interest, the outcome along with the purpose of the study should be considered in selecting an appropriate comorbidity index. This study provides evidence that clinicians can use in developing better treatment plans for specific conditions, that researchers can use in choosing the best comorbidity index, and that payers can use in their budgeting by identifying comorbid conditions with higher costs.Item Diacylglycerol, novel protein kinase C isozymes [eta] and [theta], and other diacylglycerol activated proteins promote neuroprotective plasmalemmal sealing in B104 neurons in vitro and rat sciatic nerve axons in vivo(2012-12) Zuzek, Aleksej; Bittner, George D.; Ben-Yakar, Adela; Dalby, Kevin N; Thompson, Wesley J; Zakon, Harold HTo survive, neurons and other eukaryotic cells must rapidly repair (seal) plasmalemmal damage. Such repair occurs by an accumulation of intracellular vesicles at or near the plasmalemmal disruption. Diacylglycerol (DAG)-dependent and cAMP-dependent proteins are involved in many vesicle trafficking pathways. Although recent studies have implicated the signaling molecule cAMP in sealing, no study has investigated how DAG and DAG-dependent proteins affect sealing and, whether pharmacological inhibition of such proteins could promote immediate repair of damaged mammalian axons. To this end, I investigated the role of DAG, protein kinase C (PKC) and other DAG-activated proteins in plasmalemmal sealing in B104 neurons in vitro and rat sciatic nerves in vivo. Using dye exclusion to assess Ca2+-dependent vesicle-mediated sealing of transected neurites of individually identifiable rat hippocampal B104 cells, I now report that, compared to non-treated controls, sealing probabilities and rates are increased by DAG and cAMP analogs that activate PKC and Munc13-1, and protein kinase A (PKA). Sealing is decreased by inhibiting DAG-activated novel protein kinase C isozymes η (nPKCη) and θ (nPKCθ) and, Munc13-1, the PKC effector myristoylated alanine rich PKC substrate (MARCKS) or phospholipase C (PLC). DAG-increased sealing is prevented by inhibiting MARCKS or PKA. Sealing probability is further decreased by simultaneously inhibiting nPKCη, nPKCθ and PKA. Extracellular Ca2+, DAG or cAMP analogs do not affect this decrease in sealing. I also report that applying inhibitors of nPKC and PKA to rat sciatic axons crush-severed in vivo under physiological calcium, do not promote immediate repair by polyethylene glycol (PEG), as assessed by compound action potential conduction and dye diffusion through crush sites. These and other data suggest that DAG increases sealing through MARCKS and that nPKCη, nPKCθ and PKA are all required to seal plasmalemmal damage in B104 neurons, and likely all eukaryotic cells.Item Improved survival with initial MRSA therapy in high-risk community-onset pneumonia patients : application of a MRSA risk score(2014-08) Teshome, Besu Fekad; Frei, Christopher R.Community-onset (CO) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia is an evolving problem, and there is a great need for a reliable method to assess MRSA risk at hospital admission. A new MRSA prediction score classifies CO-pneumonia patients into low, medium, and high-risk groups based on objective criteria available at baseline. Our objective was to assess the effect of initial MRSA therapy on mortality in these three risk groups. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Veterans Health Administration. Patients were included if they were hospitalized with pneumonia and received antibiotics within the first 48 hours of admission. They were stratified into MRSA therapy and no MRSA therapy treatment arms based on antibiotics received in the first 48 hours. MRSA risk groups were analyzed separately. The primary outcome was 30-day patient mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. A total of 80,330 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 36% received MRSA therapy and 64% did not receive MRSA therapy. The majority of patients were classified as either low (51%) or medium (47%) risk, with only 2% classified as high-risk. In the high-risk group, unadjusted 30-day mortality was lower among patients who received initial MRSA therapy (40% versus 58%; p<0.0001). Likewise, multivariable logistic regression analysis also demonstrated that initial MRSA therapy was associated with a lower 30-day mortality in the high-risk group (adjusted odds ratio 0.57; 95% confidence interval 0.42-0.77). There was no benefit of initial MRSA therapy in the low or medium-risk groups. This study demonstrated improved survival with initial MRSA therapy in high-risk CO-pneumonia patients. The MRSA risk score should not replace clinical judgment, but it might be a useful tool to spare MRSA therapy for only those patients who are most likely to benefit.Item Investigation into Possible Factors Affecting the Recruitment of Rocky Mountain Elk on the Valles Caldera National Preserve(2013-05) Bernal, Lance; Gipson, Philip S.; Wallace, Mark C.; Parmenter, Robert R.; Liley, StewartThe Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) is a relatively new public land holding located in the Jemez Mountains in north-central New Mexico. For the past decade, low calf:cow ratios of elk (Cervus elaphus) have been recorded on the VCNP prompting concern by both the Valles Caldera Trust, the managing body for the VCNP, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) managers who are responsible for ensuring a sustainable elk population. These studies were done to look at possible factors that may be contributing to the low recruitment of elk on the VCNP as well as simulate how the population may respond to different management actions. A serological survey was conducted on hunter-harvested elk from the VCNP during the 2010 and 2011 fall hunting seasons. We tested 119 (2010, n =74; 2011, n = 45) for brucellosis, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bluetongue (BT), epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), parainfluenza-3 (PI-3) and 5 serovars of Leptospirosis. Exposure rates were highest for PI-3 (34.5%) and IBR (10.1%) for total samples. Exposure for BVDV was found in 2.5% of the total samples. Exposure to EHD and BT was in 1.7% and 0.8% of the total samples. Exposure to the Leptospirosis serovars hardjo (n=2) and canicola (n=1) were found in the samples tested. All samples tested negative for brucellosis. The low to medium positive exposure to all the diseases except brucellosis indicate these diseases are present within the VCNP elk population but are not likely causing the low recruitment rates. A secondary study was done to address the hypothesis that the observed low calf:cow ratios on the VCNP may be the result of low calf survival rates. To determine cause-specific mortality and estimate survival, we radio marked elk calves (n =140) born within the VCNP from 2009-2011. Two approaches were done to estimate 14 day survival, overall summer survival (t = 13 weeks), and annual survival. First, biological covariates were used to model survival for 14 day post capture and weekly summer survival for all calves. This was done in order to compare survival estimates to other studies experiencing low calf:cow ratios in the western United States. Then, the data were re-analyzed by censoring calves (n = 9) which died the day after tagging. This provided a more conservative survival estimate reduced possible biases due to handling calves and its potential effect on survival. Fourteen day survival was 0.57 (SE = 0.05, 95%CI: 0.48-0.66) when using uncensored data; survival was 0.64 (SE = 0.05, 95%CI 0.54-0.72) using censored data. Summer survival was estimated to be 0.37 (SE = 0.05, 95%CI 0.28-0.47) using uncensored data; summer survival was estimated 0.43 (SE = 0.05, 95%CI: 0.33-0.53) using censored data. Fall/winter survival (mid-August-April) ranged from 0.76-0.95 based on study year. Annual survival ranged from 0.32-0.55 with a mean of 0.42 using uncensored data; annual survival ranged from 0.32-0.59 with a mean of 0.46 using censored data. Predation accounted for 94.8% of the known deaths. Black bears (Ursus americanus) were the highest source of predation (47.3%, n = 26) and overall mortality (40.6%). Coyotes (Canis latrans) were the second highest source of predation (41.8%, n = 23) and overall mortality (35.9%). The results using both uncensored and censored data are comparable to other studies which were experiencing low calf:cow ratios. Therefore predation of elk calves is likely additive and causing suppressed recruitment rates in the elk population on the VCNP. However, it is highly recommended to estimate the large predator population prior to any large predator management to ensure the population of large predators is not reduced to a level from which they cannot recover. For the third part of this study the overall objective was to incorporate data that were available into the population simulation program POP-II, to model current population trends based the current data and then run simulated population trends based on possible management decisions. Data that were used included: summer survey data which used distance sampling to estimate population size and herd ratios; fall harvest numbers for adult male and adult female elk; and estimated summer survival rates of elk calves born on the VCNP. Models were developed based on current preseason mortality of neonatal elk with a reduction in harvest of adult males and females by 10%, both separately and collectively. Current harvest numbers were maintained while preseason mortality of neonates was reduced by 25% and 50%. Comparisons of the model output were then made for both the reduction of preseason mortality along with a reduction in harvests. Models showed that decreasing preseason mortality while maintaining current harvest rates would either stabilize or begin a positive increase in the population trend. The models also showed that making a 10% sex-specific (males only or females only) harvest reduction while maintaining current preseason mortality would maintain the current population trend. Making a 10% harvest reduction of either sexes or both sexes along with a reduction in preseason mortality should lead to positive population trends. The results of this study might be used to help guide adaptive management decisions regarding population trends of the elk herd in the Valles Caldera National Preserve.Item Management practices for sustainability of small, technology oriented businesses(2012-12) Quezada, Arturo; McCann, Robert Bruce, 1948-; Nichols, Steven Parks, 1950-The focal point for this research is a drilling automation small business. Questions regarding survival, growth, innovation, flexibility and professional management related to this technology business are seeded as the root for the research. Topics were selected based on the experience of the author as an attempt to provide answers to such questions. In a broader context, small businesses make an important contribution to the economy and job creation. Low survival rates raise questions about the factors that influence the success or failure of such businesses. Researches have attempted to identify such factors. However, there are limited theoretical models that were generated based on a small business setting. Many factors and their interactions among each other could determine the survival of a small business. However, there are techniques and philosophies that enhance the potential for success. Some of those techniques and philosophies proposed by authors researched are the Lean Startup methodology, analysis of roadblocks and speed bumps on the Product Development Process model, participative management, competencies alignment and outsourcing. Correlations between the small drilling automation business and research are made in order to generate the answers to the questions proposed initially. Ultimately, in regard to the company I work for, generation of intellectual property via outsourcing, deep knowledge of the potential market, financial flexibility obtained from capital and other resources by means of the relationships established helped the company to survive startup and grow. Founding expertise translated into good behavioral focus supported a sustained growth stage and competitiveness. There are applicable models and methodologies that serve to guide to faster innovation where associated risks are managed by having the multiple solutions available. The level of informality tolerated within the firm should be related to the level of performance, so for us there may be benefit to a more formal evaluation of the strategy, uncovering relationships and details not anticipated, that could lead to different decisions. Overcoming capital restraints to earn financial flexibility was particularly beneficial to our initial success. At current size and complexity level, it would be beneficial for our company to evaluate more formal tactical management.Item Racial and ethnic inequality in adult survival in the United States(2013-08) Lariscy, Joseph Tyler, 1984-; Hummer, Robert A.While all racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. exhibited an increase in longevity during the twentieth century, inequalities in survival remain. Hispanics have the highest life expectancy at birth in the United States, non-Hispanic blacks have the lowest, and non-Hispanic whites exhibit life expectancy between the two minority groups. An overarching objective of Healthy People 2020 is to "achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups." Yet, a similar objective based on the Healthy People 2010 campaign regarding reduction of health inequalities was clearly not met. As the population of the United States becomes increasingly diverse as a result of immigration, intermarriage, and evolving notions regarding race and ethnicity, health demographers must monitor adult survival outcomes and inequalities across racial and ethnic subpopulations. This dissertation examines current inequalities in survival among Hispanic, non-Hispanic black, and non-Hispanic white adults in the United States. Using the 1989-2006 National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality Files and 2010 U.S. National Vital Statistics System, I contribute to the understanding of racial/ethnic survival disparities through three empirical studies: The first chapter affirms that Hispanic mortality rate and life expectancy estimates are favorable relative to blacks and whites, particularly for foreign-born Hispanics and from smoking-related causes. The second chapter shows that, in addition to their higher mean age at death, Hispanics exhibit less variability around that mean relative to non-Hispanic whites. Non-Hispanic blacks, on the other hand, have greater variability and lower life expectancy than the other two racial/ethnic groups. The lower variability among Hispanics relative to whites is largely attributable to lower incidence in cancer, suicide, and other external cause mortality, whereas the greater variability among blacks relative to whites is mainly due to greater dispersion in age at death from heart disease and the residual cause grouping. The third chapter finds that smoking initiation in childhood or adolescence contributes additional mortality risk for current heavy and light smokers relative to never smokers. Lower smoking prevalence and later initiation among foreign-born and U.S-born Hispanics account for much of their lower mortality risk relative to whites.Item Response of nesting grassland birds to sand shinnery oak communities treated with tebuthiuron and grazing in eastern New Mexico(Texas Tech University, 2006-05) Smythe, Lindsay Allison; Haukos, David A.; Smith, Loren M.; McIntyre, Nancy E.Many grassland bird species have exhibited population declines during the past three decades. Major components of grassland bird habitat in eastern New Mexico include sand shinnery oak (Quercus havardii) communities, many of which have been subject to unmanaged livestock grazing and other impacts for decades. As a result, these sand shinnery oak communities tend to deviate from the historical grass/shrub vegetation mix in favor of shrubs. These communities are frequently managed with livestock grazing and herbicide application for shrub control. These techniques can be used for potential restoration of historical community structure. However, responses of spring migrating and nesting grassland birds to these management practices in shinnery oak communities are not well understood because of variation in species response. Additionally, most of the research in these communities has focused on game species. My study objectives, in the context of restoring shinnery oak communities, were to: 1) determine if tebuthiuron herbicide application or short-duration grazing had negative impacts on avian community structure (i.e., density, species richness, diversity, and evenness), 2) determine if the vegetation changes caused by tebuthiuron application and short-duration grazing negatively impacted avian reproduction (nest density and success), and 3) develop recommendations to benefit grassland birds when using herbicides and livestock grazing in sand shinnery oak communities. My study site in eastern New Mexico consisted of 1,040 ha divided into 16 plots of 65 ha each. The plots consisted of 2 treatments arranged in 4 combinations: tebuthiuron with grazing; tebuthiuron without grazing; no tebuthiuron with grazing; and a control of no tebuthiuron or current grazing. I performed biweekly point transects on these plots from February through July 2004 and 2005. Density of bird species was estimated using program DISTANCE. I also searched 4-ha subplots in each treatment plot for nests from April-June 2004 and 2005. I monitored nests to estimate daily survival rates and recorded vertical density and overhead cover measurements at each nest site to determine if vegetation structure affected nest daily survival or success. In 2005, I placed 64 artificial nests to supplement information from real nests. This study occurred over years of highly variable precipitation: 2003 represented the end of a 15-year drought with below-average precipitation, but during 2004, the area received 3 times the average amount of precipitation, the second highest amount ever recorded in the region. The above-average precipitation affected habitat conditions and likely impacted my results, but precipitation returned to near average in 2005, so these conditions may not persist. Density of all avian species did not differ between grazed and ungrazed plots. Tebuthiuron-treated plots had a higher density of all species than untreated plots. There was a higher density of all species during spring 2005 than 2004 but density was similar during the breeding season of both years. These trends were predominantly influenced by Cassin’s sparrows (Aimophila cassinii) and, in 2005, grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum). Tebuthiuron-treated plots had a higher density of Cassin’s sparrows in both years. Grasshopper sparrows were not recorded in 2004 but were present in greater numbers on tebuthiuron-treated plots in 2005. The density of resident species (meadowlarks [Sturnella spp.] and loggerhead shrikes [Lanius ludovicianus]) exhibited little response to tebuthiuron or grazing treatments. Species richness was not affected by tebuthiuron or grazing, but was higher in the spring of 2005 than 2004 because of greater numbers of migratory sparrows. Decreases in both evenness and diversity in 2005 compared to 2004 were influenced by large flocks of chestnut-collared longspurs (Calcarius ornatus) and lark buntings (Calamospiza melanocorys). Diversity was also lower on ungrazed plots in February and March. Nest density of all species was similar among tebuthiuron and grazing treatments but was greater in 2005 than 2004. Nests of migratory species were more numerous in 2005 than 2004, whereas equal numbers of resident species nests were found in both years. Daily nest survival rates were similar between years and between incubation and the nestling periods, but varied among species and treatments. Daily nest survival rates during incubation were 6.3% higher in untreated plots than in tebuthiuron-treated plots, but during the nestling period were 17.3% higher in tebuthiuron-treated plots than in untreated plots. Depredation caused the majority of nest failures. Vertical density of vegetation differed among treatments and was greater in 2005 than 2004 but did not differ between nest sites and associated random points, nor between hatched and failed nests. Vegetation overhead cover did not vary among treatments but was greater in 2005 than 2004 and greater at nest sites than at associated random points. Overhead cover did not differ between nests that hatched and nests that failed. Unusually high rainfall in 2004 likely influenced results, but neither grazing nor tebuthiuron treatment had a substantial impact on resident birds. Migratory birds responded positively to tebuthiuron treatment, but overall density and nest success in this community (regardless of treatment) were extremely low.Item Survival, attachment and internalization of Salmonella agona and Salmonella gaminara on orange surfaces(Texas A&M University, 2005-11-01) Singh, ReemaSalmonella outbreaks associated with orange juices have been reported in the past. Though there have been studies on the internalization of Salmonella into oranges there is inadequate information on the ability of this pathogen to survive on orange surfaces, become internalized, and survive the low pH internal conditions. The objective of this work was to study the survival of Salmonella gaminara and Salmonella agona on oranges obtained from the field and retail outlets and investigate their attachment and internalization potential. These studies showed that oranges obtained from both the field and retail outlets harbored relatively high concentrations of aerobic heterotrophic bacterial populations. There were significant differences in the survival of Salmonella agona and Salmonella gaminara at 4??C, room temperature (25??C) and 37??C. Survival was highest at 37??C and lowest at 4??C for both Salmonella gaminara and Salmonella agona. Salmonella agona and Salmonella gaminara showed significant differences in recovery when the cells were treated with pH 4.0, 7.0 and 9.5 buffers. The internalization studies suggest that a negative temperature differential favors the internalization of Salmonella cells into the fruit. Significant differences in the internalization of Salmonella into field and market oranges were observed with more internalization in the field oranges as compared to the market oranges. These results suggest that to prevent Salmonella contamination of orange juices adequate pre-harvest protection against pathogen contamination and post-harvest cleaning and disinfection strategies need to be employed.Item Surviving total war in Kherson Region, Ukraine in 1941 - 1945(2013-05) Alexander, Vladyslav Christian; Wynn, Charters, 1953-; Bychkova Jordan, BellaWhile there are plenty of published materials concerning survival in Ukraine during World War II, most of those bypass the Kherson region and focus primarily on the German occupation. This thesis is an attempt to study the complex history of people's survival in Ukraine during a large portion of the twentieth century, through a micro-history of the city of Kherson and the neighboring villages, and towns of the region. The study analyzes the actions and the consequences for the various social, political and ethnic groups of changes in the ruling regimes, emphasizing the period of the return of the Red Army to the region in 1943-1944. This work attempts to provide an answer to the question of why the population of a provincial city, which endured no major combat, was reduced from about 100,000 residents in 1941 to less than a hundred on the day of return of the Soviets in 1944?Item The relationships between age, gender, and race and rate of immune recovery and life expectancy among patients living with HIV(2016-08) Nduaguba, Sabina Onyinye; Wilson, James P.; Ford, Kentya C.; Lawson, Kenneth ADespite medical advancement transforming HIV disease from a death sentence to a chronic illness, not all patients living with HIV (PLWH) experience the best health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify disparities (age, gender, and ethnicity) in health outcomes among patients living with HIV who reside in Texas. HIV surveillance data from the Texas Department of State Health Services was used to identify patients diagnosed with HIV between 1996 and 2013. This cohort was divided into 4 subcohorts according to year of HIV diagnosis; 1996-1997, 1998-2006, 2007-2010, and 2011-2013. The primary outcomes were rate of immune recovery, AIDS diagnosis, and death. Hierarchical linear models and survival analyses were used to assess the relationships between age, gender, and ethnicity and rate of immune recovery and AIDS diagnosis and death. A total of 70,996 patients were included in the study; 7,206, 36,286, 15,628, and 11,876 in the 1996-1997, 1998-2006, 2007-2010, and 2011-2013 subcohorts respectively. The results showed that age, gender, and ethnicity were not statistically associated with rate of immune recovery (p>0.01) but tended towards lower rate of immune recovery with increasing age and in males and Hispanics. Age was associated with clinical progression to AIDS and death (p<0.01) in all 4 subcohorts. Male gender was associated with clinical progression to AIDS in all subcohorts except the 2011-2013 subcohort but there was no relationship between gender and death in the 4 subcohorts. Compared to Hispanics, the risk of an AIDS diagnosis was lower in Blacks across all 4 subcohorts. After controlling for covariates, the relationship was lost in the 1996-1997 and 2011-2013 subcohorts. There was no clear difference in the risk of an AIDS diagnosis between Blacks and Whites. Compared to Whites and Hispanics, Blacks had higher risk of death in the 1996-1997 and 1998-2006 subcohorts. However, there was no relationship between ethnicity and death in the 2007-2010 and 2011-2013 subcohorts after controlling for covariates. In conclusion, the results of the survival analyses suggests some clinical relevance of differential rates of immune recovery, which presents an opportunity for early intervention before long-term outcomes like AIDS diagnosis and death occur.Item Urban fox squirrel ecology and management(Texas A&M University, 2007-09-17) McCleery, Robert AlanI studied the habitat selection, survival, and anti-predator behaviors of the fox squirrel (Siurus niger) across the urban-rural gradient in College Station, Texas. From two years of tracking the radio locations of 82 fox squirrels, my data suggested that fox squirrels in urban areas selected for use large mast bearing trees that mimicked the habitat features they prefer in non-urban areas and avoided conifer and ornamental tree species. Urban fox squirrels selected to use buildings and non-native grass during certain seasons and showed a tolerance for pavement, including it proportionally in their core-areas. Analysis of radio-telemetry data of urban and rural fox squirrels suggested that the rates of survival and causes of mortality differed between the two populations. At least 60% of the mortalities on the rural site were caused by predation, while < 5% of the mortalities on the urban site were caused by predation. Most of the mortalities on the urban site (>60%) were cause by vehicular collisions. Observations of anti-predator behaviors supported my hypothesis that squirrels decrease their anti-predator behaviors as the human presence increases. Observational data also supported my hypothesis that this phenomenon was caused by habituation. I also found that the time dedicated to anti-predator behaviors differed among urban, rural, and suburban fox squirrel populations in response to coyote and hawk vocalizations. The mean responses to both vocalizations on the rural site (coyote = 45%, hawk = 55%) were at least twice that of those found on the urban sites (coyote = 11%, hawk = 20%). I also used survey responses to questions about squirrel management to test theoretical frameworks linking attitudes to behaviors. My data suggests that beliefs and attitudes that are modified by variables shown to increase accessibility generally correspond better to behaviors. My data also suggests that the inclusion of a measure of previous behaviors will increase the predictive ability of models within different theoretical frameworks. Most importantly for the advancement of a comprehensive theoretical framework, my study showed that composite models combining components of the theory of reasoned action and attitude to behavioral process models out-performed other models.