Digital Commons Network^™

Withstanding Cruel Teasing: Does Dispositional Mindfulness Fortify Target Immunity?, Ruth Catherine Lewis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cruel teasing can be pernicious for targets' psychological health. In this thesis I examined the extent to which trait mindfulness might mitigate the negative psychological effects associated with cruel teasing. Correlation results confirmed cruel teasing history related significantly and directly, and mindfulness inversely, to poorer psychological health. Moderated regression analyses confirmed that among targets of frequent cruel teasing those with high levels of mindfulness did not evidence the detrimental psychological effects as did those low in mindfulness. Subsequent moderated regression analyses with cruel teasing history, mindfulness, and sexual identity status suggest that when people are low in mindfulness cruel teasing …

Teacher Morale In Rural Northeast Tennessee, Brenda Dishman Eggers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the factors that influence the morale levels of teachers in the public school systems of 3 contiguous counties in rural northeast Tennessee. The level of teacher morale was measured using the Purdue Teacher Opinionaire. Data associated with the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) teacher effect score, grade level taught, years of service, gender, and level of education were gathered. The morale score and the teacher effect score were then examined to ascertain if there was a relationship with the other factors. Data from this study were examined using the Statistical Process …

Cost Effective Domination In Graphs, Tabitha Lynn Mccoy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A set S of vertices in a graph G = (V,E) is a dominating set if every vertex in V \ S is adjacent to at least one vertex in S. A vertex v in a dominating set S is said to be it cost effective if it is adjacent to at least as many vertices in V \ S as it is in S. A dominating set S is cost effective if every vertex in S is cost effective. The minimum cardinality of a cost effective dominating set of G is the cost …

A Qualitative Assessment Of The Perceptions Of Teachers Concerning How Economically Disadvantaged Students At White Pine School Are Being Served, Samuel Mckinley Hollingshead

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess teacher perception of how economically disadvantaged students at White Pine School were being served. The results of this study may help educators at White Pine School determine how to support and improve learning conditions for economically disadvantaged students.

Data collection techniques included individual interviews, focus group interviews, and document review. The following conditions were discovered in relation to economically disadvantaged students: positive home-school relationships; desire to become a full-service school; limited parent-training opportunities with limited participation; limited professional development opportunities; limited poverty discussion in professional learning communities; underuse of college partnerships; …

Strategies Used By Hospitals In A Southeastern State To Reduce Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections: Comparing The Outcomes By Hospital Structure And Processes, Furnell Rife

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections are considered a clinical indicator of quality of care. A descriptive research study was conducted to identify the strategies used by hospitals to reduce or eliminate CAUTIs. Infection Control Preventionists were surveyed. In a predominately rural southeastern state, this study demonstrated that about 40% of hospitals surveyed are implementing CAUTI prevention processes.

Novice Teachers Perceptions Of Prior Mentoring Experiences, Gloria Freels Mcelroy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

More than 50% of novice educators leave the profession in the first 5 years of service. Novice educators were defined as educators with 5 or fewer years of teaching experience. The State of Tennessee has estimated the cost for that decision to around $28,000.00 per teacher for each local educational authority. Many researchers believe mentoring increases novice satisfaction in the classroom. Even though many enter the field of education, Freedman and Appleman (2009) found that teachers leave the profession in rates higher than other professions. Ingersoll and Merrill (2010) showed the annual turnover rate for teachers was higher than for …

Risk Culture As A Method Of Risk Mitigation For The Whitewater Industry ., Jacob M. Henley

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper is a literature review and case study exploration of risk management at the organizational level in the outdoor whitewater recreation industry. The goal of the study is to identify any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in the culture of contemporary risk management, and to make recommendations to address these weaknesses.

The case involves a situation in which I was personally involved, with an outcome that was tragic. In the light of what I have learned from this project I believe that a stronger risk culture would have resulted in a very different outcome. The distinction between risk culture and safety …

A Comparison Of Inclusion And Pullout Programs On Student Achievement For Students With Disabilities, James Matthew Hurt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students with disabilities have traditionally achieved to a lesser degree than have their nondisabled peers. Since the 1950s the federal government has enacted laws to provide free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities. In the first decade of the 21st Century the government has produced legislation requiring schools to be responsible for improving instruction for students with disabilities. One of the major trends in accomplishing this task is a move toward inclusive education. This study determined the relationships of assessment type (Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments versus Virginia Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) assessments) and models of service delivery (general …

Waging A Living In Casual Dining Restaurant Chains, Hannah Blythe Bower

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Through in-depth interviews with 14 restaurant servers who worked in "casual dining" restaurant chains, this study explores service work and servers' perceptions of restaurant culture. Interactions between servers and customers are examined through the lens of servers' personal experiences. The analysis of interview data focus on how servers understand their role, how "casual dining" restaurant chains try to avoid the appearance of fast food outlets, and how "the customer is always right" slogan affects servers and customers. As a response to difficult and inflexible structural conditions present in restaurant work, servers establish short-lived camaraderie with each other through games, harassment, …

Leadership Traits Of School Health Coordinators In Tennessee, Katherine Andrea Strickland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the leadership traits of the school health coordinators (SHCs) for the state of Tennessee and to determine if self-perceptions of the SHC leadership traits coincide with supervisor and colleague perceptions of SHC leadership traits. The health challenges facing young Americans today are different from those of past decades and child health is a major federal and state policy platform. SHCs work at the nexus of 2 highly regulated and political entities: healthcare and education. Thus, it is critical for SHCs to possess strong leadership traits to navigate through the issues and …

Public Perceptions Regarding Sex Offenders And Sex Offender Management, Jessica Duncan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was an observation of the public's knowledge and perceptions on sex offenders, sex offenses, and sex offender management policies. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 282 students at East Tennessee State University. Along with the basic demographic variables, respondent's field of study was measured as a main independent variable. For example, it was hypothesized that students studying within the criminal justice field would hold more accurate beliefs concerning the sex offender population. Overall, the study proved to be statistically insignificant. Multivariate analysis did show, however, that certain demographic variables were more predictive in determining an …

Support For Higher Education: Perceptions Of Selected University Administrators And Legislators In Tennessee, Deidre Lee Yowell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examined the perceptions of selected university administrators and legislators concerning levels of support for Tennessee public higher education. The purpose of the study was to gain a greater understanding among the various constituents as to the needs and restraints facing higher education funding. The population targeted for this study was comprised of 132 members of the Tennessee General Assembly, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), the Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the President of the University of Tennessee System, and 36 Chief Administrators at 9 state-supported universities. The principal investigator …

The Influences Of Caregiver-Child Interactions And Temperament On Cortisol Concentrations Of Toddlers In Full-Day Childcare, Helen Morris Lane

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the influences of caregiver-child interaction and temperament on cortisol concentrations of toddlers in full-day childcare. Sensitive and responsive caregiving is critical to the quality of children's early experiences. Caregivers who are attuned to unique needs of young children can support and guide child growth and development. In the context of relationships the child grows, develops, and learns to biologically respond to events in his or her world that he or she may perceive as threatening, with the production of cortisol. Studies show that regulation of cortisol release later in life may be …

Storytelling In Appreciative Inquiry, Joel Jeppson Richards

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study is an examination of the role of story and storytelling within Appreciative Inquiry, a method of organizational change that orients around a consensus model building on individual and collective strengths instead of focusing on overcoming problems. Interviews with 12 Appreciative Inquiry practitioners were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using a process of iterative coding consistent with a General Inductive method of qualitative research. Once consensus with a secondary coder was achieved, 6 themes emerged. The 6 emergent themes outlined general roles that story and storytelling plays in the Appreciative Inquiry process: relationship building, coauthoring a future, reframing narrative, narrative …

Adjusted Tools, Angelique Lynch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis supports the Master of Fine Arts exhibition, Adjusted Tools, at the Tipton Gallery, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, from August 3^rd thru August 29^th, 2012. The exhibition is comprised of eight sculptures, which are presented on pedestals and wall mounted.

The artist references her own investigation of social patterns associated with preconceived roles of gender and how those patterns relate to housework. The artist experiments with an array of different materials including wood, stone, steel, and bronze that are fashioned into forms such as irons, ironing boards, and clothes pins. Topics addressed …

Identity Discrepancy, Male Role Norms, And Mental And Physical Health, Daniel Kevin Mckelvey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Male gender role norms were considered from a self-discrepancy perspective. The male gender role was divided into 4 perspective domain combinations based on the participant's perceptions: self-ideal/ought, other-ideal/ought, self-actual, other-actual. These categories were assessed using an adapted form of the Male Role Norms Inventory-Revised (Levant et al., 2007). It was hypothesized that large discrepancies between the perspective domains in a male's gender role concept would be significantly related to depression, anxiety, and lower general health quality, and this relationship would be moderated by the centrality of the perspective domains to the participant's gender role concept and by the centrality of …

Rural Appalachian Health Care Providers' Perceived Barriers To Intimate Partner Violence Screening In Primary Care, Jamie Tedder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major problem in the United States. There are many health concerns associated with IPV (e.g. chronic pain, gynecological problems), leading researchers to examine the detection and management of IPV in primary care settings. However, a disproportionate amount of this research has focused on the detection and management of IPV in urban primary care clinics, with the detection and management of IPV in rural primary care being largely understudied. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by describing the screening practices and barriers to screening reported by rural providers as well as differences …

Uneasy Waters: The Night Riders At Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee, 1908, Jama Mcmurtery Grove

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

On October 19, 1908, night riders at Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee kidnapped and murdered Captain Quentin Rankin, an attorney and shareholder in the West Tennessee Land Company. The murder made national news, with coverage emphasizing the night riders' demand for fishing rights. In response, Governor Malcolm Patterson called out the militia to suppress the uprising and advocated for state acquisition of the lake as a means to prevent further violence. In the accepted historical narrative, the uprising at Reelfoot Lake represents an example of rural resistance to the threat that modernization posed to traditional access rights but ignores much of the …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Complexes Of [Rh2(Nphcoch3)4] And Nitriles., Jennie Tan

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The rhodium carboxamide [Rh2(NPhCOCH3)4]L (L=axial ligand), has applications as a catalyst for carbenoid transformations. To explore the nature of the rhodium-carbene bond, studies between Rh2(NPhCOCH3)4 and nitriles were proposed. Trials of the benzonitrile, o-tolunitrile, and m-tolunitrile have been performed and characterized on the 2,2-trans [Rh2(NPhCOCH3)4] complex via NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography.

Wal-Mart: Going Green Or Gimmick?, Andrew Childress

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Sustainability is quickly becoming one of the hottest topics among green conscious consumers, as well as managers looking to capitalize on the growth of such interests. Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, is currently marketing itself as a pioneer in sustainability, particularly in the retail industry. With innovations such as a Sustainability Index that measures the environmental and social impacts of products stocked by Wal-Mart, the company is currently marketing their efforts as being exceptional among “big box” retailers. However, few studies have tested those claims to determine if they are accurate. The purpose of this research is to gather data …

Production Of A Banjo: Development Of Manufacturing Processes For Banjo Resonators,Rims, And Necks., Kevin N. Zollinger

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This body of research focused on the development of prototype tooling and manufacturing processes to produce resonators, rims, and necks for building banjos. The resulting fixtures and manufacturing processes were designed for ease of use by a single employee in a small shop environment. This research required proficiency in interdisciplinary mediums (ie. 2D modeling, 3D modeling, centerline tool path program generation, 2D modeling, 3D modeling, rendering, design, and woodworking).

The resonator required development of a matching set of forming surfaces, a bending/gluing fixture, a work-holding fixture for utilizing a wood lathe, and a steam chamber required for bending strips of …

Metamorphosis: An Original Theatrical, Virtual, And Psychological Experience., Kristin E. Goins

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Everyday we find ourselves making hundreds of decisions, often without noticing the relevance of even the most miniscule choice that can grow and form into a life altering state of mind. The human brain is the most elaborately complex structure in existence, enabling us to be able to function and comprehend our surroundings. With complexity, also comes malfunctions, which will inevitably occur occasionally ranging in a wide variety of defects from mental illnesses, to super genius abilities. What a certain individual may see as reality, may be completely opposite of the reality you or I see. This poses the question, …

Transculturation And Hybridization In New World Baroque Art: A Study Of A New World Identity As Defined By History And Art., Pedro Flores

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze New World Baroque art as a medium of syncretism allowing the reconciliation and fusion of discrepant cultures. This study will explore the region of New Spain as defined by the Baroque period by analyzing Mexico as a place whose identity was defined by the transcultural and hybrid components of the Baroque and as a place where a New World Baroque aesthetic first started to appear. Transculturation and hybridization will be analyzed historically and aesthetically as factors for the creation of a New World Identity. The term New World Baroque will be used …

A Correlational Pilot Study Of Fatalism And Self-Efficacy Among Appalachians With Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus., Dwyn Mounger

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Despite the vast amount of research regarding type II diabetes, little is known about the relationship between fatalistic beliefs and self-efficacy in individual self-care among adult Appalachians with type II diabetes. As a result of multiple predisposing risk factors that include high rates of obesity and poverty, as well as a lack of access to preventative care services, the prevalence of diabetes is very high in this region and has become a major health issue. In addition, a history of exploitation and lack of diverse economic development has profoundly influenced the cultural beliefs of those living within the region, which …

Does Pregnancy Intent Impact The Decision To Breastfeed?, Rachel Collins

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Current literature overwhelmingly supports the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants. Numerous studies significantly correlate specific demographics and background factors of breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers. However, little research has focused on the intendedness of the pregnancy and its association with breastfeeding. The goal of this study was to examine the association between pregnancy intendedness and breastfeeding plans and behavior. The first question of interest examined was whether pregnancy intent was associated with a woman’s intent to exclusively breastfeed when asked during the third trimester, after control for potentially confounding differences between the two groups. The second question of interest …

Rescue Or Rape, Genji Or Murasaki: The Role Of Gender Relations And The Unsung Heroines Of The Genji Monogatari., Jessie Nutter

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Written early in the 11th century, the Tale of Genji is considered to be the world's first novel. Women's issues and relationships between men and women are central themes in the tale. In fact, in the last couple decades some critics have come to see the women of the Genji Monogatari as the novel's intended focus rather than Genji himself. Through Genji, the reader is able to experience the sad, interconnected fates of a host of women and thereby share in their trials and tribulations.

Forgiveness, Mental Health, And Adult Children Of Alcoholics., Khia L. Sams

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Research has shown that spirituality can play a role in addiction and recovery. However, little work in this area has focused on adults who have grown up with parents who have had alcohol and/or drug problems. Cross-sectional data was collected from college students from a regional university in southern Appalachia. Multiple dimensions and aspects of forgiveness and mental health were examined among undergraduates, including differences based upon participants’ likelihood of being an adult child of an alcoholic (ACOA). Individuals likely to be an ACOA had poorer levels of the forgiveness and mental health related variables. Among ACOAs forgiveness of others …

The Impact Organizational Psychology Can Have To Optimize Performance In Elite Athletes, Managers, And Executives., Colin Pugh

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The development of major organizations has led to an increase in the use of different psychological principles. Organizational psychology has many different applications within sports organizations and, if used correctly, these applications can improve overall performance. When the principles of Organizational psychology are implemented properly, the attitude, motivation, and leadership qualities of individual members within the organization are enhanced. This improvement of individual members will have an impact on the performance of the entire organization. A successful organization should be adaptable, committed, goal-orientated, and synchronized. To apply these principles and concepts, the organization needs good leaders who can manage the …

Authority Enthusiasm And Its Importance As A Teaching Tool In The Team Up For Healthy Living Intervention Program., Caroline Crenshaw

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The use of peer facilitators is considered to be an effective method used in various settings, both educational and other forms of support and therapy groups. Though there is an extensive amount of research using peer facilitators, there is a minimal amount describing the effects that these various groups have on the facilitators themselves. Teacher enthusiasm has been researched and proven to be an important and effective tool when enhancing the learning experience and knowledge outcomes of students. The Team Up for Healthy Living program is a grant funded program utilizing peer facilitators in an attempt to educate high school …

The Effect Of Ifrs On The Financial Ratios Of Canadian Public Mining Companies., Heath Aaron Mcconnell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective of this study is to add to the body of research concerning International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). To accomplish this objective, it will examine whether Canada’s adoption of IFRS, which replaced Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), appears to affect the reported financial performance of Canadian public mining companies. Financial information for 2010 from the audited financial statements, as stated under IFRS and Canadian GAAP, were used to compute selected financial ratios. These financial ratios were tested to determine if statistically significant differences in their dispersion and central tendency resulted from adopting IFRS. It was found that no …