Digital Commons Network^™

The Representation Of Older Women In Gerontological And Women's Studies Research In Selected Psychological Publications, Anna Jean Mehl

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Thermoplastic Composites Of Recycled High Density Polyethylene And Recycled Tire Particles, James N. Mckirahan Jr.

Masters Theses

This study identified the mechanical properties and processibility of composite materials of recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE), recycled rubber tire particles, and/or ethyl co-vinyl acetate and poly (e-caprolactone). The composites were processed using a single screw extrusion system.

Three groups of experiments were conducted, on the composites in their extruded form to investigate the mechanical properties of ultimate tensile strength, percent elongation, and hardness. The first experiment investigated the effect of recycled rubber particle concentration in the composites up to 25 percent. The second experiment investigated the effect of recycled rubber particle size on the composites of recycled HDPE and …

The Synthesis And Characterization Of Novel 5,6-Disubstituted 1,10-Phenanthrolines, Liansheng Zeng

Masters Theses

Two new ligands, 5-amino-6-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline (5-NH₂-6-NO₂-phen), produced by amination of 5-NO₂-1,10-phenanthroline, and 5,6-diamino-1,10-phenanthroline (5,6-(NH₂) ₂-phen) ,produced by reduction of 5-NH₂-6-NO₂-phen, have been synthesized and characterized. The ligand 5-NH₂-6-NO₂-phen has been coordinated to a Ru(II) metal center to produce the Ru(II)-polypyridine complex [ (bpy) ₂Ru (5-NH₂-6-NO₂-phen)] (PF₆ ) ₂ (bpy= 2, 2' -bipyridine) . This complex has been characterized by IR, UV-Vis, ¹H-NMR, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) .

Gender, Waking Personality, And Sexual Behavior In Dreams, Jeffery W. Willis

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Lichen Use By Larval Leucochrysa Pavida (Neuroptera:Chrysopidae), Penni Jo Wilson

Masters Theses

Leucochrysa pavida is a species of green lacewing (Neuroptera:Chrysopidae) that uses lichen fragments to build a larval debris "packet." The "packet" is eventually used to form a cocoon used during pupation. Only minute lichen fragments are harvested for formation of the packets which makes identification of the actual lichens utilized difficult using morphological characteristics. For this reason, thin-layer chromatography was employed. The thin-layer chromatographic process identifies acetone-soluble lichen chemicals that are formed in lichen thalli. By comparing the chemistry of lichen communities at Tower Rock Recreation Area in Hardin County, Illinois, with the chemicals identified during thin-layer chromatography of larval …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Educational Recognition Systems Of Five Midwestern States, Danny L. Garrett

Masters Theses

The Illinois Public Recognition System has implemented new procedures that address a new system of quality and equity in Illinois schools. As an Illinois educator, the researcher has conducted a study that compares the new Illinois Public Recognition System to similar systems in the states of Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky and Minnesota. All of the states have many components of evaluation that are very similar.

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Missouri all rely on systems that combine school improvement and accreditation. The systems are basically in transitional phases that are designed to be a ongoing process to enhance student learning and …

Investigation Of The Process Of Transition To Middle School Concepts In Illinois Lead Middle Schools, Janice L. Alka

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to analyze the implementation process of middle level practices in selected Illinois middle schools. The result of the study will be of assistance to middle school staff members attempting to make the transition to middle level practices.

The researcher found theorists have agreed that middle level schools, regardless of their location, should consist of grades 6-8. The schools needed to open as middle schools or change slowly to middle school practices. The first steps in the transition process should include teachers attending conferences, workshops, or inservices on middle school practices. The research showed that …

Isomerization And Chelation Studies Of Dangling Phosphine Complexes Of Group 6, Zhongjiang Jia

Masters Theses

Vinyl addition reactions, catalyzed by 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN), have been used to prepare six pentacarbonyl complexes of group 6, each of which contains a dangling Ph₂PCH₂CH₂P(p-tol)₂ ligand.

Each of the six complexes undergoes slow isomerizationand chelation at 55 °C in perdeuterated toluene:

The reactions were monitored by ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. The isomerization reactions are reversible in solution, while the chelated products form irreversibly with the loss of carbon monoxide. The rate constants, K₁ and K_-1, have been determined for the three pairs of linkage isomers. Equilibrium …

The Synthesis And Characterization Of [Ruii (Bpy) 2 (Biphen) ] (Pf6)2 And [ (Bpy) 2ruii (Biphen) Ruii (Bpy) 2] (Pf6)4, Mei-Yueh Chang

Masters Theses

A new bidentate polypyridine bridging ligand (biphen), produced by the condensation of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione with 5,6-diamino-phenanthroline has been synthesized and characterized. In addition the monometallic complex [(bpy)₂Ru^II(biphen)](PF₆)₂ and the bimetallic complex [(bpy)₂Ru^II(biphen)Ru^II(bpy)₂](PF₆)₄ have been prepared. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and by cyclic voltsmmetry(CV).

The results of these analyses seem to indicate that biphen acts like two independent units when attached to a - Ru^II(bpy)₂ fragment. a bipyridine portion and a phenazine portion. Moreover, …

The Synthesis Of N-Chlorosulfonyl Β-Lactams And Their Rearrangements, Lihua Zhang

Masters Theses

The synthesis of several N-chlorosulfonyl-β-lactams and their rearrangements have been carried out via CSI (chlorosulfonylisocyanate) reaction. The mechanism of β-lactam synthesis as well as its rearrangements were also studied. The characterization of β-lactams was performed with IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and HRMS. β-lactams 2-chlorosulfonyl-1-methyl-2-azabicyclo[4.2.0]octan-3-one (71), 1-chlorosulfonyl-4-methyl-4- (phenylmethyl)azetidin-2-one (74) and 1-chlorosulfonyl-4,4- (diphenylmethyl)azetidin-2-one (75) were synthesized for the first time. β-lactam 4-chlorosulfonyl-3, 9, 9-trimethyl-4-azatricyclo [6.1.0.0^3,6] nonan-5-one (73) was obtained as crystalline solid instead of liquid.

Different effects, such as temperature, solvents and catalysts, on the rearrangement of the …

Brain Dominance And Speed Achievement In Keyboarding, Janet Clapp Hasten

Masters Theses

Students who want to compete successfully in today's marketplace must be proficient in the skill of keyboarding. But not all students of keyboarding are able to achieve the high levels of proficiency in speed. This study investigates one possible explanation for this perplexing and frustrating occurrence--how brain dominance affects learning a motor skill such as keyboarding. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between a student's brain dominance preference and his/her ability to achieve speed in keyboarding. The Human Information Processing Survey, which determines brain dominance preference, was administered to high school students enrolled …

Developing A Technology Plan Within The Small Rural School District, Patricia A. Fulkerson

Masters Theses

Technology in education is currently a topic of much interest and study due to the fact that the future demands a work force capable of functioning in the Information Age. This study was designed to help small rural school districts formulate a technology plan which would enable them to procure the necessary technological components and resources essential to incorporating technology into the learning environment. A survey was conducted of the superintendents in Edwards, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White counties in Southern Illinois. This survey endeavored to determine the components of a technology plan. Major findings were sought …

Middle School Tutoring Practices In Illinois, Kim Lin Johnston

Masters Theses

Districts must provide successful cost-effective programs for students who are failing. One method that has proven both cost effective and successful is tutoring by staff, community volunteers, and students. The study investigated the tutoring practices in 45 schools and large unit districts in Illinois. As implemented, neither peer nor cross-age tutoring followed a predictable pattern. Results indicated that the most comon type of tutoring was after-school with remedial activities focusing on math and reading and taught by certified staff. The study described some of the design and administrative features that shape the programs, discussed possible implications for minority constituencies, and …

Parental Attitudes On Sign Language Systems Used With Children With Hearing Impairments, Debra Marie Williams

Masters Theses

In the field of educating children with hearing impairments there has been a continuous debate over which is the most beneficial method of communication to use both in the classroom and in the home environment. The current debate concerns two main methods of communication through sign language, American Sign Language and Manually Coded English. The importance of the family in the decision over which sign language system to use in the child's environment has been documented throughout the research in this field. This study was designed to examine the attitudes of parents with no hearing loss who have children with …

An Investigation Of The Mentor-Protege Component Of An Effective Teacher Induction Program, Joseph A. Mcarthur

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify common elements in the mentor-protege component of Illinois' downstate school districts which have an enrollment between 2,000 and 6,000 students. One hundred individual schools were selected for the study. Individual schools were selected in order to assure a valid representation of grade levels and geographic locations. This study also identified those segments that, according to administrators, mentors, and beginning teachers, were the most effective in addressing their needs. The information the study gathered consisted of an examination of current literature and research, and contacts with first year teachers, mentors, and building administrators …

An Investigation Into Procedures And Policies For Determining Student Residency, Joseph C. Rodocker

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to determine to what extent problems exist in determining whether students are eligible for tuition free education in districts and the policies and procedures that are currently in use in those districts. All school administrators face the prospect of deciding whether a student is eligible to attend their school tuition free. Districts must provide tuition-free education to resident students, either in a district school or in an appropriate placement for a handicapped student. The district administrators must make a determination of residency to meet its statutory obligation to charge tuition to non-resident students or to meet …

The Superintendent's Role In Collective Bargaining In Small School Districts, Deborah Lynn Philpot

Masters Theses

This study was designed to research and statistically assess factors associated with the role of the superintendents in small school districts in the collective bargaining process. All superintendents of districts in Illinois that house either Pre-K through 12 or K through 12 enrollments of 400 to 1,000 located geographically south of Interstate 80 were surveyed. Of 140 superintendents issued surveys, there were 115 responses received. Two of the 115 responses were eliminated because their enrollment had increased to over 1,000. Thus, 113 school districts, or 80.7% out of 140, represented the sample. The survey sought demographic information and attitudinal statements …

The Local Use Of Igap Science Test Scores In High School Program Evaluation, Garry Krutsinger

Masters Theses

This study examined the use of various objective test data, including IGAP Science test scores, by school personnel in the process of local science program evaluation. Three hundred and twenty-four public Illinois High Schools, all Illinois high schools with enrollments of 500 or less, were surveyed. Principals were asked to identify objective test score data used in local science program evaluation, to characterize the nature of the local evaluation process, and to identify local personnel involved in the evaluation process. All respondents identified sources of objective test score data used in local science program evaluation. The IGAP Science test score …

An Investigation Of Student Disciplinary Procedures Of Twelve Rural Jefferson County Districts After Implementation Of Illinois Law Banning Corporal Punishment, Brenda J. Lusby

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate and assess the effectiveness of the student disciplinary procedures in the twelve elementary K-8 rural school districts in Jefferson County, Illinois, since the Illinois legislative body banned the use of corporal punishment by P.A. 88-346 which became effective January 1, 1994. Discipline has been a major concern in the effectiveness of schools for quite some time and appeared as the number one concern of the public pertaining to our public schools in the 1994 Gallup Poll. Since corporal punishment has been banned, personnel in many schools are concerned about how effective their …

Impact Of "Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder" On Educational Placement And Service Delivery, Marsha L. Groves

Masters Theses

Children with "Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder" face many changes within the school environment. Teachers strive to help these students meet those changes by providing for special learning and behavior needs. This study obtained teacher responses to examine demographic data, disability categories, placement, and educational treatment of children clinically diagnosed and/or suspected of having "Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders". Of the 76 teacher surveys returned, 107 students were reported to have or were suspected of having "Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder". Forty-five were identified as learning disabled, seven were considered behavior disordered, seven were receiving speech services, seven others were health impaired, three …

Gratification Changes Among Country Music Radio Listeners, Larry E. Oathout

Masters Theses

Several past studies explore the gratifications received by mass media users. However, no former research focuses on radio as a single medium and investigates how gratifications change over a person's lifespan. This study utilized an altered version of Elliott and Quattlebaum's (1979) ten media gratification list and questioned a 14 to 60 year old sample group about the gratifications they receive from country music radio. The researcher selected country music because it is the most popular radio format today and because it provided the wide age parameters needed for the study. Two hundred and thirty-nine users of an Internet country …

Local Newspaper Agenda-Setting As Reflected In Letters To The Editor, Thomas J. Mcdonnell

Masters Theses

In an effort to test the basic agenda-setting theory, a content analysis of three small to mid-size Illinois newspapers was done to determine what correlation, if any, existed between the content of the front page and the issues addressed in the letters to the editor section. Pearson product moment correlations were calculated for all issues addressed by the papers and the public. No support was found for basic agenda-setting in this study. There was partial support the hypothesis that local newspapers would be more effective setting the local issue agenda.

Graduate Training In Geropsychology Among Licensed Psychologists In Illinois, Steven J. Johnston

Masters Theses

Recently, it has been suggested that several factors will likely lead to an increase in the number of elderly Americans in need of psychological services. In June, 1981, the Older Boulder Conference addressed the need to implement graduate level training of psychologists to serve elderly clients. It was found that after the Conference: 1) more graduate courses on geropsychology were taken by psychologists during their graduate training; 2) most psychologists either had no or 75% or more elderly clients; and 3) psychologists were more likely to have sought out post graduate continuing education in geropsychology yet they were less likely …

The Stabilization And Structural Adjustment Procedures Of The International Monetary Fund And The World Bank, Douglas A. Reznick

Masters Theses

The IMF and the World Bank began to attach structural adjustment restrictions to many of their loans to developing countries in the early 1980s. Some of these restrictions are not based on solid economic ground and are, in many cases not effective in improving the economic standing of the countries that receive loans. In addition, there was also a misdiagnosis of the problems that occurred in the underdeveloped countries of the world. Under the IMF/World Bank paradigm, the difficulties that most underdeveloped countries experienced were due to internal distortions and non-effective development strategies. Evidence to the contrary shows that many …

A New Sense Of Time In Female Development: Linearity And Cyclicity In Atwood's Surfacing And Cat's Eye, Diana L. Unes

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Labeling Bias On Prognostic Outlook For Children With Behavior Problems, Julie D. Fox

Masters Theses

Labeling bias refers to biases that might occur toward a person who has a particular label. This study investigated the effects of labeling bias on prognostic outlook for children as a function of diagnostic labels. School psychologists, regular and special education teachers, and introductory psychology students read a vignette that described a child with behavior problems. The vignette was held constant for all participants, but one of four labels (conduct disordered, socially maladjusted, serious emotionally disturbed, no exceptionality) was varied at the end of the vignette. Respondents then estimated the child's likelihood of future success in interpersonal relationships, the likelihood …

Achievement Assessment Techniques: Their Frequency Of Use, Perceived Importance, And Relation To Job Satisfaction, Robin L. Chesnut

Masters Theses

A random sample of Nationally Certified School psychologists was surveyed to determine the current academic achievement assessment practices of school psychologists. Frequency of administration and importance of standardized achievement tests, interviews, observations and work sample collection was determined. Further, knowledge of, experience with, and future plans to develop skills in alternative achievement assessment areas was examined. Job satisfaction was investigated and its relationship to involvement with alternative assessment measures. Results indicate that assessment activities still consume about half (45%) of school psychologists' time followed by consultation (22%), and treatment (18%). Informal assessment techniques such as child, teacher, and parent interviews; …

Treatment Acceptability By Label And Role, Larry D. Fairbanks

Masters Theses

This study examined differences in ratings of treatment acceptability among groups of individuals who are often involved in the recommendation, selection, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral interventions in the educational setting; teachers, school psychologists, and school social workers. An analogue-type study was conducted, utilizing a written case description of a 3rd grader exhibiting a problem behavior, a written case description of an intervention applied to that problem behavior, and a 15-item instrument utilized in rating treatment acceptability (IRP-15) . Also varied in the study was a label (LD, BD, ADD) placed on the student in the vignette, and intervention type …

And The Youth Shall See Visions: The Jewish Experience In Champaign-Urbana And The Founding Of Hillel, Susan J. Roth

Masters Theses

Throughout American history, America's Jews lived in a mixed environment, one that both offered them the possibility of acceptance and demanded a certain level of conformity as its price. While antisemitism in America neither reached the level of virulence nor enjoyed the official sanction that it did in other parts of the world, it nonetheless has almost always been a part of the American Jewish experience, especially during the first half of the twentieth century. Much of American antisemitism was expressed through various forms of social discrimination (that was not always strictly social), justified by the image of "Jewish undesirability," …

Pynchon, Dionysus And America: In Search Of The Pig That Got Away, Andreas Gerling

Masters Theses

This work seeks to analyze Western thought as a system. As a case study representative of this system, I have chosen the United States of America, as it started as a strange experiment in purely Apollonian thought, which has largely remained a closed system and has become the primary engine of cultural change in the twentieth century. As the tools for my analysis, I have chosen the dialectic represented in the mythical opposites Dionysus and Apollo and the counter cultural reaction by a number of post World War II authors, most notably Thomas Pynchon, to the "American Dream."

America began …