Digital Commons Network^™

You Belong Here: A Critical Look At Community Engagement In Museum Education Through K-16 Place Based Pedagogy, Janelle O'Malley

Student Projects

Historically museums exist as object centered spaces with little consideration of the community and artists that support them. Therefore museums as pedagogical sites must reorient themselves to become people centered spaces incorporating participatory pedagogical experiences for both community members and artists.

There is a lack of research in place-based pedagogies in museum education. It is important now more than ever to recognize the need to center community in museum education. This study will seek to investigate how museums can exact meaningful change through their educational practices and create a sense of belonging in museums for their immediate community. The outcomes …

Effects Of Time Demands On Academic Success And Emotions For Northern Illinois University Students, Kyle B. Seebach

Honors Capstones

As college students continue to have more demanding schedules, their grades may be slipping, and their emotional state may be becoming worse. This research aims to determine how more time demands affect the academic success and emotions of happiness, enthusiasm, frustration, and feeling overwhelmed for Northern Illinois University (NIU) undergraduate students. This project started by designing a survey for the students to complete. After the design of the survey was finished, the survey was sent out via email to randomly selected students. The students who completed the survey were split into four different groups depending on the activity that they …

The Quaternion Algebra And Its Connections To Medical Imaging, Eli Q. Brottman

Honors Capstones

Pure mathematics topics have widely been regarded as having few practical applications; however, over time, many applications have arisen. One such application is using the quaternions, an abstract algebraic structure and extension of the complex number system, to enhance image quality. Quaternion numbers take the form z = a + bi + cj + dk, where a, b, c, d are real numbers, and i, j, k are distinct square roots of −1. By having three distinct square roots of −1, rather than just one (as in the standard complex number system), unique mathematical properties and practical uses arise. Quaternions …

Differences In Parent-Child Interaction Using Physical Toys Versus Technology, M. Appleberry

Honors Capstones

Parent-child interactions are vital to children’s growth and development. The quality of parent-child interactions shape the child’s cognitive and language development. As society becomes increasingly technologically advanced, it is important to consider how technology might impact the quality of parent-child interactions, particularly with young children. The purpose of this literature review was to analyze and evaluate research concerning how parent-child interactions differ when using a physical toy vs technology. Nine studies focusing on parent-child interactions with children between the ages of 16-36 months were reviewed. Results of the review indicate that parents typically engage in higher quality interactions with their …

Effective Of The Closed-Basket Weave Ankle Tape In Reducing Ankle Range Of Motion And Improving Dynamic Balance: A Pilot Study, Brooke E. Deeringer, Nicholas Grahovec

Honors Capstones

Abstract Context: Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries amongst the active adult population. Previous research has shown that ankle taping is an effective intervention for treating ankle sprains. However, no authors have compared this intervention to a sham intervention to rule out the possibility that the results are due to increased kinesthetic awareness or increased sensory response due to taping. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a closed-basket weave ankle taping in limiting range of motion (ROM) and improving dynamic balance during a performance assessment. Design: Randomized Controlled trial Setting: Exercise physiology lab Patients or Other Participants: …

Impact Of Hospitalization On Pediatric Patient's Mental Health, Skyler E. Hibbard

Honors Capstones

Hospitalization during childhood can interfere with a child’s progression through the developmental milestones resulting in poor mental and emotional health. Healthcare workers are able to provide care in such a way that supports healthy development if they have proper knowledge regarding the normal stages of development and how hospitalization impacts them. This review will explore the normal stages of development in children from birth until six years of age as well as various elements of hospitalization that interfere with them. Emphasis will be made on specific stressors associated with hospitalization as well as their influence on development and mental health. …

Childhood Obesity Long-Term Effects Into Adulthood, Alexis Behl

Honors Capstones

Childhood obesity has reached an epidemic level in the United States and is close to becoming a pandemic. Approximately eighteen percent of US children are obese; this is more than double the percentage from three decades ago. Obesity is commonly associated with other chronic health conditions which makes it not only a concern for adolescents but adults. Chronic conditions often seen in combination with obesity are hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, sleep apnea, poor self-esteem, and depression. In addition, studies done on adolescents to adulthood showed increase likelihood to suffer from cardiovascular disorders and digestive disease. The combination of childhood obesity and …

Big River Hardware, Jayla Walls

Honors Capstones

Big River Hardware is a small business that sells restored antique radio/radio parts and guitar parts. Ben, the owner of Big River Hardware, found it challenging to attract new customers. We created a Kickstarter campaign to bring attention to Big River Hardware, fund his business during COVID-19, and attract new customers.

Inhibitors Of The Sars-Cov-2 Papain-Like Protease, Zachary P. Del Mundo

Honors Capstones

The papain-like protease (PLpro) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a target enzyme for treatment of the 2019 coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19). Multiple lead competitive inhibitors to the protease have been previously discovered, particularly VIR250, HGN1034, and GYX402. Analogs of these ligands were designed using ChemSketch or Chem3D. The ligand-active site interactions of those unique ligands were observed and compared using AutoDock Tools, which also computes a predicted inhibitory constant (K​i)​ . Over the Fall 2020 semester, proficiency in performing several functions of AutoDock Tools was acquired, and a total of thirteen unique and original compounds …

Examining The Effects Of Competitive Balance On Attendance For European Soccer, Michael R. Yurkiv

Honors Capstones

European soccer leagues are notorious for being competitively imbalanced, the same teams winning the championship title each year. The question then becomes how this affects fans’ interest in attending games. When fans can guess how a season will end before it even starts, why would they attend matches? While plenty of prior research has explained the relationship between uncertainty of outcome and attendance for individual matches, there is little research that explores this relationship in the long term. This study uses the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) to measure the distribution of championships over a ten-year period for the leagues of the …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Pregnancy, Madison R. Cerda

Honors Capstones

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2, now officially named COVID-19. As a future nurse in labor and delivery I decided to focus on how coronavirus affects pregnancy. Pregnancy is considered a state of immune suppression, which makes this population especially vulnerable. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the health effects coronavirus has on the mother and fetus, while at the same time research possible treatment plans. The paper will highlight coronavirus’s history, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, obstetric workflow, how it affects the placenta, and breastfeeding recommendations. I …

The Absence Of Humanity, Heriberto Ponce

Student Projects

No abstract provided.

Detection Of Unauthorized Transmission In A Frequency Spectrum Using Wireless Sensor Network, Cory J. Packard, Barnes Randall, Alexander Bermeo

Honors Capstones

In the dawn of innovation in which technology interconnects the machine and user to more intentional levels than ever before, security of interconnected technology must be harnessed in order to ensure confidentiality of the consumer’s information in addition to the protection of device performance. A transmitter could be used to maliciously emit an unauthorized signal in order to gain access to sensitive information or control over a device. In order to prevent such an attack, a wireless detector should be implemented to warn a user of malicious activity. The detector is comprised of a mesh network of multiple sensors and …

Yamin Xu Master Of Fine Art Thesis, Yamin Xu

Student Projects

Yamin is a graduate student at Northern Illinois University. Before emigrating from China to come to the United States and pursuing an MFA, he had an undergraduate degree in Art Design and a master's degree in Information Science. Because of his "Maker" spirit and interdisciplinary background, complex engineering practices are easily incorporated into his artistic creation. He considers his work to be inventions that are a mixture of art and technology. He can skillfully use computer vision, computer graphics, micro-controllers circuitry, and 3D design as a combination tool of creation. His current area of interest is to apply machine learning …

Detection Of Unauthorized Transmission In A Frequency Spectrum Using Wireless Sensor Network, Cory J. Packard

Honors Capstones

In the dawn of innovation in which technology interconnects the machine and user to more intentional levels than ever before, security of interconnected technology must be harnessed in order to ensure confidentiality of the consumer’s information in addition to the protection of device performance. A transmitter could be used to maliciously emit an unauthorized signal in order to gain access to sensitive information or control over a device. In order to prevent such an attack, a wireless detector should be implemented to warn a user of malicious activity. The detector is comprised of a mesh network of multiple sensors and …

Moral Dilemmas In Ethical Philosophy, Anna K. Pesola

Honors Capstones

Moral dilemmas are often discussed in the philosophy of ethics. However, there is disagreement on what qualifies as a moral dilemma and what its implications are. A moral dilemma is thought to be a decision-making problem that involves conflicting obligations where the agent is required to satisfy one of the obligations but is unable to satisfy all of them. In this case, neither obligation is preferable as they each hold the same ethical implications. In a moral dilemma, a requirement may be found. However, there is disagreement among philosophers on whether matched requirements are a possibility. Because of this, I …

- Nine Years -, Danielle M. Koenig

Student Projects

Danielle Koenig obtained her Associate in Arts degree from Sauk Valley Community College in 2016 and will receiving her B.F.A in Design and Media Arts in photography, in 2020 from NIU. She has been in group exhibitions such as Challenging the Stigma, and the Annual Juried Blick Art Materials Ars Nova Exhibition. Her photographic work explores family. This series of photographs captures my two daughters as they navigate transitions from one stage of life to the next. The photographs explore their evolving identities during this time and their relationship to each other as sisters. My oldest was a twelve-year-old child …

Different Views, Manuel Espejel

Student Projects

I got into fashion through an older cousin who showed me magazines and had his own boutique store. He was much older than me and had a positive demeanor which showed me how to do more in life. My cousin introduced me to Streetwear at a moment when sneakers and t-shirt graphics were starting to come into fashion with brands like Supreme, The Hundreds, Stussy, and Obey. Curiosity sparked my interest in the history and reputation of each clothing line. Streetwear may look plain, but the graphics hold significance to inside jokes, current events, and popular culture. Some clothing will …

Consequences, Brieana Myrick

Student Projects

Our need for convenience has drastically and permanently damaged the environment. These images explore how we as individuals produce so much waste, most of which is single use plastics and food waste. These photographs use satire and humor to provoke a conversation on how we constantly choose to support companies that have very wasteful products. If we choose not to support companies that are environmentally destructive, they will have to listen to their customers and make a product that is easier to recycle, more sustainable, more compostable or biodegradable. We say that we want to do better for the environment, …

A Content Analysis Of Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Instruction: Seeing What Our Children See, Phoebe M. Regnery

Honors Capstones

This capstone was a content analysis of a commonly-used reading instruction program in the United States. A systematic analysis of character representations of gender, race/ethnicity, and disability was completed to examine the diversity within the Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention program. The results of this analysis found that one of the most commonly-used instructional reading programs does not accurately or proportionally portray the diversity in today’s classrooms. Data was collected about the character representations of gender, race/ethnicity, and disability. The analysis of the data suggested that there was a lack of representation in some of these populations when compared …

Gendering The Holocaust: Analyzing The Influence Of Gender And Sexuality Among Holocaust Perpetrators And Victims., John C. Recktenwall

Honors Capstones

From 1941-1945, the Nazi regime perpetrated one of the worst atrocities in recorded history. Approximately eleven million people would lose their lives, and a nation would be symbolically tried for these crimes at Nuremburg and the subsequent tribunals. Most of the defendants were men, but it is false to assume that the Holocaust was exclusively perpetrated by men. This project explores the atrocities committed by female perpetrators, as well as the experiences of female prisoners. Because of Germany's feminization of homosexual men, their experiences are also included in this project. The concept of gender being a determining factor in the …

The Paradoxes And Inconsistencies Created By Leading Women During The French Revolution: The "Feminist" Problems With Olympe De Gouges, Madame Roland, And Madame De Staël, Jill A. Harmston

Honors Capstones

In today’s world of strong feminist awareness, it is useful to look back on the history of this movement. When shallowly scraping the surface of history, the French Revolution presents itself as a period of rising feminine consciousness. However, trying to apply this description to three of the leading women of the era proves problematic. Olympe de Gouges, Madame Roland, and Madame de Staël—each a great woman in their own right—exemplify the inconsistencies and ambiguities of “feminism” in the upper echelons of French society. Individually, these women embodied a boldness and progressiveness that would be applauded today, yet they would …

Short Range Wave Glider, Jason Q. Ostenburg, Hannah M. Higgins, Mary E. Reinertson

Honors Capstones

Being able to study our bodies of water is extremely important to understanding our earth and how climate change is affecting it. Robotic, underwater collection devices are being designed and utilized to help with this endeavor. By taking a robot that is traditionally used in an oceanic setting and modifying it to be suited for research in the Great Lakes, a different form of data collection can begin to take place and further increase our knowledge for that region. The Short Range Wave Glider combines the benefits of several different underwater robots and is designed specifically for Great Lakes research.

Short Range Wave Glider, Mary E. Reinertson, Hannah M. Higgins, Jason Q. Ostenburg

Honors Capstones

Being able to study our bodies of water is extremely important to understanding our earth and how climate change is affecting it. Robotic, underwater collection devices are being designed and utilized to help with this endeavor. By taking a robot that is traditionally used in an oceanic setting and modifying it to be suited for research in the Great Lakes, a different form of data collection can begin to take place and further increase our knowledge for that region. The Short Range Wave Glider combines the benefits of several different underwater robots and is designed specifically for Great Lakes research.

Detection Of Unauthorized Transmissions In A Frequency Spectrum Using Wireless Sensor Network, Randall J. Barnes, Alexander Bermeo, Cory J. Packard

Honors Capstones

In the dawn of innovation in which technology interconnects the machine and user to more intentional levels than ever before, security of interconnected technology must be harnessed in order to ensure confidentiality of the consumer’s information in addition to the protection of device performance. A transmitter could be used to maliciously emit an unauthorized signal in order to gain access to sensitive information or control over a device. In order to prevent such an attack, a wireless detector should be implemented to warn a user of malicious activity. The detector is comprised of a mesh network of multiple sensors and …

Review Of Significant Physiological Pathways And Genes Associated Or Linked With Acquired Sensorineural Hearing Loss In Humans And Mice: A Comparative Analysis, Elizabeth M. Pawlica

Honors Capstones

There has been increased studies in genetic polymorphisms for acquired sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL). Many of these studies identify genes related to single cochlear insults such as age-related, noise-induced, or ototoxic hearing loss. These insults have overlapping molecular mechanisms. In a recent study, we used a cluster analysis to analyze genes related to ASNHL for all three cochlear insults to identify biological processes that generalize to ASNHL. In this study, we compared genes and biological processes highlighted in the previous study with the genes and biological processes highlighted in systematic reviews of ASNHL caused by individual insults to determine which …

Robotic Exoskeleton For Neuromuscular Rehabilitation And Exercise (4th Generation), Nicole E. Hoffmann, Andrew Elsten, Aletta Johnson, Moises Reynoso Jr.

Honors Capstones

With an aging population comes an increased need for advanced rehabilitation. Modern technological advances in the field of robotics are paving the way for high-tech yet cost-efficient biomedical devices. Exoskeletons allow for the rehabilitation of the neuropathways as well as an increased ability in motor function. The fourth-generation design of the robotic exoskeleton for neuromuscular rehabilitation and exercise is the embodiment of this idea. Using the information provided by the three previous generations, as well as the understanding granted from studying other designs and patents, an easy-to-use and sustainable rehabilitation device comes to fruition.

Etiological Components And Patterns Contributing To The Development Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, V. B. Kwaben

Honors Capstones

Intro: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects more than a quarter million people in the United States today. It involves a dysfunction within the humoral immune systems that leads the body to attack its own tissues mediating a chronic disease comprising episodes of exacerbations and remissions in which severe complications may occur. Background: Although the exact etiology of SLE is unknown, previous research has implicated a multitude of etiological components associated with SLE including genetic, hormonal, immunologic and environmental influences. In fact, research has found the development of SLE dependent upon the interaction of …

Factors That Make Outstanding Professors Successful, Mary Lou H. Yarger

Honors Capstones

There is a need to find excellence in education, particularly in the demanding specialty of nursing education. The purpose of this study was to revisit and expand upon Rossetti’s previous work of Factors That Make Outstanding Professors Successful: A Connection to Inspiration (2002). A qualitative study of Northern Illinois University’s (NIU) recipients of the Presidential Teaching Professorship award essays to find factors that make professors excellent in education. A poster of the literature review was presented on April 6th, 2020 at the School of Nursing Honors Poster Day. 13 essays were collected and analyzed, and the following themes were identified: …

Governance Issues In Nonprofit Organizations - An Exploratory Study, Julia C. Meyer

Honors Capstones

Nonprofit organizations are a great asset to our society, providing essential services to communities around the world. The nonprofit sector is varied, complex, and ever-changing, and few individuals truly understand it. I have a personal interest in nonprofit organizations, and for my senior capstone project, I wanted to conduct an exploratory study that would look at the governance aspects of nonprofit organizations. I developed a set of assumptions based on my own understanding of governance concepts and my personal experience with nonprofit organizations. In order to explore and test my assumptions, I conducted a set of interviews with local nonprofit …