Digital Commons Network^™

The Factors Influencing The Price Of Beef, An Econometric Study, John David Kamienski

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

The beef industry in the United States is changing on a daily basis. Retailers across the country are always striving to increase profits and cut costs. Through econometric study, this paper looks at viewing different factors that influence the final price and cost of beef to the retailer. With good results, a retailer can use this knowledge to achieve their ultimate goal: to make more money.

Ltr Retrotransposon Evolution In Wild Sunflowers, Kaitlin Marie Stimpson

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Transposable elements are DNA sequences that are able to move from place to place in the genome, and in some cases, make copies of themselves and reinsert back into the genome. Transposable elements are divided into three classes based on their method of transposition. Class I elements transpose by an RNA intermediate, and these include L TR (long terminal repeat) and non-L TR retrotransposons. Class II elements relocate in the genome without duplication. Interestingly, class III elements entirely lack genes and rely on products of other elements for transposition. Transposable elements are no longer considered unusual or unique components of …

Overcoming Cultural And Linguistic Barriers In Providing Adequate Speech-Language Pathology Services To U.S. Latinos, Allison Carolan

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

While these problems in health care and education are seemingly innumerable and heavily debated in every branch of American politics today, this review will focus primarily on the smaller realm of Speech-Language Pathology, and how Latinos are affected by America's inadequacies in this increasingly imperative discipline that lies beneath the umbrellas of health and education.

From Composition To Performance, Jacquelyn Dayle Zwiefel

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

As partial fulfillment of my senior thesis requirement, I chose to present a senior voice recital. This recital was a culmination of all that I learned as an undergraduate in the field of music. The music that I chose to perform allowed me to grow as a scholar, a musician, and a performer. I have also gained knowledge and strengthened my experience in ways that will be valuable to my career in music education. This presentation of music allowed me to grow in a way beyond that which is possible in the classroom.

Music And Visual Form: An Investigative Study, Kendra Bousfield

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Music and the visual arts are persistent areas of interest in my life; as a person who seeks to understand connections between and within the inner and outer worlds I designed a thesis project toward better appreciation of the relationship between music and art. This document chronicles the progression of my journey into and through an exploration of the association between music and art as well as the development of my thought and art-making regarding this subject. Along the way I encountered more questions than answers; in hope that others will continue this exploration and because questioning is an integral …

Synthesis Of Nanomaterials: Magnesium Hydroxide Nanoparticles And Applications For The Catalyzed Decomposition Of Toxins, Travis Witte

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Utilizing a modified sol-gel process, a series of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles will be produced. Each series synthesized will utilize six different toluene/methanol solvent ratios to yield six samples of nanoparticles. each with a different surface area. The surface area is expected to increase as the toluene/methanol ratio is increased. After preparation is completed, the nanoparticles will be characterized by BET method nitrogen adsorption measurement, IR spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. The Mg(OH)2 will then be utilized in a simple photocatalysis experiment to determine its possible use as catalyst for the degradation of toxic substances.

Popular Portrayal Versus Historical Evidence Concerning Mary Of Magdala, Robin Ann Yoerger

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

ln addition to scholarly sources, I will explore representations of Mary Magdalene in popular culture, such as artwork, drama, and secular literature, to see how these portrayals compare and contrast with those in the texts. It is important to explore these sources because many people today receive their information primarily from secular portrayals, not scholarly studies. As is especially true when misinformation is present, such as in The Da Vinci Code, a reader with no prior factual background on the subject can easily be misguided in his or her understanding of the topic. A:fter considering all these factors, we may …

An Examination Of Tag-Questions And Ellipsis In English And Spanish, Tiffany Judy

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

In this paper, I will examine how tag-questions function in English and test if they function in the same way in Spanish. Then, I will compare the differences between the two languages and propose a structure and method for forming tag-questions in each language. Also, I will examine how ellipsis functions in each language and how it supports the analysis of the tag-questions. Finally, I will show that a few of the apparent differences between the two languages are incorrect and I will give my proposed solution.

Using Space To Describe Space: American Sign Language And The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, Cindee Calton

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

My study sought to combine two topics that have recently generated much interest among anthropologists. One of these topics is American Sign Language, the other is linguistic relativity. Although both topics have been a part of the literature for some time, neither has been studied extensively until the recent past. Both present exciting new horizons for understanding culture, particularly language and culture.

The first of these two topics is the study of American Sign Language. The reason for its previous absence from the literature has to do with unfortunate prejudice which, for a long time, kept ASL from being recognized …

Push And Pull: Using Regression Models To Study The Influence Of Economic Variables On Net Migration In Iowa Counties, Andrea White

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Migration is an intensely personal decision, but mathematical models are useful for quantifying the larger, economic aspects of it. The goal of this research is to use spatial and multiple regression models to study the influence of economic variables on net migration rates in Iowa counties. To achieve this data for many variables was collected from several sources and centered on the year 2000. S-plus software was used to create neighborhood structures, run spatial correlations and regressions, and run multiple regressions and residual diagnostics. The results showed that it is possible to develop a good regression model of migration using …

The Welsh Language: Cultural Preservation Or A Losing Battle?, Kim Mercer

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Wales, the tiny country that along with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England makes up the United Kingdom, has always been a land of great contrasts and conflicts. From the rocky northern crags of Snowdonia to the sunny (for Britain) beaches of South Wales, the land itself seems to foster divisions, cultural and political as well as physical. The Welsh are likewise a mixed population, containing major populations of English immigrants and other "foreigners" drawn to the country for job opportunities, political refuge, as well as retirees enthralled with the landscape and change of pace from the rapid urbanization of much …

A Look At The Little Rock Nine, Stacey Noble

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

The sun beat down on fields of puffy white clouds as glistening backs reaped the new harvest. At the end of the long, grueling day, the people known as slaves returned to their cabins to sleep until the early morning call once again beckoned them to the fields. As the white owners spent their evenings reading books, writing letters, updating the accounts, the people they owned may have sung or told stories, but they did not read. They did not write, and they did not update any accounts. They did not show any sign of education. To be educated and …

The Qi Connection: A Study In Studying Qi, Elizabeth Brooke Barrett

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

The concept of Qi (pronounced "chee") is a difficult one to understand, let alone study. It strikes most of us as amorphous at best. Traditional Chinese Medicine enthusiasts in the West translate the term as "life-energy". How much more broad could it be! Some try to make the term scientific, referring to Qi as "bio-electrical" or "bio-magnetic", but they succeed only in clouding the issue further. Certainly, it does not help matters that those who would seem to know the most about this concept of Qi, the Qigong masters, are themselves most mysterious. Is it any wonder that many in …

The Formation Of The Bible, Steve Allen

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

How could such a diverse group of books written over a period of 1500 years by over 40 different authors from all walks of life on three different continents and in three different languages be included in one single compilation (McDowell, 4)? Yet, this is what the present day Bible consists of The New Testament and the Old Testament were brought together by different means and at different times, but both have been declared complete and exhaustive by the early church and most people today. So, the main question revolves around how these particular sixty-six books (see chart 5) were …

The Mutual Find Scandal: A Day Trading Simulation, Matt Becker

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

The 6.9 trillion dollar mutual fund industry has come under fire due to questionable practices conducted by mutual fund companies. Individual investors trying to diversify with a small amount of money have historically turned to mutual funds. Mutual funds were used as a safe vehicle for investors rather than buying thirty different stocks in order to diversify away unsystematic risk. The perception that mutual fund companies were acting in the best interests of individual investors has been challenged in the past year. Elliot Spitzer, the New York Attorney General, brought to light some illegal and highly questionable activities of mutual …

Rules-Based Vs. Principles-Based Accounting Standards: Analyzing The Impact Of Amending Apb No. 18 To A Principles-Based Standard, Jodi E. Ferring

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

In the above analysis I considered the impact of amending APB No. 18 to a principles-based standard upon implementation, accounting objectives, and management manipulation. The analysis has uncovered both positive and negative aspects to a change in the accounting standards setting process. Implementation would be more costly and require more resources due to applying judgment instead of objective tests. Accounting objectives of comparability and reliability could arguably be improved assuming implementation is accurate. Principles-based accounting standards would not significantly improve consistency. Management structuring of transactions could be decreased assuming accurate implementation. The analysis has discovered that the potential success of …

Isaiah And The Suffering Servant: A Look At Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (Biblical References: English Standard Version), Laura Helmke

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

As I read the book of lsaiah and the prophecy it holds, it gives a certain insight into something much bigger than my own understanding. As an Orthodox Jewish man once spoke about prophecy, Isaiah takes the viewpoint as one looking down from a precipice. It isn't necessarily looking directly into the future; instead, it takes the divine big picture and tries to explain it in human terms. So, when looking through the 66 chapters of Isaiah, I understand why this section of Scripture draws curiosity, debate, and passion.

As a child growing up with the Bible as a common …

Paperless Construction: How Contractors Can Adjust To Change In The Industry, Tyler Hackman, James Lindgren, Kerri Rackow, Chris Snyder

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Paperless construction, in a nut shell, is the use of online or electronic programs for managing contracts, changes, drawings, submittals, RFis, correspondence, lab data, and inspection reports (Construction). The paperless construction movement is making its way through all types of construction, including residential, commercial, and heavy highway. It affects the whole project, from pre-bid, to project management, to closeout, and as the industry constantly becomes more paperless, contractors are forced to make changes in their processes to keep up with the trend. Peters Construction Corporation in Waterloo, Iowa, is an example a company committed to keeping on the leading edge. …

Senior Thesis Work, Corey Jansen

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

In closing, it is important to remember, as stated earlier, that no one can prove exactly what it was that the authors of Genesis were trying to get across to us. It is valid to note, however, that the stories they were trying to get across were intended for and more properly understood by the people at that time and place. While they form the basis of many of our beliefs in Christianity, they weren't written with the realization that thousands of years later there would be great scientific discoveries that would teach us more about the world and about …

The Biopsychosocial Model Of Medicine: Implications For The Future Of Healthcare, Abby M. Luensmann

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

The science of medicine is changing at an incredible rate. New treatments, technologies, and biologically-based discoveries seem to occur almost daily. In fact, the health care business has evolved into the largest service industry in the United States, grossing more than $1 trillion annually (Taylor, 2003). Despite the obvious attention paid to health-related issues in this country, is our health care system actually providing American citizens with the most efficient and effective care treatments possible? Do current medical practices have the best interests of the American public in mind, or are outdated philosophies being used to treat illnesses and diseases …

Cerebral Palsy: Physical Therapy And Medical Treatment Issues, Jill Pedretti

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

A discussion of the various terms associated with CP as well as the different classifications will precede a review of several randomized controlled trials, case studies, cohort studies and other related articles regarding treatment methods. Specifically, the use of Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (1TB), Botulinum toxin injections (Botox), Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, Threshold Electrical Stimulation (TES), and Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy will be examined.

Effect Of Light Duration On Pulvinar Motor Organ Movements In Phaseolus Vulgaris, Thomas William Rinehart

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

With a well established model in place, the main objective of this study will be to determine if the pulvinar motor organs have a threshold radiation level to elicit paraheliotropic movements. Plants will be illuminated with full spectrum light at varying intensities and periods. Observation will take place minute-by-minute in an effort to denote certain lighting conditions which might trigger paraheliotropism.

Teaching Speaking In The Foreign Language Classroom, Amanda J. Smith

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

One of the most necessary skills for living in the twenty-first century is gaining the ability to know and use another language. In many areas of life, from business transactions to broadcasting television weather warnings, the demand for proficiency in a foreign language is growing. One of the most important skills to have in a foreign language is the ability to speak the language with native or non-native speakers of that language. A great number of foreign language learners most likely consider one of their primary language goals to be the ability to speak the language at a high level …

Similarities And Differences In Perception And Production Of Diphthong Sounds Among Native Speakers Of Spanish And English, Kelley Wilkinson

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

This thesis studies the similarities and differences between native speakers of the Spanish and English languages in the pronunciation of diphthong sounds, both the speakers' perception of such sounds as well as the actual sound produced. Two methods were used in determining trends and dissimilarities. Participants were asked to identify how many distinct segments they perceived in each of four test words. The results were then calculated and compared to seek common trends between the languages. The second method of determining similarities and differences involved measuring voice samples from the participants with a spectrograph. The end results were that while …

Coping With Work-School Conflict Through Social Support, Kyle Gerjerts

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

In the present study, we extended previous research by examining both the primary appraisal and buffering functions of social support on work-school conflict. Moreover, we looked at social support from both supervisors and coworkers. We also advanced the literature by examining two previously unexamined consequences of work-school conflict. We measured job satisfaction as a psychological indicator of strain and somatic complaints as a physical indicator of strain. We viewed work-school conflict as a stressor and predicted that higher levels of it would be related to lower job satisfaction and more somatic complaints. Based on the primary appraisal function of social …

Theoretical Neuroscience: Modeling The Activation Mechanism Of Potassium Channels In Neurons, Kevin Twedt

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

We have modeled the electrostatic interaction between the S4 segment of the potassium channel molecule and the surrounding water molecules on both the intracellular and extracellular sides of the neural axon cell membrane. Two methods were used to approximate this interaction: (i) a macroscopic evaluation in which the water was treated as a dielectric medium with dielectric constant 80; (ii) a microscopic evaluation considering the effects of each individual water molecule fixed in position within the water pockets surrounding the S4 segment. The potential energy of the S4 due to the water pockets was plotted against the rotation of the …

Sox In The Boardroom: The Impact Of Sarbanes-Oxley 2002 On The Corporate Reporting Of The Fortune Fifty, Angela Boedeker

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

When I began this research project I believed that I would find some major differences in reporting between the 2001 and 2002 financial reports of major corporations. My research question was, "What was the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on the corporate reporting of the top 50 corporations in America as identified by Fortune magazine." Each year Fortune magazine lists the top 500 public corporations in American with the rankings based upon revenues. The results of the 2001 financial reports of these corporations led to the 2002 listing in the magazine; the results of the 2002 financial reports …

Sarbanes-Oxley: A Compliance Case Study, Rachel Kass

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Sarbanes-Oxley is a piece of legislation passed into law on July 30, 2002 (The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 With Analysis, 2002, p. iii). The act was developed to, " .. . to enhance public company governance, responsibility, and disclosure (p. l)." The official name of the act is Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act. The name Sarbanes-Oxley comes from the act's co-sponsors: Senator Paul Sarbanes, D-Maryland and Senator Michael Oxley, R-Ohio. (Callaghan, 2004) The legislation adds requirements for publicly held corporations, not private companies, in the United States regarding internal controls and financial reporting. Sarbanes-Oxley, nicknamed SOX, …

Intergenerational Preferences Regarding Punishment Of Criminal Offenders, Allison Deutsch, Molly Movall, Christine Van Berkum

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

The purpose of this study is to examine intergenerational differences regarding corporal punishment of criminal offenders, particularly preferential differences that occur between members of the Baby Boom and Echo-Baby Boom generations. This research is of interest due to America 's changing culture. The children of Baby Roomers see fewer acts and practices as sinful and morally wrong than do their parents, and our research examines if similar changes occurred in the criminal justice system in response to how offenders should be punished. No studies currently exist which examine this issue, and this research will create awareness in the discipline of …

A Comparison Of The Epithelium To Mesenchyme Transformation Process In Cultured Embryonic Chick Neural Crest Cells And Human Metastatic Cervical Cancer Cells, Molly Decker

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Embryonic neural crest cells (NCCs) and metastasizing cancer cells both undergo an epithelium to mesenchyme transformation (EMT) during which they disengage from neighboring cells and basement membrane and actively migrate to new locations. NCCs, small groups of cells that emerge from the neural tube, move directionally through adjacent tissues to reach specific destinations where they differentiate into a diverse array of specific cells and tissues. Caski cells are an established line of metastatic cervical cancer cells that contain HPV. We compared NCCs to Caski cells during EMT with respect to the expression of key proteins related to cell migration-integrin, paxillin, …