Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring How Sino-Business Culture Informs United States Business Negotiation Practice, Chase Peterson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Numerous scholarly works have explored the intricacies of negotiating with China. This paper aims to add value to previous research by providing insights deduced from cross-cultural communication with individuals from the People's Republic of China (PRC), while emphasizing the advantages of adaptation of Chinese business culture by U.S. negotiators. The United States Institute of Peace observed several biases among U.S. negotiators including a tendency to accept initial solutions prematurely, as well as a lack of understanding regarding counterparts' objectives and contextual circumstances (Quinney 2002). The strengths of Chinese business culture help remedy these tendencies and inform Western negotiators how different …

Transformational Leadership And Teacher Commitment: Examining Differences Between Rural And Non-Rural Teachers, Kyle Jonathan Patterson

Theses and Dissertations

Teacher burnout, absenteeism, and turnover continue to plague schools throughout the United States. Researchers have suggested that a school principal's transformational leadership may impact teacher commitment, though there are limited findings regarding the differences in commitment levels among rural and non-rural teachers. There are also limited findings regarding how the different elements of a principal's transformational leadership (idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, and inspirational motivation) impact teachers' professional and organizational commitment, if at all. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential differences in commitment levels among rural and non-rural teachers, as well as urban-rural differences in the …

Mathematical Modeling And Understanding The Physiological Mechanisms Of Vibration On Wound Healing And Scar Remodeling, Devin Rion Needs

Theses and Dissertations

Chronic wounds and pathological scars reduce the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Through mathematical modeling and clinical testing, understanding of how these conditions occur continues to increase. These tools have also been employed to investigate the efficacy of treatments that could impact wound healing and scar remodeling. The purpose of this work is to investigate the physiological effects of vibration treatment on wound healing, blood flow, and scar remodeling through mathematical modeling and experimental testing. This work presents and validates a mathematical murine model for whole body vibration enhanced wound healing (VEWH). This VEWH model builds on …

Effects Of Professional Development On Secondary School Teachers’ Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, And Attitudes About Adhd, Rebecca Jeanne Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Educators in general are not likely to have an accurate understanding of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including its etiology, how it presents, or how it is treated. Teachers also report lower satisfaction with students who have ADHD, including frustration with classroom experiences. Additionally, teachers express a desire to learn more about ADHD and how to manage related behaviors in their classrooms. Students with ADHD report wishing their teachers liked them more and understood that they aren't trying to be difficult. Accurate knowledge of ADHD has been shown to improve teacher efficacy. The current research study is adapted from Latouche …

Control, Localization, And Shock Optimization Of Icosahedral Tensegrity Systems, Brett Layer

Theses and Dissertations

Exploring the design space of tensegrity systems is the basis of the work presented in this thesis. The areas explored as part of this research include the optimization of tensegrity structures to minimize the size of a tensegrity structure given payload shock constraints, and the control and locomotion of an icosahedral tensegrity system using movable masses and using an accelerometer in conjunction with leveraging geometrical knowledge of an icosahedral tensegrity system to localize the system after the system moves. In the optimization design space, a simplified model was created to represent an icosahedral tensegrity structure. This was done by assuming …

The Acceptability Of Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training For Couples Impacted By Aphasia: A Mixed Methods Pilot Investigation, Kathryn-Anne Pertab, Tyson G. Harmon, Jonathan Sandberg, Jon L. Pertab, William S. Evans

Faculty Publications

Purpose: This study explored the acceptability and impact of Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training (RC-CPT) in couples impacted by aphasia. In particular, couples considered whether discussing their relationship roles and responsibilities was important and relevant to the changes they desire. Preliminary quasi-experimental data regarding perceived communication confidence and the marriage relationship were also obtained.

Method: Three couples participated in RC-CPT across two sessions. Surveys were used to measure communication confidence and the marital relationship before and after participation in RC-CPT. The quantitative findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Couples also participated in a semi-structured interview about the acceptability of RC-CPT, during …

Using Rna Sequencing Methodologies To Uncover Common Pathways In Neural Tube Defects: A Comparative Study Of Three Oxidative Neurotoxicants, Aubrey Coleen Johansen

Theses and Dissertations

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common type of congenital birth defect that affect infants worldwide. There are several proposed mechanisms for NTDs, but no definitive mechanism has yet been described. One possible mechanism is oxidative disruption of normal developmental signaling. The purpose of this study is to culture whole mouse embryos with three common developmental toxicants, mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP, a plastic pollutant), Fumonisin B1 (FB1, a corn mold), and valproic acid (VPA, an anticonvulsant drug), all of which are known to cause NTDs, and compare their shifts in redox potential and changes to important signaling pathways through …

Transition-Based Services And Community Support: Improving Knowledge Of Community Resources For Youth With Disabilities In Role Transitions, Ian Christopher Gee

Theses and Dissertations

Youth with disabilities often struggle to transition into new areas of life; many of these youth have difficulty finding and keeping jobs, making friends, and living independently. The present study evaluated the effects of accessing an online guide detailing how to access supports in one's community. The goal was to increase knowledge of community support options for four students with intellectual and learning disabilities from a transition-support program in the Mountain West. The guide included information on applying for a job, making friends by joining a social club, and finding where to attend church. Results indicated that each student learned …

Perceptual, Acoustic, And Kinematic Measures Of Speech Precision And Steadiness, Jessica Jamiel Martin

Theses and Dissertations

Clinicians rely on perceptual analysis in the assessment and diagnosis of motor speech disorders. However, connecting perceptual measures to quantitative data has proved challenging. This study uses correlational analyses to explore the relationship between perceptual, acoustic, and kinematic measures. Twenty typical speakers provided speech samples of rapid syllable repetition and speech tasks, which were then rated by 12 listeners for precision and steadiness on a visual analog scale. Data was analyzed to identify significant correlations between the measures. We found evidence of a modest perceptual-acoustic relationship, with results suggesting that acoustic rate may be correlated with perceptual features. Our findings …

Preparing For And Engaging Middle School Students In Read-Alouds Of Expository Texts, Kari L. Allsup

Theses and Dissertations

As most classroom teachers primarily select narrative texts for interactive read-alouds, there is a lack of research that explores interactive read-alouds of expository texts. To address the call for greater equity between narrative and expository texts in curriculum, the purpose of this study was to examine how a seventh-grade English language arts teacher prepared for and engaged students in interactive read-alouds using expository texts. Using a self-study methodology, data were collected in three ways: field notes that captured preparation, video recordings that captured the read-alouds, and post read-aloud reflections that captured impressions following the read-alouds. Findings are organized into two …

Black Stereotypes In Basketball Films, Carsen Jackson Williams

Theses and Dissertations

This study conducts a frequency analysis on the Black stereotypes portrayed in popular basketball films through the lens of media framing. Academic literature has made a frequent topic of racial bias and its role in professional sports, particularly through sports media. However, there is a gap in the literature when looking specifically at basketball films as a whole and the prevalence therein of racial stereotypes, specifically Black stereotypes. Using framing theory as the backbone of the study, a frequency analysis was completed of main characters in the ten most popular basketball films to identify what Black Stereotypes arise. Most common …

Nothing About Us Without Us: A Folkloristic Approach To Creating Neurodivergent-Friendly Pedagogies For Secondary Classrooms, Brittney Hatchett

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper examines how utilizing an applied folkloristic approach of studying the communities of ADHD and autistic people allows us to conduct research that actively involves the voices of ADHD and autistic adults. I have collected personal experience narratives from ADHD and autistic college-aged students about their experiences with different teaching strategies in junior high and high school. Through analysis of these narratives, I examine how the narratives of ADHD and autistic individuals can help guide educational pedagogies towards models that more equitably consider cultures of disabled individuals and better meet the educational needs of future neurodivergent students while simultaneously …

Speech Prosody In People With Non-Fluent Aphasia: A Descriptive Study Of Between And Within Utterance Pause, Makayla Brielle Newcombe

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of pause duration and frequency in speakers with moderate nonfluent aphasia and apraxia. The speech recordings analyzed in this study were produced by 16 adult speakers of American English (8 males and 8 females). Speech samples were provided by the AphasiaBank database (i.e., narrative samples from the Cinderella Story). Praat acoustic analysis software was used to code the speech samples for utterance boundaries and durations, as well as between and within filled and silent pause durations and frequencies. Results found a difference in silent versus filled pause durations, with silent pauses …

Episodic Memory Influences On Decision-Making: An Fmri Investigation Of Young And Older Adult Populations, Julie Van

Theses and Dissertations

Episodic memory involves the ability to remember specific events and personal experiences. It shares computational and neural resources with episodic future thinking, or the ability to simulate future episodes in anticipation of situations that have not yet occurred. Activity in the frontal lobe has been associated with episodic memory formation, as functional connectivity between the medial temporal lobe (MTL) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been associated with the organization and manipulation of information when forming memories. At its core, episodic memory extends to several other functional domains by recombining past information to construct future scenarios, facilitating an aspect of "mental …

Occupational Prestige Among East, Southeast, And Mixed Asian Groups: Exploring Heterogeneity Within The Model Minority Narrative, Kyli Fox Soug

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The phenomena of Asians exceeding Non-Hispanic Whites in education and income has been thoroughly documented and researched. However, existing research has often overlooked whether this achievement translates into access to prestigious occupations. Moreover, the predominant focus on East Asian perspectives with educational attainment and success frameworks neglects the experiences of Southeast or mixed Asian individuals. This quantitative study examines the unique experiences of East, Southeast, and mixed-race Asian Americans, in gaining entry to prestigious occupations. It seeks to understand the diversity within the broader Asian American population and dispel notions surrounding the homogeneity of the Asian experience.

Caregiver And Clinician Impressions On The Development Of Spoken Language In Autistic Cochlear Implant Users, Courtney Dawn Marks

Theses and Dissertations

The current literature reports that oral language development is not a realistic goal for autistic cochlear implant users (ACI). This is curious, due to the general success of cochlear implants and the fact that many autistic individuals develop strong spoken language skills. Therefore, this study aimed to examine clinician and caregiver insights into spoken language development in the ACI population with the aim of elucidating the factors that influence the poor outcomes reported in the literature. We predicted that cochlear implant function would not be the limiting factor in ACI language development, but that device use and sensory atypicalities might …

Epck Transfer Between Math And Science, Elise Marie Joyner

Theses and Dissertations

Generalist elementary school teachers have little time to develop enacted pedagogical content knowledge (ePCK) in all content areas. Therefore, the transfer of ePCK from one content area to another, such as between math and science, can help generalist teachers build their knowledge needed for teaching regardless of their content area strengths. This self-study examines the ePCK components and their elements present in both math and science instruction. I am a fifth-grade teacher in Utah County who has been teaching for 4 years. Math is taught daily, and science is taught approximately three times a week. The self-study includes six video …

Dungeons & Dragons & Dissertations: A Study Of Therapeutically Applied Tabletop Roleplaying Game Groups At A University Counseling Center, Samuel Mischa Chun

Theses and Dissertations

Although there is a large body of research on the effects of unstructured group therapy among college students, there is inconclusive research on how implementing tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) as a structured activity affects group cohesion for therapy groups made up of college students. Participants were adult, full-time university students who are seeking therapy at the university counseling center. This study measured the effectiveness of therapeutically applied TTRPGs in group therapy with a mixed-methods approach. Participants took the Outcome Questionnaire-45 (OQ-45) to measure psychological functioning, the Group Questionnaire (GQ) to measure group cohesion, and answered five qualitative questions to describe …

Revolutionize Your Child's Future With The Ultimate Smart Education System, Sam Smith

Student Works

In the journey of life, education is the compass that guides our children toward a brighter future. Yet, in today's fast-paced digital world, the traditional compass is evolving into a sophisticated GPS. Enter the Smart Education System—a revolutionary beacon that harnesses the power of technology to illuminate personalized, engaging, and effective learning pathways. This guide delves into how the ultimate Smart Education System can transform your child's future, paving the way to endless possibilities.

Are Women The Silver Bullet? Understanding Women’S Perceptions Of Gun Reform And Red Flag Laws In The United States, Emmeline Farwell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines women’s perceptions of gun reform policies and how they can be used as a measure to predict how women could potentially view specific gun reform policies like red flag laws. Specific policies like the assault weapons ban and red flag laws are becoming increasingly common, practical measures to reduce gun violence, but little academic research has been done on them. Using data from the 2022 Congressional Election Survey conducted by the University of Texas at Austin University, I use several linear regressions to ascertain how one’s gender affects feelings or support for gun reform generally and for …

Toward Overcoming The Double Empathy Problem: Bridging Autistic And Neurotypical Minds Through Science And Art, Elizabeth Rose Bessey

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, autistic people have been portrayed as lacking empathy. However, more recent research reveals mutual, rather than one-sided, gaps in empathy between autistic and neurotypical (NT) people. Decreased empathy can lead to marginalization and even violence, usually toward those in the minority. Regardless of diagnosis, however, there are fundamental aspects of the human experience upon which empathy could be built. In the present study, we explored commonalities and differences in how autistic and NT individuals experience comfort and discomfort. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to discover the causes, emotions, and reactions to comfortable and uncomfortable social situations and environments across autistic …

Educational Barriers For Children In Nepalese Brick Kiln Communities, Eve Burgess

Ballard Brief

Throughout Nepal, brick kilns employ thousands of families annually for the seasonal work of crafting and shipping bricks. As families migrate between work in brick factories and agricultural work at home, more factors block their children from a complete and quality education. The open invitation to begin working with their parents and to help provide for the family becomes a strong temptation that causes many children to give up on school. In addition, Nepal's lack of law enforcement frequently allows children to drop out of school early without consequence. Their parents do not attempt to stop them either, making little …

Front Matter

Swiss American Historical Society Review

No abstract provided.

The Tiny Village In The American Appalachians That Is More Swiss Than Switzerland, David Signer, Jonas Kakó

Swiss American Historical Society Review

About 150 years ago, Swiss immigrants founded the hamlet of Helvetia in West Virginia. Villagers still organize themselves democratically and celebrate Swiss festivals. The background of a popular video game is even modeled after the idyllic town. But can Helvetia survive?

Praising The Industrial Achievements Of Switzerland In The Early Twentieth Century: A Mural Painting Cycle For The Federal Polytechnic In Zurich, Alex Winiger

Swiss American Historical Society Review

The dome of the Swiss parliament’s building, the central part of the so-called “Bundeshaus” in Bern, is framed by four stained glass windows. They represent four pillars of the Swiss economy of around 1900: commerce to the north, textile industries to the east, agriculture to the south, and metal industries to the west. Other important sources of the growing wealth of the country are absent: finance (the banks), science (especially chemistry and its respective productions), and tourism. The latter found abundant representation in the railway stations of the time, relics of them still to be seen in the entrance hall …

Book Review: 50 Amazing Swiss Women: True Stories You Should Know About, Mary Brunisholz, Yvonne Sandoz

Swiss American Historical Society Review

From Mary Brunisholz:

50 Amazing Swiss Women is the collaborative result of five industrious women writers and one first-rate illustrator brought together by lead author Laurie Theurer, to present this modern view of admirable and inspirational Swiss women in historical and contemporary views. The target audience is primarily adolescent readers, but booklovers of any age will enjoy the read. Included with the book are companion materials for schools in English, German and French that are available for a free download at Bergli Books at 50 Amazing Swiss Women—Bergli.

From Yvonne Sandoz:

To mark the 50th anniversary of Swiss women …

Book Review: Iron And Blood: A Military History Of The German-Speaking Peoples Since 1500, John E. Fahey

Swiss American Historical Society Review

Modern Germany has a reputation for militarism and expansion. This reputation is often distilled into a simple view of German states as aggressive, regimented, and militaristic. Peter Wilson’s Iron and Bloodexplores how conflict has shaped German history since the 1500s. An accomplished historian of the Thirty Years War, Wilson is the right author for this work, and is able to draw out important themes and subtleties of German military history. He argues that although militarism is “integral” to German history and state structure, it was “neither an end destination nor a single trajectory of development” (xliii). He shows that …

Book Review: The Gilded Chalet: Off-Piste In Literary Switzerland

Swiss American Historical Society Review

Part detective work, part treasure chest, full of history and scandal, award-winning writer Padraig Rooney takes you on a grand tour of two centuries of great writing by both Swiss and foreign authors and shows how Switzerland has always been at the center of literary Europe.

Full Issue

Swiss American Historical Society Review

No abstract provided.

Schwarzenbach Goes South, Padraig Rooney

Swiss American Historical Society Review

Swiss writer Annemarie Schwarzenbach arrived in the United States in late August 1936 at the invitation of the American photographer Barbara Hamilton Wright. It was the first of three visits over the next five years, during which Annemarie reported on Roosevelt’s America for a variety of Swiss newspapers and illustrated magazines. Her first road trip through the Rust Belt was a success with her Swiss editors and the two women planned a second in the American South in the Fall of 1937. In late September, they boarded third class on the S.S. Berengaria, bound for New York. The effect …