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Kss 3860 : Organization And Administration In Exercise Science, Kinesiology And Sports Studies

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Bio 2220 : Anatomy And Physiology Ii, Biological Sciences

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Survey And Analysis Of Four Works For Wind Band, Bryan Chesi

Masters Theses

Intended as a resource for band conductors, this essay provides background information, composer biographical information, and salient features of four wind band compositions. The compositions include two works composed for band by award winning composers. Two others are transcriptions and arrangements of works originally composed for orchestra or other mediums. The pieces include Colorado Peaks composed by Dana Wilson, Commando March composed by Samuel Barber, Blessed Are They by Johannes Brahms - Arranged by Barbara Buehlman, and Spoon River composed by Percy Grainger - arranged by Glenn Cliffe Bainum. Topics include an examination of flexible scoring and compositional style in …

Derivatization And Separation Of Natural Estrogens (Estrone, 17Β-Estradiol, And Estriol) Using Gas Chromatography With Flame Ionization Detection (Gc-Fid), Dena L. Guptill

Masters Theses

A major cause of concern for estrogens found in the environment is that even at very low concentrations (10-100 ng/L) they can have a negative effect on aquatic ecosystems by disrupting endocrine systems. Due to the increasing importance of monitoring the levels of estrogens in the environment, a detection method was developed to identify and quantify three natural estrogens (estrone, 17β-estradiol and estriol) using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). In addition, the efficacy of two derivatizing agents, N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl) acetamide (BSTA) and N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA), was evaluated. The GC detector (FID) was most responsive with E3, followed by E1 and …

An Examination Of Self-Esteem's Impact On The Leadership Behaviors Of Female Undergraduate Student Leaders, Allison J. Moran

Masters Theses

Self-esteem and leadership behaviors vary from individual to individual. Previous research indicates that multiple external factors influence self-esteem. Results of this study indicate that levels of self-esteem have the potential to influence leadership behaviors. This study utilized qualitative research practices to explore levels of self-esteem and leadership behaviors among female college student leaders. Six female undergraduate students at a public, four-year, midsized institution located in the Midwest were interviewed for this study. Participants included two sorority presidents, two registered student organization presidents, and two athletic captains. Results of this study indicate that self-esteem can be categorized into three areas: high, …

Emotional Intelligence As A Mediator In The Relationship Between Mindfulness And Subjective Well-Being, Christopher Griebel

Masters Theses

Mindfulness can be defined as an awareness fostered by regulating one's attention in a particular manner over time, on purpose, in the present moment, and in a non-judgmental manner (Kabat-Zinn, 2012). In attempting to identify some of the mechanisms of action through which mindfulness positively impacts well-being, recent literature has suggested the possible role that emotional intelligence (EI) might play (Schutte & Malouff, 2011; Wang & Kong, 2014). The present study attempted to empirically verify the proposed mechanism of action. In addition, the study conceptualized mindfulness as a multidimensional construct by adopting the five-facet model of mindfulness (Baer, Smith, Hopkins, …

Branding A Cohesive Identity: The Case Of Northern Illinois Alliance, Ashley Gocken

Masters Theses

This paper reflects upon a communication action plan that was developed for Northern Illinois Alliance. After examination of its current communication, competitor communication, research from Adayana (a research firm), and discussions with NIA's general manager, it was determined that NIA suffers from a lack of cohesive organizational identity and overall branding. Therefore, organizational identity and branding were used as the framework for the communication action plan. The paper outlines data collection, reasoning for the proposed tactics within the communication action plan, and an overall evaluation from NIA's general manager.

The Validity Of The Obsessive-Compulsive Syndromes As Emotional Disorders, Doty Jennings

Masters Theses

Recent changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders have grouped together syndromes which are referred to as the obsessive-compulsive spectrum (OCS). The grouping of these syndromes is disputed because of lack of empirical verification for an organization purportedly based on research that supports similarity of observed symptoms. The taxonomy of emotional disorders was tested as an alternative model. Consistent with the model of the emotional disorders, this empirical research tested two proposed characteristics. The first was whether three OCS syndromes (hoarding syndrome, body dysmorphic syndrome, and obsessive compulsive syndromes) shared the broad factor of neuroticism or negative …

Age Is Just A Number: Using Economic And Social Models In The Millennial Generation To Predict Policy Support And Political Beliefs, Lindsey E. Juszczak

Masters Theses

Generational succession is an interesting phenomenon that occurs in all social sciences. The human generations overlap one another, but researchers have defined several generations to which a certain age belongs: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and the Millennials. Being born in a particular time frame could affect the attitudes, beliefs, and values a person holds in general. This paper looks at the generational variable to predict six policy areas, asking the question: is there a millennial age difference that predicts policy support for Social Security spending, military spending, abortion, same-sex marriage, environmental spending, and climate change? Using data from …

Human Trafficking And National Security - Policy Responses, Douglas V. Peterson

Masters Theses

Human trafficking poses a threat to national security and undermines global order. Trafficking exploits sovereign borders and undermines state legitimacy by highlighting failures of governance. This thesis seeks to understand policy responses to human trafficking, which are essential to providing resilient national security while upholding human rights.

I conducted a mixed methods analysis to examine three levels of government response to trafficking: domestic, regional/international, and foreign domestic measures. I examined how the United States Senate develops anti-trafficking legislation, how human rights regimes are developing within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and how specific Southeast Asian nations have responded …

Yeah You Write: Authenticity And Authority In Katrina Literature, Terri Coleman

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Examining College Faculty And Staff's Levels Of Confidence And Preparedness In Recognizing And Responding To Distressed Students, Rachel L. Chlebanowski

Masters Theses

Mental health on college campuses is a large focus, as students attending college with diagnosed mental illnesses are becoming more prevalent (Hunt & Eisenberg, 2010). While college campuses should be a safe and supportive environment for students, many faculty and staff do not know the resources available to students, nor are faculty and staff able to identify when students are suffering from a mental illness (Bateman, 1997). This study was designed to identify staff and faculty's ability to work with students with mental illness, including identifying warning signs, as well as recognizes campus resources. The study took place at a …

"Fine Dignity, Picturesque Beauty, And Serious Purpose": The Reorientation Of Suffrage Media In The Twentieth Century, Emily Scarbrough

Masters Theses

Throughout the first half century of the woman's suffrage movement, the women of the movement were depicted as dastardly, masculine women who usurped the family structure with their penchant for politics. In the twentieth century, a new generation of woman's suffragists took command of their appearance in the media. Instead of controversial figures, woman's suffragists were envisioned as normal, beautiful women and mothers. Through the use of mass media, woman suffragists restructured their campaign to convince the general public that society needed women to clean up politics. In doing so, suffragists sacrificed their goals of sexual equality in favor of …

Types And Frequency Of Bullying, Victimization, And Defending Behaviors Among Special And Regular Education Students, Ashley Ann Potocki

Masters Theses

Bullying and victimization can have a negative impact on all students. This study compared frequency and types of bully, victim, and defending behaviors that occur in general education and special education. The three types of bullying and victimization include verbal, physical, and relational bullying, while the three types of defending include reporting, confronting, and helping. Due to the fact that the majority of research in the past has focused on the general education population of students, little is known about bullying, victimization, and defending behaviors among children in special education. An additional goal of this study was to compare the …

The Effectiveness Of Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies For Teaching English Reading Skills To Hispanic English Language Learners, Michelle Watson

Masters Theses

The present study was designed to assess the effectiveness of the Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) for teaching English reading skills to Hispanic English language learners (ELL) in the third grade. The current literature shows a rapid increase of Hispanic students in the U.S., however, due to a lack of exposure to the English language at an early age, many ELL students are behind their non-ELL peers in academic achievement, especially in reading. The PALS program was designed as an alternative approach to teacher-led instruction to help ameliorate reading difficulties, and although its effectiveness has been demonstrated with a variety …

The Role Of Creg1 And Pitx1 As Master Regulators Of Liver Function, Anit Shah

Masters Theses

Development in mammals requires a complex array of positive and negative regulatory signals and responses. The liver is a major organ that has been studied extensively to understand underlying genetic processes responsible for specification, establishment and maintenance of tissue identity. Hepatoma and hepatoma variant cell lines have been used as a model to understand genetic networks responsible for liver function. Whole genome analysis of these cell types has identified candidate genes that might serve as master regulators of liver identity. In this study, the role of two candidate genes - cellular repressor of E1A stimulated gene (CREG1) and paired-liked homeodomain-1 …

The Effects Of Kinesio Tape On Sports Performance: Vertical Jump And Shuttle Run Performance In Women's College Basketball Players, Holly Wohltman

Masters Theses

Introduction: Since Kinesio tape (KT tape) was invented in the mid-1970s, studies have been lacking in producing strong evidence to support the claims of its ability to enhance performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of KT tape at enhancing sports performance, in the areas of vertical jump and shuttle run performance, in Illinois College Women's Basketball Team, participants ranged from 19-22 years of age.

Methods: There were eleven female basketball players ranging from the ages 19-22 years were recruited to participate in this study. All participants performed a vertical jump test and a shuttle run …

The Effects Of The Energizers Program On Children's Moods, Emily Estes

Masters Theses

This study examined the effects of an eight week classroom-based physical activity program (Energizers) on the moods of third and fourth-grade students. One third and one fourth grade class participated in the teacher-led Energizers program, while the other third and fourth grade classes served as a control group. Students reported their mood at baseline, four weeks, and at eight weeks. There was no significant interaction between group membership and changes in positive or negative mood. However, girls were found to have higher long-term positive mood scores and lower long-term negative mood scores compared to boys. There was also a main …

The Effects Of Industrial Biomass Gasification Ash As A Soil Amendment On The Earthworm Eisenia Fetida, Michael J. Blackowicz

Masters Theses

Soil application of solid residues from thermal conversion of biomass (i.e. combustion and pyrolysis) has become a topic of interest in recent years. However, there exists a gap in the literature with regard to soil application of gasification residues and their effects on soil health and soil macroorganisms. This study investigates the effects of three different ashes (hardwood oak/hickory, hardwood willow, corn stover), collected from industrial biomass gasification reactors (University of Minnesota Morris, Eastern Illinois University), as a soil amendment on the composting worm Eisenia fetida. Additionally, ash samples were analyzed for total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and potentially toxic …

Troubled, Solomohn Nallshi Ennis-Klyczek

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

D-Galactose Decreases Mitoneet Levels In Liver Cancer Cells: Impact On Cellular Bioenergetics, Sudip Paudel

Masters Theses

Galactose is a simple sugar that at supraphysiological concentrations accelerates aging and age-related complications, which lead to impaired mitochondrial functions. MitoNEET is a small mitochondrial membrane protein with a molecular mass of 12.2 kDa that functions in diabetes, iron metabolism, regulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. MitoNEET knockdown increases cellular respiration rates and ROS levels similar to galactose treatment. Pioglitazone, an antidiabetic drug, binds to mitoNEET and ameliorates galactose toxicity. Cellular mitoNEET levels, exposure of cells to galactose medium, and pioglitazone treatment directly influence cellular respiration. To elucidate the role of mitoNEET in galactose induced …

Going Solo: A Study Into The Framing And Salience Of International Terrorism, Arianne Gouveia

Masters Theses

In order to explore presidential rhetoric, media coverage and its contribution to public opinion, this thesis will examine these facets in the matters of international terrorism. More specifically, terrorism in India, Syria, and Afghanistan will be assessed and compared during two time periods: 2003-2004, and 2011-2012. This thesis will predominately attempt to evaluate the relationship between the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) and actual coverage. By searching for key words in presidential speeches from President Obama and President Bush, evaluating the news coverage of terrorist activity in all three countries, this thesis will attempt to show the impact of presidential speeches …

Facebook Addiction And Impulsive Decision-Making, Daniel Delaney

Masters Theses

This study examined the relationship between Facebook "addiction" and impulsive decision-making. Impulsive decision-making as measured by the delay discounting task is associated with a number of addictions and other problem behaviors. We gave 152 students a paper-based packet including the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale to measure problematic Facebook use and a delay discounting task to assess impulsivity. 16 Facebook "addicted" participants were matched to 16 control participants on demographic data to compare differences in impulsivity. Likewise, we explored whether a correlational relationship between Facebook addiction scores and impulsivity existed. We found that Facebook "addicts" discounted delayed rewards more quickly than …

Attention Regulation, Emotion Regulation, And Cognitive Flexibility As Mediators Of The Relationship Between Mindfulness And Academic Achievement In High School Students, Andrew Baginski

Masters Theses

Mindfulness is defined as a process of purposefully paying attention to one’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the present moment while taking a nonjudgmental stance on them (Kabat-Zinn, 2009). While originally an Eastern approach technique in spirituality and philosophy, mindfulness has been incorporated into or served as a basis for numerous psychological therapies and treatments (Segal, Williams, & Teasdale, 2002; Kabat-Zinn, 1982, 1990). Research into mindfulness has expanded to the context of learning, where studies have demonstrated that facilitative states of mindfulness can improve the abilities of students to focus, attend, and recall information in an educational setting (Langer, 1997). …

The Retrospective Diagnosis Of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder In Adolescents: Family Physicians' Challenges, Adam M. Pechmann

Masters Theses

The primary purpose of the study was to identify current retrospective practices used by family physicians in the diagnosis of Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescents and young adults. In other words, do physicians adhere to best practices and examine information from childhood in order to diagnose ADHD in adolescents and young adults? In addition, this study aimed to examine the information physicians request for ADHD diagnosis, types of treatments they recommend, the type of information they use to assess treatment outcomes, and professional attitudes regarding the nature of ADHD. Participants completed a questionnaire designed to answer the research questions. Participants …

Sources Of Social Support And Their Relationship With Victimization And Social Emotional Outcomes, Jordan L. Wenger

Masters Theses

Victimization is associated with several negative outcomes; however, social support has been identified as a potential moderator. Social support can come from different sources, including parents, teachers, classmates, close friends, and the school environment. This study compared the frequency of classmate and teacher social support among intermediate and middle school students and investigated the relationship among these three variables. Finally, grade level and sex differences were considered as factors that influence the interrelationship among social support, victimization, and social/emotional outcomes. Participants included 649 students from a rural Illinois school district. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in the …

Barriers To Communicating Sexual Orientation Identity At Work, Marissa A. Guenzi

Masters Theses

Previous research emphasizes the benefits associated with having open gay and lesbian employees. However, many gay and lesbian employees still remain in the closet. This project examines barriers preventing gay and lesbian individuals from coming out at work. Four lesbian women and three gay men in the early stages of their careers were interviewed about their experiences of being closeted at work. Analysis reveals four barriers preventing gay and lesbian individuals from coming out at work and explores how these barriers are reinforced by informal organizational communication. Theoretical and practical implications for organizational communication research are discussed, and recommendations for …

Assessing The Impact Of Pre-Meal To-Go Containers On Consumption And Satiety, Claudia Bueno

Masters Theses

Lack of portion control is one of the main causes of obesity. Restaurants offer portions larger than recommended by the USDA. This can lead to portion distortion among consumers and increased consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of offering a to-go box before a meal on reducing consumption.

In this quasi-experimentally designed study, a convenience sample of diners (N=35) served as subjects. The experimental group (n=18) was offered a to-go box before the meal, and the control group (n=17) was offered a to-go box after the meal. The food was …

The Lyric And The Lathe: Dreams Of Perfect Poetic Efficiency, 1800-1917, Steven A. Nathaniel

Masters Theses

This study examines patterns of efficiency in the poetry and theory of William Wordsworth, Hilda Doolittle, and other figures from the Modernist and Romantic periods. I begin by defining perfect efficiency as occurring when energy transforms, without loss, inside a closed energy system, and I offer perpetual motion machines as hypothetical examples of this impossible state. I then demonstrate the process of efficiency in William Wordsworth's poetry, which begins with circumlocutory poetic cycles but contracts into terse repetitions. Since technical efficiency is calculated by the formula output/input, poetry's subjectivity makes poetic efficiency difficult to measure. However, I suggest that repetitions …

Hst 5980 : Internship, Health Studies

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.