Digital Commons Network^™

University Of Nebraska At Omaha, December Commencement 2003, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Constructing Identity In Place : Celia Thaxter And The Isles Of Shoals, Deborah B. Derrick

Student Work

This study explores rhetorical constructions of place and self in the non-fiction narratives and letters of Celia Laighton Thaxter. Thaxter was a 19th century poet, journalist and writer who grew up on the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire. Widely published in her day, Thaxter was one of the foremothers of American nature writing. This study considers the significance of place in relation to Thaxter’s development as an individual and as a writer. The study finds that the Isles o f Shoals provided a foundation for Thaxter’s personal and professional identities. Thaxter’s relationship with the Shoals was …

A Causal-Comparative Study To Determine Differences In Levels Of Awareness Of Racism Among Graduate Counseling Students, Sarah C. Wiegman

Student Work

The present study examined the differences in levels of awareness of racism among graduate counseling students. The researcher examined the hypotheses that there would be a significant difference in levels of awareness of racism between those who completed the Counseling Multicultural and Diverse Populations class and those who did not, as well as, there would be a significant relationship between levels of awareness of racism and number of credit hours completed in the counseling education program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. One hundred and six participants (91 female and 15 male) ranging in age between 22 and 57 …

Interactive Topographic Web Mapping Using Scalable Vector Graphics, Peter Pavlicko

Student Work

Large scale topographic maps portray detailed information about the landscape. They are used for a wide variety o f purposes. USGS large scale topographic maps at 1:24,000 have been traditionally distributed in paper form. With the advent of the Internet, these maps can now be distributed electronically. Instead of common raster format presentation, the solution presented here is based on a vector approach. The vector format provides many advantages compared to the use of a raster-based presentation. This research shows that Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a promising technology for delivering high quality interactive topographic maps via the Internet, both …

Colombia's Rural Communities: Displacement, Plan Colombia And Alternative Models, Jasney Cogua

Student Work

The objective of this thesis is to determine whether or not Plan Colombia effectively addresses the problems and needs of rural Colombia. The classical views of Marx, Lenin and Chayanov, the Theories of Development and the postulates of neoliberal ideology are discussed as the theoretical context within which Plan Colombia emerged. This thesis was derived through a process of archival research, interviews (N=8) and direct observation and participation in peasant demonstrations, which occurred primarily during the summer of 2002. A general review of Colombian rural development models (haciendas, plantations, Import Substitution Industrialization, agrarian reform, Export Promotion Stragies and neoliberal postulates) …

Service Learning Models Connecting Computer Science To The Community, Carol Traynor, Maria Mckenna

Service Learning, General

Service learning is an educational experience that enables students to apply material learned in the classroom by volunteering in a real-world situation. This paper provides a brief review of service learning and describes two models that the computer science department at Saint Anselm College implemented successfully.

Terrorist Attacks Of September 11,2001: Examination Of The Visual Agenda Set By Time And Newsweek, Paula Hoffman Hall

Student Work

This study examines the visual agenda relevant to the attacks of September 11, 2001, presented by media sources; Time and Newsweek magazine. Photographs immediately following the attack, six months later, one year later, and eighteen-months later, were observed in this study. The research produced a total of 493 photographs. Images were coded for the primary subject, portrayal, perspective, topic, and location. Crosstabs and Chi-square tests were run, and the data collected was used to answer the central research question and sub-questions developed with the assistance of past research. Significant differences in the visual agenda between Time and Newsweek magazine were …

On Gene Prediction By Cross-Species Comparative Sequenced Analysis., Rong Chen

Student Work

The availability of large fragments of genomic DNA makes it possible to apply comparative genomics for identification of protein-coding regions. We have conducted a comparative analysis of homologous genomic sequences of organisms with different evolutionary distances and found the conservation of the non-coding regions between closely related organisms. In contrast, more distance shows much less intron similarity but less conversion on the exon structures. We sought to illuminate the impact of evolutionary distances on the performance of our gene-finding program based on the cross-species sequence comparison. Based on our finding and training of data sets, we proposed a model by …

Apd: The Multifunctional Antimicrobial Peptide Database And Analysis System., Zhe Wang

Student Work

As of late 2003, more than 500 antimicrobial peptides have been reported. However, the majority data of the antimicrobial peptides are scattered in the literature. In order to better understand the structure-function relationship of these peptides, and antimicrobial peptide database and analysis system (APD) was established based on an extensive literature search. The database contains detailed information for 525 peptides (498 antibacterial , 155 antifungal, 28 antiviral, and 18 antitumor). Based on the database, the system also provides database query, statistical data, prediction and peptide design functions. APD provides web-based interfaces that allow users to visit the system via a …

Teachers' Perceptions Of Technology Professional Development In A Suburban School District, Victoria Ann Kaspar

Student Work

The purpose of this survey study was to explore teachers' perceptions of technology professional development. Data were gathered by using an online survey sent out electronically to randomly selected teachers in a suburban school district. Statistically significant differences in teacher's perceptions of technology professional development were found between middle and high school teachers and among the teachers with varied technology experience. Some of the other demographic variables studied included age, gender, school subject taught, years of teaching experience, and technology course topic.

Changes In Student Teachers' Perceptions Of Stress During The Student Teaching Semester, Connie L. Schaffer

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in the perceptions of stress during the student teaching semester. The pervasive theory regarding the changing stress of student teachers was developed by Fuller (1969). Fuller's developmental conceptualization theory involved three stages of concern or stress: (1) pre-teaching, non-concerns, (2) early-teaching phase, self-concerns and task concerns, and (3) late concerns, impact concerns. This study examined self-concerns, task concerns, and impact concerns and expanded the Fuller (1969) model to also include personal and career concerns.

Incorporation Of Service Learning Into An Interpersonal Skills For Leadership Course Using The Serve Model, Susan Fritz, Brent Goertzen, Lillian Gomez

Higher Education

Interpersonal Skills for Leadership has been taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for more than 30 years and has been a key course students use to satisfy the communication/interpersonal skills requirement in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. While interpersonal skills topics are covered and practiced in the course, additional practice occurs through service learning with a client in a community agency. This requirement equates to approximately 6,500 service hours provided annually in the Lincoln community. This level of service requires a well-developed placement and evaluation process. The course incorporates the SERVE model for integrating service learning into …

Strategic Planning Advance, November 14, 2003, Uno Office Of Institutional Effectiveness

Strategic Planning Forums

Strategic Planning Advance, November 14, 2003.

Integration/Implementation Ideas, November 14, 2003, Uno Office Of Institutional Effectiveness

Strategic Planning Forums

Integration/Implementation Ideas, November 14, 2003.

The Effects Of Self-Efficacy And Locus Of Control On The Sexual Behaviors Of College Females, Michelle Noah

Student Work

This research examined the relationship between self-efficacy, locus of control, and sexual behaviors among college females. The research null hypotheses suggest that; 1) There is no correlation between self-efficacy and responsible sexual behaviors, and 2) There is no correlation between locus of control and responsible sexual behaviors. Questionnaire data were collected from 109 undergraduate females at a Midwestern University. The sample was primarily Caucasian (89%), heterosexual (96.3%), and single (73.4%) with a mean age of 23 years. An investigator designed questionnaire, adapted in part, from the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale (RIELC), The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), and a …

A Study Of The Factors Related To The Successful Merger Of Information Technology Departments Within Local Government, Angela Patton

Student Work

This study focuses on the merger process of Information Technology (IT) departments within local government. The research that exists indicates that local government mergers, in general, have a high rate of failure. In addition, the political, managerial, cultural, and behavioral aspects that impact these mergers are ignored. The importance of computers to the departments/agencies housed within local government has made the IT departments a critical part of the local government structure. This study looks at the problems faced by the merging IT departments within local government in order to gain a better understanding of this process and to increase the …

Variables Associated With The Likelihood Of Adopting A Policy Of Hiring Nonsmokers Only Among Nonprofit Organizations In Omaha, Nebraska, Jillian M. Golden

Student Work

To address the costs associated with employees who smoke, some organizations have adopted a policy of hiring nonsmokers only or may be considering such a policy. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible relationship between the degree of likelihood of adopting a policy of hiring nonsmokers only and four variables (type of service, number of employees, size of yearly budget, and the level of smoking policy). A written, mail-out/mail-back survey was sent to 130 nonprofit organizations in Omaha, Nebraska. Of the 130 participants in this study, 97 (75 percent) returned the survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated for …

The Impact Of Service-Learning On Academic Outcomes: A Statewide Study Of Michigan Learn And Serve Grantees, Stephen Meyer

Project Summaries

Service-learning is a teaching strategy that involves students in service projects that are connected to the curriculum. Service-learning has its roots in the ideas of philosophers, such as Piaget and Dewey, who argued that students learn more when they are actively involved in their own learning and when learning has a distinct purpose (Anderson, Kinsley, Negroni, & Price, 1991; Conrad & Hedin, 1991; Kinsley, 1997). A body of evidence is building in support of the positive academic outcomes of service-learning (see Billig, 2000 for a review). However, the conclusions that can be drawn from many of these research studies are …

Wai'anae High School Service-Learning Study, Rmc Research Corporation

Project Summaries

Located on the leeward coast of the island of O, ahu, Wai' anae High School serves a rural community with the largest population of native Hawaiians in the world. The school also serves a high concentration of students from low-income families and students who receive special education services. The Hawaiian Studies Program (HSP) at Wai'anae High School is a school within a school that began in 1997 with 30 students. During the 2002-2003 school year, the program included 60 students in Grades 10 through 12. The program is open to all students and includes wide racial, ethnic, and academic diversity

Service To Children Through Teaching, School Of Education

Curriculum

This guide features: Lesson Plan for Writing Letter to Military Personnel; Parts of a Friendly Letter; Book for Class to Welcome New Students; Describe Your Teacher; Know Your Town; Care of Classroom Pets; Picnic Game; Positive Characteristics About our Classmates; Teaching Procedures and Practices; and a Service Learning Lesson Plan.

A Study Of The Factors Related To The Successful Merger Of Information Technology Departments Within Local Government, Angela Patton

Student Work

This study focuses on the merger process of Information Technology (IT) departments within local government. The research that exists indicates that local government mergers, in general, have a high rate of failure. In addition, the political, managerial, cultural, and behavioral aspects that impact these mergers are ignored.

The importance of computers to the departments/agencies housed within local government has made the IT departments a critical part of the local government structure. This study looks at the problems faced by the merging IT departments within local government in order to gain a better understanding of this process and to increase the …

Variables Associated With The Likelihood Of Adopting A Policy Of Hiring Nonsmokers Only Among Nonprofit Organizations In Omaha, Nebraska, Jillian M. Golden

Student Work

Tobacco use in the U.S. is the cause of approximately 440,000 deaths annually and is the leading preventable cause of death. Smoking can result in death due to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Smoking can also result in death due to cancers such as lung cancer, respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis, and other deaths including diseases among infants and bum deaths (American Cancer Society, 2003). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that due to smoking, the cost of medical care and lost productivity added up to approximately $157 billion each year …

Race And Local Television News Crime Coverage, Jeremy Harris Lipschultz, Michael L. Hilt

Communication Faculty Publications

Viewers of local television newscasts across the United States are regularly exposed to crime news stories. Crime coverage by local television stations is studied with an interest in how live reporting, dramatic video, and timeliness influence perceptions of race in the United States. Crime coverage did not always identify the race of a suspect because that information often was not available from police. However, when violent criminals or suspects were identified, race normally was shown through a mug shot, photograph, or video from the scene. When an African-American suspect was shown in police custody, the images tended to reinforce existing …

Web-Based Digital Portfolios And Counselor Supervision, Paul E. Barnes, Paul A. Clark, Bryce Thull

Counseling Faculty Publications

Web-based digital portfolios provide a promising tool for counselor supervisors looking for effective ways to evaluate counselor candidates while maximizing the associated learning process. This paper describes a project involving the use of web-based portfolios that were created by counselor candidates. The project illustrates the benefits of the web-based portfolio for both the counselor supervisor and for the counselors in training.

The Effects Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction On Tibial Rotation During Pivoting After Descending Stairs, Stavros Ristanis, Giannis Giakas, Christos D. Papageorgiou, Constantina O. Moraiti, Nikolaos Stergiou, Anastasios D. Georgoulis

Journal Articles

Recent in vitro research suggests that ACL reconstruction does not restore tibial rotation. This study investigated rotational knee joint stability in vivo during a combined descending and pivoting movement that applies a high rotational load to the knee joint. We studied 20 ACL reconstructed patients (bone–patellar tendon–bone graft) and 15 matched controls with a six-camera optoelectronic system performing the examined movement. In the control group the results showed no significant differences in the amount of tibial rotation between the two sides. No significant differences were also found between the contralateral intact leg of the ACL group and the healthy control. …

Private Versus Public Juvenile Correctional Facilities: Do Differences In Environmental Quality Exist?, Gaylene Armstrong, Doris Layton Mackenzie

Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Expansion in the operation of private sector correctional facilities has sparked a number of debates. A primary concern is that environmental quality for offenders incarcerated in privately operated facilities will be poorer than publicly operated facilities due to the profit motivation of the private sector. This study examined data collected from 48 residential juvenile correctional facilities in 19 states (16 private and 32 public facilities). Self-report surveys, including cognitive assessments of 13 conditions of confinement, were administered to juvenile delinquents (N = 4,121) incarcerated in these facilities. Data from facility records were also incorporated in the analysis. A hierarchical …

A "Maximal Tree" Approach For Scheduling Tasks In A Multiprocessor System., Haiying Sun

Student Work

The problem of scheduling tasks across distributed system has been approved to be NP-complete in its general case. When communication cost among system processors is not considered, polynominal-time optimal algorithms for solving scheduling problem are exit only in three special cases. In attempting to solve the problem in the general case, a number of heuristics have been developed. These algorithms intend to reduce the input task graph to one of the special cases and then optimal scheduling can be obtained accordingly. In this paper, we study all these heuristics, and present a improved heuristic --- “Maximal Tree graph approach for …

Fact Book 2003, Uno Office Of Institutional Effectiveness

Fact Book

The Fact Book has been designed to present a variety of information and data about the University, in a concise, easily-used format. We have included details regarding student and faculty information broken out by college, rank, level, gender, age and ethnicity for both spring and fall semesters. This year we have added additional faculty information which includes both full and part-time by gender and ethnicity. Full-Time excludes faculty on phased retirement and includes six Senior Research Associates not in the bargaining unit. Part-Time includes 15 partial retired bargaining unit faculty. We have also included UNO faculty and staff headcount by …

Communo Magazine, Fall 2003, School Of Communication

CommUNO Magazine

CommUNO magazine is currently produced annually by the UNO School of Communication: 6001 Dodge Street, ASH 140, Omaha, NE 68182: Phone: 402.554.2600. Fax: 402.554.3836. For more information, follow us on Twitter@ CommUNO, join the “UNO School of Communication” page on Facebook or visit communication.unomaha.edu.

Md. Service Learning: Classroom Link Weak?, Michelle Galley

School K-12

Maryland students are mucking out horse stalls, dancing in ballets, answering telephones, and ladling soup for the homeless in order to graduate from high school.

Eleven years after the legislature passed a first-of-its-kind state law requiring all public school students to complete 75 hours of service learning, young people are fulfilling the requirement with varying degrees of success.