Digital Commons Network^™

Cohort Study Of Nitrate Exposure From Drinking Water, Mhg Level, And Implications On Possible Recovery Oxygen Uptake By Age-Grade, Patricia Teran Yengle

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Effects Of The Use Of Soybean Oil As Cutting Fluid On The Surface Finish For Turning Operations, Carlos Alberto TeráN Yengle

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Concerns about the long term supply of petroleum, the instability of its prices, and growing environmental issues have led to a variety of legislative and public support for the use of agricultural commodities in industrial applications. This study is of importance because of environmental and health hazards concerns, and the possibility of reducing operating costs with the elimination of disposal of used cutting oil that the use of biodegradable oil offers to the metal-cutting operations.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of an experimental soybean-based oil as a cutting fluid on surface finish …

The Relationship Between Nutritional Knowledge And Consumption Attitudes Toward Soy-Foods Among A Midwest Rural America Older Population, Li Chuan Chen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Preservation of good health in old age has become significantly important to most older people. Increasing health care costs challenge the majority of the rapidly growing older population. The use of functional foods (i.e., soy foods, oats, and broccoli) to help reduce the risk of chronic disease and relieve physical discomfort is one of the major health care developments in many economically advanced countries. For older people consumption of functional foods is not only cost-effective, but also necessary. Soy-based foods were first identified as a healthy as well as functional food during the last decade of the twentieth century by …

Loss Of Nutrients From Croplands As A Result Of Soil Erosion, Munns Creek Watershed, Grundy County, Iowa, Jihyo Chong

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The temporal distribution of chloride, nitrate, and sulfate in the hydrologic environment were studied in Grundy County, Iowa from June to September 2004. The goal of the project was to investigate the rate of soil erosion and the subsequent loss of nutrients from the agricultural fields of the study area. Water samples were collected weekly from 6 different sites along Munns Creek in the study area near Grundy Center, Iowa. Each sample was analyzed for chloride, nitrate, and sulfate by ion chromatography. Soil core samples were collected from 22 locations in the surrounding agricultural fields. At each location, soil was …

Twins In The Kindergarten Classroom : What Factors Do Parents Consider When Deciding Whether To Place Their Same-Gendered Twins In Separate Or Joint Classrooms?, Tammy Marie Gehling

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In this qualitative research project, the topic of kindergarten placement of same-gendered twins is investigated through interviews with three mothers of young twins in a medium-sized Midwestern city. Specifically, the issue of what parents believe is the "best" placement for same-gendered twins is discussed, along with factors that shaped this decision. Advantages of both separate and joint kindergarten placement are discussed, along with such issues as patterns of twinship, mandatory placement policies, and early-onset separation anxiety. Recommendations are provided for both parents and educators regarding this issue.

Addressing Diversity: A Case Study Of Teacher Educators' Views And Instructional Practices At A Midwestern University, Alina Slapac

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

It is well documented that while the student population is becoming more and more diverse, the teacher population remains mostly white, female, monolingual, and monocultural (Banks, 2001a; Darling-Hammond, 2002; Nieto, 2000a). Consequently, teacher education programs have the important role of addressing diversity throughout curriculum, field experiences and faculty recruitment.

The purpose of this qualitative research was to gain more understanding, from the teacher educators' perspectives, about the way diversity is being addressed at a Midwestern university by examining teacher educators' various methods of instruction, and their course materials, which focus on diversity issues and the needs of diverse learners. The …

Correlates Of Physical Activity Among Adolescent Males And Females, Rhonda Baumann

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical fitness measures, selected psychosocial correlates of physical activity, and self-reported physical activity among seventh and eighth-grade students in rural Iowa. Computerized physical fitness measures were obtained by the HealthFirst Trifit™ computer system, attitudes about physical activity were measured by the Correlates of Physical Activity in Children (CP AC) questionnaire, and physical activity levels were measured by the Physical Activity Questionnaire-Adolescents (PAQ-A). All subjects were enrolled at Tilford Middle School in Vinton, Iowa. Data were collected on 253 seventh and eighth grade students enrolled at Tilford Middle School …

Gender Socialization Through Children’S Literature: Body And Beauty Image, Meera Basnet

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This exploratory study centers on a small number of children's books to examine how female characters are portrayed, and to consider the question, "Do gendered images of female characters exist visually in children's literature? I selected 5 books from the time periods of 1980 to 1989 and from 2000 to 2005. These books were written by U.S. authors and are directed at children aged 5-8 years. Findings are tentative, based upon the limited number of books included in the study, but patterns indicate that children's literature portrays gender somewhat stereotypically. I include body structure, dress, beauty and decoration, and movement …

Biotechnology Education In The State Of Iowa: A Survey Of Teachers And Factors Affecting Inclusion, Jason Allen Lang

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This research studied biology, agricultural education, and family and consumer science teachers in Iowa regarding the topic of biotechnology in their classrooms. The survey study involved collecting demographic information about respondents, which could then be used to characterize those who teach biotechnology and those who do not. The survey also asked about perceived barriers to teaching biotechnology. As the first large scale sampling of Iowa teachers (1477), the survey attempted to provide a picture of biotechnology education in the state. Demographic data showed an aging teaching population, a teaching load of some teachers, especially those in FCS and Ag Ed, …

An Exploration In Exhibit Design, Maria A. Buteler Tillard

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

It was the process of becoming aware of the importance of graphic design as an essential tool for communicating ideas that led to my decision to continue my education in the field of graphic design. My prior degree in architecture also influenced my 1 graduate work since it has provided me with an understanding of the effective use of two and three-dimensional space. In general, it was the opportunity to make connections between architecture and graphic design that prompted me to study at the University of Northern Iowa. Architecture and graphic design, while very different, share certain basic concepts that …

Ists E-Newsletter, November 30, 2005, Iowa Academy Of Science

ISTS Newsletter

In this issue:

--Notes from Your President

--VIP Message IAS Executive Director

--ISTS News New Section Chairs Fall Conference News

--Announcements

--Your ISTS Leadership Team

Ballast Quarterly Review, V21n1, Autumn 2005, Roy R. Behrens

Ballast Quarterly Review

A journal devoted to wit, the contents of which are intended to be insightful, amusing, or thought provoking.

Earth News, V29, Fall 2005, Department Of Earth Science, University Of Northern Iowa.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

--- Earth Science Staff Activities
--- A T. rex Named Sue
--- Earth Science Seminar Series
--- From Ocean to Ice: GSI 2004 Spring Field Trip Highlights
--- Physical Geology Professor Keeps Passion for Teaching, Researching
--- Earth Science Majors
--- Sigma Gamma Epsilon - Gamma Sigma Chapter
--- 2005 Earth Science Graduates
--- Student Research Presentations
--- 2004-2005 Scholarship and Award Recipients
--- Student Internships
--- Gifts to the Department of Earth Science
--- Earth Science Alumni News

Rhythms: Music At The University Of Northern Iowa, V24, Fall 2005, University Of Northern Iowa. School Of Music.

Rhythms: Music at the University of Northern Iowa

Contents:

From The Director
-- Sununer life at lnterlochen Arts Camp
-- Buch Continues Internationally Recognized Research
-- News Flash!! Brothers Sing On Receives 77 Votes for Best Film
-- UNI Student Ensembles On the Move
-- UNI School of Music 2005-06 Spotlight Series
-- 24 It's Magical
-- Concierto de la Amistad (The Friendship Concert)
-- Hungarian Greetings
-- Changing Places
-- Outreach Programs
-- Student Awards
-- Dr. Lathon Jernigan Retires
-- School of Music welcomes Dr. Kui-lm Lee
-- The Year in Review
-- UNI Students in St. Petersburg
-- Faculty Activities
-- Alumni Update
-- UNI …

Ists E-Newsletter, September 30, 2005, Iowa Academy Of Science

ISTS Newsletter

In this issue:

--Notes from Your President

--Notes From Other VIPs President Elect IAS Executive Director State Science Consultant

--ISTS Fall Conference Past President

--Announcements

--Your ISTS Leadership Team

Science And Design: A Personal Essay, Wendy Olson

UNIversitas: Journal of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

The essay addresses why 'Intelligent Design' (ID) does not qualify as science, and why the distinction between science and ID matters. Furthermore, it discusses the anti-evolution undercurrent that characterizes ID politics. ID proponents give the impression that evolutionary theory is somehow faulty or incomplete, that educators are bound to "teach the controversy" or give alternate explanations for biological diversity, in the interests of academic freedom. Some of this stems from misinformation or misunderstanding of evolution and evolutionary theory, but much is motivated by religious belief, which brings the issue into the arena of constitutional law.

On Academic Rigor As Simple Consistency And Interactive Standards, Scott Cawelti

UNIversitas: Journal of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

Truth be told, "Academic Rigor" doesn't have all that many supporters in academia. At best the concept fosters mixed feelings, especially in younger faculty; at worst, outright avoidance. Of course "rigor" as a concept gets lip service in catalogs and course descriptions, but as an applied value it's hard to come by, at least from what I've observed. Why is this?

Manufacturing Companies And The Information Age In The U.S., Marcos Reynero

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the relationship between the amount of indirect labor and value added in manufacturing companies. Companies are moving manufacturing sites overseas in order to reduce cost. The cost of direct labor in countries like China is relatively lower in comparison to the cost of labor in the U.S. Edward Hill, professor at Cleveland State University's College of Urban Affairs, states that an hour of a manufacturing plant in the U.S. costs $150 versus $1 in China (Scherer, 2005). Companies are making strategic decisions based on reducing cost in order to improve profits. …

Ballast Quarterly Review, V20n4, Summer 2005, Roy R. Behrens

Ballast Quarterly Review

A journal devoted to wit, the contents of which are intended to be insightful, amusing, or thought provoking.

Ballast Quarterly Review, V20n3, Spring 2005, Roy R. Behrens

Ballast Quarterly Review

A journal devoted to wit, the contents of which are intended to be insightful, amusing, or thought provoking.

The Economics Of Mandatory Biotech Food Labeling In The United States, William J. Gongol

Major Themes in Economics

Almost every developed nation in the world except the United States mandates the labeling of genetically modified foods. Upon examining the costs and benefits of mandatory labeling, it appears that this may not be the most efficient solution to deal with varied consumer preferences. The United States government should instead focus on increased scientific research to deal with the externalities of biotechnology.

Environmental Illness May Have Contributed To The Origins Of Transylvanian Vampire Myths, Catherine L. Zeman, Ioan Seuleanu, Miheal Sinca, Alin Sinca, Daniella Moga, Mariana Vlad

International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities

Field and ethnographic data are utilized to illustrate that significant contamination of rural wells with nitrates, bacteria and protozoa both currently and in the past are fertile ground for the development of myths surrounding spirit and blood stealing mythical creatures. The very real problem of methemoglobinemia, an environmentally induced hypoxia, in rural Transylvania is an ideal situation for physiological confirmation of and, perhaps, cultural etiology determination of the myth of vampirism. Ethnographic accounts of vampire and werewolf myths are correlated with the field data.

Days Of Our Spineless Lives: A Never Ending Saga, Lori Ihrig

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

This activity is an interdisciplinary method for engaging students in biological investigations through working with living aquatic invertebrates. The learning cycle begins with students conducting fieldwork to collect aquatic invertebrates. Students then think and propose ideas to create an observation record that they can use to study their organisms in the classroom. Finally, through the use of well-phrased questions along with wait-time, positive nonverbal responses, and non-judgmental responses, the teacher is an ally working with students in inquiry to generate the requirements of a final project. This article promotes National Science Education Content Standards, A, C, and F, and Iowa …

Five Components Essential For Leading A K-12 School In The Twenty-First Century : A Reflective Essay, Gregory A. O'Connell

Graduate Research Papers

Administration is an occupation that requires much time and effort to provide success for students. Success has many critical elements that I will outline in this paper. First and foremost the administrator must have a passion for their role as the instructional, visionary, political, ethical, organizational, and collaborative leader. Managing the physical aspects of the building also engage the learning environment to be safe and successful. One of the last components is quality instruction. District curriculum can only provide to the students what the instructor "feeds" to them. Students need to be provided differentiated instruction to meet their individual needs.

Nature And Its Application With Students Who Have Special Needs, Nicholas J. Hoeger

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the utility of Nature-Assisted Therapy and its processes in conjunction with students who have been identified as having special needs. In addition, it weighs both the pros and cons of applying this method with various populations. Finally, it weighs the value of this approach within the educational setting and identifies common strategies that have been adopted.

Iowa's Sand Prairie State Preserves: Anomalous Grain-Size Distributions And Optically Stimulated Luminescence (Osl) Dates, Steven H. Emerman, Brian R. Depew, Lisa K. Anderson

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Grain-size distributions and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates were obtained for the sand from Iowa's five sand prairie state preserves, which are Behren's Ponds and Woodland, Cedar Hills Sand Prairie, Kish-Ke-Kosh Prairie, Marietta Sand Prairie and Rock Island. OSL dates ranged from the late Pleistocene (15,560 years B.P.) to the very late Holocene (as recent as 590 years B.P.), indicating that the late Pleistocene and Holocene Epochs in Iowa have seen multiple episodes of aridity, which is consistent with results from the Nebraska Sand Hills and eolian sand stringers in southeastern Minnesota. The grain-size distributions were anomalous in that, compared …

Prenatal Malnutrition And Risk Of Schizophrenia, Andria Timmer

International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities

Characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that is estimated to have a lifetime risk of one percent (Liu et al., Allen 2002). Prevalence rates in different countries range from 0.2-2.0 percent with an average incidence rate of 28.1 per 100,000 remaining stable across a wide range of cultures, climates and ethnic groups (Thomas 2000). In the United States, at any given time there may be two to three million people who either have schizophrenia or are at risk of developing it (Allen 2002). The disease usually manifests itself in late …

Cover - Front Matter - Table Of Contents

International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities

No abstract provided.

Respiratory Hazards In Animal Confinement, Mary Kay Nissen

International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities

Production methods in animal farming have changed dramatically over the past 20 years. An emphasis on cheaper, more efficient ways of production has provided the impetus for larger, more concentrated systems. Improvements in building construction, heating and ventilation have been developed that provide the opportunity to increase the number of anima ls that can be raised in confinement. Improvements in animal health have reduced the risk of loss from disease. Confinement of large numbers of animals can have adverse effects on the environment and upon the health of employees exposed to such environments. As the trend toward large scale animal …

Colorectal Cancer And Meat Consumption: Recent Views From Epidemiology, Rachel Horner

International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the third most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in men and women (CDC 2003). The risk for developing colorectal cancer increases with age (90 percent of cases occur in individuals over 50) and with personal or familial predisposition to cancer. Numerous studies over the years also show connections between lifestyle factors-such as eating a diet high in saturated fat and low in fruits and vegetables, smoking and not exercising regularly-and the incidence of this cancer. However, the links between certain dietary factors and the risk …