Digital Commons Network^™

Osteoporosis In Older Saudi Women: A Perspective Study, Zahra Saeed Alfaraj

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research is to first discuss and discover reasons behind this increasing outburst of osteoporosis cases in older Saudi women and then to develop certain prevention strategies based on Social Cognitive Theory and this research and its reasoning, in an attempt to check the rapid increase of this disease in menopausal Saudi women. All of these targets can be achieved by an in-depth study of osteoporosis, and then applying this knowledge toward prevention of the disease.

Poverty's Effect On Students' 21st Century Skills Acquisition And Learning Experiences, Anne Sellers

Graduate Research Papers

Limited access to computing devices and Internet connectivity among low SES students creates a digital divide, as students lose precious time to acquire and practice 21st century skills between the classroom and home. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine teachers' perceptions on how poverty influences students' 21st century skills and learning experiences. Six high school teachers participated in semi-structured interviews about their perceptions of low SES students' JCT skills in comparison to their peers, and how their learning experiences differ within the classroom. The findings and conclusions of this study revealed that teachers perceive low SES students …

How To Build An Effective, Engaged Nonprofit Board Of Directors, Elizabeth D. Heins

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Donor Development In Challenging Circumstances: Addressing Economic Troubles And Donor-Held Stereotypes To Increase Nonprofit Giving By Individuals, Jessica A. Ueland

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to determine how a nonprofit organization can effectively increase its funding from individual donors, even when faced with two significant barriers to giving. One examined barrier to gaining individual donors is an economic recession and its potential impact on a donor's ability to give to an organization. The second examined barrier to increasing individual donations is stereotypes held by a potential donor that may prevent him or her from supporting the organization's mission and clients.

Research was done to help better understand the diverse needs of individuals in the Fargo, North Dakota area. The …

Attention Test Performance And Normal Aging: The Effect On Executive Function, Rachel Carmen

Honors Program Theses

In this pilot study, twenty-nine participants completed the following three executive function tests: the Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive System, the Functional Assessment of Verbal Reasoning and Executive Strategies, and Auditory Process Training. Participants, aged blank to blank, were divided into two age groups: young adults, which was comprised of 16 participants, and older adults, which was comprised of 13 participants. Performance means of the two groups were established and compared. There were no predictive qualities to the younger adults’ scores, and there were only in two FAVRES subtests for the older adults: accuracy and reasoning. Further research is needed …

Digital Action: An Exploratory Documentary Of Artistic Process, Dana Renee Potter

Honors Program Theses

Digital Action: An Exploratory Documentation of Artistic Process is a short documentary film of the creation of artwork for my Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition, titled Digital Action. In the exhibition titled Digital Action, I created visualizations of my daily computer use to explore how digital experiences are simultaneously overwhelming and wildly inspiring. The video presents video of the steps of my process in a linear fashion with my voice-order explaining the process and theory behind the artwork. The documentary was filmed from September 2015 to December 2015.

Numuzart: An Original, Multi-Sensory, Creative Experience, Tori Christine Ovel

Honors Program Theses

NuMuzArt grew from a small seed planted in my brain over the summer of 2014, when I attended a few summer composition programs to experience and learn more about my compositional craft. While at the Charlotte Music Festival, I participated in a conversation about the sterile nature of music recitals in the academic and concert music world. This conversation stuck with me and became a no-brainer subject for my honors thesis. I would research the concert music world and construct an alternative which would solve a few of my personal vendettas against the standard recital format, while retaining a “serious …

Losing Robin Williams: An Analysis Of User-Generated Twitter Content Following The Sudden Death Of A Celebrity, Samantha Mallow

Honors Program Theses

The purpose of my thesis is to examine how people use social media, in this case Twitter, to share content that reflects their attitudes toward the loss of a celebrity and the issue of mental illness. To complete my research, I examined how users of Twitter created content expressing their reactions to the sudden passing of comedian and actor Robin Williams on August 11, 2014. Williams’ death raised mental illness issues that he had faced during his life. After analyzing the data I created a short survey with eight tweets that referred to mental illness. The survey was administered to …

Age Variation In Nonverbal Cue Recognition In Computer-Mediated Communication, Nathaniel Beyerink

Honors Program Theses

When interacting with someone in a face-to-face setting you not only communicate with spoken words, but with other sorts of communicative tools, such as tone of voice or facial expressions. However, now interlocutors are frequently communicating through channels, such as email, that restrict their ability to use such tools. Therefore, one may wonder how one retains the same level of communication. The purpose of the research reported in this paper was to attempt to attain a better understanding of the ways in which people interpret text-based computer-mediated communication (e.g. texting, instant messaging, and email). More specifically, this study looks at …

Assessing Study Abroad Outcomes: Groundwork For Change In Curriculum, Avary Bradford

Honors Program Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the outcomes of participating in a short-term study abroad program. This study outlines experiences of undergraduate students from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) who completed a three-week study abroad course in Southern Italy in May 2015. Data for this study were collected through the use of three online surveys. I compare and contrast survey results in order to provide a model for analysis such that study abroad programs like this provide both rigorous and relevant content and structure which increases the well-roundedness and global awareness of students. According to past studies, …

The American Symphony Orchestra: Factors Affecting Concert Attendance And Predictions For The Millennial Ticketholder, Hayley Graham

Honors Program Theses

This research investigates the perception of live orchestral music performances among members of the American millennial generation, born between 1985 and 1997. Specifically, it describes the most common factors and trends affecting attendance decisions, looking at aspects such as past musical experience, marketing strategies used, and accessibility of performances. Current programming, marketing, and educational trends in several orchestras are also considered. Information for this study was gathered from a survey of University of Northern Iowa students, as well as from case studies of orchestras. This thesis provides predictions and recommendations for how to best reach this demographic as orchestras move …

Finding Community: The Importance Of Intergroup Dialogue Within Diversity Workshops, Joslyn Nycole Aldape

Honors Program Theses

The number of students with diverse backgrounds has increased across universities and colleges nationwide. In fact, some institutions have hired Chief Diversity Officers. According to Jeffery L. Wilson, close to 150 institutions were a part of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) in 2009 (433). As campuses experience an influx of new demographics, there is an increasing need to discuss diversity issues. The rapidity of this movement has created great conflict on college campuses, such as the hate crime incident that occurred at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in October 2014. Surrounding the application Yik …

Perspectives On Why The Glass Ceiling Still Exists For Women In Advertising And Media And Tools To Help Shatter It, Olivia Hottle Mossman

Honors Program Theses

This ethnographic study provides current insights into the barriers women experience as they seek executive positions in the media and advertising industries—careers largely held by men. Interviews with women who currently or have previously held management roles in media and advertising companies are analyzed and presented. The knowledge gained from these interviews raises awareness of the lack of women’s voices on the media channels that influence a society’s perception of what is socially and culturally acceptable. This research also counteracts an absence of recent research regarding this topic. As the study evolved, it looked more at the relationships between women …

On The Prediction Of The Peak Demand Of Electrical Energy Use, Mahmoud Elbokl

Graduate Research Papers

Prediction of electricity peak demand is an integral part in any electrical utility. Many models were previously proposed for prediction, ranging from short-term, intermediate to long-term prediction. Prediction of electricity peak demand is crucial in avoiding unneeded expenses to upgrade the electrical power supply. It is a continuous process that is still in need of study and improvement. University of Northern Iowa is an educational institution with 10,380 undergraduate students, 66% of whom reside in university housing and 59% of the total electricity demand is purchased from Cedar Falls utilities. The university utilizes a model based on computerized live reading …

Ela Teacher Perceptions Of The School Librarian's Role In Standards Implementation, Franny Frey

Graduate Research Papers

School library literature contains a wealth of ideas about the ways in which school librarians can be instrumental in implementing the Common Core State Standards for English language arts (CCSS ELA Standards). However, professional literature and important documents in other fields do not promote the school librarian’s role in standards implementation. It is unclear whether or not ELA teachers are aware of how the school librarian can support CCSS instruction. The purpose of this research study was to ascertain the perceptions and values middle school ELA teachers have of the school librarian’s role in implementing CCSS ELA standards. The research …

Teacher Librarians & Literacy Coaches: Their Roles In Reading Support, Nicole N. Ruthaivilavan

Graduate Research Papers

According to AASL (2010), multiple research studies have confirmed that there is a correlation between school library programs staffed by certified school librarians and increased student achievement; yet, many schools are also beginning to employ literacy coaches to improve reading achievement. With the teacher librarian being a well-established part of the school system, and playing a vital role in supporting students’ reading achievement, a clear definition of roles is needed. The purpose of this case study was to analyze roles and responsibilities of teacher librarians and literacy coaches and to determine how schools can utilize one or both of these …

Effective Professional Development For Elementary Teachers : Creating Dialogic Classrooms To Improve Reading Comprehension, Amanda J. Mroch

Graduate Research Papers

Understanding the importance of teacher language, literacy discussions, and teacher questioning on students' literacy development in the classroom is important in order to facilitate deeper understanding by students. This research project first describes what dialogic classrooms are and how teachers can create more dialogic spaces for students. The paper also focuses on research that looks at the importance of literacy discussions and teacher questioning in creating classrooms that are open to student ideas.

A professional development program is then developed that will help teachers learn the importance of teacher language and creating dialogic spaces for students to explore complex ideas. …

A Study For Comprehensive And Collaborative Relationships: Partnering Public Schools And Nonprofit Outdoor Programs, Nicole Rottinghaus

Graduate Research Papers

My research paper will explore the divide between urban youth and their participation in outdoor programs. In an effort to provide a foundation of reason for the lack of participation in outdoor programs by urban youth, this study will be completed through an abstract approach on heuristic research and constraint theory. Heuristic research can be defined as the process of researching a “personal venture in search of understanding one’s self and the world around them” (Moustakas, 1990). In addition, constraint theory focuses on the barriers individuals face in regards to participation in activities or the completion of a goal (Samdahl …

Alternative Therapy For Sickle Cell Disease, Huda Alsultan

Graduate Research Papers

Sickle cell disease can lead to serious complications, such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, organ damage, blindness, skin ulcers, gallstones and priapism. Additionally, patients with sickle cell disease usually have several pain crises during the year, which means they have to be admitted to the hospital a couple days or weeks in order to treat these crises by pain relievers through IV line or veins. This necessitates quite often that the patient would be absent from their jobs or schools. Frequent absences may cause people with sickle cell disease to experience stress which in turn leads to a …

Communiqué: College Of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine,Volume 4, Winter 2015, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Humanities, Arts, And Sciences.

Communiqué: College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine

Contents:

-- Dean's Message
-- Harlem Hellfighters
-- American Panthers in London
-- Little Free Libraries
-- Special Olympic Torch
-- Vertigo A-GoGo
-- World of Kurt Vonnegut
-- Donor Feature Regina Neville
-- CHAS Applause
-- News in Short
-- A New Learning Environment
-- Castle in Budapest
-- INSPIRE
-- Sixteen Strong: NCUR
-- Biology Living and Learning Community
-- Yager Award
-- Roboshop
-- Students in the news
-- Transitions
-- Book Nook
-- Donor Feature Gerald Intemann
-- Dean's Fund Donor Listing
-- Alumni News

The Update, January/February 2015, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Humanities, Arts And Sciences.

Update

Inside this issue:

-- FORTEPAN Iowa: UNI Professors Collaborate to Build a Digital Database of Iowa Photographs

-- Department News

-- School of Music Events
-- Theatre UNI Spring 2015 Shows
-- Yager Awards: Annual Yager Awards Event Yields a Memorable Experience
-- Alumni Spotlight: Technology: Greg Smith
-- Alumni Spotlight: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders: Jamie Flatness
-- Student Spotlight: Department of Mathematics: Jacob Snyder
-- Featured Organization: Philosophy Club, Department of Philosophy and World Religions
-- Student Spotlight: Department of Art: Justin Allen
-- Student Spotlight: Department of Music: Malcolm Burke
-- Featured Organization: Women in Computing, …

The Wright Message, 2015-2016, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Mathematics.

The Wright Message

Inside this issue:

-- Dear Alumni and Friends
-- Dr. Edward Rathmell retires from UNI
-- 2015 Hari Shankar Lecture
-- Around Wright Hall
-- Congratulations to....
-- Faculty Highlights
-- Student News
-- 2015-2016 Tenure-Stream Faculty
-- Alumni Spotlight: Clayton Edwards & Mary Theilen
-- Department Interviews: Adrienne Stanley, Joel Haack, , Benjamin Castle & Suzanne Shontz
-- UNI Students Travel to Korea
-- Trijitzsky Scholarship Winner Emily Wardenburg
-- Student Spotlights: Amber Irlmeier, Britney Bockstahler, Derek Hofland & Julia Robinson
-- PAEMST Award Winner Allysen Lovstuen
-- Donor Spotlight: Alan and Barbara Hubbard
-- News fro KME
-- …

Unibusiness: The Alumni Magazine Of The College Of Business Administration University Of Northern Iowa, 2015, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Business Administration.

UNIBiz

Inside This Issue:
-- Dean's Message ••• 2
-- Global Experience = Global Careers ••• 4
-- Satisfying an Entrepeneurial Hunger ••• 8
-- MIS: 25 Years of Success ••• 10
-- Pella Pride ••• 12
-- Professional Readiness Program ••• 14
-- UNIBusiness in Action ••• 16
-- Annual Report on Giving ••• 18
-- Donor Spotlight •• 21
-- Faculty ••• 24
-- Graduation Celebration ••• 26
-- UNIBusiness Alumni ••• 30

Iowa Conference On Communicative Disorders [Program, 2015], Iowa Conference On Communicative Disorders

Iowa Conference on Communicative Disorders Programs

The Iowa Conference on Communicative Disorders provides continuing education activities in speech- language pathology that are acceptable to the State of Iowa and the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Areas of emphasis include adults and pediatrics.

How Does The Use Of Corporate Social Responsibility And Employee Volunteer Programs Impact The Image Of Manufacturers?, Krista L. Wahl

Graduate Research Papers

This research study will answer the question of how manufacturers use CSR and EVPs to improve their image. The shift in perspective from manufacturing as a dirty polluting industry to a socially responsible one giving back more than they consume needs to be better understood in order to implement strategies in other countries who continue to lag behind. Further it is important to continue to understand the impact of manufacturers who give back as compared to those who don't and how they see the benefits of their contributions.

A Preliminary Investigation Of The Relationship Between Direct Behavior Rating And The Conners 3 Teacher Rating Scale - Short Form, Jessica Stodden Stumme

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A growing body of evidence shows that Direct Behavior Rating (DBR) should continue to be examined as a method of behavior assessment to inform decisions about universal screening as well as progress monitoring for group or individual interventions. Researchers have looked toward DBR as a potential method to capture levels of problem behavior for use in tiered problem solving models. Most research on DBR has focused on comparing its ratings against systematic direct observation. The current study examined the correlation between DBR ratings of academic engagement and disruptive behavior with the Conners 3-Teacher Short (Conners 3-T(S)) form. This is important …

Gleaning In The Cedar Valley: A Post-Evaluation Study, Dylan Thomas Hillyer

Honors Program Theses

Gleaning is a term describing the act of either picking, cleaning or sorting produce that would otherwise be wasted. It is a practice long known to Europe, and in the past thirty years has gained immense popularity among non-profit organizations throughout the United States. The Cedar Valley Gleaning Program (CVGP) had its pilot-year in the fall of 2014. This thesis seeks to improve the efficacy of the CVGP through examining both the pilot year, and a qualitative study of gleaning operations worldwide, to answer the question: How can gleaning become an effective tool for communities in the Cedar Valley.

The Pura Belpré Award And The Portrayal Of Disability, Zoe Houser

Honors Program Theses

The Pura Belpré Award is one of the lesser known literary awards. Because other literary awards have been around longer and received a large amount of attention, there has been much research done over the other literary awards, including how the award books portray disabled characters within their pages. However, there is a lack of research about the portrayal of disability in books that have been awarded or honored by the Pura Belpré Award.

This paper will address the question of how many Pura Belpré Award winning books include prominent characters with disabilities and if they are portrayed positively or …

Investigating Educational Quality At One Comprehensive University, Blake Thurston Findley

Honors Program Theses

President Obama has called for increased access to higher education and simultaneously wants greater educational quality from our colleges and universities. Comprehensive universities in particular, due to their high enrollment of underserved populations, need to ensure they are providing the highest quality education possible. The current study investigated educational quality at a comprehensive university by examining research-supported behaviors related to educational quality as well as perceptions of educational quality of faculty and students. The study found that faculty play a tremendous role in comprehensive universities, yet are underappreciated by their administration. Additionally, comprehensive universities are trying to be everything to …

Juror Misperceptions Of Eyewitness Evidence : Impact On Expert Testimony And Credibility, Tiffany M. Anderson

Honors Program Theses

The criminal justice system generally assumes that jurors have a base knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding memory evidence. On some occasions, however, experts are brought in to testify and explain these issues to jurors. Though jurors (along with judges and attorneys) like to believe they are knowledgeable about the variables that may affect eyewitness memory, the reality is that they have a very limited understanding. However, there is little research on what misperceptions exist among laypeople regarding eyewitness memory. This is problematic because expert testimony may be more useful if it specifically addresses common misperceptions rather than just …