Digital Commons Network^™

Bioactive Secondary Metabolites In Cave Dwelling Fungi, Jade Nuehring

Honors Program Theses

Water samples were collected in May 2022 from WTH lake and silent lake located in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota. From the water samples collected, 8 pure fungal colonies were isolated. All samples underwent chemical extraction, growth inhibition testing, proton-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1H NMR), and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Three pure colonies also underwent DNA extraction, and sequencing of the ITS region for genus level identification. These samples were able to be identified to the genus level, and for these three samples were: Talaromyces, sp., Linnemannia, sp., and Gliomatsix, sp. The secondary metabolite that showed antimicrobial activity …

Neurodiversity And The Field Of Speech Language Pathology: A Literary Review Of The History, Common Practices, And Misconceptions, Wren Anne Repko

Honors Program Theses

Neurodiversity is a new and emerging topic within the field of communication sciences and disorders. This literature review describes what neurodiversity is alongside part of the history of neurodiversity, and then turns and looks at neurodiversity and neurodiverse-affirming care in the field of speech language pathology. This literature review also suggests an area of possible future research looking at undergraduate and graduate students' views of neurodiversity.

Diffusion Of Carbon Nanoparticles Intercalated Into Layered Materials, Madelyn Johnson

Honors Program Theses

Using electron beam radiation, as found in a scanning electron microscope, it is possible to induce the local intercalation of carbon nanoparticles into two dimensional layered materials. This technique can be used to form insulating and optically active nanostructures in samples ranging from graphite to BSSCO. In this study, the evolution of these features with time is explored to determine the stability of such nanoparticles in layered materials.

Over the course of days and weeks, the nanostructures created this way broaden and change height. In general, it appears that material buried deep within the layers diffuses upwards to increase the …

A Next Generation Science Standards (Ngss) Aligned 3rd Grade Weather Unit, Jennifer Hageman

Graduate Research Papers

This unit is the culmination of work on taking the NGSS for weather and climate and creating an inclusive unit for third grade students. At the time this unit was started, many teachers were taking the NGSS and creating units for the classrooms. This unit integrates math, literacy, and social studies standards to help explore the NGSS for weather and climate.

After completion of this unit it was given to two reviewers in the field of teaching. They read the unit and provided feedback for improvement. After review of the feedback it was noted that adaptations for students need to …

What's Your Story? An Analysis Of Video Storytelling For Nonprofit Organizations, Madeline Rummel

Graduate Research Papers

In recent decades, not only has the number of registered nonprofit organizations risen, the public need for nonprofit agencies has risen as well. Additionally, as social media has boomed, the use of social media for marketing purposes by nonprofit organizations has grown instrumentally. This study analyzes the literature on video storytelling, specifically using social media marketing of video storytelling as a means for nonprofits to create a positive impact not just on the agency itself, but also on the community they serve as a whole, and beyond. The five specific areas reviewed are the history of video storytelling, factors for …

The Impact Of Summer Camps On The Perceptions Of Individuals With Disabilities And Their Support Systems, Sally Krull

Graduate Research Papers

There is currently a gap in services for individuals with disabilities. There is a staff shortage in the disability services field that has further exasperated many psychosocial concerns for individuals with disabilities. It has also placed an added strain on the families of these individuals. Camps can help to fill these gaps and provide a service that will have a positive impact on the individuals and their families. The staff who work at camp play a crucial part in providing this service. They need to be supported and well-trained to provide the best care available.

The following paper will examine …

Promoting Social-Emotional Development In Elementary Children Through The Use Of Quality Picture Books: A Content Analysis, Shauna Mostek

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research project was to analyze picture books recommended for teaching and developing emotional intelligence in children, to determine which should be considered as quality additions in order to provide teacher librarians, classroom teachers, counselors, and parents with a compiled list of quality picture books to use for the social-emotional development of children in grades K-5. The books were evaluated using Wilson’s Children’s Core Collection as well as the following four top school library reviewing sources: ALSC Notable Children’s Books, Booklist, School Library Journal, and the We Need Diverse Books website. It was then determined how the …

Diversity In Collections Utilizing Accelerated Reader Programs, Leah Cahill

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to compare current Accelerated Reader YA book lists to YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults lists from 2019 to 2022 to examine the number of current YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults titles included on the AR list and determine whether there is a discrepancy between the percent of YALSA books overall and the percent of YALSA AR books that meet the diversity definition (We Need Diverse Books, 2022). Data was collected by looking at 314 titles from the 2019-2022 YALSA Best of the Best List and then comparing two review sources to determine …

Communicating Emotions Through Art And Conversation, Paige E. Kayvan, Samantha R. Doyle, Payton Cannon, Traci Jolley

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Family Communication Patterns And Educational Orientations, Nathan Miczo, Lisa A. Miczo

Iowa Journal of Communication

This research investigates the impact of family communication patterns on educational orientations. Two hundred and nine students completed an online survey assessing family communication patterns (conversation and conformity orientation) and educational orientations (learning orientation and grade orientation). Regression analyses revealed that both conversation and conformity orientation were positive predictors of learning orientation, while only conformity orientation was a positive predictor of grade orientation. The discussion highlights the need for continued research into the role of the family as an influence on college student motivations.

Correction: Producer And Consumer Perspectives On Supporting And Diversifying Local Food Systems In Central Iowa, Michael C. Dorneich, Caroline C. Krejci, Nicholas Schwab, Tiffanie F. Stone, Erin Huckins, Janette R. Thompson, Ulrike Passe

Faculty Publications

In the above mentioned publication, the affiliation of the third author was incorrectly assigned and should have read: 3Department of Psychology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, USA. The original article has been corrected.

Producer And Consumer Perspectives On Supporting And Diversifying Local Food Systems In Central Iowa, Michael C. Dorneich, Caroline C. Krejci, Nicholas Schwab, Tiffanie F. Stone, Erin Huckins, Janette R. Thompson, Ulrike Passe

Faculty Publications

The majority of food in the US is distributed through global/national supply chains that exclude locally-produced goods. This situation offers opportunities to increase local food production and consumption and is influenced by constraints that limit the scale of these activities. We conducted a study to assess perspectives of producers and consumers engaged in food systems of a major Midwestern city. We examined producers’ willingness to include/increase cultivation of local foods and consumers’ interest in purchasing/increasing local foods. We used focus groups of producers (two groups of conventional farmers, four local food producers) and consumers (three conventional market participants, two locavores) …

The Effects Of Living On Campus Versus Off Campus On Student Engagement, Megan Carlson

Honors Program Theses

As a Resident Assistant for two years, I saw how engaged my residents were on campus. However, when I would talk to people who lived off campus they seemed to be disengaged from campus activities. I wanted to see if what I already saw to be true, was shown through statistical analysis. In an effort to focus the scope of the study, the analysis focused on student engagement through involvement in extracurriculars. Thus the purpose of this thesis is to determine if there is a statistical relationship between students’ living situations and their involvement on campus. Student engagement includes much …

The Prevalence And Knowledge Of Proper Treatment Of People Living With Dementia In Physical Therapy, Eric Robert Melrose

Honors Program Theses

As the number of dementia cases is expected to rise, healthcare providers will need to know how to best serve individuals with these diseases. Dementia symptoms can vary from person to person, and include memory loss, the inability to communicate, and the loss of gross motor function. Physical therapy can be a useful tool in combating the symptoms of dementia (LeDoux et al., 2020) (Coronado et al., 2020) (Brett et al., 2016) (Braz de Oliveira et al., 2023). This thesis aims to explore the level of knowledge physical therapy students and physical therapists possess, how to increase that knowledge, and …

How Hypermasculinity And Rape Myth Acceptance (Rma) Relate To Rape Proclivity In College Males, Cora Lynn Patterson

Honors Program Theses

The present study examined the relationship between hypermasculinity, rape myth acceptance (RMA), and rape proclivity in male college students attending a mid-sized Midwestern university. This was done to uncover how aspects of traditional hegemonic gender socialization may create pathways for rape proclivity later in life. It looked at college males in particular because sexual assault is a major problem in college campuses and the main perpetrators are male. The study asked a sample of (n=48) males from the ages of 18-24 to answer a survey that included questions from the following measures: Hypermasculinity Scale, Illinois Rape Myth Accpetance Scale – …

Competencies Acquired In The Psychology Major, Jake Harrington

Honors Program Theses

The psychology undergraduate degree is not linked to any specific occupation in the same sense as other degrees, such as accounting or education. The lack of a clear connection between the psychology degree and distinct employment opportunities can make it difficult for stakeholders, such as prospective students, their parents, and even faculty, to develop a clear understanding of which careers psychology students are prepared for after graduation. Until these stakeholders are given a framework to conceptualize the degree's benefits better, the psychology department may fail to optimize its recruitment of valuable young minds into its ranks; furthermore, prospective students may …

Art Teaching And American Society: An Exploration Of How Art Makes Us Think And Why America Needs It Right Now, Julie Marie Hammerand

Honors Program Theses

The motivation for this thesis comes from my own experience as a learner, an artist, and as a teacher. When I was young, I was always fascinated with the idea of the unknown. Each new piece of knowledge I acquired was a part of the greater puzzle I had yet to understand. As I got older, I understood the value of new perspectives and how each person creates a personal relationship with the world around them. I saw how teaching was the art of bringing a person into and through a new realm of knowledge and thought. Each new realm …

A Snapshot Of War: First World War Postcards From The Cedar Falls Historical Society, James Alexander Schmitt

Honors Program Theses

No abstract provided.

Secondary Traumatic Stress: Therapists’ Past Trauma And Workplace Interventions, Morgan Wickman

Honors Program Theses

Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is a type of indirect trauma wherein listening to the traumatic experiences of another causes a stress reaction. STS can lead to PTSD-like symptoms which can develop after only one instance. STS affects mental health professionals at high rates because they have high rates of exposure to traumatic content. In particular, therapists with a personal trauma history have an increased risk of developing STS, as they are more likely to identify with their client’s traumatic experience. This review examines how therapists’ STS severity and frequency is impacted by a personal trauma history. It also identifies workplace …

Alcohol: The Permitted Drug In Our Society, Madison Tenhulzen

Honors Program Theses

In this thesis, I hope to shed light on how alcohol is advertised in our society, specifically to minors below the age of 21. I researched which alcohol brands I was able to follow, disguising myself as a minor on Instagram and Twitter. After the initial analysis, I specifically observed how the branding and social media presence of each brand is intentionally or unintentionally appealing to a younger audience. To accompany these observations, I conclude by proposing several solutions to help address this issue in our society.

Building Educational Leaders’ Capacity In A Community Of Practice, Théophile Muhayimana, Denise Schares, Megan Ruxton

Faculty Publications

This qualitative study examined rural educational leaders’ perceptions of the outcomes of the 2019 Leadership Camps (LCs). This capacity-building opportunity helped educational leaders meet as a community of practice (CoP) where participants’ interactions contributed to learning with and from one another, reducing perceived isolation and increasing self-efficacy. We analyzed data collected from 242 participants’ responses using an open, axial, and selective coding process. With this sample, 52.5% of participants were rural educational leaders. Overall, educational leaders most often appreciated interacting, networking, and collaborating with peers. Additionally, educational leaders highlighted the importance of the in-depth understanding and application of the Leadership …

Structural, Electronic, And Magnetic Properties Of Cofevge-Based Compounds: Experiment And Theory, Parashu Kharel, Zachary Lehmann, Gavin Baker, Lukas Stuelke, Shah Valloppilly, Paul M. Shand, Pavel V. Lukashev

Faculty Publications

We have carried out a combined theoretical and experimental investigation of both stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric CoFeVGe alloys. In particular, we have investigated CoFeVGe, Co1.25Fe0.75VGe, Co0.75Fe1.25VGe, and CoFe0.75VGe bulk alloys. Our first principles calculations suggest that all four alloys show ferromagnetic order, where CoFeVGe, Co1.25Fe0.75VGe, and Co0.75Fe1.25VGe are highly spin polarized with spin polarization values of over 80%. However, the spin polarization value of CoFe0.75VGe is only about 60%. We have synthesized all four samples using arc melting and high-vacuum annealing at 600 °C for 48 hours. The room temperature x-ray diffraction of these samples exhibits a cubic crystal structure with …

National And Regional Dress, Jennifer Van Haaften, Annette Lynch

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this chapter is to place the rise and use of national and ethnic dress into a historical context. Using an extensive review of journal articles and book chapters focused on national and ethnic dress, historical nationalistic and colonizing trends were examined in the use of clothing and dress. National dress was introduced through the continued rise of nationalism and colonialism in European and Western countries. Western imperialism at first erased identities of indigenous groups, but later had the unintended consequence of creating an appetite for subjugated people to establish a new national identity to reassert their sovereignty, …

Investigation Of Unexpected Purple Substance Extracted From Newsprint Paper, Raquel Wilhelm

Honors Program Theses

In an attempt to extract a green dye from newsprint advertisements, it was serendipitously discovered that a purple substance can be extracted from newsprint paper using methanol or acetic acid.1 Further investigations involving blank newsprint paper showed that the purple substance was a part of the paper itself rather than a component of the ink in the advertisements. Soxhlet extraction was used on the blank newspaper print to obtain the compound. Using different analytical instruments, characteristics of the compound were determined such as potential structures, functional groups, and percent composition. The ultimate goal was to determine the compound and its …

How Economic Distribution Impacts Human Rights On An International Level: A Case Study In Africa And The Balkans, Lindsey G. Ingraham

Honors Program Theses

Data from Reporters Without Borders and the World Bank was used in this small case study to assess correlations between economic dispersion, freedom of the press, and measures of gender equality in eight countries. These countries were selected from two regions, with four from both Africa and the Balkans to total eight: Angola, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Zimbabwe. The regions were selected to account for any regional trends affecting the data. These countries were selected based on their Gini Coefficients with the hopes of identifying correlations between economic distribution and their measures of human rights. …

The Effect Of Gibberellic Acid Concentration On Gentiana Andrewsii Germination, Laura Spies

Honors Program Theses

Closed Bottle Gentian, Gentiana andrewsii, is an herbaceous flowering plant found in wetland prairies. The seed is difficult to germinate, so it is not on the native seed market. This study determines the optimal concentration of gibberellic acid for this species. The results were accessed based on the morphology changes, germination rates, and survivorship after transplanting. The 50 ppm concentration of gibberellic acid resulted in the highest rate of Gentiana andrewsii germination. The number of seedlings in the experimental group exhibited only slight differences between concentrations. Transplant data shows more significant advantages in determining an optimum concentration. The 50 ppm …

Data Ethics And The Dilemma Created By Turing's Learning Machines, Jacob Kuhn

Honors Program Theses

The main purpose of this research is to shed light on the good and bad that has come about from the interaction of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in society. Transparency with the public is paramount for the future of Artificial Intelligence. Without awareness, the public is blind to the parts of the Data Revolution that could help them or hinder them. The key question is what AI advancements are being made and what ethical problems do they pose to the general population? To help answer this question, it is best to examine the founding of Artificial Intelligence and the …

Exposure, Adaptation And Expectations: How They Affect Perception Of Foreign Accented Speech, Isabella Huddleston

Honors Program Theses

Understanding accented speech is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society. The world is connected through technology allowing us to reach further than we ever have before. One challenge this presents is the necessity to communicate across languages. Even if an individual has learned another language proficiently, the speech they produce is influenced by their native language resulting in foreign accented speech (FAS). There now exists the need for understanding how FAS affects speech perception and uncovering ways to improve communication situations between native and nonnative communication partners.

Identification Of A Dna Polymerase Alpha Gene Sequence In Thermomyces Lanuginosus Fungus, Nathan Williams

Honors Program Theses

With cell growth being the main focus of our research, we chose to study DNA polymerase alpha. DNA polymerase alpha is likely to be involved in cell growth as it is the enzyme that starts DNA replication. Control of this enzyme might lead to decreased cell growth in cancer or increased cell growth in damaged spinal cord tissue. We chose the thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus for the study of the enzyme due to the ability to compare the enzyme’s activity during fungal growth at different temperatures. Thermomyces exhibits rapid growth at high temperatures and slow growth at low temperatures. Studying …

New Policy Opens Trade With India For Pork Producers In The U.S., Morgan Marie Aitchison

Honors Program Theses

International trade is critical in maintaining a country’s prosperity. Trade between countries fuels the economy for both parties, creates jobs, and raises the standard of living. This statement comes from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). A major development of USTR's portfolio is the progress in trade with India. In November of 2021, the United States of America and the country of India agreed on a long-awaited Trade Policy concerning numerous economic topics. Within the policy released by the USTR were discussions and agreements over agriculture, non-agriculture goods, services, investment, and intellectual property. The topics included a …