Digital Commons Network^™

Analyzing Perceptions Of Citizen Science As Part Of An International Learning Experience, Katelyn Marie Miner

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study focused on a perceptions-based citizen science project that emphasizes meaning over measurement. Specifically, student perceptions of citizen science in a unique location, rather than the specific data outcomes of the water quality citizen science activity were analyzed. Many researchers have used citizen science participants to collect samples from water sources around them, increasing the use of mass data collection for scientific purposes.This study was a mixed-methods design, using triangulation of the pre-survey, modified focus group, and post-survey. The goal was to gauge the perceptions of participants in perceived benefits and gains before and after participating in a water …

Examining Individual Differences In Attitudes Toward The Insanity Defense, Dominique M. Kornely

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the present study was to examine how individual differences in stigma against people who are mentally ill, free will beliefs, just world beliefs, and sentencing goals are associated with attitudes toward the insanity defense. Because there are many misconceptions about what the insanity defense is, and how it is actually used as a sentence, the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) plea may be underutilized due to public opinions reflecting misunderstanding and/or possible biases (Perlin, 2017). Understanding the relation between individual beliefs and attitudes about the insanity defense would help to better understand potential biases present …

Quantifying Carbon Sequestration For Riparian-Zone Restoration In Ecuador, Paula Carvalho De Castro

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Carbon sequestration supported by carbon pricing and carbon offset programs has the potential to mitigate the risks associated with environmental change. Riparian-zone restoration, beyond enriching degraded ecosystems, promotes carbon sequestration. With that premise, this study aims to estimate and compare how much carbon is captured and stored using six riparian-zone restoration scenarios for the Northwestern part of the Pichincha Province in Ecuador and the economic value of the respective carbon. The InVEST Carbon Storage and Carbon Sequestration Model which integrates land cover maps, carbon pools, and economic value of carbon in currency units was used to quantify the amount of …

Seed Mix Design, Planting Time, And First-Year Mowing Management To Improve Multifunctionality And Cost-Effectiveness Of Tallgrass Prairie Reconstructions, Alec James Glidden

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The conversion of the Midwestern United States’ tallgrass prairies to agriculture has resulted in extensive habitat loss and degradation and a decline in the provisioning of ecosystem services. To restore these services the United States Department of Agriculture created the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) which provides incentives to agricultural landowners to implement conservation practices designed to meet goals pertaining to single ecosystem services. We studied the effects of seed mix design, planting time, and first-year management on the multifunctionality and cost-effectiveness of prairie reconstructions. We established research plots planted with one of three seed mixes either in the dormant (fall) …

Community Diversity Influences Selection On Nutrient Resorption In Panicum Virgatum, Michael J. Lashbrook

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass) is a bioenergy crop shown to conserve and recycle nutrients through a process known as nutrient resorption. While there are many studies looking at various aspects of nutrient cycling in switchgrass, it remains unclear whether selection is acting upon increased nutrient resorption in this species. Further, there are no phenotypic selection studies coupling empirical sexual and asexual reproduction data.

A field study and a modeling study were conducted to determine phenotypic selection on nutrient resorption and the influence of resorption on asexual reproduction in switchgrass. For the field study of phenotypic selection, I hypothesized selection favors …

Front Matter - Table Of Contents - Preface

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Iowa Journal Of Communication, Volume 53, Number 1, Fall 2021 [Download Entire Issue]

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

The Systematics Of Physaria Sensu Stricto From Wyoming And Surrounding Areas, Jason Ratcliff

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Two genera of Brassicaceae – Lesquerella and Physaria – were recently united on the basis of monophyly. Classically, these genera have been distinguished based on morphology with 'traditional” Physaria species having doubly inflated (didymous) fruits. Molecular data consisting of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequences indicate Physaria has evolved from the larger Lesquerella genus, thus making Lesquerella a paraphyletic grouping as previously described. A revised treatment of the combined Physaria recognized 106 species within the genus, of which 26 taxa occur in Wyoming. Of the Wyoming taxa, those traditionally described as belonging to Physaria (i.e.Physaria sensu stricto) have …

Arthropod Fauna Of Plains Pocket Gopher (Geomys Bursarius) Burrow Systems, Brett Lyle Gourley

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Pocket gophers are among the most asocial mammals, living a solitary existence except for mating and the rearing of offspring. They create expansive burrow systems underground while foraging for food and rarely surfacing above ground. As gophers burrow, excess soil is pushed to the surface or placed in older tunnels. This behavior creates a cave-like ecosystem where pocket gophers and associated arthropods live.

Few studies have been done on the arthropod fauna cohabitating with pocket gophers in these burrows. Most of these studies have focused on a family of arthropods over several sites. Many have focused on the southern United …

24andmore: Using Genome-Wide Snps To Investigate The Genetic Diversity Of Iowa Walleye (Sander Vitreous) Broodstock, Rachel Ann Mcdonnell

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The stocking of Sander vitreus in Iowa waterbodies is one of the primary tools used by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ensure healthy populations for enjoyable fishing experiences. A substantial amount of time and money goes into this effort, so stocking efficiency is vital. Knowledge of genetic diversity contained in the broodstock increases this efficiency by having a better understanding of which strain will survive and contribute to the fishery in certain environments. The objective of this study is to investigate the genetic diversity of Iowa S. vitreus broodstock to identify genetic ancestry and quantify the genetic …

How Have You Experienced Being On Testosterone? Narrative Inquiry Into The T-Body Experience, Noah Andrew

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This qualitative research project is an inquiry into understanding how testosterone-bodied (T-bodied) individuals experience testosterone. The term T-bodies is a more inclusive way to describe all individuals who are taking testosterone for the purpose of transition, as not all of those people identify as strictly transgender. This research uses qualitative interviews and storytelling to allow for T-bodied people to tell their stories and allow for better understanding of the bodies undergoing transition. The key result from this study is understanding that while people might finally feel comfortable in their bodies due to the changes testosterone gives them, they also find …

Quality And Quantity Of Social Support In College Students With Adhd Symptomatology, Chloe J. Reeble

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Social support is an important factor in both physical health and mental well-being. Both the quality and quantity of social support have been found to be a protective factor in some mental illnesses. Individuals with ADHD often have a hard time maintaining peer relationships because of the symptoms of the disorder. This may result in low social support quality and quantity, which may in turn affect social impairment, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. This study examines the relation between ADHD and social support in college students. Findings show that social impairment significantly predicts lower social support quality and …

How Hpa Stress Response Relates To Anxiety: Sex Differences And Estradiol, Carrie Shea

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Cortisol is a stress hormone secreted during activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a system within the body that shows increased activation in response to stress. Cortisol is often assumed to be related to anxiety. However, previous research on the relationship between cortisol and anxiety is mixed. The present research examined the moderating effects of sex differences and estrogen on the relationship between cortisol reactivity and anxiety. Participants (n = 54) completed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and completed measures of anxiety. Consistent with previous research, it was hypothesized that men will exhibit increased cortisol reactivity compared to women. …

The Zones Of Regulation In Schools, Kyle Andrew-Kelly Wiebers

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Emotion regulation is a concept that has existed within the literature for decades, but the presence of emotion regulation programs in schools is a relatively new concept in research (Durlak et al., 2011). Research suggests that emotional regulation skills are related to improved peer relationships and academic success (Denham & Brown, 2010; Durlak et al., 2011). Students who exhibited well-adjusted, or adaptive, emotion regulation had better peer relationships and were more productive and accurate when completing academic tasks (Denham & Brown, 2010; Dvir et al., 2014; Kim & Cicchetti, 2010; Kim‐Spoon et al., 2013; Lereya et al., 2015). For this …

Public Perception Of Adults With Adhd In The United States: Stigma Vs. Strengths, Peyton S. Barton

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Stigma is a stereotyped judgement of a group of people (e.g. people with a mental illness; Goffman, 1963). Mentally ill individuals are often assumed to be dangerous, irresponsible, or incapable of taking care of themselves (Rüsch et al., 2005). The type of judgement and the level to which individuals are judged is influenced by the sociodemographic factors of the observer as well as the stigmatized individual (Martin et al., 2007). Additionally, in some cases people judge those with mental illness as having strengths; for example, believing people with bipolar disorder to be particularly creative (Galvez et al., 2011; Kiume, 2017). …

42 Update: F20 Survey Results On Draft Guidelines, University Of Northern Iowa. General Education Re-Envisioning Committee.

General Education Re-envisioning Committee Documents

The report on the campus survey to get feedback on the category descriptions of the general education program done in Fall 2020.

Winter Operations At Uni, December 3, 2020, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Response to COVID-19

Oultines the buildings and services available during the December 11, 2020 to January 19, 2021 winter interim.

40 Update: Draft Course Guidelines Presented To Senate 11-9-20, University Of Northern Iowa. General Education Re-Envisioning Committee.

General Education Re-envisioning Committee Documents

A draft of guidelines for course proposals to be considered for addition to the new general education program. The guidelines include what student learning outcomes should be covered by the course for every category.

Uni Grad Student News, V19n2, November 2020, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate College.

UNI Grad Student News

Inside This Issue:
--Message from the Dean
--Graduate Student Profile
--Graduate Faculty Profile
--Graduate Alumni Profile
--Graduate Secretary Profile
--Professional Development
--Current Happenings
--Student Accolades
--Take Care Tip
--Social Activities
--Important Deadlines

Report: Native Seed Stakeholder Meeting 2020, Laura E. Fischer Walter

Tallgrass Prairie Publications and Reports

There were 27 invited participants from Iowa and other Midwestern states (Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). In addition, the TPC director, TPC staff members, AmeriCorps associates, and UNI students participated in organizing the meeting.

Meeting participants represented various stakeholder groups with connections to the native seed system of Iowa and the Midwest region:

 Seed consumers – need access to diverse, regionally appropriate, and affordable native seed to meet demand for restoration in various contexts.

 Seed producers and service providers – need to sustain business viability while responding to changing policy and demand for native seed and services.

 Researchers, …

Minutes Of Graduate College Committee On Curricula, October 5, 2020, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate College Curriculum Committee.

Minutes - Graduate Curriculum Committee

Minutes of the committee that oversees the development of the curriculum of the University of Northern Iowa Graduate College.

Uni Schedule Of Classes, Fall 2020, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Schedule of Classes

A listing and schedule of the courses being taught as well as policies and procedures concerning attending classes at the University of Northern Iowa.

Communiqué: College Of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine, Volume 9, Fall 2020, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Humanities, Arts, And Sciences.

Communiqué: College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine

Contents:

EVERY ISSUE
--4 Message from the Dean
--5 Donor Feature
--38 CHAS Briefs
--44 New Faculty
--46 Class Notes
FEATURES
--6 Diversity in STEM
--10 Cave Exploration
--14 Medieval Musical Manuscript
--18 Local Artist Residency
--26 Marine Adventures
--34 A Career in Conservation
STORIES
--22 Multicultural Theatre
--24 Learning with Drones
--30 Mastering Metal Casting
--32 Lessons in Slang
--33 PWR 50th Anniversary
--40 Parkinson's Research
--42 Secondary Teacher Prep
--45 Religion in the Classroom

Uni Grad Student News, V19n1, September 2020, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate College.

UNI Grad Student News

Inside This Issue:
--Message from the Dean
--Meet the Graduate College Staff
--Student Profiles
--Student Resources
--UNI Counseling Center Workshops
--Faculty Profile
--Alumni Profile
--Professional Development
--Current Happenings
--Student Accolades
--Take Care Tip
--Social Activities
--Important Deadlines

Minutes Of Graduate College Committee On Curricula, August 24, 2020, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate College Curriculum Committee.

Minutes - Graduate Curriculum Committee

Minutes of the committee that oversees the development of the curriculum of the University of Northern Iowa Graduate College.

Dynamic Monte Carlo Modeling Of Protein-Dna Interactions, Aaron Kirchman, Ali Tabei

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

No abstract provided.

Sacrificial Seed’S Impact On Native Seedling Establishment In Prairie Restoration, Jacey Meier, Isabella Betzer, Laura Jackson

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Tallgrass prairie used to cover Iowa and much of the midwest– now only a small percentage of it remains. Many prairie restoration efforts are in place, but native prairie seed prices are high and seedling establishment is low. We tested how inexpensive sacrificial seed impacts the establishment of native seedlings. After planting a field with native prairie seed, we marked out six test plots and applied treatment (sacrificial seed) to three of them. We counted and evaluated the number of emerged seedlings per m2 after 4.5 months. We saw no differences in emerged seedlings per m2 between the plots with …

Blood Pressure Awareness Among University Of Northern Iowa Students, Abigail Weekley, Theresa Spradling, Robert Good

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

No abstract provided.

2020 Summer Undergraduate Research Program Virtual Symposium, University Of Northern Iowa. Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium Programs

The program for the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium of the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences.

From The Provost: Classroom Safety, July 15, 2020, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Response to COVID-19

A memo to faculty from Provost Wohlpart addressing the steps taken to promote safety in the classrooms to combat the spread of COVID-19 on campus.