Digital Commons Network^™

Going With The Flow: Quantifying Lead Levels Along A Natural Water Pathway, Kailah Thompson, Joshua Sebree

Fall 2024 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

Lead contamination in natural water is a significant concern due to its toxic effects on both ecological and human health. Jackson County, with its historical background in lead mining and ammunition production, presents an ideal region to study lead’s movement and potential impacts in natural water environments. This research traces the journey of lead ions from a spring, through a creek, and into a pond, examining how lead concentrations change along the water pathway. The study uses differential pulse stripping voltammetry, a precise technique for trace metal analysis, alongside pH and temperature measurements to provide insight into factors that influence …

Soil Condition Variability: Carbon Analysis Of Prairie, Crop, And Forest Soil In Northeast Iowa, Jacqueline Heggen, Joshua Sebree, David Gossman

Fall 2024 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

• Iowa’s soil supports crop growth, stores carbon, filters water impurities, provides a habitat for organisms, and stores and provides water and nutrients for plants.
• The availability of elements within soil is an indicator of the viability of soil.
• Total % carbon is the percent composition of carbon in the sample. Total organic carbon enters the soil through the decomposition of plants, microorganisms, and animals.
• C:H ratios can reveal the potential for microbial activity and soil fertility.
• Gossman property allows for the analysis of a variety of different soil conditions in one location

Identifying Pottery Extracts Using Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy, Evelyn Lopez, Joshua Sebree

Fall 2024 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

• Located in Jackson County, Iowa, Gossman Farm fosters many unique environments such as caves, freshwater springs, and various soil environments.
• This research focuses on the pottery fragments found at Indian Cave located within the Gossman property.
• Pottery fragments have been recovered at Indian Cave by Dave Gossman. It’s believed that these pottery fragments are from the Native Americans that used to inhabit the area.
• By analyzing the pottery fragments at Gossman Park, insight can be given on the history of the settlers at Gossman Farm and the use of the pottery.

Science Education News, Fall 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Science Education Program.

Science Education News

Contents:

--- A Message from the Director
--- Faculty Profile: Kyle Gray
--- MA Science Education
--- Student Profiles: Emma Bopp, Wyatt Heideman, Jim Duff
--- Yager Science Education Resources & Outreach
--- Science Education Happenings
--- 2024-2025 Events
--- Alumni Info Request
--- Support UNI Science Education

Uni Schedule Of Classes: Policies And Procedures, Fall 2024, 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.

University Of Northern Iowa Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, September 23, 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate.

Documents - Faculty Senate

Meeting minutes from the Faculty Senate of the University of Northern Iowa.

The Power Of Homeownership: The Case For Iowa Heartland Habitat For Humanity, Esha Jayswal, Joseph Ugrin, Disa Cornish, Brent Buhr, Ali Parrish

Faculty Publications

This research examines the impact of financially assisted homeownership for Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity home recipients as measured in life satisfaction. We develop and assess a model with homeownership as the independent variable and financial well-being, current health, and psychological well-being as mediating variables that impact life satisfaction. We utilize data from 184 Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity homeowners and applicants to test the model. The findings show that homeownership through Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity is related to life satisfaction. That relationship is partially mediated by financial well-being, current health, and psychological well-being, where the mediating variables amplify …

Beyond Covid: Towards A Transdisciplinary Synthesis For Understanding Responses And Developing Pandemic Preparedness In Alaska, Taylor P. Van Doren, Ryan A. Brown, Guangqing Chi, Patricia Cochran, Katie Cueva, Laura Eichelberger, Ruby Fried, Stacey Fritz, Micah B. Hahn, Ron Heintz, Davin Holen, Andrey N. Petrov

Faculty Publications

Pandemics are regularly occurring events, and there are foundational principles of pandemic preparation upon which communities, regions, states, and nations may draw upon for elevated preparedness against an inevitable future infectious disease threat. Many disciplines within the social sciences can provide crucial insight and transdisciplinary thinking for the development of preparedness measures. In 2023, the National Science Foundation funded a conference of circumpolar researchers and Indigenous partners to reflect on COVID-19-related research. In this article, we synthesise our diverse social science perspectives to: (1) identify potential areas of future pandemic-related research in Alaska, and (2) pose new research questions that …

Returnees’ Perspectives Of The Adverse Impact Of Forced Displacement On Children, Itunu O. Ilesanmi, Jasmine D. Haynes, Florence O. Ogundimu

Faculty Publications

Conflict-related forced displacement, characterized by the experiences of witnessing violent acts, bombing, torture, separation, and the execution of family members, can severely and negatively impact a child’s social determinants of health (SDOH). These experiences are both direct and indirect forms of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and urgent attention is needed to understand the impact of forced displacement on children, who are a vulnerable group, and to develop interventions for all systems that influence the child. This phenomenological qualitative study involved in-depth interviews based on the experiences of returnees (n = 20), who are parents of children who experienced forced displacement. …

Association Between Bullying Victimization And Health Risk Behavior In Adolescents, Ana Beatriz Pacífico, Eliane Denise Araújo Bacil, Mariana Ardengue, Thiago Silva Piola, Michael Pereira Da Silva, Fabio Fontana, Ademar Avelar, Wagner De Campos

Faculty Publications

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the association between bullying victimization and health risk behaviors in adolescents. Methods: A representative sample of 1020 adolescents participated in the study. The variables such as bullying, health risk behaviors (tobacco, drugs, alcohol, sedentary behavior, smartphone use, level of physical activity, and sleep), and economic status were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were obtained using binary logistic regression and ordinal, gross, and adjusted logistic regression (p< 0.05). Results: Victims of bullying were more likely to smoke (OR 1.75; 95%CI 1.28–2.40), consume alcohol (OR1.43; 95%CI 1.05–1.94), have worse sleep quality (OR 1.94; 95%CI 1.28–2.91), and more sedentary behavior (OR 1.43; 95%CI 1.08–1.89) than those who were not bullied. However, victims were more likely to have high levels of physical activity than their non-bullied peers (OR 1.66; 95%CI 1.22–2.27). Conclusions: Bullying victimization was associated with an increased predisposition for the adoption of health risk behaviors. Interestingly, victims were also more prone to participate in physical activity.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, September 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- IWRC Program Manager to Keynote Statewide Conference
--- Another great opportunity at the IWRC
--- Strategic Goals Workshop
--- STAR4D exhibits at NGAUS General Conference
--- Farewell to Jason Clay
--- Fall conference season gets underway
--- Partner Events
--- Industry News

A Systematic Review On The Effectiveness Of Brain-Breaks® Video Programming On Academic Performance And Physical Activity Of School Children, Garry Kuan, Ming Kai Chin, Yee Cheng Kueh, Abdulwali Sabo, Magdalena Mo Ching Mok, Govindasamy Balasekaran, Yu Kai Chang, Christopher R. Edginton, Ian Culpan, Biljana Popeska, J. Larry Durstine

Faculty Publications

Purpose: This study aimed to complete a systematic review of the effect of the Brain Breaks® video program on academic performance and health-related outcomes among schoolchildren. Methods: A literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases to identify published manuscripts from December 2017 to December 2023. Dissertations, theses, monographs, and commentaries were excluded from this review. Results: A total of 15 studies were included in the review. Most studies applied quasi-experimental design and were conducted in Asia and Europe with children. Nine of these studies found that Brain Breaks® improved students' attitudes toward physical activity …

University Of Northern Iowa Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, August 26, 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate.

Documents - Faculty Senate

Meeting minutes from the Faculty Senate of the University of Northern Iowa.

Exploring Forgiveness Through Theologically Informed Education: Lessons From Judaism, Yitzhak Ben Yair, Sarel Ohayon, Natti Ronel, Suzanne Freedman

Faculty Publications

Education serves as the primary line of defense against crime and other psychological difficulties. Children exposed to adversity and emotional challenges may be susceptible to various risks, potentially leading to criminal activities. Forgiveness has been demonstrated as a healing influence in the lives of individuals who have experienced hurt and accumulated negative emotions due to life events. Understanding forgiveness from a young age, in both theory and practice, may facilitate improved relationships and psychological well-being. This article underscores the significance of forgiveness education, advocating for a culturally and theologically sensitive approach. In this article we will offer an example of …

2024 Annual Report Of The Nominating Committee, University Of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate.

Documents - Faculty Senate

University Nominating Committee report including committee memberships, produced by the Faculty Senate of the University of Northern Iowa.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, August 2024 [Special Edition], University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Fraud Alert

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, August 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Join Our Team
--- Fraud Alert: New phishing scam targeting businesses
--- ICAW 2025 Poster Contest
--- STAR4D returns to the Iowa State Fair

Electronic, Magnetic, And Structural Properies Of Fevtaal Heusler Alloy, Caden J. Sadler, Pavel V. Lukashev

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

• Spin degree of freedom in electronic devices.

• Ideal candidate – room temperature half-metal.

• Heusler compounds attractive because of high Curie temperature

• Various mechanisms altering spin polarization – mechanical strain, structural disorder, temperature, termination surface/interface, etc.

• FeVTaAl: Type II SGS in bulk and GS in thin film

Magnetotransport Properties Of Nife1+Xmn1-Xal Heusler Alloys, Salimatou Diallo, Brandon Schmidt, Jax Wysong, Gavin Baker, Parashu Kharel, Pavel V. Lukashev, Paul M. Shand

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

• Heusler alloys have been studied extensively in recent years for practical applications in spintronic devices.
• Many have been theoretically predicted to be half-metallic with tunable electronic properties.
• NiFe1+xMn1-xAl, a quaternary Heusler compound, was theoretically and experimentally studied.

Effect Of Pressure And Strain On Electronic And Magnetic Properties Of V2coal, Brandon L. Schmidt, Paul M. Shand, Parashu Kharel, Pavel V. Lukashev

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

• Spin degree of freedom in electronic devices.

• Ideal candidate – room temperature half-metal.

• Heusler compounds attractive because of high Curie temperature.

• Various mechanisms altering spin polarization – mechanical strain, structural disorder, temperature, termination surface / interface, etc.

• V2CoAl: nearly half-metal.

Magnetic And Structural Properties Of Fecrzral: Ab Initio Study, Samuel Smith, Pavel V. Lukashev

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

• Spintronics – uses electron’s spin in electronic devices.

• Ideal candidate – room temperature half-metal.

• Heusler compounds attractive because of high Curie temperature.

• Various mechanisms altering spin polarization – mechanical strain, structural disorder, temperature, termination surface/interface, etc.

• FeCrZrAl: nearly spin gapless semiconductor.

2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Program, 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.

Value Creation In A Pedagogically-Focused Faculty Online Learning Community, Fred Goldberg, Edward Price, Mo Basir, Lawrence Escalada, Steve Maier, Steven Sahyun, Tamara D. Snyder, Liang Zeng

Faculty Publications

Faculty online learning communities (FOLCs) can help faculty effectively adopt and persist in using research-based curricula. This paper documents faculty perspectives on the value they gained from participating in a multi-year FOLC designed to help them implement an inquiry-based physical science curriculum. Personal value narratives were collected from 11 volunteer FOLC participants. In the narratives, participants responded to prompts regarding their initial reasons for participation, activities they engaged in, and values they gained, as well as how participation impacted their profession, social connections, professional practice, and ability to influence their world as teachers. Qualitative analysis shows that the values faculty …

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, July 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Farewell to Jordan Evans, Environmental Specialist
--- Keeping Tabs on PFAs
--- Library Compost Training Series visits Independence, IA
--- Important Reminders: Library Compost Training Series
--- Industry News

Determinants Of Women’S Fertility Rates In The U.S., Kelle Bormann

Proceedings of the Jepson Undergraduate Conference on International Economics

Fertility rates have long been a subject of extensive research. In our constantly evolving world, economists have examined these rates across different times and regions to understand how cultural and economic factors influence women’s fertility. This paper analyzes historically significant factors to determine if their impact has changed over time, aiming to inform policies addressing the declining fertility trend. Data from the IPUMS USA 2021 census was used, estimated through a logit odds ratio regression with robust standard errors, and analyzed at the ten, five, and one percent significance levels. The findings indicate that the age of the youngest child …

Uni Schedule Of Classes: Policies And Procedures, Summer 2024, 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.

Crosssections, Summer 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Physics.

CrossSections

Contents:

A Message from the Department Head, Dr. Paul Shand --- 01
New Secretary --- 02
Homecoming Picnic --- 03
Visits to the Department --- 04
Awards Banquet --- 05
Begeman Lecture --- 05
Physics Competition --- 06
Holiday Colloquium --- 06
Tim Kidd Lecture --- 07
Faculty Profile - Larry Escalada --- 07
Student Profile - Ashley Harrington --- 08
Student Research - Haley Harms --- 10
Physics Scholarships and Awards --- 12
Teacher Education Transformation --- 13
Alumni Profile - Justin Bohnet --- 14
Alumni News - Corey Cooling --- 15
Alumni News - John Bolte --- 16 …

Children’S Reading Of Visuals In Informational Picturebooks And Biographies, Sunah Chung

Faculty Publications

Visuals in picturebooks play an important role in supporting children’s reading comprehension and literacy development. This qualitative case study analyzes three American families’ shared reading practices at home by analyzing their online surveys for family literacy environments, reading logs for a month, mother interviews, and video observation of their shared reading at home. The analysis of the collected data categorizes children’s responses to visuals into three major themes: reflecting personal preferences and thoughts on visuals, interpreting visuals based on prior knowledge, and misreading visuals that interfere with understanding content. The discussion focuses on the roles of visuals in informational picturebooks …

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, June 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Rota, Spain: A Unique Hub for U.S. Military Vehicle Painting
--- Get involved with the Solid Waste Educators Group
--- USDA announces Composting and Food Waste Cooperative Agreements
--- Library Compost Training Series visits West Bend, IA
--- Important Reminders

The Effect Of Visual Sensory Interference During Multitask Obstacle Crossing In Younger And Older Adults, Hyeyoung Cho, Shirley Rietdyk

Faculty Publications

When older adults step over obstacles during multitasking, their performance is impaired; the impairment results from central and/or sensory interference. The purpose was to determine if sensory interference alters performance under low levels of cognitive, temporal, and gait demand, and if the change in performance is different for younger versus older adults. Participants included 17 younger adults (20.9±1.9 years) and 14 older adults (69.7±5.4 years). The concurrent task was a single, simple reaction time (RT) task: depress button in response to light cue. The gait task was stepping over an obstacle (8 m walkway) in three conditions: (1) no sensory …