Digital Commons Network^™

Comparison Of Chalk Types And Their Ghosting Effects, Felicienne Alexandre, Shoshanna Coon, Kirk Manfredi

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Chalkboard ghosting is a faint image on a chalkboard's surface after writing is erased. Many types of chalk leave a positive image, while the Crayola An-du-septic Anti-dust chalk leaves a negative image. To better understand what cause the ghosting effects, two different types of Crayola chalk (regular and anti-dust) were investigated. Raman spectroscopy and infrared (IR) spectroscopy were used to determine the majority material the chalk was made of, by comparison with pure substances. To identify the organic compound binders holding the chalk sticks together, pulverized chalk was immersed in 40 mL of toluene for at least 30 minutes. After …

Electronic, Magnetic, And Structural Properties Of Comnvsb, Adam Ramker, Pavel Lukashev Ph.D.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Background

• Spin degree of freedom in electronic devices.
• Ideal candidate – room temperature half-metal.
• Heusler compounds attractive because of high Curie temperature
• Various mechanisms altering degree of spin polarization – mechanical strain, structural disorder, temperature, termination surface/interface, etc.
• CoMnVSb: nearly a spin gapless semiconductor.

Sustainable And Biodegradable Nanocellulose Composite Materials, Jacob Scheel, Tim Kidd Ph.D.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Nanocellulose is made from a mixture of cellulose powder, and a variety of different materials and liquids. Unfortunately the cost to produce nanocellulose isn’t ideal, thanks to shrinkage. The goal of my research this year was to try to make nanocellulose more cost effective, by reduce shrinkage.

Chemical Substitution Induced Half-Metallicity In Crmnsb0.5si0.5, Lukas Stuelke, Pavel Lukashev Ph.D.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Background

⮚Research on magnetic materials for potential applications in spin-based electronics: one of the most active fields in academia and industry. ⮚High degree of spin polarization – wanted in spintronics. ⮚Spintronics – an emerging technology utilizing a spin degree of freedom. ⮚Various mechanisms alter degree of spin polarization – mechanical strain, structural disorder, temperature, termination surface/interface, etc. ⮚Magnetic materials that conduct electrons of only one spin are called half-metals, and have a great potential in spintronics.

Virtual Vs. In-Person Instruction: The Impact Of Teachers' Understanding Of Physics, Madelyn Johnson, Jeff Morgan Ph.D., Lawrence Escalada Ph.D.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Covid-19 forced nearly all U.S. schools to switch to virtual instruction in March of 2020. With students around the country and world now “Zooming” into class, it begs the question, does this new learning environment impact student learning? Conceptual assessments and observations were used to make conclusions about the differing effectiveness of instructional methods for professional development programs. Although results may indicate in-person instruction is more effective, I believe the most effective method of instruction is hybrid as it takes advantage of both virtual and in-person methods. To enable screen reader support, press Ctrl+Alt+Z To learn about keyboard shortcuts, press …

2021 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.

Mitochondrial Genome Of Geomydoecus Aurei, A Pocket-Gopher Louse, Theresa A. Spradling, Alexandra C. Place, Ashley L. Campbell, James W. Demastes

Faculty Publications

Parasitic lice demonstrate an unusual array of mitochondrial genome architectures and gene arrangements. We characterized the mitochondrial genome of Geomydoecus aurei, a chewing louse (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) found on pocket gophers (Rodentia: Geomyidae) using reads from both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing coupled with PCR, cloning, and Sanger sequencing to verify structure and arrangement for each chromosome. The genome consisted of 12 circular mitochondrial chromosomes ranging in size from 1,318 to 2,088 nucleotides (nt). Total genome size was 19,015 nt. All 37 genes typical of metazoans (2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 13 protein-coding genes) were present. An average …

2021-2022 Global Feedback Report: Uni Scholarworks, University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Library Documents & Reports (entire collection)

This library report was prepared by the Digital Scholarship Librarian at the University of Northern Iowa as part of assessment efforts demonstrating the reach and impact of departments and programs at the University of Northern Iowa. The global input is related to specific works found in UNI's institutional repository, UNI ScholarWorks (http://www.scholarworks.uni.edu.)

Ubiquitous Libguides: Variations In Presence, Production, Application, And Convention, Chris Neuhaus, Angie Cox, Anne Marie Gruber, Jim Kelly, Hyunseung Koh, Claire Bowling, Gail Bunz

Library Faculty/Staff Publications

The LibGuides platform, a content management system (CMS) from Springshare, has become an integral part of the online presence for many academic libraries. Neither Springshare nor other recent studies have provided an in-depth look at the evolving nature of LibGuides adoption, production and application across university and college categories. This study compared the prevalence and production of LibGuides to other forms of library guides at 799 academic libraries throughout the United States. LibGuides naming conventions were recorded and compared. The use of LibGuides CMS software to create library websites was also documented. This study found that there are clear differences …

The Convergence Of Online Teaching And Problem Based Learning Modules Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic, Daniel Bumblauskas, Nick Vyas

Faculty Work

There is a convergence unfolding between two formerly unique and separate areas of teaching research methodology: distance education and problem-based learning (PBL) environments. Much has been published on each field independently, however, in the modern-era of online, distance, and hybrid educational programs there is a need for more case and experiential-based learning activities which can effectively measure stated learning objectives. Trends in education have led to the development of various methods to instruct courses and conduct research online. Teaching research methodology and pedagogy have evolved to include video capture, remote conferencing, and other real-time communications techniques allowing faculty and students …

Searching For True Happiness, Taylor Shipley

Proceedings of the Jepson Undergraduate Conference on International Economics

This paper takes a look into what variables might impact an individual's happiness. It utilizes the most recent World Happiness Report along with data collected from the UN. Two regressions were run, the first one using the variables GDP per capita, female and male life expectancy, unemployment rate, literacy rate, and consumer price index with a total of one hundred forty-eight countries. The second regression used the same variables along with corruption rating with a total of fifty-nine countries. It was found that GDP per capita, female life expectancy, and unemployment were the only three significant variables in the first …

Forward Together Update [Welcome Back, Vaccines, & Masks], July 1, 2021, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Response to COVID-19

Welcomes back to campus those who have been working remotely. Includes reminders that vaccines are available and masks are encouraged for those not vaccinated.

Poverty Reduction By Getting Female Farmers Access To Cash And Credit, Sandra J. Thiman

Proceedings of the Jepson Undergraduate Conference on International Economics

Women represent the majority of agricultural labor in low-income countries, even though they have lower access to productive resources in agriculture. A major problem is the shortfall of independent income, control over finances, and lack of credit. Hence this paper examines whether women’s access to cash and credit can reduce poverty headcount. Moreover, advantageous outcomes such as an increase in yield, improvement in child health, and increase in sustainability may be achieved by allowing women farmers more access to finances. This research entails a comparative analysis between Kenya and Uganda, where I examine poverty headcount in comparison to financial policies, …

Uni Schedule Of Classes, Summer 2021, 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.

International Medical Graduates And Health Outcomes: A Way Out Or A Grave Mistake, Neel Lal

Proceedings of the Jepson Undergraduate Conference on International Economics

Insufficient healthcare access has been a principal concern for policymakers and health care providers. And yet, fewer Americans in 2015 had a primary care provider than in 2002. Worsening healthcare access presents an immediate problem and warrants a prompt solution. One potential solution to this problem involves integrating more International Medical Graduates (IMGs) into the medical workforce. In this investigation, we evaluated the effect of (1) IMG trainees (residents and fellows) and (2) all IMGs (including trainees) on mortality rates. We found no evidence that the addition of IMG trainees affects mortality rates, both in the aggregate and across different …

Average Life Expectancy Across Nations, Madison Eberhart

Proceedings of the Jepson Undergraduate Conference on International Economics

This paper analyzes life expectancy and the factors that influence it across several different countries worldwide. Data is collected from the World Bank DataBank. The cross-sectional data set contains variables for nation population, percentage of citizens with access to electricity, net income per capita, labor force participation rate, crude birth rate, population density, the percent of a nation’s population that is female, and the dependent variable being average life expectancy. This regression gives insight as to how strongly average life expectancy is affected by the different independent variables selected. It is important to understand how different elements and factors correlate …

Native Seed Scoop, Summer 2021, University Of Northern Iowa. Tallgrass Prairie Center.

Native Seed Scoop

Contents:

--- Panel Discussion – Native Seed: A Landowner’s Perspective
--- National Conference on Ecological Restoration (NCER)
--- Iowa Prairie Conference – Prairie Kinship
--- Iowa Roadside Conference
--- Tallgrass Prairie Center Updates
--- Native Seed News on the Web
--- Seed Test Variability Evaluated
--- Survey of Native Seed and Plant Consumers
--- Native Seed Highlights from SER2021

Uni Scholarworks Readership Snapshot, June 2021, Bepress

Library Documents & Reports (entire collection)

No abstract provided.

Premier, Summer 2021, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Education.

Premier

Contents:

--- From the Dean: Delighted, determined, and ready to go
--- Alumni reflections: Life during a pandemic
--- Landmark 2+2 distance education program notes 25 years
--- Research explores hidden links between diversity and leisure
--- Perspectives: Social justice teacher education in an era of division
--- Class Notes
--- Celebrating Excellence
--- College News and Notes
--- UNI Foundation News: Hampton senior receives Strottman scholarship
--- UNI Foundation News: FY 21 Donor Roll

Crosssections, Summer 2021, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Physics.

CrossSections

Contents:

A Message from the Department Head, Dr. Paul Shand --- 1
Faculty Profile: Dr. Paul Shand --- 3
Department Happenings --- 4
Student Focus --- 6
Student Research --- 8
Alumni Profile --- 9
Alumni News --- 10
Science Education --- 11
In Memoriam --- 12
New Physics --- 15

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, July 2021, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- What is PFAS and How Does it Affect the Environment?
--- IWRC's STAR4D Program Awarded New Contract
--- Food, Recycling and PFAS Program Awarded Funding
--- Industry News

The Influence Of Book Club Conversations On Reluctant Or Struggling Readers, Jadee Jo Gloede

Graduate Research Papers

This qualitative case study reports the TL impact on reluctant readers’ sustained engagement in conversations about reading, and the impact the participation in the book club has on a student’s motivation to read. This study from a small, rural area in Northwest Iowa consisted of six fourth grade students and their teacher librarian who met in a book club over a four week time period during summer school. The students were taught different reading roles and utilized them throughout the discussion of the book. The researcher discovered five main themes in response to the research questions. Theme one is Diverse …

Designing Multifunctional, Cost-Effective Prairies For Dry Marginal Lands, Justin Meissen

Tallgrass Prairie Publications and Reports

No abstract provided.

Time Spent In Different Sedentary Activity Domains Across Adolescence: A Follow-Up Study, Michael Pereira Silva, Roseane De Guimarães, Eliane Denise Bacil, Thiago Silva Piola, Edmar Roberto Fantinelli, Fabio Eduardo Fontana, Wagner De Campos

Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: This longitudinal study aimed to verify possible changes in the time spent in sedentary activities occurring as screen-time, educational, cultural, social, and transportation domains in a sample of Brazilian adolescents between 2015 and 2017.

METHODS: It is a longitudinal prospective study with 586 adolescents from 12 to 15 years old at the Baseline (2015) enrolled in 14 public schools from Curitiba, Brazil. The Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire assessed the time spent in sedentary activities in five domains (recreational screen-time, educational, cultural, social, and transportation). A series of linear random effects regressions analyzed changes in the sedentary time between 2015 …

Uni Scholarworks Readership Snapshot, May 2021, Bepress

Library Documents & Reports (entire collection)

No abstract provided.

Forward Together Update [Update Panther Health Survey, Face Covering Requirements, & More], June 4, 2021, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Response to COVID-19

Announces that the Panther Health Survey no longer needs to be completed unless someone needs to report a COVID-19 related absence. Also provides updates on face covering requirements, events planning for the summer and fall sessions, encourages people to get vaccinated, and a reminder about the accommodations process for students.

Uni Political Science Newsletter, V16n1, June 2021, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Political Science.

Political Science Newsletter

Contents:

--- From the Department Head
--- #PANTHERSVOTE in a Pandemic
--- Poli Sci Senior Receives National Essay Award
--- Ayah Al-Durazi Receives Lux Award for Service
--- Poli Sci Students Receive Campus Leadership Awards
--- Scholarship Recipients
--- Congratulations 2020-21 Graduates!
--- Alumni Spotlight
--- Faculty Updates
--- Warby Leads Study Abroad to Uganda

Old Fort Atkinson: My Family's Brief Occupation Of An Army Outpost, Roy R. Behrens

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, June 2021, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- A Nearby Disaster
--- IWRC Updated Paint Tracker Program
--- IWRC's Newest Addition, UNI Associate Professor of Economics, Alicia Rosburg (P.h.D.)
--- Brandon Stenger is Welcomed to the IWRC Team!
--- Industry News

Report On 2020-2021 Compliance With Continuous Quality Improvement Legislation, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

A report provided to the Iowa Board of Regents regarding continuous improvement processes in courses at the University of Northern Iowa.