Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of Egg-Incubation Temperature On Growth And Selected Temperature Of Apalone Spinifera, The Spiny Softshell Turtle, Amy L. Klopfenstein

Honors Program Theses

In order to survive, turtle hatchlings must be able to choose optimal thermal locations that promote growth and activity through thermoregulation. In some softshell turtle species, embryonic incubation conditions may influence post-hatching phenotypic characters, such as growth rates and temperature preference. I tested the effect of egg-incubation temperature on growth and thermal preferences of Apalone spinifera hatchlings, from Butler County, Iowa. Eggincubation temperature did not affect growth of 10 juvenile Apalone spinifera (Reptilia: Testudines: Trionychidae). After 5 months, hatchlings incubated at 30°C did not differ in size from the turtles incubated at 25°C. In an aquatic thermal gradient from 14-34°C, …

Leading Unconducted Chamber Vocal Ensembles: A Case Study Of The University Of Northern Iowa Varsity Men's Glee Club Camerata, David Hoobler

Honors Program Theses

Recently, unconducted chamber vocal ensembles have emerged as one of, if not the most popular forms of vocal performing groups. TV shows such as "The Sing Off' and "Glee" showcase the musical abilities of this type of ensemble. Barbershop quartets enjoy high levels of popularity. Professional groups such as Voces8 and other groups on many college campuses are constantly in demand for performances. In addition, educators find it necessary to learn how to lead these groups especially in the state of Iowa where quartets are used for All-State auditions, and the popularity of Show Choir necessitates an unconducted vocal ensemble …

Netflow-Based Bandwidth Auditor For The Resnet Network, Jessalyn Schweitzer

Honors Program Theses

Various bandwidth monitoring software solutions are in existence today. However, these products report bandwidth usage based on IP address. This is not beneficial for the ResNet network because registration for access on ResNet is based on MAC address. They also do not provide a way to associate a device with a specific user or aggregate usage for multiple devices registered to a user.

I chose this project because of the benefit it would provide for ResNet and ITS-Network Services. As an employee of ITS-Network Services and ResNet for the past two and four years, respectively, I care about students being …

The Link Between Functional Behavioral Assessment And Behavioral Intervention Plans, Megan Kathleen Seamans Anderson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The inclusion of functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and behavioral intervention plans (BIP) in the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) 2004 changed the way an educator can discipline a student with a disability . Limited research has been conducted to evaluate FBAs and BIPs completed in the school setting, more specifically the use of FBA data to inform the BIP, and compliance with IDEIA mandates. The current study examined 72 initial FBAs and BIPs completed by school teams in a Midwest regional education agency. Findings indicate the majority of teams were out of compliance with IDEIA …

Psychopathy: Correlates Of The Mmpi-2-Rf And Ppi-R, Katherine Achsah Lisa Hall

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The present study sought to examine the utility of the MMPI-2-RF (Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008) in assessing psychopathic personality traits. In past studies, the Restructured Clinical scales (RC4, RC9, RC7, and RC2) have been positive predictors of psychopathic characteristics. The aim of this study is to validate and build upon the previous research by re-examining the Restructured Clinical scales (RC4, RC9, RC7, and RC2) and investigate the MMPI-2-RF fear scales (Behavioral-Restricting Fears & Multiple Specific Fears), High-Order Scale (Behavioral/Externalizing Dysfunction), Externalizing Scale (Juvenile Conduct Problems and Substance Abuse) and the Personality Psychopathology Five scales (Negative-Emotionality/Neuroticism-Revised & Introversion/Low Positive Emotionality-Revised). It …

Accelerated Reader And Sustained Silent Reading's Impact On Students' Motivation To Read, Amy Benedict

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if students' motivation to read is influenced by the use of Accelerated Reader or SSR in their school. Fourth grade students had been selecting books to read based on Accelerated Reader levels. After reading each book the students took a quiz. SSR was implemented for two weeks to determine if students' attitudes towards reading would improve.

A mixed-methods approach was used in this research design. Quantitative data were collected through the MRP survey, administered both before the introduction of SSR and after implementing SSR. Qualitative data were collected through an individual conversational …

Relationship Between Fundamental Motor Skills And Physical Activity, Sara Marrone

Graduate Research Papers

Objectives. An important component in reducing the obesity of today's children is increasing the level of participation in physical activity. One factor that might increase physical activity is the level of object control fundamental motor skill proficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether object control fundamental motor skills are associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Methods. 40 second grade students (23 boys and 17 girls) were studied. Children's physical activity was assessed by the Polar Active® activity monitor, and their motor proficiency was determined using a battery of assessment to test 4 object control skills (throwing, …

The Update, January/February 2011, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Humanities, Arts And Sciences.

Update

Inside this issue:

-- Popular NPR Show, From the Top, to tape a broadcast at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
-- Department News
-- 2010-11 CHFA Major Grants Announced
-- Anderson Summer Geology Field Camp Fund
-- Marks of Process, a UNI Department of Art Alumni Exhibition
-- UNI Interpreters Theatre
-- University of Northern Iowa School of Music Concert Chorale
-- Center of Advanced Bio-Based Binders
-- Student Spotlight: Art: Alex Petersen
-- Student Spotlight: Biology: Benjamin Wohlers
-- WCF Symphony & School of Music Events
-- First Lego League
-- Sigma Gamma Epsilon
-- Forum: a Student Organization …

2010 Arctic Winter Games: Personal, Social, And Community Benefits Of Participation, Samuel Joseph Walter

Graduate Research Papers

Overall, the findings of this study are very encouraging and give a strong rationale for the continued development, advancement, and support for the Arctic Winter Games. The results have been consistent with the aforementioned mission and values of the Games as established by the International Committee. This study is the fourth initial examination of the personal, social and community benefits of the Games. This research focused on the use of a questionnaire developed and tested in the 1998 Arctic Winter Games. Since then, this survey has been revised and updated on several occasions.

The Effects Of Aerobic Physical Fitness And Daily Physical Activity On Cognitive Testing In Preadolescent Children, Bennett L. Smith

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of physical activity and physical fitness level on academic performance.

The Effect Of A Long-Toss Throwing Protocol On Elite Pitchers’ Glenohumeral Joint Inferior Laxity, Andrew Charles Benning

Graduate Research Papers

Context: Long-toss throwing protocols are common arm conditioning practices used among elite level pitchers; however, this practice could cause an increase in inferior glenohumoral laxity that could be considered unhealthy (10-21 mm). Objective: Compare the amount of non-throwing and throwing arm glenohumeral laxity before and after the long-toss throwing protocol. Design: Repeated measures Setting: Laboratory Participants: 10 healthy, male, collegiate pitchers(age 20.4 ± 0.97, height 185.7 ± 4.7 cm, weight 89.3 ± 4.9 kg.) in accordance with IRB. Intervention: Measure the inferior displacement of the glenohumeral joint in the dominant and non-dominant shoulder before and after a long toss routine. …

Iowa Film Premier

Postville Project Documents

A one-page informational sheet about the Iowa premiere Luis Argueta documentary film "AbUSed: The Postville Raid" at the University of Northern Iowa on Feb. 8, 2011.

The Efficacy Of An Intuitive Eating Education Program In A School Nutrition Education Curriculum, Nicole Healy

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Childhood and adolescent obesity and eating disorders are increasing at an alarming rate in the United States and they occur at younger ages than previously observed. To combat childhood and adolescent obesity, many school nutrition education programs offer obesity prevention programs. Some of these programs consist of restrictive eating plans for obesity prevention, yet their efficacy has been questioned because an unintended consequence is that they may actually increase eating disorder behaviors. An alternative to programs that focus on restrictive eating is the Intuitive eating approach, which is based on the premise that an adherence to physiological cues in determining …

Administration Response Of Nonprofit Organizations Due To The 2007-2009 Recession, Kelsey Belle Marie Wegner

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In December of 2007, a recession began in the United States that affected nearly every aspect of the economy. The Great Recession created a global meltdown of numerous sectors including the nonprofit sector. The nonprofit sector is a significant part of the United States economy, making up more than 10 percent of employment and has approximately 1.4 million nonprofit organizations registered with the Internal Revenue Service. The researcher examined what effect the recession had on nonprofit organizations. The purpose of the study is to determine how the recession that began in 2007 has impacted 501(c) nonprofit organizations in five United …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Mental Toughness And Success In College Basketball, Nathan T. Oakland

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Mental toughness has been viewed as a vital attribute and characteristic in the world of athletics since the beginning of sport. Mental Toughness began to gain notoriety in the public forum however, when Vince Lombardi won Super Bowl I in 1967 as the Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers. Coaches and athletes alike often speak of mental toughness and its importance, though in the world of athletics, the challenge has been the overall lack of a sound definition of mental toughness. Until recently, research has been sparse on the topic which has led to confusion and misunderstanding of mental …

A Descriptive Study Of The Leadership Behaviors Of Ncaa Division I And Ii Head Basketball Coaches As They Pertain To The Path-Goal Theory, Troy Curtis Muilenburg

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine perceived leadership behaviors of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and II men's basketball head coaches. Specifically, this study examined the training and instruction, social support, and positive feedback behaviors as assessed using the Leadership Scale for Sport (LSS) (Chelladurai & Saleh, 1980). A secondary purpose was to examine potential relationships between these behaviors, win/loss percentages, and head coaching experience. Based on path-goal theory, it was hypothesized that the scores for the training and instruction, social support, and positive feedback behaviors would be high, and there would be a positive relationship …

Analysis Of Selected Team Performance Measures And Their Correlation With Game Outcome In 1-Aa College Football, John Paul Hildebrand

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

While the popularity of American Football has grown over the last century, so has the complexity with which the game is played. The hours spent by coaches, players, fans, and experts dissecting every aspect of the game is astonishing. While some people analyze football as a hobby or to report the game, coaches and player's careers are drastically affected by what they can draw from the data research. Statistical analysis strategies in football have become more complex and more widespread over the last 25 years, particularly since the use of computers and computer software has become so common place. Any …

Reliability And Sensitivity Of Physical Activity Under Free-Living Conditions As A Measure Of Function Following Ankle And Foot Injuries, Lisa Nicole Bengtson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Context: Assessing outcomes measure, with pedometers, allows a practitioner to monitor an injury throughout recovery. Therefore, to be utilized in practice and research, step counts should be able to effectively detect changes in physical activity, under free-living conditions, throughout recovery following an ankle or foot injury for student-athletes. Therefore the purpose of this study was to provide evidence of reliability and sensitivity for physical activity under free-living conditions, via step counts, as a measure of function during recovery (3-14 days) following ankle and foot injuries for student athletes. Objective: Determine the reliability and sensitivity of physical activity under free-living conditions, …

Determining Students' Working Conceptions Of Evolution Through Formative Assessment Probes, Danielle J. Burras

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Students entering a science classroom bring with them many ideas about science content and the nature of science. Some of those ideas are not congruent with current scientific explanations and can be called working conceptions. Working conceptions have the ability to impact how students respond to new information and whether or not they integrate it into their lives outside of the classroom. Identifying what working conceptions students have prior to instruction allows educators to determine how instruction should be formatted and what concepts may need extra focus. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of formative assessment …

A Survey Of Lidar Use By Iowa Professionals, William G. Burkett

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A combined quantitative and qualitative study was done to assess use and adoption of State of Iowa obtained lidar data by Iowa mapping professionals. A 47- question online survey had 106 respondents from throughout Iowa and neighboring states. Eleven follow-up interviews assessed adoption successes, challenges and attitudes toward the Iowa Lidar project. The data were analyzed using the theory of adoption of innovations as a theoretical framework. Results from the online survey indicate lidar is being adopted most quickly in the government sector, but private and academic users are readily adopting as need arises. Linear regression produced a model of …

Examining The Use Of Collocations In Natural Language Processing, Patrick Anthony Burke

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Studies in Natural Language Processing are often dedicated to defining the lexicon and grammar rules of individual languages. It is a common understanding that virtually all statements that a language user encounters are unique constructions that have never been seen before. Because of this, there has been very little modem research regarding the use of repeated language when attempting to provide computers with language processing functionality. It seems reasonable that most statements we use on a daily basis are completely new when they are evaluated in their entirely. However, it is possible that smaller portions of these statements are reused. …

Cultural Tolerance Scale For Mexico, Benjamin Ross Jensen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

It is important to understand and respect the many different cultures that exist in the world today. With instant communication and efficient transportation, exposure to other cultures is readily available. When so many different cultures are in close proximity to each other there is an increased possibility that there will be misunderstandings between the two groups. Given the potential problems to work and society that can be caused by cross-cultural misunderstanding, it would be useful to know how culturally tolerant certain individuals are. The purpose of the current study was to develop a Cultural Tolerance Scale based on realistic hypothetical …

Human Values And The Importance Of Money, Sara Lucia Estrada Villalta

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Research has shown that there is relationship between money and an orientation toward self-interest, both at the individual and country-level. However, the causal relationship between these constructs is not fully understood. Based on Schwartz's theory of human values, which distinguishes between self-oriented and socially-oriented values, this study explored whether values have a causal influence on the importance people place on money. Four different sets of values were primed using a scrambled-sentences task to test their effects on the importance participants ascribed to money. Importance of money was measured in three ways: desire for money, relative importance of financial goals, and …

Defining The “Good” Mother: Examining The Myths Of Motherhood And The Hierarchical Construction Of Femininity In Weeds And Weekly Magazines, Johnanna Joy Ganz

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Throughout this thesis  investigate how images of motherhood in popular culture rely on specific ideological "myths" to convey implicit messages about appropriate femininity. To examine the depictions of motherhood I performed a textual analysis of the contents of the first two seasons of the television program Weeds as well as randomly sampled issues of the following celebrity gossip magazines: People Weekly, US Weekly, In Touch Weekly, and Life & Style Weekly. In order to make sense of the data, I rely on the theoretical concept of hegemonic femininity, as developed by Mimi Schippers. Additionally, I offer a more nuanced argument …

Decolorization Of Dyes And Distillery Waste Effluent: Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Several Biological And Physico-Chemical Processes, Mylène Godin

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Dyes and pigments are used extensively in many important industries. They are also important environmental contaminants and must be removed in a cost-effective manner from wastewater. The present investigation focuses on the use of several inexpensive physico-chemical and biological systems. The goal is to assess and compare their ability to decolorize water containing a representative triphenylmethane dye ( crystal violet), a representative azo dye (Congo red), and a rum distillery waste effluent, also known as still bottoms. The selected processes were photodegradation, ozonation, adsorption and bioremediation. Photodegradation was studied with three light sources, namely a commercially available 42 Watt fluorescent …

Communicating During A Crisis: An Analysis Of H1n1 Documents, Ian Patrick Hopkins

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In April, 2009 a mysterious illness started to spread from Mexico City into the United States and quickly through out the rest of the world. Initially known as Swine Flu, it was quickly became known by its scientific name novel H 1 N 1. The H 1 N 1 pandemic is of particular note because of the rapid spread throughout the world. Additionally, the H 1 N 1 pandemic provides a way to study organizational responses during a health pandemic. Previous literature has explored how organizations have responded during pandemics, but have not examined pandemics from an organizational level. This …

An Analysis Of Managing Waste And Decreasing Lead Time In A Medium Sized Manufacturing Company, Tahir Murgic

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The importance of managing waste and reducing lead time in manufacturing cannot be denied. This study provides knowledge about both topics in a medium sized manufacturing company. The methodology that is used in this research is mixed methodology. Interviews were done with managers, and they were analyzed qualitatively. The next part is the quantitative research part that is done by asking employees via questionnaire. This study provided the close concepts of JIT (Just in Time) and waste management. Management must be committed to change, to train everyone to the new culture, to ensure that the organization's culture fosters employee participation, …

Quality Costing Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceptions In A Small Manufacturing Company, Adam M. Benner

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this research was to identify and assess employee knowledge, attitude, and perception of quality costing in a manufacturing company. The company selected for this research was a small manufacturer of agricultural processing equipment with an undeveloped quality management program. A quality costs questionnaire was discovered from a review of the literature and was slightly modified to gather data from a sample of company employees. The following information was collected from employees: knowledge of common quality costing terminology, attitude towards quality and non-quality concepts, and perception of departments associated with quality costs and the scale of quality costs …

An Occupational Analysis Of Prepress In The Des Moines And Eastern Iowa Regions, Lee John Geisinger

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

It is important that educators use a relevant, up-to-date curriculum when educating on a specific occupation. Job task analysis is an effective way for educators to understand an occupation and provide students with valuable information. This study analyzed prepress technicians' duties and tasks.

This research used the occupational analysis method called the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process. The DACUM process uses an expert worker panel to identify the duties and tasks of an occupation. This study found that there are 9 duties and 55 tasks for a prepress technician. After identifying the duties and tasks, the study confirmed those duties …

The Social Origin Of Violent Behavior, Todd Arthur Mensink

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study examines the social origins of extremely violent behavior. Numerous explanations of violent offenders have focused on biological, psychological, environmental or a combination of these factors to explain violence. Most explanations of violent behavior fail to take a holistic approach to understand the cause of violent behavior. This study is an analysis of the applicability of the violentization theory. Data was obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews from six violent offenders in a residential treatment faciIity in the Midwest. Findings indicate that for most offenders, the violentization theory is consistent with their social experiences. However, two exceptions pertained to the …