Digital Commons Network^™

The Implications Of Deweyan Pragmatism For Liberal Democracies, Robert B. Fenneuff

Masters Theses

My research explores John Dewey's political theory in order to determine what practical and theoretical significance it has for liberal democratic nation-states that face significant problems in a number of areas. The problems Dewey's political theory is most concerned with stem from the impact of highly complex modern technology upon the ability of a democratic society to strive closer towards its ideals of freedom , equality, and community. My research shows that Dewey's theory calls for an experimental re-creation of social and political institutions with the purpose of creating an effective means by which society can organize the complex technology …

Women's Autonomy In Late Anglo-Saxon England Based On The Place-Name Evidence, Norman B. Frost

Masters Theses

My thesis discusses two related and highly significant points and then demonstrates the usefulness of a new methodology, in the form of place names. Firstly it elaborates the importance of presenting accurate women's history to both women and the historical profession as a whole and the necessity for making every attempt to explore any possible resource for accomplishing that goal.

Secondly it addresses the importance of language as an historical tool that can represent a very broad base of a past society in revealing the common cultural thoughts, morals, and ethics of the population within a specific area and time …

An Afrocentric Perspective On Social Welfare Philosophy And Policy, Jerome H. Schiele

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Although much of the literature on American social welfare philosophy and policy is progressive and sincere in its objectives to dismantle poverty and economic oppression, the literature is limited in two important areas: 1) identifying American social welfare philosophy and policy as primarily Eurocentric in its worldview, and 2) applying the cultural values of people of color as a conceptual base to advance and diversify views on social welfare philosophy and policy. To address this gap, this paper draws on the viewpoints of a cadre of social scientists called Afrocentrists and applies the Afrocentric worldview to deseribe how it conceives …

Toward A Sociocultural Context For Understanding Violence And Disruption In Black Urban Schools And Communities, Linwood H. Cousins

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article examines violence and disruption in a Black urban school and community. The author argues that an unempowering framework of culture has restricted our understanding of violence and other social issues affecting Black schools and communities. From such a backdrop, a sociocultural framework is presented that captures the strain, solidarity, and contemporary emergences that area part of school, American and Black culture, and a part of the context in which violence occurs in Black schools and communities. Broad implications are posited for human service policy, research, and direct practice.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 24, No. 2 (June 1997)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• INDOCHINESE MENTAL HEALTH IN NORTH AMERICA: MEASURES, STATUS, AND TREATMENTS - Thanh V. Tran and Donna L. Ferullo
• AN AFROCENTRIC PERSPECTIVE ON SOCIAL WELFARE PHILOSOPHY AND POLICY - Jerome H. Schiele
• TOWARD A SOCIOCULTURAL CONTEXT FOR UNDERSTANDING VIOLENCE AND DISRUPTION IN BLACK URBAN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES - Linwood H. Cousins
• RECONSTRUCTING SEX OFFENDERS AS MENTALLY ILL: A LABELING EXPLANATION - Rudolph Alexander, Jr.
• PERSONAL NARRATIVE AND THE SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE LIVES OF FORMER PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS - Robin M. Gilmartin
• ETHICS IN FIELD EDUCATION: PROMISE, PRETENSION, OR PRACTICE? - Gary Mathews, Susan Weinger, and Marion Wijnberg
• THE …

Personal Narrative And The Social Reconstruction Of The Lives Of Former Psychiatric Patients, Robin M. Gilmartin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study explores ways in which high-functioning former patients integrate the experience of prior psychiatric hospitalization into their lives and find meaning from that event. The narratives of two individuals are presented and discussed in relation to social role theory, social constructionism, and labeling theory. The narratives underscore that the process of integrating and making meaning of important life events such as psychiatric hospitalization occur within a social context. Understanding mental illness and psychiatric hospitalization in familial, social, and political terms was instrumental in helping these individuals to reconstruct personal narratives in order to overcome shame and internalized stigma and …

The Case For Permanent Foster Care, Judy Fenster

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article reviews historical developments in the social institution of foster care, leading up to the permanent planning revolution and current family preservation policies in the United States. Success rates of adoption, family preservation, and family reunification programs are examined, and a rationale for the inclusion of "permanent foster care" as an option for children is presented. Permanent foster care has several advantages: 1) it is federally and automatically funded; 2) it can lead to increased supervision of foster parents; 3) it creates more permanence for more children; 4) it promotes attachment through ensuring both child and foster parent stability. …

Review Of Spirituality In Social Work Practice. Ronald K. Bullis. Reviewed By Lolita Perkins, Louisiana State University., Lolita Perkins

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Ronald K. Bullis, Spirituality in Social Work Practice. Washington, D.C. Taylor and Francis, 1996 $24.95 papercover

Review Of Children In Groups: A Social Work Perspective. Marian Fatout. Reviewed By Charles Garvin, University Of Michigan., Charles Garvin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Marian Fatout, Children in Groups: A Social Work Perspective. Westport, Ct: Auburn House, 1996. $49.95 hardcover.

Who We Are: A Second Look. Margaret Gibelman And Philip H. Schervish.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Margaret Gibelman and Philip H. Schervish, Who We Are: A Second Look. Washington, DC: NASW Press, 1996, $27.95 papercover.

Estimating Ibnr Reserves With Robust Statistics, Daniel Cheung

Dissertations

There is often a considerable time lag between an incurred of an accident, such as medical malpractice or product liability, and the time it is reported to the insurance company. These Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) losses need to be predicted in order to determine the necessary loss reserves. Many actuarial methods have been developed for IBNR reserves estimation. However, none of the methods being used for loss reserving is robust to outliers, nor do they provide adequate statistical inferences to support the actuarial decisions. The rank-based method proposed in this thesis is robust to outliers, and provides statistical inference …

Western News, May 22, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: 'The numbers just don't add up, ' Haenicke tells senate, Baxter; Powell recognized as Women of Achievement, Kynaston noted for work in instrumental jazz program, Internationalization efforts moving ahead with creation of new center and department, $11.2 million from NSF adds up to mathematics revolution, Hampton joins Employee Assistance Program, WMU faculty member checks in with media around the world following chess match.

A Comparison Of Print Advertisements To Corresponding Web Sites: Are Marketers On Target, Sarah Jo Sautter

Honors Theses

Technological advances constantly make lives easier and information more accessible. Marketers seek the best ways to communicate with their prospects. This means keeping pace with technology, and being a pioneer in the industry. The Internet is one communication medium growing in popularity among marketers. As a new advertising medium, companies rush to beat their competitors, and many others follow. As a result, Web addresses are found in traditional media like television, radio and especially print.

The Faculty Recognition Dinner 1997, Western Michigan University

Faculty Recognition

The Faculty Recognition Dinner Program

May 13, 1997

Honored Guests:

• Yousef Alavi
• Donald C. Berndt
• Billye Ann Cheatum
• June S. Cottrell
• Joseph V. DeLuca
• Franklin G. Fisk
• William Garland
• Wayland D. Gardner
• Judith H. Halseth
• Lawrence J. Israel
• Alan H. Jacobs
• Darrell G. Jones
• S. F. Kapoor
• Neil D. Kent
• Raymond A. Lish
• John T. Miller
• Donna Billington Oas
• Deloris J. Phillips
• LeRoi Ray, Jr.
• Thomas E. Small
• W. Thomas Straw
• Danny H. Thompson
• Franklin K. Wolf
• Shirley C. Woodworth
• Ramon Zupko

The Westerner Vol. 17 No. 3, Western Michigan University

The Westerner (1980-1997)

• Across-the-board excellence soars to new heights • State appropriations process continues: WMU seeking recognition for its unique status • WMU selected as 'best buy' • University News in Brief • The exceptional is business as usual at WMU • Alumnotes • A message to our readers about the Westerner • WMU's 'greatest Bronco,' John Gill, remembered • Student team will be catching a lot of rays during ultimate college road trip

Toward An Authentically Anti-Racist Curriculum, Jeremy D. Dowsett

Honors Theses

Below I will address the failure of racial essentialist multiculturalism's approach toward combating racism, the confining and backward logic upon which identity politics multiculturalism is founded, the excesses of poststructuralist multiculturalism, and finally, in an attempt to show these theories in practice, I will move to the classroom and explore the ramifications of these strands of multiculturalism on the teaching of history and English. Part Two of this essay consists of a curriculum designed to address the shortcomings of the pedagogies mentioned above.

Western News, April 17, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Scott selected as new dean of the Graduate College, Sky Broncos hope to fly high in national competition here, Bronco sculpture to be installed near fieldhouse, Nigerian doctor to present ethics center lecture at 'K’, Researchers team up with schools to improve sportsmanship, Landis earns awards for academic achievement, Gesink honored with award.

Michigan State Government Employment Sector: Are We In Line With The National Trends?, Thomas Walter Cronkright Ii

Honors Theses

Examines the national trends of employment to make a comparison for Michigan State government employment. Results show that Michigan's public employment trends do not follow national employment trends in a comparable way. Michigan is distinct from the nation for several reasons: a hiring freeze placed on Michigan State Departments, higher levels of union participation and employee pay, and benefits packages that cost more than the Executive Branch of the U.S. government. Thus, either Michigan provides superior benefits or it pays a premium for those benefits. Suggests further research is needed.

Western News, April 10, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Departments work together to revise procedures and provide improved service to WMU students, University enters 10-year agreement with Hope College, Sunrayce sponsors choose WMU solar car to help set the pace for this summer's race, Maier to appear on A&E network programs, Ethics panel to focus on standardized testing, Gold Company performing on stage at Disney World.

Western News, April 3, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Aviation program taking off in Detroit high schools, Faculty member commits future to enlightening the past, Book liberates stories of German and American POWs during WWII, Retired faculty member recounts capture and experiences in German POW camps, 1,000 WMU students take to the streets in three counties for annual spring cleanup, Sielke elected to board of education finance group.

The Effect Of Aerobic Biological Treatment On Hydrogen Sulfide Emissions, Linh Ly

Paper Engineering Senior Theses

Sulfides from Kraft mills and other processes are an odor problem. Using Thiobacillus thiooxidans as bacteria to be inoculated into an aerobic biological reactor can be an alternative to reducing the quantity and improving the quality of effluent gases. Approximately, two to three months was needed to insure that the Thiobacillus thiooxidans were growing in chains and colonies. So, this thesis was not fully completed due to the fact that the bacteria did not have enough time to grow. No conclusion can be made on the feasibility of using an aerobic biological reactor with an inert packing to degrade or …

Image Analysis And Rating Of Ink Jet Printing, Wendy S. Woodbury

Paper Engineering Senior Theses

Correlation between image analysis measurements and visual ranking of ink jet printing was established. Human rating was determined by the use of an all-pair comparison. A camera driven image analysis system and NIH image analysis software with a scanner was used to analyze printed samples. Three sets of printed samples were evaluated for print density. and single dot attributes.

Analyzing the mean gray scale value (GSV) as a tool for evaluating ink jet print quality is limited. Large differences between samples will contribute to the perception of quality, but small differences are overruled by other factors.

Using the standard deviation …

Developing Basic Mathematics Skills Through The Use Of African-American Children's Literature, Loraine Moses Stewart

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

According to Farris (1993), quality children's literature, especially picture books, can be very helpful in teaching social studies concepts to elementary and middle school students. Children's literature can also be instrumental when teaching mathematical concepts.

The Effect Of The Hapad Longitudinal Metatarsal Arch Pad On Ground Reaction Forces And Rear Foot Angle, William F. Rocker

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of the Hapad Longitudinal Metatarsal Arch Pad (HLMAP) to correct for pronation was investigated using 30 female volunteer student subjects. The investigation consisted of measuring ground reaction forces measured by a force plate and rear foot angle (RFA) measured by video digitization. The repeated measures design consisted of l grouping variable with 3 levels, supinators, mildpronators, and over pronators, and 2 research variables, 10 trials, and pad/no-pad. The results indicated (a) no significant difference for medial or lateral force, propulsive force, vertic al thrust, negative torque among groups, or between pad/no-pad; (b) a significant difference was found for …

An Emg Analysis Of Five Abdominal Exercises, Teresa E. Brady

Masters Theses

The problem of this study was to compare the basic crunch, Ab Roller Plus, EZ-Krunch, and Resist-A-Ball abdominal exercises. For the Resist-A-Ball, a beginner and advanced abdominal exercise were measured. Subjects performed 5 repetitions of each of the 5 exercises and the 4th repetition of each exercise was analyzed. The dependent variables were peak EMG and time to peak EMG of the rectus abdominis; time spent in the concentric, coupling, and eccentric phases; range of motion for the low back, hip, and trunk; and EMG activity of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and biceps brachii. The results indicated …

The Effect Of Step Height And Upper Body Involvement On Oxygen Consumption And Energy Expenditure During Step Aerobics, Heidi A. Riker

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of step height and arm involvement on oxygen consumption (VO2), VO2 as a percentage of VO2max, and energy cost during step aerobics. VO2 and Respiratory Exchange Ratio were measured as 12 subjects completed 6 experimental conditions, which consisted of 3 step heights, 4, 6, and 8 in., and 2 arm conditions, with and without arms. Measured VO2 values were also analyzed as a percentage of maximal oxygen consumption to determine if subjects were within the ACSM recommended range of 50% to 85% of VO2max. ANOVAs revealed significant differences in each …

Assessment Of The Discriminative Properties Of A Selective D3 Antagonist, Mary-Jo E. Miller

Masters Theses

Two groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats (n= 16) were used in a drug discrimination assay to assess the stimulus properties of PNU-99194A, currently the most selective D₃ dopamine antagonist. Eight rats were trained to discriminate cocaine-HCL (10 mg/kg) from saline and remaining eight rats were trained to discriminate PNU-99194A-HCL (10 mg/kg) from saline. PNU-99194A was tested for substitution (0-40 mg/kg, i.p and s.c.),. antagonism (5-20 mg/kg), and potentiation (5-20 mg/kg) in the animals trained with cocaine. PNU-99194A did not substitute for cocaine at any dose tested. PNU-99194A did not alter cocaine discrimination when administered in combination with the training …

Outcomes Related To The Quality Of Life Of Oncology Patients Aged 65 And Older Following Initial Cancer Treatment, Rosemary Clare Zivic

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were changes in the quality of life of cancer patients aged 65 and older (N>488) following initial treatment for cancer. A Quality of Life conceptual model was developed. Quality of Life refers specifically to physical, social, and functional status. The study analyzed data from a larger longitudinal data set and compared data for patient’s with prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancer at three observation points: (1) three month Recall, (2) after surgery and prior to chemotherapy or radiation (Wave I), and (3) fourteen weeks following surgery, during chemotherapy or …

Caroline Bartlett Crane And Progressive Era Reform: A Socio-Historical Analysis Of Ideology In Action, Linda J. Rynbrandt

Dissertations

This dissertation is a sociohistorical analysis of women and social reform in the Progressive Era. Until recently, the role of women has been virtually invisible in accounts of Progressive social reform. While this is no longer the case, considerable questions remain. Using the archival records of one woman, Caroline Bartlett Crane (1858-1935), which document her professional, intellectual and personal life, I describe her contribution to social reform and early sociology. I analyze how her life and work reveals a greater understanding of current feminist debates and other social, historical and political questions.

The Military-Bureaucracy Relationship In Nigeria: A Study Of Public Policy Making And Implementation, Robert Aziakpono Dibie

Dissertations

The Federal Government of Nigeria’s Structural Adjustment/Make-or-Buy policy was introduced in July 1986 to accelerate the development of Nigerian industrial capacity by contracting government R & D out to the private sector. This study expands the empirical and theoretical analyses of development policy and its implementation that have traditionally relied on motives of "rationality" (costs/benefits) to explain bureaucratic behavior. It examines and juxtaposes the military-dominated policy making apparatus with the traditional bureaucracy, which has the responsibility for the execution of public policy. It also attempts to make some contribution to Nigerian and comparative literature in the field of industrial development …