Digital Commons Network^™

Controversy Over Near-Death Experience In American Christianity, Joel Sanford

Research and Creative Activities Poster Day

Testimonies of life beyond the grave provided by those believed to have died or come very close to death have captivated audiences for much of human history. In recent decades, accounts of Near-Death Experiences have received widespread attention in religious, scientific, and medical communities alike. In all of these circles, accounts of NDE's are met with a diverse set of reactions ranging from extreme skepticism to enthusiastic celebration. My research investigates the various attitudes held toward NDE's within the religious discourse of Christian communities, given particular attention to how these attitudes influence and are influenced buy diverse theological ideas.

"Bachelorette": A Footlight Production, Tamsen Glaser

Honors Theses

A WMU Theatre Footlight Production of “Bachelorette” by Leslye Headland. An in-depth directing process of Headland’s third installment of her Seven Deadly Sins series, focusing on a re-definition of gluttony in today’s society and how our culture of excess affects the young adult generation.

Western Client: A Business Plan, Connor Makowski

Honors Theses

Western Client was created to simplify electronic communications. We believe that we can challenge standard communication processes and revolutionize how smartphones disseminate media. We can help our users to foster better relationships and communicate more effectively. We are achieving this by streamlining user interfaces, compiling data, and minimizing unproductive intervals on electronic devices.

Western Client will offer an easy to navigate, well designed application that integrates information from many sources. We are currently focusing our efforts on designing an application for iOS and Android devices that provides universal inboxes. Every contact will have a dedicated universal inbox that will place …

Managing The Credibility Of A Nonprofit Organization In The Face Of Unexpected Publicity, Regan Crowell

Honors Theses

Ethical conduct of a nonprofit organization was suspected to impact the credibility of the organization as perceived by its stakeholders. This study uses secondary research for three nonprofit organizations in order to gain a closer look at the ethical issues of compensation, conflicts of interest, and the combined issues of accountability and strategic management. The nonprofit organizations discussed are United Way, Susan G. Komen, and The ALS Association. Each faced unexpected publicity, either positive or negative, and managed the organization’s credibility through dealing with one of the named ethical issues. Based on the case studies conducted for the three nonprofit …

Devoile Ou Degage: An Examination Of The Debates Surrounding Female Islamic Dress In France, Kristen Canavan

Honors Theses

In 2003, the French state appointed the Stasi Commission to determine whether or not “ostentatious symbols” should be banned in public schools. Their investigation concluded that the wearing of Muslim headscarves in public schools defied the principle of secularism and in March of 2004, legislation was passed banning all religious symbols, including the Muslim hijab in public schools. Six years after Law No. 2004-228 was passed, the Sarkozy administration passed a similar law also targeting Muslim women. Known as the “burqa ban” (an erroneous term used to describe the niqab) Law No. 2010-1192 forbids the concealing of one’s face …

Local Response To Climate Change: A Case Study Approach, Nora Gimpel

Honors Theses

The scientific consensus on the causes and consequences of climate change is clear and experts continue to strongly recommend immediate mitigation and adaptation responses (IPCC, 2014). Responses to climate change are occurring at the international, national, and subnational level, but adaptation to climate change is also highly local. Local communities across the world are organizing groups and institutions to determine their best responses for local mitigation and adaptation actions. This study analyzed the formal local community organization, the Kalamazoo Climate Change Coalition (KCCC), and its structured activities in order to evaluate how Kalamazoo has responded to climate change. Methodology for …

Gay Marriage Laws In Europe Compared To The United States, Megan Stamm

Honors Theses

The issue of same-sex marriage has been the hot social issue of the decade, even of the generation. This social issue has been debated to and fro in countries around the world. Each country has differing policies towards same-sex marriage. Certain countries in the Middle East hold same-sex relationships as crimes punishable by death. Some countries in Europe hold same-sex marriage as completely equal to heterosexual marriage. Each country is different. Each country is made up of different cultures and this plays a huge role in the debate. This thesis will compare and contrast European countries with the United States …

Technology And Nutrition: Interactive Strategies For Children To Learn Nutrition, Nicole Bogden

Honors Theses

This manuscript aims to describe nutritional requirements and needs for children and how technology is being used to improve nutritional knowledge among them. Several technologies and applications are explored, and recommendations are given for ways to improve. Four interactive nutrition games for children are examined: two computer games and two mobile applications. Through revision of performance, nutrition content, attraction, design and attention capabilities, HealthyHeroes was chosen to be the best game for children to learn and have fun with the subject of nutrition.

Importance Of Preserving History: A Conservation Of An Edwardian Wedding Dress, Brittany Aris

Honors Theses

The Importance of Preserving History: The Conservation of an Edwardian Wedding Dress

This thesis concentrates on the significance of recorded history, and the importance of conserving artifacts such as an Edwardian wedding dress. Such treasured pieces contribute to our perception of the past, not only as artifacts but as an insight into how, why, and by whom, they were created.

The Edwardian period is so important in women’s fashion because it was such a short-lived era. The socio-economic times that preceded the Edwardian era, such as the Industrial Revolution and the Victorian era, all had profound impacts which helped influence …

Economic Impacts Of The Fifa World Cup In Developing Countries, Mirele Matsuoka De Aragao

Honors Theses

Hosting mega events, which have traditionally been a privilege of developed nations, became an attainable goal for developing countries starting in 2008. This might seem to be a positive step, but there are speculations concerning the real benefits and expenses those games generate. The aim of this thesis is to investigate if it is recommendable for a developing country to host a World Cup. This question is answered through an analysis of the two previous World Cups in South Africa (2010) and Brazil (2014). The research involves comparing before and after data for both countries on government expenditure, labor market, …

Western News, April 16, 2015, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: WMU course recognized at Americas summit; YWCA to honor two WMU women leaders in May; "Living Mentally Well"—Respecting Differences with Kevin Hinds; Lighthouse logbook project sheds light on 1800s coastal life; On Campus with David Marlatt.

Updates In Academic Affairs - 04/13/2015, Office Of The Provost And Vice President Of Academic Affairs

Updates in Academic Affairs

• April meetings set to update staff on budget, other issues
• PRISM returns as academic affairs news digest
• Save the date—Academic Convocation 2015

Co-Editor-In-Chief Of The Laureate, Dj Delong

Honors Theses

The Laureate’s mission is to provide undergraduate students at Western Michigan University a place in which to publish their fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and other creative works. Under the guidance of a faculty editor and mentor, Samantha McVeigh and I have taken on the task to edit the 14th edition. Our responsibilities included choosing assistant editors, calling for and reading submissions, choosing pieces to create a manuscript, and editing multiple times for publishing.

This edition is different because of the introduction of co-editors, accepting color artwork, and adding audio files of authors reading their pieces. The Laureate explored the technology that …

Western News, April 2, 2015, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: WMU grads headed for 89 percent success rate; Board OKs bond sale, amends president’s contract; Prospective students get into the spirit of ‘get-branded’ initiative; Student group reviving WMU Pow Wow; On Campus with Tom Howe.

Lifesteps: An Evidence-Based Health Promotion Program For Underserved Populations – A Community Service Learning Approach, Melanie Austin-Mccain

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Chronic diseases are the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems in the United States. Chronic diseases represent the leading causes of death and are experienced at higher rates by minority populations (CDC, 2012). Innovative community-based health promotion programs are recommended that meet the diverse needs of underserved populations (Yeary, et al., 2011). LifeSteps is being developed as an evidence-based health promotion program focusing on health and wellness, a domain area defined within the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF, 2008). LifeSteps will utilize a client-centered approach to coach individuals in making health behavior changes. Fieldwork and service-learning components …

Evidence Considerations For Mobile Devices In The Occupational Therapy Process, Kelly Erickson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Mobile app-based device utilization, including smartphones and handheld tablets, suggests a need to evaluate evidence to guide selection and implementation of these devices in the occupational therapy process. The purpose of the research was to explore the current body of evidence in relation to mobile app-based devices and to identify factors in the use of these devices throughout the occupational therapy process. Following review of available occupational therapy profession guidelines, assistive technology literature, and available mobile device research, practitioners using mobile app-based devices in occupational therapy should consider three areas: client needs, practitioner competence, and device factors. The purpose of …

Field-Testing Reusable Learning Objects Related To Sensory Over-Responsiveness, Bryan M. Gee, Kiersten Moholy, Kimberly Lloyd, Anthony Seikel

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. There is an increased need for dynamic, mobile, and relevant parent and caregiver education related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Sensory Processing (SP). This need may be due to the increased incidence of the conditions’ co-morbidity and the revision of the diagnostic criteria of ASD. Reusable learning objects (RLOs) have been implemented as instructional tools as a part of, or adjunct to, formal health care education programs. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the appropriateness of RLOs as a part of routine patient and caregiver instruction of children with ASD.

Method. A semi-structured interview/rating scale was …

Prism, Spring 2015, Office Of The Provost

Prism: Western Michigan University's Newsletter for Academic Affairs

No abstract provided.

Wmu International News Spring 2015, Haenicke Institute

WMU International News

• New sensor to monitor impacts on the gridiron
• Dominican Republic Ph.D. candidate a leader in green manufacturing at WMU
• Delivering fuel efficiency and reduced emissions key for Ford engineer
• Electrical engineer seeks new semiconductor for optoelectronics
• Improving communication systems drives computer science researcher
• CEAS alumnus improves health care commerce
• Degree research evolves into new company for WMU alumnus
• Roundabout ways to improve transportation captivate Tanzanian fellow
• Raspberry Pi focus of undergraduate research project
• Comparative learning key in WMU’s Engineering in China program
• ESL courses first step for future Congolese engineer

Professional Reflections - Spring 2015, College Of Education And Human Development

College of Education and Human Development News

• Message from the Dean
• Student Spotlight
• Education in Poverty
• Washington Writers’ Academy
• Dietetic Interns Grant
• Student Profiles
• Faculty and Staff Spotlight
• Excellence in Discovery
• CEHD Grant Winners
• Faculty and Staff Profiles
• Alumni Spotlight
• Accultured Alumni
• CEHD Alumni Award Winners
• Alumni Profiles
• Throughout the College
• College Academic Profile
• Reading Clinic: Literacy in Action
• ECCU Education Forum
• D.R. Doctoral Program
• CEHD Award Winners
• CEHD Global Initiatives
• CEHD New Faculty and Staff

Lhc Lines - Spring 2015, Lee Honors College

Lee Honors College News

• Greetings Friends and Alumni!
• Staff Spotlight:
• Outstanding Alumni
• Alumni Updates
• What’s New
• New Medallion Scholarships
• Student Research Spotlight
• Graduation
• Lyceum Lecture Series
• Metropolitan Series
• Future Leaders of Kalamazoo
• Alpha Lambda Delta
• Keep In Touch
• Wishlist
• Alumni Reunion

College Of Arts And Sciences E-News Issue 24: April 2015, College Of Arts And Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences news

• The Hunting Ground Comes to WMU
• Graduate Programs Rank High in 2015
• Economics, Chinese language profs snag Light Center research grants
• CAS Faculty Judge Japanese Quiz Bowl
• An Education for Change
• Anomie
• WMU student team wins national Wege sustainability prize
• CAS Student Interns with the Clinton Foundation
• Creative Cookie

The Department Of Family And Consumer Sciences Newsletter Spring 2015, College Of Education And Human Development

Family and Consumer Sciences News

• A Message from the Chair
• Career and Technical Education
• Dietetics
• Family Sciences
• Fashion Merchandising and Design
• Food Service Administration
• Interior Design
• Awards and Recognition Ceremony
• Faculty Publications
• Giving

Western Michigan University Magazine, Spring 2015, Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Magazine (1997-present)

• A Final Act: $2 million posthumous gift establishes fine arts fund
• Brewing Scholars: WMU & KVCC offer nation’s first sustainable brewing degrees
• Chemist’s new way to analyze hops
• Breath of Life: Students’ invention could save critically ill infants
• Marketing student wins patent
• Detroit Tigers’ Calm Captain: Dave Dombrowski missed out on Bronco baseball, but it led to MLB front-office stardom
• University News
• Medallion Scholars & Middle Schoolers: Program helps boost academic readiness of middle school students
• Expert Insights
• Inside Cuba: WMU Cuba specialist shares an insider’s view amid historic shift in U.S.-Cuba relations
• In Print
• College News
• Classnotes
• In Memoriam …

Horses: How Saddle Style Defines A Culture And The Skeletal System, Brandy Morgan

Honors Theses

This paper examines the way in which various parameters affect injury type and prevalence in horse eventing. The human-horse relationship has a long history that has continued to evolve, and their relationship is still strong today, especially in the role of sports and entertainment. In equestrian sports, horseback riding has been found to be extremely dangerous in terms of prevalence and severity of injury. This paper evaluates how saddle style, the sex of the rider, rider experience, and nature of event impacts injury patterns specifically within horse eventing which utilizes an English styled saddle.

Horses: How Saddle Style Defines A Culture And The Skeletal System, Elizabeth Brandon

Honors Theses

Throughout history different cultures have been greatly impacted by horses and their uses. Today horseback riding is still a very popular sport, and though it is more dangerous than other forms of transportation, such as motorcycle riding, horseback riding is still used in entertainment, occupational, and leisure activities. Saddles have long been an important piece of equipment for riding. As the horse became a mode of transportation, many cultures had their own saddle style, but today there are two prominent saddle styles, the western and english styles. The western saddle style is used more for leisure, occupational, and rodeo riding. …

The Significance Of Whole Grain Teff For Improving Nutrition: From Injera To Ready To Eat Porridge By Using Extrusion Cooking Technology, Helen T. Zewdie, Mammo Muchie

International Journal of African Development

Teff (EragrostisTef) is a fascinating grain, ancient, minute in size, packed with nutrition and used for centuries as the principal ingredient of the Ethiopian population diet. The micro- and macronutrients level of teff grainis apparently higher than that of barley, wheat and sorghum and the amino acid composition comparable to that of egg protein, except for its lower lysine content. In Ethiopia, it has been using as a staple food by making flat bread called Injera. Teff can be diversified from its current provision of Injera to other forms like instant porridge to improve the nutritional quality and it may …

Updates In Academic Affairs - 03/16/2015, Office Of The Provost And Vice President Of Academic Affairs

Updates in Academic Affairs

• APR&P Observation Committee reports are ready for viewing
• Disability Services offers overflow-testing site during final exams
• Nominations for faculty and staff recognition awards due by April 1
• Provost to host forum for non-bargaining unit staff members

Using Kinship Navigators To Assess The Needs Of Kinship Caregivers, Suzanne T. Sutphin

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

Kinship care is a viable alternative to foster care for many children, however, the proper supports and services must be in place for the families. This article describes a kinship navigator program for children and kin caregivers involved in Child Protective Services in-home treatment cases. The program was piloted over a three-year period to assess and address the service needs of kinship caregivers. Using the Family Needs Scale as a measurement tool, the results of the evaluation are provided along with a discussion of the need to support caregivers to provide the best outcomes for children in kinship care.

Using Streaming Video In E-Learning Or In The Classroom, Michele D. Behr

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Presentations

This workshop presents an overview of using videos in classroom teaching as well as e-learning classes. WMU Libraries collections of streaming videos can be easily used in face-to-face classes, and embedded in e-learning. Instructional video DVDs are also available. The workshop also covered the process of embedding videos and video clips in websites and classes in D2L.