Digital Commons Network^™

Analysis Of The Intricacies Of Substrate Recognition Of High Mobility Group Proteins And Aminoacyl-Trna Synthetases Using Non-Cognate Substrates, Douglas Van Iverson Ii

Dissertations

The studies presented in section 1 (Chapters I-IV) focus on the design and development of nucleic acid four-way junctions (4WJs) to target a member of the high mobility group (HMG) proteins, the proinflammatory cytokine high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). In the present study, hybrid PNA-DNA 4WJs based on a model DNA 4WJ were constructed to improve the thermal stability of 4WJs while maintaining strong binding affinity toward HMGB1. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to examine the binding affinity of an isolated DNA binding domain of HMGB1, the HMGB1 b-box (HMGB1b), toward a set of PNA-DNA …

Correlates And Effects Of Data-Informed Decision-Making: An Empirical Examination Of The Loose Coupling Theory Using A National Data Set, Xingyuan Gao

Dissertations

The notion of schools as “loosely-coupled” organizations has been widely discussed in the research literature. Many argue that the loose coupling is either a protective mechanism for schools to buffer external pressure or a barrier to implementing new reforms. Against the backdrop of standards-based reform and accountability policies in the last 15 years, which focus on tightening the system as the way to improve K-12 schools, I conducted three related studies to empirically test the loose coupling theory by applying two-level hierarchical linear models to nationally representative data in the US.

In the first study I evaluated the loose coupling …

Lyapunov-Type Inequality And Eigenvalue Estimates For Fractional Problems, Nimishaben Shailesh Pathak

Dissertations

In this work, we establish the Lyapunov-type inequalities for the fractional boundary value problems with Hilfer derivative for different boundary conditions. We apply this inequality to fractional eigenvalue problems and prove one of the important results of real zeros of certain Mittag-Leffler functions and improve the bound of the eigenvalue using the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality and Semi-maximum norm. We extend it for higher order cases.

Binding Properties Of Large Antiviral Polyamides (Pa1 And Pa25) And Natural Product Derivatives As Inhibitors Of Serine Hydrolases, Elena Vasilieva

Dissertations

Polyamides are a class of DNA minor groove binders that were developed from the natural product Distamycin A. PA25 (20-ring PA) showed better activity (3-fold) in the elimination of HPV16 episomes than PA1 (14-ring PA). Binding studies of PA1 and PA25 were performed in the long control region of HPV16 (7348-122 bp). PA1 showed similar binding affinity to perfect match and single mismatch binding sites. PA1 bound to double, triple, and quadruple mismatch sites with lower affinity. PA25 bound with similar binding affinity to perfect through triple mismatch binding sites. PA25 bound quadruple mismatch sites and nonspecifically. Therefore, it was …

Sine Qua Non: Emotional Intelligence As The Key Ingredient To Effective Principal, Kelly P. Davids

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this empirical, descriptive case study was to explore and describe the importance of Emotional Intelligence as perceived by California public school (K-12) superintendents when hiring and recruiting new school site principals.

Methodology: Convenience purposeful sampling was used to identify 12 superintendents throughout the California public education system at unified (K-12) school districts with a minimum of eight schools. An empirical, descriptive case study was used to collect data from superintendents through a survey and semi-structured interviews. Superintendents grouped domains of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management, and general characteristics as essential, important, desirable or no value …

A Comparison Of Teacher Perceptions Of Students’ Abilities And Students’ Self-Reported Technological Abilities, Karalin Sanders

Dissertations

This study focused on the perceptions of students and teachers regarding the use of instructional technology in the classroom. Participants in this study were from three school districts with student populations between 500-1,000 students in the southwest region of Missouri. Students were given a survey to determine a self-assessment of their own abilities to use certain technologies for learning purposes. Their teachers were given a correlated survey; however, teachers were asked to assess their students’ abilities to use certain technologies for learning purposes. A Mann-Whitney U test was conducted on the results of the surveys to determine if there was …

A Case Study Of The Station Rotation Blended Learning Model In A Third Grade Classroom, Apricot Ann Truitt

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide educators and other individuals who are interested in the Station Rotation blended learning model with an opportunity to peek inside a classroom setting as the model was being implemented in a third grade classroom. Specifically, this study researched what happened in a third grade classroom during an implementation of the Station Rotation blended learning model and the resulting perceptions of the model by the third graders who were part of the study. One teacher and 31 third graders participated in this case study over the period of a semester. Through a teacher …

The Effectiveness Of Dialectical Behavior Therapy-Based Group Skills Training In A Traditional High School Setting, Emily Oros

Dissertations

Many adolescents in America suffer from serious symptoms related to borderline personality disorder (BPD) such as self-harming and suicide attempts. These reasons alone provide a strong case for researching effective therapies for adolescents with borderline traits. One treatment for BPD called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been demonstrated to be empirically effective; however, in its current form DBT requires significant amounts of time, clinical training, and resources to carry out. Comprehensive application of DBT is too time intensive and cost prohibitive for some agencies to implement. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the DBT group …

Academic Stress And Working Memory In Elementary School Students, Maile Maria Blashill

Dissertations

Although it is sometimes believed that children do not suffer from stress and its negative consequences as adults do, children are equally affected by the harmful potential of excess stress. Because childhood is a period of rapid neurological growth, the effects of unnecessary stress may be more pronounced and enduring throughout the individual’s life. Past investigations suggest that individuals who experience excessive levels of psychological stress associated with anxiety show reduced executive functioning, especially within the area of working memory ability. Further, poor working memory has been shown to affect educational achievement across many different academic subjects. The purpose of …

Preservice Elementary Teachers' Understandings Of Topics In Number Theory, Kristin Michelle Noblet

Dissertations

Research suggests that preservice elementary teachers may lack the mathematics understanding necessary to teach mathematics for understanding. The literature has consistently linked student success in mathematics with teacher pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), and recent study suggested a link between teachers’ mathematical content knowledge and student achievement. There are gaps in the literature concerning preservice elementary teachers’ understanding of number theory, and little is known about how they develop number theory PCK or the relationship between their content knowledge and their PCK. The goals of this dissertation were to investigate the nature of mathematics concentration preservice elementary teachers’ content knowledge of …

Unveiling Leadership Giftedness: Identifying Its Attributes And Significance For Children With Promise, Theresa Yvonne Newsom

Dissertations

Leadership giftedness continues to be the hidden dimension in gifted and talented education. There are numerous definitions, a lack of clarity for identifying leadership giftedness and an unfulfilled federal mandate for programming. Yet, leadership continues to be a hidden dimension in gifted and talented education, especially for children with promise who are sometimes identified as at-risk. With a nation’s need for the development of future leaders, this study used phenomenology to conduct interviews with eight individuals to better understand their insights and experiences with leadership as they faced and overcame adversity in their childhood or youth. By conducting open-ended interviews …

First Person Perceptions On Intelligence, Cognition, And Sensory Processing In Autism, Marlo Payne Thurman

Dissertations

In this study, beginning with a comprehensive review of the evidence-based literature, I employed a qualitative, grounded theory methodology, interpreted within Social Constructivism to explore the perceptions of 17 adults with autism spectrum disorders for their thoughts on the topics of intelligence, cognition, and sensory processing. Using a three-stage coding procedure, I arrived at 52 initial categories that narrowed and condensed into one foundational category and five primary categories supported by a number of secondary categories. Then, using the five categories of sensory, focus, memory, cognitive, and social, I arrived at a Theory of Sensory-Cognitive Difference that I believe to …

Latino Students: On Dropping Out And Reentering School, Shawn Rios

Dissertations

While research exists that examines the underlying factors related to Latino underachievement, the research on reengaging Latino students who previously dropped out is lacking. This qualitative phenomenological study examined the phenomenon of dropout and reentry of Latino students. It also highlighted underlying factors that affected their achievement. The overarching research question was, “According to participants, what factors contribute to Latino student reentry in school after dropping out?” This study was conducted in a rural resort Rocky Mountain region. Nine participants were from alternative high schools and one from a traditional school. To meet the selection criteria, participants had to have …

Saudi Teachers’ Experiences And Attitudes Toward Integrating Video Games For Learning: Affordances And Constraints Of Using Video Games In Saudi Arabian Classrooms, Mohammed Awad Alqurashi

Dissertations

The effectiveness of integrating educational video games into classrooms depends on teachers’ attitudes toward video games. This descriptive study investigates Saudi teachers’ experiences playing video games and their attitudes about integrating video games into their classrooms in Saudi Arabia. A total of 930 Saudi teachers completed an electronic survey developed by the researcher. Overall, the results of this study showed Saudi teachers’ attitudes toward video games were fairly positive despite a low level of play. Analysis found a relationship between teachers’ philosophy of teaching and their perspectives toward using video games in their classroom for learning. A moderate negative correlation …

Postsecondary Education For International Undergradute Students With Learning Disabilities In The United States, Reem Alabdulwahab

Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of international undergraduate students who are identified with learning disabilities and enrolled in universities in the United States. There is a dearth of studies investigating the unique needs and challenges of this population. This is the first study to explore the phenomenon of international undergraduate students with learning disabilities that identified the challenges related to supporting their unique needs. This study was conducted through the use of qualitative data collection and analysis methods that included in-depth interviews and review of documents. Study participants consisted of five professionals working in the …

Mind The Gap: Examination Of Elementary Students' Individual Education Program Goals, Shehana Alqafari

Dissertations

The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed-method study was to gain an indepth understanding of the processes that special education teachers used to determine reading goals for students with learning disabilities in elementary school. The first phase consisted of a quantitative investigation into existing Individual Education Program (IEP) reading goals for elementary school students with learning disabilities while the second phase consisted of a qualitative investigation involving interviews with special education teachers to explain the findings from the quantitative data analysis. The quantitative analysis included 44 IEP reading goals and the qualitative analysis, conducted through interviews, with four special education …

Context-Aware Collaborative Storage And Programming For Mobile Users, Mohammad A. Khan

Dissertations

Since people generate and access most digital content from mobile devices, novel innovative mobile apps and services are possible. Most people are interested in sharing this content with communities defined by friendship, similar interests, or geography in exchange for valuable services from these innovative apps. At the same time, they want to own and control their content. Collaborative mobile computing is an ideal choice for this situation. However, due to the distributed nature of this computing environment and the limited resources on mobile devices, maintaining content availability and storage fairness as well as providing efficient programming frameworks are challenging.

This …

Teacher Perspective And The Impact Of Using Formative Assessments On Climate And Achievement In Middle School English Language Arts, Yolanda Alovor

Dissertations

A descriptive case study was conducted to examine how teachers' perception of a positive school climate and effective use of formative assessment practices impacts their students’ learning as measured by a state level standards-based assessment. Data collection included (a) two surveys; (b) an e-interview collected from eight 7th and 8th grade core teachers from a suburban public Midwestern middle school utilizing expeditionary learning related to their use of formative assessment practices and school climate; and (c) their student (N = 178) results on the Smarter Balanced English Language Arts assessment. Study results showed that grade 7 and 8 core teachers …

Applying Active Learning Strategy To The Teaching Of History Within A Multigenerational Community College Classroom, Zachary John Zweigle

Dissertations

Community colleges nationwide struggle with retention and completion of students. The role of two-year institutions is further complicated by the multigenerational diversity of learners. Community college instructors should be prepared to educate students ranging from the traditional-age digital native to a life-long learner 80 or more years in age. Creating a learning environment inclusive of generational learners is central to the mission of the community college. This quantitative study was grounded in two theoretical frameworks. First, Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive learning theory provided an understanding for student learning in the social environment. Second, Schön’s (1973) organizational learning theory provided an …

Single And Multiple Leadership Roles Of Building Principals: Perceived Differences In Leadership Responsibilities In Selected Midwestern Districts, Michael A. Gaunt

Dissertations

Principals play a critical role supporting the student’s academic achievement. Their work has become increasingly challenging over past decades due to demands for increased accountability and a decline in fiscal and human resources. Principals, regardless of size and geographical locations, have had to assume additional work responsibilities, including additional administrative roles, in response.

There is a plethora of research documenting the important role principals provide in supporting the academic achievement of students (Chickering and Reisser, 1993; Cotton, 2003; Figlio, 1999; Halinger and Heck, 2011; Leithwood, 1994; and Senge, 2007). Marzano et al’s., (2005) research, as described in his book, School …

Building An Evaluation Model Of Academic Advising’S Impact On Progression, Persistence, And Retention Within University Settings, Abhik Roy

Dissertations

Academic advising is at a point in its maturation as a field of study where anecdotal evidence is no longer sufficient to inform the measure of effectiveness. As the area becomes more research-based, advising’s measurable impact should be based on an evaluative framework; no such structure currently exists. In this study, three methods were used to investigate this problem and ultimately to create a model and checklist. Firstly, a descriptive study was used to examine if there is an understanding of what evaluation is within the advising community, one where assessment has been the dominant practice. Secondly, a quasi-experimental design …

Statistical Methodology For Data With Multiple Limits Of Detection, Robert M. Flikkema

Dissertations

Limitations of instruments used to collect continuous data sometimes lead to obtaining observations lower than a limit of detection. These observations are known as nondetects. They could be zeroes, or positive numbers, but they are too small to be recorded by a measuring device. Nondetects frequently occur in environmental data. Trace amounts of chemicals can exist in soil or groundwater and are undetectable by a machine reading. These observations pose a problem to researchers since the true values are unknown.

Simulations in the literature have led to inconsistent conclusions regarding what estimation technique to use with nondetect data when estimating …

The Implementation Of Systematic Promotion And Retention Procedures And Its Impact On District-Wide Practices In Elementary Schools, Roger Anthony Le Blanc

Dissertations

Student retention has been consequential to students through an assortment of disparaging labels derived from the retention process. It served to marginalize the academic status of those students considered for retention through such practices as ability tracking, inferior labeling, and other discriminatory measures, as they moved through their respective academic journeys. And while both research current to the time of this writing and past research continued to be overwhelming in its stance that such policies and procedures were filled with negative unintended consequences, there was still little or no effort to abate such practices (Allensworth, 2004). This research explored whether …

The Federal School Improvement Grant: Telling The Story Through Quantitative Outcomes, Gregg B. Dionne

Dissertations

Student success and the mitigation of achievement gaps has been a focus of the federal government since passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The federal School Improvement Grant (SIG) is the latest in federal policy inducements to address this.

To tell the story of SIG implementation in one Midwestern state, data was collected from two groups of SIG-eligible schools, one group which received SIG funding and the other group which did not. Data was collected over multiple years and included mathematics and reading outcomes as well as graduation, dropout, and attendance rates. Data was obtained for …

Promoting And Selecting Culturally Relevant Teaching Materials And Pedagogy In Our Schools, Ebony R. Davis

Dissertations

In the twenty-first century, African American males continue to be negatively defined in society, in the media, and by educators. These males face many challenges in their educational careers. Hence, this study explored two African American male students and their perception of contributing factors that motivate them to succeed academically. The study was also focused on their perceptions of their relationship with key influencers that help them to succeed academically. The study consisted of an analysis of their perception about teacher quality, student behavior, and parental involvement. In fact, study results showed how these African American male students maintain a …

A Quantitative Comparison Of The Reading Achievement Of English Learners In Dual Language And Transitional Bilingual Programs, Shajaira P. Lopez

Dissertations

One of the goals of bilingual education research is to identify programs that have shown to be effective in increasing the English proficiency of English learners (ELs). The purpose of this archival comparative study was to conduct a quantitative comparison of the English reading achievement of third grade ELs enrolled in dual language education (DLE) programs to those enrolled in transitional bilingual education (TBE) programs in order to determine which program is more effective in improving the reading proficiency of third grade ELs in the Chicago Public Schools. The data analyzed in this study were the 2010-2014 reading scores on …

Examining Teachers' Perceptions Of The United States Social Class System, Tracy M. Stevenson-Olson

Dissertations

As the number of school aged children living in poverty increases, the inherent inequities within the United States class system continue to grow. Teacher perceptions regarding the United States social class system are examined through focus group interviews with four teachers in an urban high school. A critical qualitative methodology was used to explore how the participants make sense of the complex social class system and how they perceive the impact of social class within the school context. The findings include two overarching themes that influenced these teachers’ perceptions and interpretations of social class; their own personal narrative /identity construction …

The Effects Of Consistent Observation And Feedback On Teacher Practice And Motivation To Refine Instruction, Scott I. Nasatir

Dissertations

This evaluation of a pilot program investigates the effects consistent observation and feedback had on teacher practice and motivation to refine instruction. An observation-feedback loop was initiated at a high school in a large Midwestern urban school district where teachers received bi-weekly observations and were provided with instantaneous feedback. Current research has shown that teacher evaluation, if utilized appropriately and with fidelity, can be a strong lever to improve instructional practices. While the advantages are vast, few schools and districts alike are also enacting measures to roll out a companion model that has “coaching” attributes embedded to support educators entrenched …

Systematic Implementation Of Full-Day Kindergarten In A Large Suburban School District: A Change Leadership Plan, Brad Edward Carter Mr

Dissertations

The purpose of this change plan document is to provide a rationale and structure for shifting from half- to full-day kindergarten. Patricia Clark’s (2009) synthesis of multiple research studies on full-day kindergarten outlines the reoccurring findings that implementation of full-day kindergarten prevents long term academic struggles for students. Closing the achievement gaps when at its smallest, which is early in the educational career of a student, ensures long term academic, social, and emotional success.

To Promote Or Not To Promote: An Inquiry Into The Experiences Of Female Police Officers And Their Decisions To Pursue Promotion, Kristin Poleski

Dissertations

Despite an increase in the number of female police officers in U.S. police agencies, female representation in supervisory (sergeant and lieutenant) and command (captain, assistant chief and chief) positions in most agencies is limited. This research study focuses on the promotional aspirations as an explanation of limited female representation with attention to the decision-making criteria female police officers use when deciding to participate in the promotional process. This study also examines the institutional, political, organizational structures, and/or personal factors which may impact the female police officers’ decisions to participate in the promotion process. And, this study examines a factor mentioned …