Digital Commons Network^™

Duquesne University Idpel Cohorts: A Laboratory For Leadership?, Phillip Diller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative evaluation study examined the contribution of the Duquesne University Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program for Educational Leaders (IDPEL) cohort participation to the school leadership practices of IDPEL students. Participants in the research were members of the Pittsburgh IDPEL cohorts of 2000 and 2003, currently employed as school leaders, who changed jobs within one year of beginning their IDPEL coursework. In order to approximate longitudinal data regarding leadership behaviors, respondents were colleagues of the participants, both past and present. Respondents completed the Leadership Practices Inventory -- Observer (Kouzes and Posner, 2003) describing the participants' leadership behaviors. Responses from respondent colleagues were …

A Comparison Of The Behavioral Adjustment Of First-Grade Students That Attended A Full-Day Kindergarten Program And First-Grade Students That Attended A Half-Day Kindergarten Program, Denise Shaffer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated and compared the behavioral adjustment of first-grade students that participated in a full-day kindergarten program and first-grade students that participated in a half-day kindergarten program. The researcher also examined gender interactions between the two groups. The study was conducted in two elementary schools in western Pennsylvania. Participants in the study included 10 first-grade teachers. Participants completed a total of ninety-three behavioral questionnaires. Student's t-tests and analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. Results of the study showed no statistically significant difference in overall behavioral adjustment, impulsive acting out behaviors, passive-aggressive behaviors, impulsive overactive behaviors, repressed …

Vitellogenin Induction As A Biomarker For Environmental Estrogens In Xenopus Laevis, Jamie Skoloda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In oviparous vertebrates, estrogen stimulates the liver to produce vitellogenin. Vitellogenin induction is a useful biomarker for exposure to endocrine disruptors, specifically environmental estrogens. The objective of this project was to design in vivo bioassays for environmental estrogens based on induction of vitellogenin in male Xenopus laevis. Frogs were exposed to ethinyl-estradiol by injection or immersion for different times and doses, than vitellogenin induction was assessed. An ELISA was developed to measure serum vitellogenin. Additionally, a vitellogenin rt-PCR assay was developed using species-specific vitellogenin primers, to detect mRNA induction. It was established that the induction of serum vitellogenin and hepatic …

An Analysis Of The Use Of Web-Based Instruction In The Physical Education And Related Departments In The Pennsylvania State System Of Higher Education, Joanne Leight

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The use of web-based instruction (WBI) in Physical Education and related Departments in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PSSHE) was studied by analyzing computer use, obstacles to WBI, factors supporting WBI, degree of WBI implementation, WBI for Physical Education majors versus non-majors, and types of courses that utilize WBI. The data were collected via an instrument returned by 57 of 148 faculty members surveyed. Data analysis indicated the following: primary obstacles to WBI utilization were lack of time to prepare and lack of adequate training; the primary factors supporting WBI utilization were software and hardware resources. Data indicated …

The Later Heidegger And Contemporary Theology Of God, Daniel Martino

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Martin Heidegger was a central figure in 20th century Western philosophy. In evaluating his work from the perspective of the early 21st century it is clear that his influence crossed disciplinary lines. This work aims to address one area where Heidegger's thinking has had tremendous impact -- theology. Specifically, Heidegger's later writings are selectively examined in order to determine the bearing they have on the issue of God.

The route to God, in a strict confessional sense, is neither easy nor direct in the Heideggerian corpus. As a result, the first methodological tack used throughout this study establishes Heidegger's abiding …

Assessing The Impact Of Movies Upon An Individual's Image Formation Concerning A Given Destination, Jeeyeon (Jeannie) Hahm

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The process of watching a movie is a common way to be entertained in this day and age. There are multiple ways in which people can enjoy a movie ranging from the big screen at a commercial theater, on their home's television, or even in a car while driving. One outcome associated with watching a destination movie might be that the viewer will be compelled to visit or not the location portrayed in the movie. It is a primary assumption of this thesis that movies have the ability to create or change an individual's image of a destination by its …

Faith-Based Organizing And Partnerships In A Pittsburgh Neighborhood: A Look At East Liberty, Damon Bethea

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh has a fascinating blend of African American churches and racially integrated churches -- all within this African American neighborhood in Pittsburgh's East End. In this research project, I will explore how several East Liberty churches are working with other churches (or faith-based organizations [FBOs]) and organizations within the East Liberty neighborhood to provide various social services to those within this predominantly African American community. The research questions for this project are: 1) How does the racial composition of the church community affect their relationship with the residents of East Liberty whom they serve? 2) …

Adjusting But Not Assimilating: International Students At East Tennessee State University., Yumiko Okuda Owens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the number of international students grows, the importance of understanding them grows also. This thesis analyzes in-depth interview data from 17 international students from 12 different countries at East Tennessee State University who discussed their experiences as international students. Findings show that they are willing to adjust to the new culture and a new educational system, but they are reluctant to assimilate further. After they obtain their education, most of them want to return to their home country with their degree to work, even though situations are often better in the United States. These students serve as cultural ambassadors, …

Jeffersonianism And 19th Century American Maritime Defense Policy., Christopher Taylor Ziegler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper analyzes the fundamental maritime defense mentality that permeated America throughout the early part of the Republic. For fear of economic debt and foreign wars, Thomas Jefferson and his Republican party, opposed the construction of a formidable blue water naval force. Instead, they argued for a small naval force capable of engaging the Barbary pirates and other small similar forces. For protection of the nation and commerce, they wanted a strictly defensive strategy developed around coastal gunboats and harbor fortifications. This research will analyze the naval aspect of this defense mentality from its creation in 1794, through the War …

Sex And Pottery: Erotic Images On Athenian Cups, 600-300 B.C., Michael Lee Banner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many pages have been written concerning erotic images on Greek vases but few studies have focused on the frequency of erotic images. This is an important concept in determining the significance of the erotic images. Various Athenian cups from the online holdings of the Beazley Archive were investigated, using simple tabulations and Chi-square analysis, for erotic images. Out of 7901 cups only 130 had erotic images. As cups with erotic images represented only a small portion of the sample it was likely that they only appealed to the tastes of a small sub-set of the Athenian population. The context of …

Factors That Predict Student Performance In Dual Credit Courses In Kentucky Community And Technical Colleges., Nicholas L. Brake

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses the problem of productivity in the P-16 system of education, emphasizing the repetition of the senior year of high school with the first year of postsecondary education. This study analyzes this integration through dual credit courses in the context of both P-12 and higher education reform in Kentucky. An analysis of these factors is critical in light of the deregulation of dual credit in Kentucky since 2000 and the increased enrollment of high school students in college courses both nationally and in Kentucky. Dual credit courses in Kentucky community and technical colleges are evaluated based on the …

James Wilson : Progressive Constitutionalist., Bradley Jay Caffee 1972-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This essay is a biography and ideological interpretation of James Wilson. Wilson was an important member of the Revolutionary generation whom historians and political theorists too often overlook. Moving from the rise of historical interest in Wilson and reasons why Wilson deserves study, this essay tells the story of Wilson's ideological development from the opposition Whig struggles of the 1760s until his law lectures in 1790 and 1791. Originally willing to accept Lockean ideas of contractualism in the British constitution he, like many Americans, rejected such contractualism during the Revolution in favor of an un-transferrable popular sovereignty that could only …

Developing Efficient Technique In Beginning Piano Students, Fen-Fang Chen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of The Influence Of Demographic Factors On Individual And Aggregate Student Achievement Measurements In The Kentucky Accountability System., Beverly Lee Derrington Moore 1938-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the progress of standards-based accountability in eliminating the effects of student background and school composition factors on student achievement and school performance in a large, urban district in Kentucky. The factors included gender, socioeconomic status (SES), ethnicity, mobility, family structure, giftedness, and disability. The school composition variables were the percentages of those factors in the school populations. Each grade and level--elementary, middle, and high school--was analyzed by multiple regression. At the student level, SES, giftedness, and disability predicted 15 to 36% of the variance in scores. SES, family structure, and mobility rate accounted for 56 to 91% …

Patience : A Play In Two Acts., Mary Rotella 1958-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

When Howard Manning wakes from a fainting spell to find himself hospitalized with a serious but correctable weakness in his heart, his refusal of treatment intimates a death wish that provokes consternation among the skilled medical professionals who are poised to save his life. The first act explores the character and implications of his resistance in relation to the expectations of his surgeon Dr. Vincent Abel, nurse Zo Clement, psychiatry resident Trudy Zeffirelli, and neighboring patient Clarence Weatherby. It culminates with Manning's precipitous and injurious departure against medical advice. The second act reveals Manning returned to his hospital bed, withdrawn …

Healthcare Strategic Management: The Impact Of State And Federal Funding Levels On The Implementation Of Strategic Plans At Tennessee Hospitals., Randy Lee Byington

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine hospital executive management’s perceptions of how turbulence in the politico-legal sector of the macroenvironment impacted the strategic management systems of Tennessee hospitals. In particular, how did Federal and State funding restrictions (Medicare and TennCare) impact the strategic planning and implementation process of their hospitals? The study was also designed to gain insight regarding specific changes to strategic management systems that may have resulted from these funding restrictions.

The research was conducted during April and May of 2003. Data were gathered by surveying the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of acute care hospitals in …

The Creation Of A Worldview., Jamie Bryan Price

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This is an analysis of how fin-de-siècle Vienna and its mayor, Karl Lueger, influenced the development of Adolf Hitler’s worldview.

The works of many authors were consulted in conjunction with newspapers and memoirs of the period in order to gain a better understanding of what the environment of the Austrian capital was like in the fin-de-siècle period.

Several of Vienna’s political, social, and artistic facets are analyzed in an attempt to prove that the general atmosphere of the city influenced Adolf Hitler greatly during his formative years. It is concluded that while Adolf Hitler’s Weltanschauung did not completely crystallize until …

A Study To Identify The Factors That Inhibit High School Principals And Teachers From Pursuing Bachelor's And Master's Degrees In Busia District In Kenya., Samuel Okwako Obaki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to examine the factors that inhibited principals and teachers from pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Busia District in Kenya. Up to the mid-1990s, teachers of all professional grades studied for National Examinations as private candidates. Those who met university admission requirements were admitted and the Teachers Service Commission granted each of them a study leave with 80% of his or her salary. Some of those who met university admission requirements were admitted to foreign universities, and the Ministry of Education either granted them study leave with or without salary. On passing their examinations or completion of …

Breaking The Bonds Of Silence: The Immigrant Experience In Magical Realist Novels Of Katherine Vaz And Chitra Divakaruni., Hillary Dawn Hester

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The genre of Magical Realism is normally explored on the sole basis of its identification with and fantastic expression of Latin-American cultural identity. However, the genre, when employed by non-American immigrant women, takes on new characteristics. It not only highlights the mystical underpinnings of everyday life but instructs in a subliminally didactic manner by opening the reader to new possibilities through delightful imagery and a plot woven around transposed myth and folklore.

In examining how two female Magical Realists translate their narratives of immigrant life in twentieth-century United States, the instructive nature of the genre is laid bare. Both use …

Reading Excellence Act: Professional Development And Teacher Practice First Year Implementation In East Tennessee., Sherry Ellen Shroyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

When the National Assessment of Educational Progress reported in 1998 that 70 percent of fourth grade children in the United States were reading just at (31%) or below the basic grade level (39%), this astounding fact resulted in national attention and political intervention. At the same time, the National Research Council published their 25 years of researched findings in their book, Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children (Snow, Burns, & Griffin, 1998). The national reactions to these reports were strong and included new initiatives for overcoming this emerging national problem. One such initiative was the implementation of the national Reading …

John Fox Jr.'S Commentary On The Roles Of Women In The Progressive Era., Heather Mac Sykes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

John Fox, Jr. provides commentary on the changing roles of Progressive Era women in The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come, “A Cumberland Vendetta,” and “The Pardon of Becky Day.” Fox’s portrayals provide evidence that although he recognized the changes in his society with women spearheading reform, he did not entirely approve of these changes or of women taking an aggressive role in advocating change.

This thesis provides textual examples and analysis demonstrating Fox’s beliefs. Chapter two focuses on the stories of “The Pardon of Becky Day” and “A Cumberland Vendetta.” Chapter three analyzes The …

Pardon You? Pardon Me. Controversial Usage Of The Presidential Pardoning Power: From Carter To Clinton., Michael Keith Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this study I propose to examine the usage of the pardoning power of the president as it relates to four aspects: the Nixon pardon, political advancement, defense of the person and his party, and independent private gain through the issuance of pardons. These aspects are all a part of the modern day usage of Article II Section 2 of the Constitution.

The study relies primarily on statements made from the presidents involved, as well as statements made by judicial persons involved in the pardoning process. The study is also drawn from direct investigations, both private and governmental. A good …

The Combined Effects Of Criminal Justice Intervention On Domestic Violence: A Re-Analysis Of The Minneapolis Intervention Project., Nadia A. Bebawy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Over the past 20 years, a plethora of research has been conducted on the effects of arrest in reducing recidivism of domestic violence offenders. The findings of such research have been varied. This study uses data from the Minneapolis Intervention Project to test the effectiveness criminal justice sanctions (i.e., arrest, jail, counseling, and the combination) on reducing recidivism of male domestic violence offenders. Results from bivariate analysis found that the criminal justice sanction of arrest and jail was related to recidivism. However, criminal justice sanctions could not predict recidivism.

Designers' Perceptions Of Interdisciplinary Design Education., Timothy D. Dolan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The perceived value of interdisciplinary design among designers and the application of the design process was investigated. The research was designed to determine if interdisciplinary design was perceived to be beneficial to practitioners and educators. An 11-item survey was produced by the researcher and consisted of general demographic information, undergraduate education and training, and the benefits of interdisciplinary design. The sample was composed of representatives of the top 100 interior design firms of 2003 and members of the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC). Respondents indicated training in Architecture, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Industrial/Product Design, with Architecture and Interior Design …

The Story Is Everything: The Path To Renewal In Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony., Tracy Y. Kilgore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This is a study of Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony analyzing the process of renewal and the use of stories as guides.

Silko's work deals with problems faced by all who experience the death and destruction of war, a problem complicated by a Native American heritage. Tayo's struggle to complete his ceremony and find renewal is intertwined with his interaction with the medicine man Betonie and the mysterious woman Ts'eh. By the end of the novel, Silko shows that only through a respect for the world can mankind achieve completeness and harmony.

Relationships Between Reading Level Of Parents, Readability Of Special Education Documents/Forms, Knowledge Of Iep Contents, And Parental Involvement., Melinda Douthat Pruitt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between the reading level of parents of students in special education and the readability level of special education documents/forms. A related purpose was to determine whether a difference between reading level and the readability of documents/forms was related to parental involvement. The sample consisted of 30 parents of students in special education who were enrolled at Mosheim Elementary School in 2002. Parents were tested using the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery: Part Two-Tests of Achievement, developed by Richard W. Woodcock and M. Bonner Johnson. Subtest 13, 14, and 15 were administered to …

A Qualitative Study Of Adult Women In A Northeast Tennessee Community College., Fay C. Mcmillan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the motivations and characteristics of returning female students ages 23-50 and to investigate the implications for the community college. Participants in the study were 30 female students ages 23-50, selected from required classes in math and English in a community college in Northeast Tennessee. The participants volunteered to participate in this study. Responses were grouped in three major categories: motivation, characteristics, and implications for the community college. The responses were then analyzed and compared with the information from the literature review.

Findings suggested that job-related reasons motivated students to return to college, …

Cherokee Indian Removal: The Treaty Of New Echota And General Winfield Scott., Ovid Andrew Mcmillion

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Treaty of New Echota was signed by a small group of Cherokee Indians and provided for the removal of the Cherokees from their lands in the southeastern United States. This treaty was secured by dishonest means and, despite the efforts of Chief John Ross to prevent the removal of the Cherokees from their homeland to west of the Mississippi River, the terms of the treaty were executed. In May of 1838, under the command of General Winfield Scott, the removal of the Cherokees commenced. Scott encountered many difficulties including inefficient commissioners and superintendents, drought, disease, and the wavering policy …

Faculty Adoption Of Computer Technology For Instruction In The North Carolina Community College System., Karen Hill Less

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Computer technology has become an integral part of instruction at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels. Some instructors have enthusiastically adopted technological innovations in their classrooms, often expending their own funds for hardware and software, while others have resisted the trend, citing a myriad of reasons for not including computer technology. Significant research on the adoption of innovations has been undertaken by Everett M. Rogers, who identified individuals on a continuum from Innovator to Laggard. Rogers’ research was used as a basis to classify full-time faculty teaching in degree programs in the North Carolina Community College System and to compare …

History And Ambiguity: Graham Greene's The Third Man And The Quiet American In Print And On Screen., Valentina Reshetova

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this master’s thesis, I shall examine Graham Greene’s place in criticism of the British novel by focusing on The Third Man and The Quiet American. In terms of theoretical approach, I shall focus on a close, critical reading of the texts employing elements of cultural, historical, psychological, and genre criticism. With the films, I shall focus on lighting and shot formation along with the abilities of the directors and actors. These works have not been studied jointly before as literature or as film or as a combination thereof. Nevertheless, such study proves worthwhile. My thesis is also the …