Digital Commons Network^™

Confused Or Multicultural: A Phenomenological Analysis Of The Self-Perception Of Third Culture Kids With Regard To Their Cultural Identity, Andrea Marcilio Moore

Masters Theses

This study investigated whether Third Culture Kids, defined as people who lived in a country other than their passport country during their developmental years, perceived that their cross-cultural experiences during childhood produced in them a sense of confused cultural identity or a multicultural identity and whether they are able to successfully alternate between their two or more cultural identities and achieve intercultural communication competency in multiple cultures. Existing literature on TCKs focuses on the negative aspects of a life on the move and does not view TCKs in light of having a multicultural identity or multiple cultural identities. This study …

Individualism And Collectivism In Chinese And American Advertisements, Siu Yu Hsu

Masters Theses

This study examined the different values in TV advertisements targeting younger Chinese (13-29), Older Chinese (55 or above), Younger Americans (13-34), and older Americans (55 or above) using Hofstede's (1984) individualism-collectivism dimensions. With the open door policy imposed in China, younger Chinese became Westernized. A content analysis of 566 TV ads was examined to test the degree of individualism, collectivism, modernity themes, and traditional themes in TV ads among the four target groups. Three hypotheses and one research question guiding this study proposed that TV ads targeting younger Chinese would score higher in individualism and modernity; TV ads targeting older …

Dancing Through Life: Symmetry And Balance Within Dance And The Form Of Jane Austen's Novels, Elizabeth Ellen Jones

Masters Theses

This thesis looks at the presence of symmetry and balance in Jane Austen's novels, especially as it is realized through period dance. In the Georgian period, the ideas of symmetry were an important aspect of both the political and aesthetic culture. Likewise, dance, often used as metaphor for courtship, reflected this societal emphasis on order and balance. As such, symmetry and its related principles, namely balance, repetition and order, are all principle themes expressed through patterns of dance in Austen's novels.

The first chapter briefly addresses Jane Austen's social position within the Regency era and her view of daily life …

Humor And Brand Image-Shaping: A Content Analysis Of "America Runs On Dunkin" Campaign Television Advertisements, Yilin Fang

Masters Theses

This study examines the role of humor in television advertisements of Dunkin' Donuts "America Runs on Dunkin" campaign to find out how humor is used to shape the brand image. Eight Dunkin' Donuts coffee television advertisements were analyzed to find out the role of humor. The results showed that humor variables, such as ludicrous humor, satire, intent humor, audio and visual humor, are used in this campaign advertisements. The study also found out that the advertisements are intentionally message dominant advertisements; structurally, they have syntactic relatedness; and they are thematically related. With the findings, the study concludes that humor in …

While The Nation Looked On: A Framing Analysis Of Print News Media Coverage Of Terri Schiavo's Final Days, Aubrey Blankenship

Masters Theses

One of the richest areas of current research in mass communication involves framing theory. Originally developed by Erving Goffman (1974), framing is used by the media to organize content. As such, it has implications for the values, beliefs, and actions of those exposed to that content. This study attempts to apply framing theory to a controversial issue and event profusely covered by American mass media: the case of Terri Schiavo. To accomplish this, coverage of her final month by two print newspapers, The New York Times and the New York Post, was analyzed for prevalence (present or absent), level …

Singing From The Village, Bonnie Lynn Bost

Masters Theses

Singing from the Village brings to light some basic problems in education for a village school near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, South India. While problems of poverty, social strife, possible over use of rote learning, lack of critical and creative thinking are discussed, the focus of this study is the problem of how the children hear western melodies differently because of the musical vocabulary their ears and brains have become accustomed to in their village. Singing from the Village attempts to examine village songs and compare them to a western children's song, Praise Him, Praise Him sung each day at the …

Comparison Of Martin’S Empirical Correlation With Measurements On A Compact Plate Heat Exchanger, Abdulmohsen A. Alothman

Masters Theses

The need for more effective heat exchangers is becoming more necessary these days. At the same time, the size of the heat exchanger also plays a big role. Therefore, in many applications the compact plate heat exchanger is used where high effectiveness and small size are required. As a result, it is a necessary to study and understand the performance of compact plate heat exchangers. More specifically, the performance of heat transfer, represented by the Colburn factor j, and friction factor f, must be deeply studied and understood.

A mathematical model has been built to express f and j factors …

Study Of Metamerism And Inconstancy Of Basic Color System Used In Wood Grain Laminates, Awadhoot Vijaykant Shendye

Masters Theses

In product gravure printing, many spot color inks are used. Because the use of spot colors tends to be customer specific, they are typically mixed in house by the gravure printer to satisfy the requirements of a specific customer order. Printers are often concerned about the best utilization of inks, and their recyclability, if possible, to make the production more sustainable. Spot colors may exhibit metameric behavior. This tendency causes problems in color matching, as these products are viewed in a standardized environment, using light source D₅₀ or D₆₅ , but are viewed under fluorescent lighting at the …

"There's Something Wrong About The Way You Look, There's Something Wrong With You": Memorable Messages Concerning Identity And Body Weight, Scott A. Richmond

Masters Theses

This thesis examined the body weight discourse through interviews concerning memorable messages received prior to and after a period of weight loss, along with messages' effects on individuals' identities. As the communication of messages concerning body weight and identity had yet to be thoroughly examined, this study worked to illuminate how the discourse is communicated.

Emergent themes were discussed, such as pre-weight loss messages communicating a separate social identity, less social desirability, and advice about body weight. Post-weight messages themes of acknowledging a change in appearance, positive valuation of the change, and questions on the weight change were also examined. …

Prediction Of Petrophysical Properties Of Trenton-Black River (Ordovician) Reservoirs By Comparing Pore Architecture And Permeability To Sonic Velocity, John E. Thornton

Masters Theses

Reservoir characterization of carbonate rocks is complicated by heterogeneous pore architecture related to primary depositional facies and subsequent diagenesis; this is especially true in diagenetically-altered and structurually-influenced Trenton-Black River reservoirs of the Michigan Basin. Accurate and reliable prediction of reservoir properties within hydrothermal dolomite reservoirs through the use of acoustic properties would aid exploration and characterization both within and outside of the Michigan Basin.

Results indicate that measures of pore architecture when integrated with measures of physical properties into multiple variable linear regression can accurately predict permeability of core plugs. However, due to the highly-heterogeneous distribution of pore architecture and …

Communication Disconnect: Generational Stereotypes Between Generation X/Y And Baby Boomers In American And Chinese Organizational Communication, Yuxiang Du

Masters Theses

This research explores organizational communication between Generation X/Y and the Baby Boomers within the American and Chinese groups using social identity theory. Twenty participants were interviewed about their opinions on this issue. Thematic analysis was used to examine themes in the responses. The themes were organized into six categories: outlining Generation X/Y, outlining Baby Boomers, generational communication, generational stereotypes, cultural influences, and favorable solutions. Two referent elements were used through the whole discussion, social identity and cultural characteristics. The study revealed a strong social identity with all the four generational groups, difficulties in communication and stereotypes because of the identities. …

Controlling The Sandman: The Function Of The Grotesque In The Ninth Art, Jill A. Johnson

Masters Theses

One of the methods that should be implemented in the diverse, and often erratic, systems already practiced with comics is looking at the elements of the grotesque to understand and interrupt a story by the way these elements control, move, and illuminate the story. This method is important because comics are largely visual, which means the grotesque is able to dominate the story in a way that is not present within a prose piece. One comic in particular that lends itself to this kind of practice is the ten-part saga Sandman by Neil Gaiman. This paper will investigate and reveal …

Social Media Dialogue: An Analysis Of The Social Media Presence Of Selected Fortune 500 Companies, Philip J. Luca

Masters Theses

This paper investigates the manner in which the companies engage various publics in the realm of social media. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the type of communication Fortune 500 companies use in their social media presence. Analyzing the web sites, Facebook fan pages and Twitter accounts of 21 Fortune 500 companies, the present study assesses the dialogic efforts of these companies using Kent and Taylor's (1998) five dialogic principles. Results suggest that the researched companies have an established social media presence. The accounts are developed but not distinctly dialogic. Further research may assess the quality of the …

"In Our Sleep We Ran After Them": Daughters Defining Families And The Act Of Storytelling In Sandra Cisneros, Cortney Thomas

Masters Theses

U.S. Latino writers have steadily increased their critical and mass appeal since the 1980s when the "mini-boom" of U.S. Latino-literature first began. One of the leading writers of this literary boom is Chicana author Sandra Cisneros. Despite her distinct portrayals of intriguing families and familial relationships, critical articles and books which discuss her works rarely consider the family as a whole functioning unit. Cisneros's two novels, The House on Mango Street and Caramelo, contain similar narrators: adolescent daughters of the families upon which the novels are centered. The two narrators, Esperanza and Celaya, observe and report on the individual members …

Our Lamb Has Conquered, Let Us Follow Him!: A Rhetorical Analysis Of The Seal Of The Moravian Church Using Sonja Foss' Visual Rhetoric Schema And Cara Finnegan's Image Vernacular, Bethany L. Conrad

Masters Theses

This study rhetorically and visually analyzed the seal of the Moravian Church using Sonja Foss' theory of visual rhetoric and Cara Finnegan's image vernacular. Two versions of the seal were analyzed to provide a more thorough assessment of the function of the seal. Foss' theory and Finnegan's framework provide a method for analysis that explores the history, obvious elements and themes, implied concepts and themes, and the functions of the artifact. Using these frameworks, this study found that four themes emerged. The seal acts as a representation of the Moravian church, a calling, a promise, and a reminder for those …

The Obstacles To The Integration Of Muslims In Germany And France: How Muslims And The States Impair The Smooth Transition From Immigrant To Citizen, Yael R. Cohen

Masters Theses

The place of Islam has been an ongoing debate for decades and still remains unresolved. Since the inception of the guest worker program initiated by European countries following the devastation of WWII, particularly France and Germany, Europe’s largest economies, the unanticipated occurred; what was conceived to be a temporary imported labor force which would eventually return home, turned into permanent settlement. For France, the labor pool emanated from colonial holdings predominantly from Maghreb, North Africa. Germany had no such labor source, but had a long ongoing relationship with Turkey which dated back to the Ottoman Empire. The entrance of this …

Economic & Political Factors For Renewable Energy In The United States, Jeremiah Daniel Yokley

Masters Theses

The results of this study provide some insight to how qualitative regime variables affect the production of renewable energy in the United States. Specifically this paper found that while working with other variables the political affiliation of the President of the United States and the party holding the majority of seats in the United States House of Representatives and Senate can aid in forecasting renewable energy production growth. With this insight it is possible to better prepare for future energy investments by either governments or the private sector. This paper specifically examines total renewable energy production, hydroelectric energy production, solar …

Dear Generals And Used Up Men: War Discourse And Dissent In Antebellum America, Kimberly Hunter-Perkins

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Examining Two Types Of Bullying In High School: Relational Aggression And Cyber Bullying, Sharon L. Lewis

Masters Theses

Bullying has taken on a new realm as cyber bullying and relational aggression have escalated. Cyber bullying has increased due, in part, to technological advancements around the world. Cyber bullying has the ability to reach many individuals in a short time. Victims of cyber bullying may be unable to deter the magnitude of the harassment. Relational aggression is often hard to detect, as it is a subtle act such as glaring, staring, and rolling eyes at the victim. Relational aggression is more common among females than males. The current research study focuses on the prevalence and frequency of cyber bullying …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Esl Chinese Student Experiences At A North American Institution Of Higher Education, Kelly Anne Kawa

Masters Theses

The present qualitative study explored the educational and cultural experiences of English as a Second Language Chinese international students while studying abroad at a North American institution of higher education. The research focused on the experiences of three Chinese students who were currently in their first semester at a Midwestern mid-sized comprehensive university comprised of nearly 12,000 students. A review ofliterature revealed that there has been a steady rise in international education abroad since the implementation of China's open door policy in 1978. The United States is the leading country to admit international students into their colleges and universities. The …

Flowers In Bloom: The Experiences Of African American Undergraduate Single Mothers At A Predominantly White Institution, Erika C. Weaver

Masters Theses

Little research has been done to examine the experiences of African American undergraduate single mothers. Because of this, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of African American undergraduate single mothers at a Predominantly White Institution. Prior research identified the following themes: African American women in higher education, single mothers in higher education, welfare reform, and support systems. A qualitative study was conducted to gain an in depth understanding of five women's perceptions of their experiences at Fields University. Individual interviews were conducted with five student mothers, each of whom had one child living with her. …

Behavioral Risk Factors Of Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behavior In A Community Sample Of Adolescents, Sarah Ritter

Masters Theses

This study examined group differences of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents on four behavioral risk factors: risk behaviors, peer victimization, substance use, and weight related behaviors. It was hypothesized that adolescents who engaged in NSSI within the past year would endorse more risk behaviors than adolescents who did not engage in NSSI. It was further hypothesized that the higher the frequency with which an adolescent engaged in NSSI, the more risk factors they would report. Frequency was divided into three groups: "more frequently" (6 + times in the past year), "less frequently" (1-5 times in the past year) and "no …

Finding The Path Within The "Ego Tunnel": A Buddhist Approach To Tackling The Problems Of A Western Self, Bryan James Hinman

Masters Theses

If many of the problems associated with a Western sense of self stem from its penchant for distorting reality, it follows that to free ourselves from its grasp we would need to implement an alternative way to view our experience accurately, such as that described in the Buddhist doctrine of no-self. The dangers of becoming attached to the Western self are outlined, as well as the means of transcending them through accurate self-assessments gained from insights of no-self. In addition, considerable research is reviewed that supports this idea by suggesting that Western constructs similar to no-self, like the "quiet" ego, …

Do You "Like" Your Body?: The Effect Of Facebook Investment On Self-Objectification, Body Shame, And Disordered Eating, Chandra Feltman

Masters Theses

The model derived from objectification theory proposing that body shame mediates the relationship between self-objectification and disordered eating has been empirically supported in numerous past studies. The present study extended the research on objectification theory by first examining this model in a sample of 71 female undergraduates and then investigating what effect Facebook investment had on the study's variables. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing selfobjectification, body shame, disordered eating symptoms, and Facebook investment. Results demonstrated that body shame fully mediated the relationship between selfobjectification and disordered eating. Analyses also revealed Facebook investment to be a significant predictor of self-objectification in …

Perceptions Of Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Treatment Acceptability: Cultural Trends, Sarah Girresch

Masters Theses

A survey study, usmg a convenience sample, was conducted to assess relationships between adult perceptions of childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and treatment acceptability. Trends in perceptions about ADHD were also examined among African Americans, European Americans, and Hispanics. Ninety (90) participants completed questionnaires developed by the authors that evaluated beliefs about the etiology of ADHD, sources of information used to learn about ADHD, perceptions of stigma associated with ADHD, trust in the system, and attitudes about treatments. Participants overwhelmingly expressed a neutral perspective regarding ADHD-related perceptions. However, beliefs about etiology, endorsement of nonprofessional information sources, and trust in the system …

Key Factors Affecting Color Reproduction On T-Shirt Fabrics Using Heat Transfer Printing, Molly Frank

Masters Theses

Dye sublimation heat transfer printing is commonly used to transfer an image to fabric for small production runs. This process is very inexpensive and is very quick. Unlike digitally printing on fabric, there is no need to treat the fabric once the image has been transferred onto it. Heat transfer printing is also commonly used due to the fact that three different factors can be controlled while printing. These three factors are the temperature, the dwell time, and the pressure. Color reproduction is easy to do once the correct combination of these three factors is found. The temperature, time, and …

Isolation And Characterization Of Bacterial Symbionts From Crotalaria Spectabilis Grown On Trichloroethene Contaminated Soil, April Lyn Rocha

Masters Theses

"The discovery of several members of the Leguminosae family growing on a TCE contaminated site demonstrated that they have the capabilities to tolerate the TCE contamination. This led to an investigation of the plants' ability to metabolize TCE. Research by Dr. Lee Newman showed that nodules from Crotalaria spectabilis grown on the site had TCE metabolites present while nodules from other legumes at the site did not. The presence of TCE metabolites within the C. spectabilis nodules suggests that the bacterial symbiont may be responsible for TCE metabolism. This led us to investigate the symbiont of C. spectabilis and its …

Turning The Silver Screen To Gold: An Analysis Of Opening Weekend Box Office Success, Jennifer Muser

Masters Theses

Success at the box office can be difficult to predict. While one combination of stars, budget, or praise produces a blockbuster, the slightest tweaking in a sequel can produce a bomb. The objective of this research is to model the opening weekend box office revenue per screen based on a set of variables parsed from the Internet Movie Database and using a critical review index variable retrieved from Rotten Tomatoes.com. First, the author estimates opening weekend revenue per screen from a sample of 1116 movies as a function of the movies' characteristics, such as genre, MP AA rating, critical rating, …

An Examination Of Implicit And Explicit Attitudes Toward Steroids/Hgh In A Sample Of College Athletes And Nonathletes, Dominic Gray Morais

Masters Theses

Recently, media has placed more attention on the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and human growth hormone (HGH) due to confessions and positive drug tests by professional athletes concerning their use. The idolization of these athletes by younger individuals, especially athletes, incites concern about their attitudes toward such substances. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes toward AAS and HGH in athletes and nonathletes. One hundred forty three male and female intercollegiate athletes (N = 83) and undergraduate and graduate Kinesiology and Sports Studies majors (N=60) at a Division I Midwestern University volunteered for the study. …

An Analysis Of Selected Band Works With Composer Perspective, Christopher Lawrence Mroczek

Masters Theses

Concentration in Conducting

This project contains the detailed study of three works for wind band. Each study includes direct input by the composers whose pieces are represented. The author interviewed all the composers by e-mail.

The pieces analyzed are:

• At Morning's First Light by David Gillingham
• Hebrides Suite by Clare Grundman
• Undertow by John Mackey

Questions asked in the interviews were unique to the particular musical elements present in the works. Each piece was analyzed with the same criteria using the following elements:

1. Composer Information
2. Composition Background Information
3. Score Description / Instrumentation
4. Form Analysis
5. Melodic Analysis
6. Harmonic Analysis
7. Meter/Tempo/Rhythm
8. Texture/Dynamics …