Digital Commons Network^™

Faith, Hope, And Love Through Doubt In Tennyson's In Memoriam, David Settle

Masters Theses

In Memoriam is a poem expressing the journey of Christian faith Alfred Tennyson experiences after the death of his friend, Arthur Hallam. Although Tennyson is submerged in deep sorrow and confronted with questions and challenges to his spiritual beliefs, he becomes a stronger Christian who is filled with faith in a God of love who will reunite him with his departed friend. A careful reading of the poem in comparison with Biblical texts reveals that Tennyson underwent a spiritual transformation that deepened his belief in Christ and the hope of a life after death where he will enjoy the companionship …

A Close Look At Foreign Aid Fungibility And Government Spending: Evidence From Sub Saharan Africa, Seifu Zerihun Gebrehanna

Masters Theses

Foreign aid in different times and at different places has been highly effective, totally ineffective, and everything in between. Primarily, aid is intended to boost public spending in social and economic sector of the recipient government. However, foreign aid, in some cases used for 'non-productive' or 'wasteful' forms of recurrent expenditure such as enlarging the army or paying off the debts of parastatal organizations, increases of salaries of government officials. Hence, aid has a fungible portion in which it will be difficult to determine its impact on government spending. In this study, nine countries panel data were used for the …

The Effect Of Comic Books On Students' Reading Attitudes, Sheila Lambert

Masters Theses

An experimental study was conducted to determine if the addition of comic books as self-selected reading material in the classroom improved students' attitudes toward recreational reading. Sixth grade students (n=62) completed the first ten items that address recreational reading from the Elementary Reading Attitude Survey (McKenna & Kear, 1990) as a pre- and post-test. The students in the experimental group (n=35) had comic books available in their sixth grade language arts classroom libraries during free classroom reading periods. Comic books were not available in the language arts classroom libraries for the sixth grade students in the control group (n=27). Students …

In The Middle Of Somewhere, Lisa Anne Walker

Masters Theses

I have written a creative non fiction piece concerning my experiences living amongst the Tarahumara people of Mexico. The piece utilizes the combination of standard prose with a letter format. The letters are addressed to my sister Alex, but none were actual letters in the form they appear in the thesis. The letter format was chosen because it allowed me to share events without the need to explain in great detail either the events or my feelings concerning the events. The prose format then allowed me to contemplate the events directly and indirectly that are brought up in the letters. …

The Search For Authentic Identity In Three Novels By West Indian Author Earl Lovelace, Todd A. Cornwell

Masters Theses

In this thesis, I examine the evolving concept of authentic identity, individual, cultural, and national in the post-colonial Caribbean context embodied in West Indian author Earl Lovelace's The Schoolmaster, The Dragon Can't Dance, and Salt. These three novels when analyzed together demonstrate Lovelace's emerging vision of a future for the Caribbean rooted in indigenous values, self-possession, historical reclamation, and, ultimately, true independence.

Additionally, this thesis explores Lovelace's paradox of the mask, in its many different physical and psychological forms, that simultaneously liberates and imprisons, and the consequences of masking on West Indian identity. In Lovelace's own words, these three novels …

Rocking The Kenyan Cradle: Colonial Conditioning In Ngugi Wa Thiongo's Njamba Nene Stories, Jonathan Moore

Masters Theses

This thesis analyzes Ngugi wa Thiongo's critique of the colonial influences on the Church, the British educational system and the Kenyan middle class in and around the time of Kenya's State of Emergency of the 1950s. Specifically, I examine these colonial legacies through his two children's books Njamba Nene and the Flying Bus and Njamba Nene's Pistol. More than simply exploit the poor, all three condition the people into a state of submissive acceptance of British superiority. The middle class, a self-replicating product of the first two, is of particular concern to Ngugi because, in this case, Kenyans exploit Kenyans …

To The Beat Of A Different Drum: Inside The Mind Of An "Aspie", Kristopher Allyn Jones

Masters Theses

This thesis is a collection of the author's memoirs regarding his struggles and achievements of living with the condition of Asperger's Syndrome. The purpose of this thesis is for the material to serve as a gateway for those individuals living and coping with the condition, and, likewise, to serve as a pedantic tool for those who don't understand its esoteric aspects. By writing these memoirs, the author wishes to prevent unnecessary persecution toward those living with Asperger's Syndrome, and he wishes to emphasize to those living with the condition that it is alright to be different. This thesis serves as …

Comfort Food, Anita Zimmerman

Masters Theses

Comfort Food is a work of culinary-themed creative nonfiction based on my personal and professional cooking experiences. My purposes in writing these memoirs, to preserve my family's gastronomic history and intimate my cooking experiences, are ultimately infused with a single desire: to encourage others to view food in terms of nourishment, of comfort, and not simply sustenance.

The work is divided into eight chapters; the first two focus on my family's history and my childhood on a farm in Wisconsin. The third through seventh chapters are a chronologically-organized account of each of the places I've worked: a bakery, café, supper …

Holding Her Hand, Chris Ellen Lamb

Masters Theses

The history of GLBTQ YA (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning Young Adult) literature has seen the introduction of very small amounts of fiction over the years. Publication of the first YA gay novel in 1969 opened the doors for many writers interested in pursuing the genre. However, even since this year (the year of the semi-liberation of gays during Stonewall) we have only seen a small amount of titles provided to young readers. In the past decade, interest has begun to turn to a more accepting, emotional and physical based portrayal of GLBTQ teens in their literature.

Since the onset …

Color-Blind Or Seeing White: A Pedagogical Approach To Critical Whiteness Studies, Rebekah K. Volk

Masters Theses

Critical whiteness studies is a primary component of multicultural education that is frequently absent from curricula at all educational levels. This deficiency in the core philosophy of education produces white and non-white students who lack an analytical understanding of the true impact of whiteness on American society, culture, and media. Through lessons infused and influenced by a whiteness perspective, educators may begin the process of creating anti-racist white allies who will continue to change society with a positive impact. Additionally, teachers should help students view their world through the lens of critical whiteness studies in order to promote a more …

Older Adults' Food Choices Associated With Cardiovascular Health, Sondra J. Clarkson

Masters Theses

The number of older adults who develop cardiovascular disease each year continues to remain high. It is important to examine possible reasons cardiovascular disease is prevalent among older adults. The purpose ofof this study was to identify the food choices older adults associate with cardiovasascular health. This study examined the differences in heart healthy food choices of male and female participants, white and black participants, and participants with and without known cardiovascular disease. A quantitative questionnaire and focus groups were used to gain insight on the foods older adults associate with cardiovascular disease. The participants were able to identify heart …

Iron Consumption Knowledge For The Prevention Of Iron Deficiency And Iron Deficiency Anemia Among College-Aged Women, Jennifer N. Vissers

Masters Theses

Iron deficiency is a serious problem affecting more than three million people nally and almost two billion worldwide. This study was performed to determine the knowledge of iron, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia among college-aged women. A questionnaire consisting of 21 knowledge questions in addition to seven demographic questions was answered by 420 college-aged females at a Midwestern university. Overall, 85% of the women (n=357) in this group lacked sufficient knowledge about the subject as determined by a total knowledge score of less than fifteen. Greater iron knowledge was found in older, white students, those who consumed supplements, and …

Brasil With An S: A Memoir, Lee Isaacson Roll

Masters Theses

This thesis consists of six essays written in the genre of creative nonfiction. The focus of the work is my experience of living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and teaching at the American School from 1969-1971 when I was in my early twenties. The essays are sourced in 104 letters I sent to my family; entries in two daybooks; photos; and my roommate's diary. The events suggested by these primary sources have been enriched by information acquired through academic research and by details provided by conversations and correspondence with the people who shared the experiences with me. The essays shift …

An Examination Of Factors And Perceptions Related To Steroids/Human Growth Hormone In College Baseball, Benjamin D. Riegle

Masters Theses

This study examined the role modeling effect from professional baseball through an anonymous survey aimed at the prevalence, potential precursors, and deterrents of steroid use among 173 intercollegiate baseball players. Results indicated that 2.3% of participants admitted to using steroids, but this low incidence was not due to low access as 58.4% said they knew how to obtain steroids and 37.8% had previously been offered steroids. Just over one-third (34.1%) agreed that performance enhancement was a precursor to steroid/HGH use and a mean score of 2.53 (SD = 1.46) indicated that it was a greater precursor than improving appearance (19.7%, …

Traditional Versus Nontraditional Relationship Initiation As A Factor In Adolescent Dating And Sexual Behaviors, Jennifer Long

Masters Theses

Research on adolescent dating behaviors, particularly adolescent sexual activity and contraceptive use, is very important due to the health and social costs of teenage pregnancy, childbearing, and sexually transmitted diseases among the adolescent population. The primary purpose of this paper was to address the relation between type of relationship initiation (traditional versus nontraditional) and sexual behavior. Traditional relationships were defined as those initiated by males whereas nontraditional relationships were defined as those initiated by females. Study participants were 104 (62 female, 42 male) undergraduate students attending Eastern Illinois University psychology and sociology classes. The results indicated that significantly more relationships …

Individualism-Collectivism, Values, And Help Seeking Attitudes Among Indian And American College Students, Ateka Contractor

Masters Theses

The present study examined cross-cultural differences in individualistic and collectivistic values and behaviors, the cultural value dimensions of conservatism, openness to change, self-enhancement, self-transcendence, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among American and Indian college students. Data were collected from 111 students at Eastern Illinois University in the U.S. and from 78 students of Mumbai University in India. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Individualism-Collectivism Interpersonal Assessment Inventory, the Schwartz Value Survey and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale. Statistical analyses were computed using I tests for independent means, 2 Way ANOVAs, multiple regression analyses and descriptive …

The Relationship Between Teachers' Training In Behavioral Interventions And Experiences And Attitude About Inclusion, Lisa Murfee

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether teachers' amount of training or years of experience influence their attitude towards inclusion. Bergren (1997) found that both regular and special education teachers agree that mainstreaming will positively benefit both special and regular education students. Van Reusen, Shoho, and Barker (2001) concluded from the results of their research that positive attitudes regarding inclusion appeared to be more highly related to levels of special education training, and knowledge of and experience with the special education population. A total of 148 teachers, out of 258, participated in the current study. Two hypotheses were …

Impact Of Test-Wiseness Training On Kindergarteners' Performance On Early Reading Measures, Keath A. Murray

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of test-wiseness (TW) training on kindergartners' performance on an early reading measure. Scores obtained from kindergarten students who receive TW training for two of the kindergarten probes from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) were compared to scores of kindergarten students did not receive TW training. Approximately 52 kindergarten students were randomly assigned to 2 conditions. In one condition, 26 students took an initial probe, received brief TW training 2 weeks after the initial probe followed by a second, alternate-form "practice probe", and then a third alternate-form …

Language-Based Spelling Instruction For Children Who Are Hard-Of-Hearing, Brittney L. Yakey

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of SPELL-Links to Reading and Writing, a language-based instructional spelling program, with two hard-of-hearing children. Spelling skills were evaluated using the Spelling Performance Evaluation for Language (SPELL), Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), and Featured Inventories. The participants included two hard-of-hearing children with mild hearing loss. Spelling intervention targeted four spelling patterns (short u, ck, ch/tch, and ng). The results showed that one child benefited from the SPELL-Links to Reading and Writing by the improvement across all four patterns, while the other child showed improvement in only two of the patterns.

Cell Signaling Pathways In Lps-Mediated Apoptosis Of Dedifferentiated Hepatoma Cells, Michael Ryan Reidy

Masters Theses

Using liver tumor cells and their dedifferentiated cell lines, mechanisms underlying tissue specific gene expression can be studied. We have derived cell lines, from liver tumor cells, which fail to express liver genes. These cells are termed "dedifferentiated cells". One significant observation made was that cells which fail to express liver genes also rapidly undergo programmed cell death (known as apoptosis) under the influence of the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Understanding the mechanism of how liver function relates to cell apoptosis is the goal of this study.

Apoptosis is known to play a critical role in development and homeostasis, yet …

Comparison Of Avian Nest Success Among Linear Wooded Habitats In An Agricultural Landscape, Terri J.E. Thompson

Masters Theses

In the Midwest, urban expansion and more intensive agricultural practices have reduced habitat available to most species of breeding birds. Linear wooded habitats including fencerows and riparian strips are a common habitat feature in many agricultural landscapes. Changes in agricultural practices and the subsequent reduction in grasslands and fencerows have lead to greater breeding densities in species that use the remaining fencerows as nest sites. This may lead to a lower nesting success due to factors such as higher predation risk. Specifically, it is not known how such linear habitats currently contribute to avian populations in central Illinois.

We monitored …

Effects Of Food Deprivation, Body Size, And Egg Load On The Mating Behavior Of Female Japanese Beetles, Popillia Japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), Natasha Tigreros

Masters Theses

Female condition may play an important role in the mating frequency of species that mate at foraging areas. For example, in species where feeding females are more easily encountered or less resistant to mating than females that are performing other activities, low energy levels could increase mating activity. We studied the relationship between female condition and mating activity in the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in a laboratory study. We altered condition by depriving some females of food for one day and comparing their mating behavior to well-fed females. Our results showed that the effect of condition on mating …

Red Squirrel Distribution And Habitat Use In Illinois, Corinna Hanson

Masters Theses

The North American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is a species of special concern in Illinois due to its restricted geographic range and low numbers. This species occupies a broad geographic range in North America and is usually associated with the boreal forests of Canada and coniferous forests in the Rocky Mountain range. The squirrels also occupy deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests in the eastern U.S. In Illinois, available habitat is suboptimal, and limited to pine plantations and small tracts of deciduous forest embedded in an agricultural matrix landscapе. Information on the spatial distribution of red squirrels in northeastern Illinois was …

Mating, Kinship, And Population Structure In Illinois Beaver Populations, Joanne C. Crawford

Masters Theses

The North American beaver, Castor canadensis, is an important wildlife species for a variety of reasons. As a furbearer, it provides income and recreation to trappers throughout the state. As a wetland engineer, it helps maintain functioning ecosystems (Naiman et al. 1986, McKinstry and Anderson 2002). Finally, the beaver serves as a model organism for studies of mating and kinship, as it has beed reported to be almost exclusively monogamous (Sun 2003).

Monogamy in mammals is generally restricted to the primates, canids, and rodents, and is defined as a mating system in which a pair remains together for at least …

Classification Of Illinois Lakes And Reservoirs And Evaluation Of The Potential Use Of Phytoplankton As Biocriteria, Jessica A. Rasmussen

Masters Theses

.

Supramolecular Usefulness Of Hexamethylenetetramine, Philias Daka

Masters Theses

Because non-covalent contacts are important to the design and construction of materials with functional applications, efforts that seek to uncover chemical features responsible for the assembly of multimolecular arrays hold current interest. The building-block approach is one strategy that has been successfully employed for the construction of molecular assemblies. By designing molecular components with complementary functional groups, the construction of predictable supramolecular motifs is possible. Although various modes of molecular alignment have been generated using this strategy, the extension of low dimensional motifs (discrete and 1-D patterns) to 2- and 3-D patterns remain a current challenge.

The Relationship Between Parental Divorce And First-Year College Student Adjustment, Jennifer A. Copes

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to investigate the potential relationship between incoming freshmen parental marital status and students' first-year adjustment to college. The PI saw a need for this study because of the lack of previous research directly connecting the two above variables. Numerous researchers have investigated the negative effects of parental divorce; the importance of one's parents during the transition to college has also been well documented. For the purpose of this study, the PI sought to examine a potential link between the two, assuming children of divorce would experience more difficulties adjusting to college life than children from intact …

Investigating Biodiversity: An Economic Analysis Of Global Endangered Species Loss, Kyle Baumgartner

Masters Theses

There has been a rapid increase in interest among economists to examine the economic causes of biodiversity loss. The goal of this thesis is to investigate biodiversity loss using percentage of endangered species across countries for a three year period of time. This is accomplished by developing a series of models to examine the impact of various economic factors on biodiversity loss, in this case using percentage of threatened species as a proxy.

The results indicate that the development of economic growth can impact endangered species loss. The results also demonstrate that there is a relationship between percentage of endangered …

Habitat Use And Overwintering Ecology Of The Northern Watersnake (Nerodia Sipedon) On An Artificial Levee In Central Illinois, Melanie J. Olds

Masters Theses

Several reptile species have populations that are in decline, and anthropogenic habitat loss and alteration are arguably the factors having the greatest impact on these species. More attention has been paid to understanding the activity season habitat needs in snakes than on the habitat requirements for overwintering. I examined the patterns of both activity season and overwintering habitat use by a population of northern watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) that inhabit an artificial levee in central Illinois. My research objectives were to determine how a population of northern watersnakes uses an artificial levee during the activity season and to determine what type …

Influence Of Fish Presence And Removal On Woodland Pond Breeding Amphibians, J. Brian Towey

Masters Theses

Predatory fish can have devastating effects on populations of amphibians, many of which are already declining around the world. Land managers seeking to restore disturbed woodland ponds to more historically-accurate conditions may consider removing fish, a potentially difficult or costly process. I report on the effects of introduced sunfish (Lepomis spp.) and black bullhead catfish (Ameiurus melas), and their removal, on the reproductive efforts of three species of amphibians: smallmouth salamanders (Ambystoma texanum), American toads (Bufo americanus) and wood frogs (Rana sylvatica). Using drift fences and pitfall traps around four woodland ponds, amphibians were monitored for one year prior to …