Digital Commons Network^™

Dance Club Culture, Amy M. Iseler

Masters Theses

My research examines the dance club culture in a mid-sized Northwestern city. I explore this subject through participant observation and interviews with dance club patrons. The issues I address in my research include dance club music, music videos, alcohol, clothing, sexual behavior, non-verbal communication and the dance club environment. The purpose of this Masters Thesis is to determine whether dance club culture perpetuates sexist attitudes and beliefs within its patrons.

This original piece of research is based in existing literature which informs the individual elements of the dance club culture. The experiences of dance club patrons demonstrate how these elements …

Sexist Humor And Willingness To Discrimination Against Women, Christie M. Fitzgerald

Masters Theses

Research has shown that exposure to sexist humor increases tolerance of sexist events, particularly for people high in hostile sexism-antagonism toward women (Glick & Fiske, 1996). The present experiment extends those findings by examining the effects of exposure to sexist humor on anticipated behavior. Two studies were designed to examine the behavioral consequences of exposure to sexist humor. In Study 1, participants were exposed to either sexist jokes, sexist statements, or neutral jokes, and then asked to donate money to either a women's organization or a men's organization. In Study 2, participants were exposed to either sexist jokes or …

The Relationship Between Landcover And Cloud-To-Ground Lightning Strikes In Kalamazoo, County, Michigan, Zachary J. Newton

Masters Theses

Lightning strike point data, collected by the National Lightning Detection Network™ in June, July, and August of 1993, was used in conjunction with geographic information systems (GIS) to examine the distribution of lightning strikes within and among landcover and geologic classes in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.

Quadrat analysis results showed that the lightning strike pattern did not follow a random distribution and exhibited a tendency for clustering when mapped with kernel density. A chi-square analysis showed there was a statistically significant relationship among landcovers, geology, and lightning strikes. Two t-tests were used to evaluate the data, one that corrected for location …

The Relationship Between Perceived English Proficiency And Success In Clinical Work: A Survey Of Asian International Music Therapy Students And Music Therapy Instructors/Supervisors, Yayoi Nakai

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was (1) to identify the students' and instructors'/supervisors' perceptions regarding Asian international music therapy students' English proficiency, and (2) to identify successful strategies students use or instructors/supervisors suggest for resolution regarding English proficiency in clinical situations. The participants of this study were Asian international music therapy students who are currently enrolled in practicum classes or internships in the United States, and instructors/supervisors who have supervised Asian international music therapy students. It was found that there were various difficulties for Asian international music therapy students using English in clinical situations; however, overall both students and instructors/supervisors …

The Relationship Between Creativity Style And Music Career In University Music Students, David A. Zmudka

Masters Theses

This study investigated the relationship between creativity style and choice of musical career among university students. Data was collected from 74 students enrolled in one of four majors in music; music education, music therapy, instrumental performance and jazz performance, as assessed by View: An Assessment of problem solving style, which included 34 items defining problem-solving style across three dimensions including Orientation to Change (OC), Manner of Processing (MP), and Ways of Deciding (WD) scales. Subjects also provided demographic information concerning their declared major, preferred musical career, and level of education. Significant differences were found between the four groups on …

Numerical Simulations On Machining Of Silicon Carbide, Jerry Jacob

Masters Theses

Experiments were conducted to determine the critical depth of cut for machining of single crystal silicon carbide through Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) and fly-cutting, and of CVD coated Silicon Carbide through scratching. The ductile nature of these nominally hard and brittle materials is believed to be the result of a high pressure phase transformation, which generates a plastic zone of material that behaves in a metallic manner. The SPDT experiments have shown chip formation similar to that in metal machining. This metallic behavior is the basis for using AdvantEdge, metal machining simulation software, for comparison to experimental results. The …

Analysis Of Factors Affecting Zebra Mussel (Dreissena Polymorpha) Abundance In Gull Lake, Michigan, Ryan P. Miller

Masters Theses

Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) proliferation has become a serious problem in the Great Lakes Basin. This study uses bathymetry, vegetation distribution, and substratum data to assess their relationship with zebra mussel measurements in Gull Lake, Michigan. Different statistical tests were performed in order to investigate the relationship between the variables and to infer any significance among the variables in relation to zebra mussel abundance. Dreissena polymorpha data include 16 sites on Gull Lake, collected in July of 1999. Vegetation, substratum, and bathymetric datasets were obtained and analyzed by using Geographic Information Science (GIS) techniques.

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) …

The Effects Of Contingency-Specifying Statements On Impulsive Behavior: Specifying The Dimension Of The Reinforcer, Susan Frances Makdisi

Masters Theses

This study replicated and extended research conducted by Douglas J. Navarick (2001) by investigating the effects on impulsive behavior of presenting participants with a contingency-specifying statement (CSS), or a question evoking a CSS. One-hundred two subjects categorized as impulsive, self-controlled, or neutral, based on their number of impulsive responses on a computer program, were divided into three groups: a control group and two experimental groups. Results demonstrated that impulsive behavior decreased when subjects generated accurate and complete CSSs, either with or without the assistance of corrective feedback on verbal or impulsive behavior. Implications for future research on impulsive behavior are …

Competitive Effects Of Uranyl-Organic Complexes On U(Vi) Reduction By Shewanella Putrefaciens, Abraham M. Northup

Masters Theses

Haas and DiChristina (2002) have demonstrated that Fe(III) reduction by the facultative Fe(III)-reducing bacterium S. putrefaciens is mediated by competitive speciation among dissolved organic ligands and functional groups on the cell surface. They also showed that rates of Fe(III) reduction by S. putrefaciens correlate with the thermodynamic stability constants of the Fe(III)-organic ligand complexes. S. putrefaciens can also use U(VI) as a terminal electron acceptor, coupling U(VI) reduction to growth. In this study, S. putrefaciens was incubated in experimental media containing U(VI) in the form of aqueous complexes with a variety of organic ligands that differ significantly in structure and …

A Market Analysis Of Consumer Behavior For Companies In A Self-Insurance Group, Bismarck J. Manes

Masters Theses

This study examined variables that influenced the purchase of costly safety equipment by small business owners. Participants were 21 members of a self-insurance group (SIG) comprised of auto recyclers. Eight sets of variables were examined: (a) marketing tools (video, graphic safety data, and price discount), (b) business demographics, (c) worker’s compensation history, (d) personal history, (e) available technology, (f) safety management practices, (g) safety products purchased in the past, and (h) interest in safety services provided by the SIG. Purchasers (N=7) and nonpurchasers (N=14) were divided into groups, and independent t-tests were calculated for each variable. Only one of 45 …

The Transtheoretical Model: A Theoretical Application To Homelessness, Richard D. Campbell

Masters Theses

Homelessness is a complex social phenomenon that requires creative and bold solutions. Regardless of how one views current methods for facilitating the movement of people out of homelessness, the literature indicates there is still room for improvement.

The Transtheoretical model, a construct for understanding the natural process of behavioral change, has never been applied to understanding or facilitating the movement of individuals out of homelessness. This study examines the phenomenon of homelessness, the Transtheoretical model, and how the model could be applied to improving our effectiveness in moving people from homelessness to “housing readiness” and stability. The study produced a …

Intrapersonal Communication And Post-Disclosure Dialectics: An Examination Of The Dialectical Tensions Expelienced Following Self-Disclosure, Amanda Leanne Carver

Masters Theses

This paper studies the time period directly following a self-disclosure act. The narrative paradigm theory was utilized in the study of 62 narratives to reveal themes in participants' post-disclosure intrapersonal communication experiences. The narratives revealed four prevalent themes, judgment, fear, relational growth and relief. These themes were then used to validate the existence of post-disclosure dialectics. Postdisclosure dialectics refers to the intrapersonal tensions participants experiences in the post -disclosure time period.

How Has Multichoice Africa Affected The Way People View Television In African Countries?, Jesse Geston

Masters Theses

South Africa is the only country in Africa that has a formal system of developing, patenting and then marking its creative ideas to the rest of Africa. By understanding the history of South African media and learning about Multichoice Africa, it is clear that South Africa and Multichoice Africa have an impact on the way people from other African countries view television.

Information and communication technology in South Africa is continuing to develop and foreign countries are beginning to express more interest in investing in South Africa. Today South Africa dominates the digital satellite media in Africa through Multichoice Africa. …

Removing Borders: The Influence Of The Toyota Production System On An American Office Furniture Manufacturer, Susan E. Koole

Masters Theses

The Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the top automobile manufacturers in the world and behind its success is the Toyota Production System (TPS). TPS is a philosophy based on continuous improvement and eliminating waste in processes and in the space where work is performed. At the center of this philosophy is the emphasis on learning. Although several companies attempt to implement the methods and tools of TPS, many do not understand the learning organization culture that must be developed to support it.

This case study reveals the needs of Herman Miller, Inc., an American office furniture manufacturer, as it …

Quantifying Impacts Of White-Tailed Deer On Woodland Plant Communities, Brent E. Wachholder

Masters Theses

High population densities of white-tailed deer are changing woodland plant communities in the eastern United States. Deer populations subjectively characterized as overabundant are widely perceived as a threat to forest succession and conservation of rare plant species. I conducted a survey of 11 deer exclosures located at 7 sites through the state of Illinois in order to 1) determine the broad effects of deer at various densities on community attributes and 2) attempt to quantify the population density at which deer are overabundant, i.e., have negative effects on a) community attributes such as richness and diversity and b) survival of …

The Response Of Macroinvertebrate Communities To Habitat Fragmentation, Ross W. Widinski

Masters Theses

Aquatic fragmentation may be characterized as a lack of connectivity between upstream and downstream populations or sites (Page et al. 1997). Fragmentation in stream ecosystems occurs when changes in the surrounding landscape (loss/modification of riparian zone vegetation) render the in-stream habitats unsuitable for aquatic organisms. Additionally, Page et al. (1997) suggest that organisms also can be impacted or fragmented by in-stream modifications (dams, bridges) that further eliminate usable aquatic habitat and prevent movement through the aquatic system.

Intact riparian zones are of utmost importance in maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. Riparian zones with abundant vegetative cover serve to shade the …

Spectroscopic Investigation Of Metal-Substitution Of Cytochrome C, Deepthi Kandi

Masters Theses

We study, by absorbance spectroscopy, the incorporation of various metal ions (Cu²+ and Zn2*) into metal-free porphyrin cytochrome c (H₂cyt) as well as the various conformational forms of metal-substituted cytochromes. The H2cyt and desired metalsubstituted cytochromes have significantly different absorption spectra, providing a simple means of monitoring the incorporation of Cu²* or Zn2* into the empty porphyrin prosthetic group. The rates of metal-ion incorporation were studied under protein denaturating conditions using chemical denaturants, like urea and guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCI), and temperature that partially and completely unfold H2cyt, facilitating the incorporation of a metal ion. Moreover, the structural stability of copper …

The Study Of Carbon Acylation Of Highly Delocalized Enolates Using Catalytic Dmap On 3-Phenyl Benzofuranone Derivatives, Xiguang Zhao

Masters Theses

Benzofuranones along with their derivatives compose a diverse array of natural products and drugs, and show a wide variety of biological effects. Several synthetic methods have been published that describe the preparation of 2-(3H)-benzofuranones having mono alkyl or aryl substituents attached to the fused furanone ring with moderate to high yields. To date, reports describing the preparation of disubstituted 2-(3H)-benzofuranones, especially with one acyl group, are rare. Early approaches are limited by low yields, economical expenditure and environmental risk.

Direct acylation of benzofuranones consistently provides O-acylated isomers rather than C-acylated isomers, which are desired products in the great majority of …

The Validity Of The S/Z Ratio As A Voice Screening Tool, Larry L. Panozzo Jr.

Masters Theses

This study investigated the validity of the s/z ratio as a voice screening tool. Twenty female subjects, ten with vocal fold pathology and ten normal control subjects, participated in the current research project. Results indicated that although the s/z ratio was higher for the disordered group than the normal group, the difference was not significant (p=.18). Sensitivity equaled 90% while specificity equaled 50% when 1.1 was used as the cutoff value. When 1.4 was used as the cutoff value, sensitivity was 30% while specificity was 80%. In addition, there was a weak relationship between the clinician's perception of the size …

Cinematic Scripture: The Structure And Usage Of The Lord Of The Rings As Equipment For Living, Brent Yergensen

Masters Theses

This project argues that film has the capacity to function as cinematic scripture for Christian audiences. Cinematic scripture means that films are authoritative for audiences the same way that written scripture is. In The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, this new form of scripture works as equipment for living by encouraging Christian audiences to go to war against evil through the structure of the film's biblical themes of bifurcation, redemption, and millennialism. This culmination of the rhetorical vision of war comes from three fantasy themes that emerge when Christian Internet writers describe how they use the films: repentance, strength, …

Critical Pedagogy As A Practice In Student Affairs: A Trio Media Literacy Program, Bettina T. Becker

Masters Theses

This study discusses the impact a critical pedagogy approach may provide for Student Affairs programming. On the one hand, pedagogical theories are often relegated to the classroom proper. On the other hand, despite the fact that Student Affairs programming is often seen froma developmental perspective, the intricacies of a pedagogy are just as often neglected. Critical pedagogy with its focus on valuing student experiences, critical readings of popular texts, and the deconstruction of pervasive public discourses may provide a valuable foundation for Student Affairs programming, thus integrating theory and practice and bridging the gap between Academic and Student Affairs.

This …

The Effectiveness Of An Intrusive Advising Program On Students On Academic Probation, Christie Ann Cruise

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of an intrusive advising program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - General Curriculum Center at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign was investigated to determine whether students who chose to participate in such a program had higher grade point averages and cleared academic probation at higher rates than did students who chose not to participate. An independent-samples t test was used to assess the relationship between participation in an intrusive advising program and grade point averages. In addition, this statistical analysis was used to assess the relationship between participation in the program and clearance rates …

African American Male Faculty And Student Affairs Professionals At Eastern Illinois University: Motivations To Work In The Academy, Jahquan Clayton Hawkins

Masters Theses

The purpose of the current study was to identify factors that both motivate and deter African American male faculty and administrative staff members of Eastern Illinois University to be both recruited and retained at the institution. Subsequently, the attrition and retention of these individuals was the focal point of the research. A naturalistic, qualitative research designed was used during the current study. Specifically, a selected sample of African American male faculty and staff members from the institution under study were interviewed, soliciting responses that addressed issues such as the university's perception of the participants, the participants' views on the campus …

Male Greek Fraternity Members And Their Self-Perceptions On Muscularity, Kevin Malburg

Masters Theses

The quantitative study examined the body image issues of fraternity men at a midsize Midwestern university and their level of concerned with the muscular physique of their bodies. The participants were all undergraduate fraternity men between the ages of 18 and 25. The sample population (N=256) was surveyed using the Drive for Muscularity scale (McCreary & Sasse, 2000) to answer the following research questions: 1) Do fraternity members desire a more muscular physique than the one they already have? 2) What percentage of fraternity members use supplements to enhance their body image? 3) Do fraternity members perceive the opposite sex …

Components Of Academic Motivation: A Multidimensional Overview Of Millennial Female Students At Eastern Illinois University, Karen Huseman

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present study was to examine the components of academic motivation among millennial female college students. More specifically, the purpose was to assess multiple factors that contribute to academic motivation among African American and European American millennial college women. The participants for the present study were selected from the female population at a mid-sized state-supported institution located in the Midwest.

Results from the study include that both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards helped to jump-start academic motivation. The role of family support was highly valued in the women's desire to achieve and personal self-confidence and support from others …

Student Perceptions Of Intrusive And Non-Intrusive Advising Approaches, Josephine Robinson

Masters Theses

The primary purpose of the present study was to assess students' perceptions of intrusive advisement approaches used by Gateway Program staff at Eastern Illinois University in comparison to non-intrusive advisement approaches utilized by faculty advisors in academic departments. To date, no research has been conducted in this area at this institution. A secondary purpose of the present study was to ascertain the perceptions of students regarding their student/advisor relationships and the knowledge levels of advisors regarding the university and degree requirements. A third purpose for the present study was to assess students' perceptions of the effects academic advisement had on …

Economic Growth, Inequality And Poverty In Africa, Fassil N. Fanta

Masters Theses

The most important development endeavor is to reduce poverty. There has been an ongoing debate on the actual contribution of growth to poverty reduction. In addition, a related question frequently raised is whether the main focus of development strategies should be placed on growth, or poverty reduction with or without a change in inequality. Without doubt, faster economic growth is associated with faster poverty reduction, given other factors affecting poverty. But an interesting policy implication can be drawn by answering the question of how responsive is poverty for a given level of economic growth or a given change in inequality. …

Endogenous Money Theory: A Unique Alternative?, Goktug Aksan

Masters Theses

Modern monetary policy, applied in developed and developing countries, is based on economic theories that have been in existence for 300 years. These theories, considered for the purpose of this thesis as the New Consensus theory, have its roots in the classical quantity theory of money, Milton Friedman's monetarism, and the rational expectations variant of New Classical and New Keynesian economics. Fundamentally, this theory assumes changes in the money supply have only limited impact on real economic variables such as unemployment and output in the long run. The primary monetary policy derived from this theory is reduction of inflation, with …

The Effects Of Obesity On Health Care Expenditures And Health Insurance Premium Rates, Temenoujka Velkova

Masters Theses

This study investigates the influence of obesity on rising health care expenditures in the United States, which helps us understand the rising health insurance premium rates. Health care expenditures are measured as a share of state gross domestic product. This measure is chosen because it allows me to take a look at not only the out-of-pocket costs but at all other sources of payment, which includes private health insurance. The estimated results suggest that obesity contributes to rising health care expenditures as a share of state gross domestic product. Overweight, heavy drinking, and age also have been found to have …

American Books Of The Dead: Mourning And Denial In The Fiction Of Don Delillo And Cormac Mccarthy, Allan E. Crandell

Masters Theses

The novels of Don DeLillo and Cormac McCarthy are heavily pervaded by themes of mortality and its denial. DeLillo's White Noise (1985), with its emblematic centerpiece of an "Airborne Toxic Event," was succeeded by the slim depiction of mourning deferred, The Body Artist (2001). Likewise, Cormac McCarthy's epic Appalachian novel, Suttree (1979), is ridden with images of death and strangled mourning, a work followed by Blood Meridian or the Evening Redness in the West (1985), a historiographic depiction of unrelenting, culturally repressed bloodshed. This thesis maintains that DeLillo and McCarthy warn us in these novels about the American way of …