Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Habitual Physical Activity On Number Of Colds And Incidence Of Cold Symptoms, Katie Lynn Maniatis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this investigation was to compare frequency of colds and symptoms of upper respiratory infection in college students who have different levels of habitual physical activity. Subjects were Eastern Illinois University students (N=535, aged 18-25). A survey was conducted which included questions inquiring about demographic information, physical activity habits, the number of colds contracted the month before the survey, and symptom number and severity. Data collection occurred between February 12th and March 1st, 1998. This particular time period was chosen for several reasons, including that student stress level should have been lower than at the beginning or end …

Perceptions Related To Healthful Eating And Physical Activity Among Eastern Illinois University Students, Wendy N. Zaucha

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Case Study Of The Cross-Age Tutoring Program Offered At Lincoln Trail College, Cora J. Weger

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The "Hope" Of Sandra Cisneros's The House On Mango Street: Affirming Community And Rejecting Machismo, Ann Marie Ladner

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Birth Order On Depression, Kelley Grinstead

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Women In Sports Journalism: Do The Barriers Still Exist?, Brandice A. Padgett

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Demographics And Condition Of Coyotes In Illinois, Daniel M. Lloyd

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A New Approach To Expectation Theory: Rationality Revisited, Tamas Forgacs

Masters Theses

Expectations play an important role in economics. Traditionally two major branches of expectation theory are distinguished: that of adaptive and rational expectations. This study sets out the goal of investigating inflationary expectations based on real world experiences. The model proposed and tested here abandons the traditional fixed-time-interval-update models for a non-fixed-time-interval-update model. Although the penalty function attached to each error is still subject to debate, it is shown that by reacting with faster updates to errors in expectations economic agents achieve more precise expectations compared to those of a fix time interval update model. We also find the model rational …

Seed Vigor Of Four Isoline Pairs Of Sweet Corn With Two Endosperm Types At Four Temperatures, Ronglin Wang

Masters Theses

Sweet corn (Zea mays L. var rugosa ) is the fourth most important fresh vegetable in the U.S.. Supersweet corn with shrunken-2 endosperm is more popular with consumers than traditional sweet corn with sugary endosperm because sh2 kernels have more sugars and retain this sweet flavor longer than su kernels. However, its acceptance by growers is hindered because of its inferior seed quality and poor seedling vigor, especially when temperature is low.

Seed vigor of four isoline pairs ( C68, Oh43, Il442a and Ia453 ) with two endosperm types ( sh2 and su ) was studied in this investigation. In …

A Survey Of Illinois Speech-Language Pathologists And School Psychologists Regarding Selective Mutism, Sarah Megan Toland

Masters Theses

A questionnaire was designed by the examiner to identify the views and knowledge of Illinois school psychologists and speech-language pathologists regarding selective mutism. Subjects consisted of 119 school psychologists and 106 speech-language pathologists, who completed the questionnaire.

The results of the survey revealed that both Illinois school psychologists and speech-language pathologists viewed themselves as partially responsible for the assessment and treatment of selective mutism, however, both samples indicated low levels of comfort in their ability to successfully provide those services. Additionally, very few of the respondents in either group had received formal training in the area of selective mutism.

Results …

The Role Of Bowfin, Amia Calva, In Multiple Species Management Plans, Benjamin Jacob Hausmann

Masters Theses

The major challenge to fisheries managers of the 21st century will be to maintain the diversity, not only of fishing opportunity, but also of traditionally non-game and economically unimportant species. With the relatively recent understanding of the importance of ecosystem level management, attention is being focused on native species that were often ignored or eradicated under past management practices. One such fish that has been largely ignored is the bowfin, Amia calva. Ecological data pertaining to bowfin natural history are limited and to date no attempt has been made to integrate bowfin into fisheries management decisions within the species native …

A Systematic Study Of The Native Geum L. Species Of Illinois, Michael B. Wenzel

Masters Theses

A systematic study of the seven species of Geum L. (Rosaceae) native to Illinois including G. aleppicum var. strictum (Aiton) Fernald, G. canadense Jaquin, G. laciniatum Murray var. trichocarpum Fernald, G. rivale Linnaeus, G. triflorum Pursh, G. vernum (Rafinesque) Torrey & Gray, and G. virginianum Linnaeus is presented. Early classification systems are briefly compared, especially regarding the topic of subgenera. Detailed taxonomic descriptions, distribution information including county citations, and identification keys were developed for this study. Two seperate keys, one for floral characters and the second for specimens in fruit are given for greater ease in proper identification.

Two …

The Relationship Between Burrowing Behavior Of Native Unionid Bivalves And Infestation By Zebra Mussels, Amy Gries

Masters Theses

Burrowing behavior of unionids was examined as a variable in colonization of unionids by juvenile zebra mussels searching for substrate. For each unionid species represented, zebra mussel densities were compared between a free-living experimental unionid and an immobilized control during each replicate. Of the four species used (Amblema plicata, Quadrula quadrula, Leptodea fragilis and Obliquaria reflexa), only Q. quadrula had a statistically significant difference between zebra mussel densities on the experimental mussels as compared with the controls. When zebra mussel densities on the experimental mussels were compared between species, only the comparison of Q. quadrula and O. reflexa was …

Parent Perceptions Of Speech And Language Characteristics Of Children With Fragile X Syndrome, Trina Marie Ungrund

Masters Theses

Children with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) have significant speech/language difficulties. Additional information is needed regarding the demographics and speech/language characteristics of this population. Participants in this study were parents of children with FXS. Contact persons for three FXS support groups were notified of this study and were asked to provide surveys to parents of children with FXS. The survey was completed by 50 parents of children with FXS who answered questions concerning their child's demographics and speech/language characteristics. Information on speech/language characteristics was gathered through use of a severity rating scale. This severity rating scale was used to rate the …

Identification Of Training Needs For School Board Members, David Jordan

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the training topics offered to newly elected and incumbent school board members by state school boards associations. The researcher then evaluated the materials to determine which states have laws requiring board members to participate in training programs.

The study was designed to answer three research questions:

1. What are the topics offered by state school boards associations for school board member training?

2. What states have laws requiring individual school board members to participate in training programs, and what are those requirements?

3. What states have training programs specifically designed for newly …

Principals' Perceptions Of Teacher Evaluation Processes And Instruments, William Harold Carpenter

Masters Theses

Each year principals in Illinois schools are required to evaluate teachers. This study was conducted to assess principal perceptions of teacher evaluation processes and instruments used in schools located in the southern Illinois counties of Clinton, Hamilton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington. The study was conducted to determine the principal perceptions related to the following research questions: (a) What are the minimum number of classroom observations principals are required to make each year before developing the final teacher evaluation? (b) What type of teacher evaluation instruments are being used in districts? (c) What is the extent of principals' satisfaction with district …

The Effects Of Field-Based Learning On The Knowledge, Behaviors And Practices Of Teachers And Students, Mary Jo Kosco

Masters Theses

The outdoor environment has the potential to serve as a teeming laboratory with numerous opportunities for students to study various science-related phenomena and processes. However important teachers deem outdoor experiences in science, they also bear doubts about their abilities to teach in these natural surroundings. Providing teachers with the training necessary to teach using field-based activities would help develop and strengthen the teachers' and consequently their students' interest in science, their background knowledge of basic science concepts and processes and possibly affect their behaviors towards the environment. This study was designed to measure the extent science teachers' field-based learning experiences …

Principal Perceptions Of School Breakfast Programs In Small Enrollment Illinois School Districts, Teresa M. Martin

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate school breakfast programs in small enrollment districts in Illinois. The review of literature and research indicated that school breakfast programs may improve student achievement, behavior and attendance, and that providing a breakfast to hungry children may increase their readiness to learn.

The study took place in 1997-98, using a survey instrument designed by the author to collect perceptions about school breakfast programs from Illinois principals. A random sample of 75 principals was selected from all Illinois school districts with student enrollments of less than 1,000 which had breakfast programs. Surveys were returned …

Internet In The Classroom, Nathan J. Aslinger

Masters Theses

Purpose of the Study

This study was conducted to determine the role of the Internet in Illinois high schools, how it is integrated into the business education curriculum, and the status of technology in these high schools. Most schools are "hooked up" and the teachers are usually trained through internal workshops. Some schools even have a specific "Internet" course. The following questions are the research questions used for this study:

1. What is the general status of the Internet in secondary schools as perceived by business teachers?

2. To what extent is the Internet being included in the secondary business …

Middle School Student Assistance Programs In The Sangamon Area Special Education District, Thomas H. Mulligan

Masters Theses

Schools face a growing population of at-risk students. For years, educators have searched for ways to assist at-risk students address their problems and improve academically. One program that has been implemented in many schools is called a student assistance program (SAP). Student assistance programs generally involve a core team, called the student assistance team (SAT), comprised of teachers, administrators, and guidance personnel. The student assistance program involves identifying student problems, referring students to the SAT, an in-depth study of information concerning the student, suggested interventions, support systems, and follow-up procedures. This study was done to determine what formal procedures, if …

The Other And Narrative Framing In Nabokov's The Real Life Of Sebastian Knight, Lolita, And Pnin, Stacey Vivian Overend

Masters Theses

Vladimir Nabokov is often noted for his portrayal of controversial characters, isolated from the real world. These characters, known as Others, are shunned by society because of their socially unacceptable or inappropriate behavior. However, in order to understand fully the Other and his motives, readers must evaluate the Other's behavior within the context of his alternate existence, an isolated existence created in response to the threat common society imposes on his Self. Focusing on three of Nabokov's novels, The Real Life of Sebastian Knight, Lolita, and Pnin, this thesis examines the character of the Other through two …

Merits Of Traditional And Alternative High School Schedules In Southern And Central Illinois As Perceived By High School Principals, Tom Sherman

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to determine the merits of traditional and alternative high school schedules (Block 8, Block 4, etc.) as perceived by principals of central and southern Illinois high schools (schools south of Interstate 80). The study took place during November and December, 1997, utilizing a survey of 200 randomly selected Illinois high school principals south of Interstate 80. Of the 200 surveys sent out, 168 were returned for a response rate of 84%. A survey was constructed to gather data on six research questions. The High School Schedule Survey and cover letter were developed and field tested by …

Warren's Audubon: A Vision Revisited, Sylwia W. Zechowska

Masters Theses

This thesis consists of a Polish translation of a volume of Robert Penn Warren's poetry: Audubon: A Vision accompanied by an introductory essay focusing on historical, cultural and psychological aspects of the poems. As a novelist, Robert Penn Warren is well known to the Polish reading public. All his major novels have been translated into Polish and received with great acclaim, which has been confirmed by numerous editions. Warren's popularity among Polish readers may be attributed to the fact that his fiction is permeated with a peculiar sense of melancholy and a profound awareness of tragic national history, features inevitably …

An Exploration Of The Undergraduate Experiences Of Faculty, Shannon M. Horn

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the undergraduate experiences of faculty members at one institution. A review of the literature revealed that there does seem to be a positive relationship between faculty-student interaction and the student's retention at the university level. Students are also more likely to persist if they have become involved in out of class activities. The need to bring these out of class activities in line with the academic mission of the university is clear. Students need to be developed in all aspects of their life.

As student affairs administrators seek to help create seamless …

Syntactic And Semantic Properties Of Intensive Reflexives In English, Marek R. Marciniak

Masters Theses

This thesis explores syntactic and semantic properties of intensive reflexives (IRs) in English. The study is based on examples selected from the following on-line databases: Wilson Humanities Abstracts and The New York Times Book Review Digest Abstracts. The analysis also incorporates examples cited from linguistic articles on the subject of RRs and IRs.

As opposed to regular reflexives (RRs), IRs have not been given sufficient consideration in linguistic accounts. As a point of departure, the author utilizes Quirk's and Greenbaum's descriptive framework to examine the evidence from the database. Since RRs are discussed more extensively than IRs in this framework, …

How West Germany's Ostpolitik Contributed To German Unification, Lothar J. Noetzoldt

Masters Theses

This thesis describes and examines two decades of political relations between East and West Germany and their respective allies, and also presents a thorough analysis of political developments and events that took place from the beginning of West German Ostpolitk in 1969 until unification on October 1990. The term unification is used because Germany was not re-unified within the pre-war borders of 1937.

One of the principal goals of this thesis focuses on the discussion on the influence Ostpolitik alongside with the policy of rapprochement toward the GDR and USSR had on achieving a working relationship between Bonn and East …

Reactions Of Modified Silica Gel Surfaces With Organometallic Compounds: Enhancing Olefin Polymerization Catalysts, Richard E. Diebel Iii

Masters Theses

Pretreated silica gels with distinct silica surfaces containing either isolated silanols, vicinal silanols, siloxanes, or some combinations of the three, were reacted with several organometallic compounds to determine how each compound reacted with the different silica surface species. The organometallic compounds used were trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, diethylaluminum chloride, ethylaluminum dichloride, methylaluminoxane, dibutylmagnesium, and bis-cyclopentadienyl dimethyl zirconium.

These reacted silica gels were analyzed using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and ICP-AES elemental analysis. CH/Metal ratios were calculated using specific peaks in the IR spectra to elucidate the surface bonded species. Elemental analysis was used to determine how much metal was bonded …

Speaking Of The Raj: Kipling, Forster, And Scott On The English Language In British India, Victoria K. Tatko

Masters Theses

In my thesis I examine how language, particularly the English language, participated in the Raj, as depicted thematically in Rudyard Kipling's Kim (1901), E. M. Forster's A Passage to India (1924), and Paul Scott'sThe Raj Quartet (1966-1975): The Jewel in the Crown (1966), The Day of the Scorpion (1968), The Towers of Silence (1971), and A Division of the Spoils (1975). I show that all three authors portray language as central to British colonialism in India; the connection between the English language and the Empire grows increasingly problematic as the linguistic situation becomes a metaphor for the state of …

A Comparison Of Measures In Physical Fitness And Biological Maturity Between Female Gymnasts And Females Not Involved In Organized Sport, Cara Kokenes

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in physical fitness and biological development between two groups of twelve year old females. One group consisted of idividuals who had been involved in competitive sport for at least two years while the other group was not involved in organized sport. Two groups of 20 subjects were examined in terms of height, weight, flexibility, strength, body composition, maturation, eating attitudes, and cardiorespiratory endurance. The results indicated that the gymnasts were significantly (p<.05) shorter, lighter, stronger in regard to left hand grip strength, lower in percent body fat, less biologically mature, and had greater cardiorespiratory fitness than the non-gymnasts. No significant differences were observed in right hand grip strength or eating attitudes. It was concluded that maturation level as well as gymnastic training played a major role in influencing values obtained through measurements of physical fitness.

Relations Of Explanatory Style, Learning Orientation, And Gender With Children's Academic Performance, Jennifer Grubar

Masters Theses

Several explanations have been offered to account for sex differences in academic achievement patterns. Two in particular have been looked at extensively in past research: learned helplessness/mastery orientation theory and attribution theory (explanatory style). Most studies look at these two explanations separately, but it seems important to examine them together. The present study explored how learning orientation, explanatory style and gender relate to children's academic performance.

The hypotheses of this study were that more girls would fall into the helpless category, but would still be optimistic and would have higher grade point averages (GPA' s). More boys were expected to …