Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Cooperative Learning And Traditional Instruction On The Spelling Performance Of Third Grade Students, Tracey Patella

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of cooperative learning and traditional instruction on the spelling test performance of twenty-six third grade students from a southern New Jersey school district. It was hypothesized that students who were taught using cooperative learning strategies during spelling instruction would score significantly higher on their weekly spelling post-tests than students who were taught using traditional spelling instruction.

A one group, pretest/posttest, pre-experimental design was utilized to determine whether students who are randomly grouped in cooperative learning pairs will have higher achievement levels in spelling than students who are taught using traditional …

Characterization Of Environmentally Friendly Polymers: Amylopectin And Its Blends, Mohammad Osman Melibari

Theses and Dissertations

Biodegradable polymers are desirable for a variety of applications, such as in packaging, agriculture, and medicine. Its biological degradation by microorganisms accelerated the interest in biodegradable polymers during the last decades. Within this group of innovative environmentally friendly biodegradable polymers, starch or Amylpectin plays a predominant role, due to their potential biodegradability. This research was attempted to characterize Amylopectin to obtain its physio-chemical properties. In addition, characterizations were extended to include blends of Amylopectin and biodegradable diluents. Blends of Amylopectin with biodegradable diluents including Polycaprolactone, Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide), and Poly(3- hydroxybutyric acid) were prepared. The physical properties and the thermodynamic characteristics of …

Perceptions Of Public Relations: Key Communicators Share Their Opinions, Kamali A. Brooks

Theses and Dissertations

This study had three main purposes: first, determine how key communicators (those who talk to many people on a daily basis and share their opinions with others) in today's society feel about the public relations field; second, show that positive public relations does take place; and third, change the negative perceptions society holds for public relations, so that public relations will lose its negative image.

The author used many sources to obtain research for this thesis, including Rowan University's on-line databases, the University of Delaware's on-line databases, Internet searches, the Rowan catalogue, DELCAT and Temple University.

The author collected data …

Polar Sea Ice Mapping For Seawinds, Hyrum Spencer Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, the scientific community has expressed interest in the ability to observe global climate indicators such as polar sea ice. Advances in microwave remote sensing technology have allowed a large-scale and detailed study of sea ice characteristics. This thesis provides the analysis and development of sea ice mapping algorithms for the SeaWinds scatterometer. First, an in-depth analysis of the Remund Long (RL) algorithm for SeaWinds is performed. From this study, several improvements are made to the RL algorithm which enhance its performance. In addition, a new method for automated polar sea ice mapping is developed for the SeaWinds …

Collection Development Of Non-Christian Religious Holiday Books In Elementary School Libraries, Kelly Bigley Craig

Theses and Dissertations

While many Christian holiday books for children are widely reviewed and available from mainstream publishers, it is more difficult to find and evaluate books about non-Christian holidays. Elementary library collections may under-represent non-Christian religious books because of a lack of school library media specialists' personal knowledge about non-Christian holidays. This study surveyed school library media specialists through a written questionnaire about the variety and size of their library's current collection of non-fiction books about non-Christian religious holidays, and determined how school library media specialists approach collection development in this area. The sample and population consisted of 124 elementary public school …

Evaluation In-Service Program For Professional Development, Aida Colon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if an in-service would help the staff gain knowledge and experience in dealing and interacting with different languages and cultures that are represented in the school.

The staff was given an in-service, part of which placed them in different situations and required them to think and react to how they felt in that situation. There was a group of twenty students from different languages and cultures. The students spoke on how they felt being in a country where they did not understand the new culture and language. There was also a question …

Using Background Music To Reduce Off-Task Behaviors Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Lesa Deshield Givens

Theses and Dissertations

Many children with learning disabilities (LD) frequently exhibit attention and motivational problems as well as impulsive and physically aggressive behaviors (Hoy & Gregg, 1994). Thus, learning, for these students, is a great challenge and for teachers, providing effective instruction is a great challenge too. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of background music on the classroom behavior of students with learning disabilities. A sample of 7 students with learning disabilities from grades 4 and 5 participated in this study. They received instruction in the language arts and math in two (2) special education resource classrooms. A …

A Study In The Effectiveness Of The Three To Get Ready Program In Promoting Language Learning, Megan Crank

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to: examine the effectiveness of a trimotoric approach using the Three to Get Ready program; to assist preschool children with disabilities to understand basic concepts and increase verbalization skills. Four students between the ages of 3 and 4 ½ years old participated in this study. They were identified as preschool disabled by school district personnel using state eligibility standards, according to the state administration code (2001). All participating children had IEP objectives in expressive language and communication. They attended a public school in Southern New Jersey and were enrolled in the class for children …

Diversity In Education: Changing Faces, Angela Rose-Bounds

Theses and Dissertations

As America becomes more and more diverse, public schools are forced to adapt to the changing faces in education. The purpose of this study was to promote culturally responsive teaching and analyze programs that impact non-Asian minority students in a suburban school district. The intern used observations, surveys, and interviews to study programs at the Charles W. Lewis Middle School in Blackwood, New Jersey. The research began by examining the school's culture and then went on to form committees and groups to promote diversity throughout the building. During this research, the intern determined that non-Asian minority students were disproportionately represented …

The Relationship Between Parental Anxiety, Depression And Distress And Their Child's Social Competency, Behavior And Emotional Regulation In A Children's Partial Hospital Program, Melisa Maria Laspada

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effect female caretaker psychopathology had on their child's treatment gains in the Children's Intensive Emotional Behavioral Day Program of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The sample consisted of 31 children and 31 female caretakers. The female caretakers' symptoms of psychopathology were measured by using the SCL-90-R Checklist and the children's behaviors were measured by using the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale. The results of this study were termed important since the number of children with behavioral and emotional problems is increasing and the treatment being provided seems to be lacking. It was hoped that the study would …

Manipulation Of Microbial Metabolic Pathways For The Reduction Of Sulfide Production, Charles David Zuller

Theses and Dissertations

A bacterial additives treatment experiment was conducted to assess the microbial and biochemical changes in stored swine manure. Nitrate salt was added to a slurry of swine waste collected from a waste storage pit to identify the effects of varying levels of nitrate upon the microbial community and the resulting metabolic changes. This research was an attempt to reduce the formation of odorous sulfur-containing compounds and to increase the formation of odorless nitrogen gas by manipulating the metabolic pathways in anaerobic decomposition of the organic matter within manure. Sulfide production from swine wastewater was reduced approximately 45 percent with the …

An Overview Of Indoor Air Quality, Raymond Reese Yontz

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is designed to introduce beginning and experienced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineers to common indoor air quality (IAQ) problems and solutions. The bulk of the work is a literature review of common pollutants, pollutant sources, HVAC equipment and systems, and remediation techniques. Pollutants covered include fungi, bacteria, dust mites, viruses, biofilms, microbiological volatile organic compounds (MVOC?s), volatile organic compounds (VOC?s), carbon dioxide, ozone, and radon. The HVAC systems covered are ventilation, direct expansion (DX), desiccant dehumidification, and system filters. The remediation techniques discussed are proper hygiene and maintenance, increased ventilation, humidity control, and proper selection of …

Chemical Oxidation Enhanced Bioremediation Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contaminated Sediments, Ian Kennedy Tiang Kwong Dieng

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the effect of chemical oxidation on the bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminated sediments. Sediments were treated in sequential steps: biotreatment, chemical oxidation, and biotreatment. The first biotreatment step was initiated via addition of nutrients, microbial seeds, co-metabolites, and/or Tween 80 (surfactant). The chemical oxidation step was conducted using Fenton?s Reagent, ozonation, and peroxone (combination of ozone and hydrogen peroxide). The objective was to enhance the PAHs bioavailability via oxidation of natural organic matter and transformation of Heavy PAHs into more biodegradable compounds. Biotreatment was reestablished as a final polishing step to further degrade remaining PAHs …

Fundamentals Of Software Patent Protection At A University, Christopher E. Everett

Theses and Dissertations

Software protection by patents is an emerging field and thus is not completely understood by software developers, especially software developers in a university setting. University inventors have to balance their publication productivity and the desire of their university to license inventions that could be profitable. This balance stems from the one-year bar on filing a U.S. patent application after public disclosure such as publications of the invention. The research provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that a university inventor can improve the protection of his or her software patent by applying certain information about patent prosecution practices and the relevant prior …

Integration Of Chemical Oxidation And Biotreatment For Removal Of Tnt From Explosives Contaminated Soil, Fangzhu Liu

Theses and Dissertations

2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is of environmental concern because it?s a possible human carcinogen and it also remains potentially explosive. The Department of the Army (DA) estimates that there are 540,000 cubic meters (700,000 cubic yards) of explosives-contaminated soil at over 2,000 sites that require remediation. Biological treatment of TNT results in the production of the reduced intermediates (such as aminonitrotoluenes). When using chemical oxidation processes to treat TNT, 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB) is produced. The by-products of both biological and oxidation treatment processes are resistant to further treatment thus they require extensive treatment times. This study evaluated the use of biotic mechanisms that …

The Evaluation Of Chemical Reaction Dynamics Within Swine-Raising Facility: Implications To Odor Evolution And Assessment Of Abatement Strategies, Andrew Joseph Wynn

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the chemodynamics of the underdrains found at swine- raising facilities. The maintenance of aerobic conditions and introduction of aerobic bacteria to expedite the treatment process and control odor formation were investigated. A pilot-scale system that mimicked an industrial swine-raising facility was used in this study. Aeration and aeration with bacterial seed additions were evaluated against a standard pit recharge system, which served as the control. The effectiveness was measured using water quality testing, odor assessments by a human sensory panel, and air phase measurements of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. The results indicated that both aeration and aeration …

An Analysis Of Water For Water-Side Fouling Potential Inside Smooth And Augmented Copper Alloy Condenser Tubes In Cooling Tower Water Applications, Ian Mccrea Tubman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the potential for fouling in plain and augmented tubes in cooling tower applications. Three primary factors that affect fouling potential are examined: inside tube geometry, water velocity, and water quality. This paper presents a literature survey for in general precipitation fouling, particulate fouling, cooling water fouling, and fouling in enhanced tubes. This thesis also attempts to determine water qualities that are typical of those found in actual cooling towers. The water quality was determined by taking water samples from cooling towers throughout the country and chemically analyzing the samples. From this analysis, three water qualities were determined: …

Weather's Influence On The Phenological Period Length And Yield Of Mississippi Soybeans, Sarah Kathleen Mcatee

Theses and Dissertations

The climate of Mississippi has been considered to be ideally suited for the production of soybeans. Many studies have shown the influence of weather on crops, but none that specifically attempt to pinpoint which aspects of weather have an impact on the Mississippi soybean crop. The purpose of this study was to determine what affect weather has on the phenological period length and yield of Mississippi soybeans. Data on bean phenological periods and yield used in this research were recorded as a part of soybean variety testing conducted at Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, Mississippi from 1976-2000. The …

A Study Of Adult Patron Library Use And Satisfaction With The Federal Street Branch Of The Camden City Free Public Library, Aaron L. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine how adult patrons were using the Federal Street branch of the Camden City Free Public Library. Additionally, the study measured patron satisfaction with the current level of service that the library was providing. One hundred and three responses were collected over an eight week period. Patrons were asked to evaluate twelve services based on present level of service and importance. From these responses the researcher was able to calculate satisfaction. The services were divided into three service areas: Information Services, Print and Electronic Resources and Library Services. Results of the survey showed …

Public School Counselors' Attitudes To Suicide/Suicide Intervention, Robert S. Felloney

Theses and Dissertations

Most of the research on suicide/suicide intervention has focused upon client characteristics and attitudes. Little research, especially in the school setting, has been done on counselor characteristics and attitudes as key variables in these situations. This study was done, at least partially, to help overcome the lack of research in this critical area. This study involved fifteen school counselors (school psychologists and school social workers) who were selected nonrandomly. Based upon interviews, a key finding was that school counselors who prioritize the role of suicide intervention and were more comfortable in doing this, perceived themselves as being more successful in …

The Effects Of Self-Management And Positive Reinforcement On The Off-Task Behavior Of Students With Adhd, Cari Mcgaffney Bonner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of self-management strategies together with positive reinforcement to reduce the off-task behavior of children with ADHD. Three first and second grade students with ADHD and classified with a disability attending an elementary school participated in the study. Students were taught to self-monitor their behaviors in their special education classroom. They were trained to record their behaviors by completing a self-management form that consisted of 7 items at the end of each school day. Three off-task behaviors: out-of-seat, calling out and interrupting instruction were observed. The decrease of the student target …

Self-Esteem Levels Of Adolescents With Learning Disabilities Or Mental Retardation In Inclusive Or Non-Inclusive Educational Settings, Kay L. Delp

Theses and Dissertations

This investigation compared the global, personal, and social self-esteem levels of adolescents with learning disabilities or mild-to-moderate mental retardation. The purpose was to determine differences between the adolescents based on their disability, educational setting of inclusion or non-inclusion, and by gender. The sample of this study included nine females and 22 males between the ages of 13 and 21 years who lived in southern New Jersey.

Students were given the Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventories-Third Edition, a 67 item self-report, norm-referenced instrument. Mean scores for each group were compared and analyzed by using a one-way ANOVA, a two-way ANOVA, and descriptive …

A Preliminary Analysis: Children Aged Birth To Two With Asd And The Early Intervention Methodologies Of Aba, Pecs, And Floor-Time, Erin L. Boyle

Theses and Dissertations

The archival data regarding 20 children who received early intervention services from a child development center in southern New Jersey were reviewed. Each child in the study was aged 0 to 2 years, had a disorder of the autistic spectrum, and was provided treatment in the form of ABA, PECS, floor-time, or a combination of interventions. Because research on ASD and its treatment has not yet focused on children under the age of 3, the purpose of this study was to investigate which methodology of intervention is most feasible for such young children. Additional aims of the study were to …

A Link Between Handedness, Gender, Socioeconomics, Race, And Parental Involvement And Learning Disabilities, Heather Reiss

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine if there was a link between handedness, gender, socioeconomics, race, and parental involvement and learning disabilities. The records from a local school where reviewed and compared to the national records. When comparing the local and national records, the school was found to be close in percentage for gender and handedness. The school, however; had a much higher percentage for African Americans and a much higher percentage for free and reduced lunch services than did the national records.

The Social Construction Of Academic Success Of Learning Disabled College Students, Robin D. Waltman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges faced by college students with learning disabilities from their own perspective. Interviews were conducted with four first-year students with learning disabilities and five sophomore, junior, and senior students with learning disabilities. The subjects attended Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. The subjects were varied in race, socioeconomic backgrounds, and majors. They all attended college full-time. Qualitative data analysis was performed in order to construct thematic categories from recurring patterns. It was found that college students with learning disabilities have difficulties in college that are unique. They not only have academic …

An Investigation Of The Effects Grade Retention Has On Students' Academic Performance, Tyree Gunter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to examine if grade retention has a positive effect on a child's academic performance, and if females, whether retained or not, improved more academically than males. Language/literacy and mathematics cumulative grades of 58 students in the second and third grade were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results indicated that students who were retained improved more in academic performance than students who were low-achievers but promoted instead and those placed in a transition class. In addition the findings showed that males, whether retained or not, had higher mathematical scores than females, but there was …

Relationship Of Family Involvement And Functioning Among Mentally Ill Adults, Sharon A. Sabatino

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of the present study were to find a relationship between family/caregiver involvement in treatment of mentally ill adults that they care for and clients' overall Axis IV and V assessments. Support and education groups were held at Family Service in New Jersey over a six-month period. The population (n=12) came from the Hattie Tallie program at Family Service. These clients and their family members/social supports and caregivers attended meetings for six months to gain education and to support each other in dealing with clients' treatment. Global Assessment of Functioning scores (Axis V) and Severity of stressors (Axis IV) …

The Peripheral And Central Auditory Performance Of A Child With Brachmann-De Lange Syndrome, Anne R. Burgard

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the peripheral and central auditory performance of a 13 year-old male with Brachmann-de Lange Syndrome (BdLS). Clinical, behavioral, and peripheral audiometric tests, and a central auditory processing test battery consisting of seven subtests were administered. The results from the peripheral tests and central auditory processing test battery are reported. This study provides a detailed profile of the auditory performance of one individual with BdLS. In addition, it contributes to the limited literature available on hearing as a characteristic of Brachmann-de Lange Syndrome. The results of this study also provide useful information about the hearing characteristics of a …

The Link Between Perfectionism, Anxiety, And Depression With Parental Bonding As A Moderating Variable, Christen G. Herrick

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Isolated Ventricular Myocyte Contractile Function Is Depressed In Rats Fed High Fat And/Or Marginally Copper -Deficient Diets., David P. Relling

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is influenced by dietary consumption of fat while much of the population consumes a diet deficient of the trace mineral copper. Obesity and copper deficiency can alter cardiovascular function; including cardiac hypertrophy, increased myocyte lipid droplet volume, and cardiac contractile depression. Interestingly, lipotoxic dysfunction is characterized by many of the same mechanistic alterations that are observed in obesity and copper deficiency. Additionally, the sphingolipid ceramide is elevated in lipotoxic dysfunction. However, functional leptin:leptin receptor signaling prevents lipotoxic dysfunction. The purpose of my dissertation was to determine the role of a high fat and marginal copper deficient diet on cardiac …