Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Student Outcomes In Introductory Earth Science Courses Using Active Learning Strategies, Kalyca N. Spinler

Theses and Dissertations

For many students, introductory core earth science courses, like UA Little Rock’s Earth and the Environment course, represent their last formal education in the Earth Sciences. This project looked to determine if using active learning strategies during lectures will increase understanding in introductory geoscience courses. A series of ConcepTests with Peer Instruction, intended to increase student involvement, were used. To assess the impact of using ConcepTests, two sections of the course, fall 2018 and spring 2019, were given pre- and post-tests using Geoscience Concept Inventory questions. Pre- and post-test scores were compared with classes that did not use ConcepTests with …

The ‘ Dialogic’ Of Pedagogical Design: Elementary Teachers Who Consistently Integrate Digital Technologies, Aaron R. Gierhart

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the pervasiveness of digital technologies in society and educational settings, gaps in digital participation for elementary learners and means-end views of the benefits and effectiveness of digital innovations for teaching and learning persist. The focus on digital technologies at the elementary level must shift to critical pedagogy in order to promote effective teaching and learning and equitable student participation in an increasingly digital society. A teacher’s pedagogy continually evolves across their entire life journey and is never fully mastered; therefore, in order to better understand the development of pedagogical design with digital technologies by elementary teachers, it was vital …

Greywater Treatment Using Electrocoagulation For Possible Reuse, Sarah Omar Youssef

Theses and Dissertations

The non-stop growing demand on fresh water to meet the booming population and its corresponding activities, such as domestic, industrial, and agricultural developments, necessitates finding means to preserve our natural water resources and find alternative sources than can still meet our different needs. Greywater is one of the most potential alternatives that can be reused in some water consuming activities such as toilet flushing, gardening, landscape irrigation, and for agricultural purposes instead of wasting the higher water quality of potable water from being used in non-potable water activities. The present research was undertaken to investigate the potential of electrocoagulation technique …

Bioadhesive Hydrogel Composite Cell Carrier For The Repair Of The Degenerated Intervertebral Disc, Thomas Richard Christiani

Theses and Dissertations

Lower back pain (LBP) affects the worldwide population and can be attributed to the degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). The IVD is composed of a central nucleus pulposus (NP), a peripheral annulus fibrosus (AF), and adjacent cartilage endplates (CEPs). IVD degeneration is characterized by proteoglycan loss, tissue dehydration, and decreased hydrostatic pressure. In this work, the use of an injectable bioadhesive hydrogel composite for replacement of the degenerated NP was investigated.

Results indicate that the composite exhibits similar mechanical properties to the NP, adheres to AF tissue, and supports encapsulated mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation toward an NP-like phenotype …

Analysis Of Organochlorine Pesticides Levels In Irrigation Water From Various Water Sources Across Egypt, Omar Tarek Khairy

Theses and Dissertations

Organochlorine pesticides are extensively used in agriculture to cope with the world’s increasing population and demands for nutrition. This class of pesticides poses a serious risk to human health upon chronic exposure to elevated levels. Determination of organochlorine pesticides levels in water has been extensively covered in literature in Egypt and other parts of the world. The need for up-to date data and statistical information regarding the levels of organochlorine pesticides in water is ever increasing. These compounds, although a lot have been prohibited from use decades ago, can still be detected in trace levels in water due to their …

In-Depth Analysis Of Culturable Microalgae Diversity In The River Nile At Different Locations, Amal Abouel-Fetouh Badr

Theses and Dissertations

Identifying microalgae diversity in an ecosystem is essential not only to understand their impact on the ecosystem but also to recognize their potential in various applications that benefit humankind. The great biodiversity of microalgae and their ability to survive in drastic environmental by modifying their apparent phenotypes and cellular compositions has led to the continuous need for the development and modification of the current microalgae identification methods. This study evaluates the current culture-based identification method using two commonly used media (BG-11 and BBM) and the assessment of two modified media (MM) and a plant media (MS) to identify microalgae diversity …

Development Of Iot Based Hybrid Autonomous Network Robots (Anr), Chimsom Isidore Chukwuemeka

Theses and Dissertations

The integration of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and multirobot systems (MRS) represents an active research area supporting a wide range of applications. This is because it enables ubiquitous applications due to the robots' mobility and detection capabilities associated with its deployment. These systems have many benefits, such as perception with extended coverage that facilitate wider exploration and surveillance, efficiency in data routing, effective and reliable task environment management, etc. However, integrating two fields of research means dealing with a range of challenges such as using effective architecture for WSNs and MRS, efficient communication protocols within a network of sensors nodes …

The Sound Of Bone: The Initial Testing And Analysis Of Sound As A Species Identification Method For Osteological Remains, Emily J. Dunn

Theses and Dissertations

This paper represents a preliminary test to an alternative method of species remains identification, namely bone acoustics. It is hypothesized that human and non-human long bone remains of similar diameter produce different amplitudes of sound from one another, resulting in the ability to distinguish human remains from non-human remains.

...A Placebo, An Embryo, A Mosquito, My Libido, Andy Ralph

Theses and Dissertations

This blood-sucking song and dance is a trivial example of an absurd imbalance. In my universe, though, trivial and momentous are equally unranked qualities.

Fear Not The Harsh Winter, Emily D. Janowick

Theses and Dissertations

With rhythmic contraction and relaxation, blood vessels propel our life force through miles of mazes to the heart. This (peristaltic) rhythm moves us in waves. We mirror our insides outside, vessels carrying what matters, instinctively drawn to carry the patterns of those who came before us.

Projected Impacts Of Climate Change On Risk Of Spring Frost And Fire Blight For Malus Domestica, Paul J. Racco

Theses and Dissertations

The impact of climate change is projected for apple phenology, frost attrition, and fire blight risk under the highest emissions scenario through the 21st century.

The Whelming Sea, Sean Hanley

Theses and Dissertations

The Whelming Sea is a thirty-minute experimental documentary that reveals the moments of entanglement between three animals living along the Mid-Atlantic shoreline; curious humans, spawning horseshoe crabs, and migratory shorebirds. Working from the realm of multispecies ethnography, the film shifts the subjective positioning of the viewer between the human and nonhuman to suggest the complexity of our enmeshed experience. In the face of this current era of mass extinction, the film explores the limitations and poetic possibilities of scientific encounters with the lives of others.

Cognitions, Emotions, And Discipline Style In Parents Of Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Nicole Crispinelli

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the associations between parent cognitions, parent emotions and parent distress tolerance and overreactive or lax discipline strategies. Parent behavior was hypothesized to be predicted by parent cognitions, emotions, and distress tolerance. Parent behavior was evaluated to be a predictor of adolescent behavior among parents of adolescents diagnosed with ADHD and an undiagnosed group. Participants included 174 parents of adolescents aged 10-17, who completed several self-report measures. Both clinical and non-clinical groups were identified by the presence or lack of a diagnosis of ADHD. Parents of adolescents with ADHD had significantly less distress tolerance compared to the non-clinical …

Positive Family Intervention For Families Of Children With Fragile X Syndrome: Using Telehealth To Reduce Problem Behavior And Improve Maternal Mental Health Author(S): Carmen Ann Kemper Mootz, Carmen Ann Kemper Mootz

Theses and Dissertations

The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Positive Family Intervention (PFI), delivered via teletherapy, for a family of a child diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). PFI combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive-behavior support (PBS). A single-subject AB design was used across one participant to evaluate changes in observed problem behavior. Following nine weeks of baseline data collection, the participating mother was administered PFI via WebEx for eight 90-minute sessions, once per week. After the treatment was complete, three weeks of post-treatment follow-up data on problem behavior were collected from video- recordings. The participant uploaded …

Social Constraints As A Mediator Of The Relations Of Discrimination To Anger Expression In A Community Sample, Sahira Hamid

Theses and Dissertations

Research has consistently demonstrated that anger is the dominant emotional response following experiences of racial discrimination. Studying anger itself may not be sufficient because anger can be expressed in a variety of ways, therefore it is necessary to examine different forms of anger expression. I hypothesized that social constraint would mediate the relations between discrimination and anger expression. Social constraint in the context of discrimination refers to an individual’s perception that communication about episodes of discrimination will be invalidated or minimized by others (either the same race or other race individuals). Social constraint, in turn, may influence the expression of …

Humor As A Moderator Of Neuroticism’S Effect On Psychopathology And Life Satisfaction, Adir Pinchot

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research studies evaluated self-enhancing humor (also referred to as coping humor) as a coping strategy that enables an individual to better manage the negative emotions elicited by external stressors. Research has not, however, adequately considered the role that humor may play for neurotic individuals who are characterized by a propensity to experience stress and negative emotions and are, therefore, more susceptible to developing depression, anxiety, and low life satisfaction. Nor has research adequately explored how self-enhancing humor interacts with the maladaptive form of self-directed humor, namely, self-defeating humor. This study attempts to address these lacunae by analyzing whether self-enhancing …

Investigating The Patterns And Mechanisms Of Alternative Splicing Of Cav1.3 In The Mouse., Samuel Sabzanov

Theses and Dissertations

AL-type voltage-gated calcium channel Cav1.3 contains a pore-forming α-1 subunit that is encoded by Cacna1d, a gene which has been shown to undergo alternative splicing (AS). Mutations in CACNA1D have been associated with neurological diseases such as spontaneous seizure disorder and epilepsy. Previous studies have shown that AS of the C-terminus of Cav1.3 results in a truncated variant of exon 42 (E42) that, when compared to the full-length exon, lowers the voltage threshold needed to activate the calcium channel. Therefore, AS of the a1-subunit can modulate the physiological properties of Cav1.3. As a lower voltage threshold of calcium channels increases …

Gm-1111 Preserves Phagocytic Function Of Macrophages Exposed To Prolonged Hyperoxia Via Interruption Of Hmgb1-Mediated Signaling, Leanne Daley

Theses and Dissertations

Supraphysiological levels of oxygen (i.e. hyperoxia) are used to treat patients with respiratory distress. Prolonged exposure to hyperoxia can impair alveolar macrophage functions and increase susceptibility to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Hyperoxia-induced alveolar macrophage dysfunction is, in part, mediated by high airway levels of the pro-inflammatory mediator, high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1). An early generation glycosaminoglycan (GAG), 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin (ODSH), attenuates hyperoxia-compromised innate immunity by preventing the binding of HMGB1 with receptors that activate pro-inflammatory pathways. In this study, we investigated whether the next generation GAG, GM-1111, can attenuate hyperoxia-compromised macrophage function. GM-1111 (100μM) prevented hyperoxia-induced (95% O2 for …

Implementing S.T.E.A.M – One School’S Journey Toward Implementation, Jonathan Dellasperanza-Zaratin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this multiple case study, grounded theory design is to describe and document the process teachers go through when implementing a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum and program at a K-4 elementary school. Throughout this process, elementary teachers’ beliefs and perceptions of effective STEAM instruction will be analyzed to determine how teachers interpret and implement this new initiative. The goal of this investigation will be to gain a deeper understanding of teacher attitudes, beliefs, and mental models surrounding STEAM instruction as well as their comfort with implementing the new Next Generation Science Standards (“NGSS”). Prior …

Examining The Educational Experience Of Foster Children Through The Perspective And Expectations Of Multiple Adult Stakeholders, Kevin Kowalczyk

Theses and Dissertations

There are roughly 400,000 children in the foster care system throughout the United States. Many of these children enter care after experiencing some sort of physical or emotional trauma. This trauma has a potentially damaging impact on the educational achievement of this scarred population. The data show that these children are at high risk for poor educational achievement. With the help of caring adults, these children can overcome barriers and achieve academic success.

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the educational experience of students in foster care through the perspective and expectations of multiple stakeholders and …

Analyzing Teachers’ Perceptions On Principal Effectiveness Through Leadership Style, Gender, And Educational Level Of A School Building, Marie Antonette Netto

Theses and Dissertations

Since a building principal is the most important employee in a school building with regards to setting educational standards and creating culture, it is important for this leader to consider leadership style and to recognize the importance of teachers’ perceptions on effectiveness. The purpose of this ex post facto study was to explore the relationship between the leadership style of building principals and perceived effectiveness of those leaders. Subtopics of this study considered the relationship that gender, leadership style, and educational level of the school building (elementary vs. secondary) have on perceived effectiveness of leaders. Data were collected via Bass …

Factors Inhibiting The Implementation Of Inquiry-Based Learning And Project-Based Learning In The K–12 New York State Social Studies Classroom Author(S): Joseph Pesqueira, Joseph Pesqueira

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that a majority of students retain information and learn much more effectively through instructional approaches that put them in control. Student-centered approaches to instruction, such as Inquiry-Based and Project-Based Learning are considered to be effective and engaging methods of instruction aimed at increasing student learning. In the K-12 social studies classroom, these types of learning experiences are few and far between. This study analyzes the factors, both internal and external, that social studies instructional leaders believe are inhibiting a more wide-scale implementation of Inquiry-Based and/or Project-Based learning in the classroom. This study looks at instructional leaders in …

Women In (Em)Power: A Qualitative Study Of Orthodox Women Principals, Yael Wakslak Rosenberg

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of Orthodox Jewish women who occupy the role of school principal in Orthodox Jewish schools. What distinguishes these individuals is that they are accomplished females who, in addition to overcoming the common challenges of women in leadership positions, as Orthodox Jews, their environments, both the ones they were raised in and the ones they currently work in, create a distinct expectation of gender roles, cultural identity and leadership characteristics. Additionally, this study explores how the shaping of their gender, cultural and leadership identities continue to manifest themselves and impact the …

Parental Perspectives Of Adolescent Sleep Hygiene In Suburban High-Achieving Districts, Theresa M. Walter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study is to examine parental perceptions of adolescent sleep hygiene in Long Island High School District; a suburban mid-sized district of 6, 515 students in a predominantly high socio-economic community. Sleep hygiene is defined as the regular, healthy habits and practices in order to obtain restorative, healthy sleep. Participants of the study included parents of different ethnic backgrounds, socio-economic backgrounds, gender, and marital status from both Richmond High School East and Richmond High School West.

A student’s well-being relies on purposeful, healthy sleep. Obtaining and promoting healthy sleep is both a challenge and a …

Protective Factors Used By Academically Resilient Economically Disadvantaged Adult Students, Thomas Desmond

Theses and Dissertations

Adults who lack a post-secondary degree or vocational certificate quite often will struggle to find a job that pays a livable wage, particularly in higher socioeconomic regions of the United States. Unfortunately, many nontraditional adult students who return to school end up not completing their degree or certification program. These students often face risk factors associated with low socio-economic status that impede their success. This study examined the risk and protective factors encountered by economically disadvantaged adult students. Fourteen academically resilient adult students participated in one-on-one, semi-structured interviews to share with the researcher risk and protective factors they encountered while …

Trust Is Contagious: The Role Of Trust In School Relationships And Teacher Retention Rates, Tara Gleason

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine the relationship between teachers’ trust in different relationships within a school culture and how that level of trust can impact teacher retention rates within an institution. This study utilized pre-existing New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) data, and 981 schools will comprise the final sample from the 1531 public schools that currently make up the NYCDOE public school system (this is not including charter schools). Descriptive, correlation, and regression statistical analyses were conducted to examine the influence of various school demographics on trust levels (the percentage of economically disadvantaged students, …

The Effects Of Virtual Laboratory Activities On Science Learning, Nathlye Sudlow-Naggie

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe the impact of technology on improving science achievement in Elementary students. In specific, this study examined the effects of virtual science laboratory activities on the science learning of 20 African American students in grades four. Using a quasi-experimental design, students in grades four, were randomly assigned to a treatment (virtual labs) or comparison (traditional hands-on labs) group. Ten students participated in treatment group and ten students participated in the comparison group. The students conducted science experiments for 50 minutes, one time a week, for 8 weeks. Both groups were given a pretest …

Clinical And Neuropsychological Differences In Low And High Worst-Point Suicide Ideators, Nahal Destiny Heydari

Theses and Dissertations

Suicide is a major public health concern that is complicated by the multidimensional nature of suicidal behaviors. Uncovering markers of vulnerability to acting on suicidal thoughts can aid in creating prevention interventions. Previous studies have found that serious and significant suicidal ideation in the past may be a predictor of later risk for suicide attempt. This paper examined worst-point suicide ideation (lifetime) in depressed patients who have never made an attempt. Depressed patients were divided on the basis of worst-point ideation to determine if these groups differed on a variety of clinical measures and neurocognitive tasks known to be associated …

Agree To Disagree? The Role Of Age, Sex, And Symptom Type On Differences In Mother-Child Reports Of Child Psychopathology, Morgan T. Cohen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to analyze longitudinal outcome data obtained about children and adolescents progress and improvement over the course of psychotherapy at a community based mental health training clinic. We used an analytic approach that allowed us to document both the average change and the individual variation in change. In addition, this research considers factors that contribute to our understanding of the variation around the overall trend of improvement including the types of symptoms (internalizing or externalizing) experienced by the child, the age and sex of the child, and the informant (mother or child). Our research demonstrates …

The Efficacy Of Co-Taught And Dual-Certified Taught English Language Arts Instructional Models On English Language Learner Achievement, Stephanie L. Weeks

Theses and Dissertations

There is limited research regarding the influence co-teaching and dual-certified instructional models have on English Language Learner (ELL) achievement in a high school setting. National and state data demonstrate these students continue to lag behind in meeting English Language Arts (ELA) learning standards with proficiency and in meeting graduation requirements leading to a rise in ELL drop-out rates. Through a convergent mixed methods case study, data was examined to identify the impacts these instructional models have on ELL academic achievement and teacher perspectives regarding each. Quantitative data and analysis were gathered via the June 2018 and June 2019 New York …