Digital Commons Network^™

Do Christian Schools Implement Long -Range Plans?, Steven L. Degeorge

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine long-range plans of schools accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to determine whether evidence of implementation is present in administrators' job descriptions and evaluation documents.;Data were gathered through the use of a survey and by the collection and comparison of long-range plans, administrators! job descriptions, and evaluation documents. A second survey of board chairs was taken to determine the acceptance of the rational planning model presented and their attitudes toward implementation.;Thirty-two schools participated in the study, in which major points of the long-range plans were fisted on a chart. …

Cellular Mechanisms Of Altered Neuronal Sensitivity In The Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rat, Lance Russell Molnar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The genetically epilepsy-prone rat (GEPR) is an animal model of epilepsy which exhibits deficits in GABAergic neurotransmission in a variety of brain regions. However, the underlying cause for this deficit has yet to be described. The present studies were therefore performed in order to elucidate the mechanism(s) underlying this GABAergic deficit. To accomplish this task, electrophysiological recordings of Purkinje neurons in sagittal slices of the cerebellar vermis were performed. The initial aim was to compare the basic electrical membrane characteristics of Purkinje neurons from GEPR and control animals using standard intracellular recording techniques. These studies indicated that there is no …

Willingness To Pay For Industrial Recruitment: A Look At Local Decision-Maker Activity Versus Citizen Preference, Beth Ann Loy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Academic research in the area of economic development policy is overwhelmingly critical of industrial recruitment, recommending instead that resources be directed towards strategies such as business retention and expansion, fostering local entrepreneurship, and amenity development. This research moves beyond criticizing industrial recruitment policy and explores one potential reason, a high discount rate, for practitioners' reliance on recruitment over other available local development techniques. The research also investigates developer's probability of success for industrial recruitment as well as alternative development strategies and examines whether economic developer use of incentive packages to recruit local businesses is a rational decision, i.e., supported by …

Desire For Thinness And Desire For Health In Eighteen And Nineteen-Year-Old Females, Monica Gene Andis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Desire for thinness and desire for health were surveyed among eighteen and nineteen year old female adolescents in north-central West Virginia to determine the incidence of these motivations within this population and their relationship to unnecessary weight loss concerns, and dieting behaviors. Variables derived from body image satisfaction, self-esteem, socioeconomic status, religiosity, and food management behavior were examined for their ability to predict desire for thinness and health in subjects.;Using the statistical process of discriminate analysis, 51.6% of 345 subjects were correctly classified into groups desiring thinness and/or health. Only weight perception accuracy and food management group were found to …

Real-Time Multimedia-Based Education Through The Internet, Abhay Arun Bakshi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The rapid advances in computer and communications technologies are challenging the American education systems to provide increased educational opportunities beyond the traditional geographic boundaries at a reasonable cost. Many educational institutions are answering this challenge by developing distance education programs. Distance education provides effective learning environment. An important requirement for effective distance education is the availability of continuous interactivity and immediate feedback. Over the Internet, synchronous sharing of multimedia content introduces unacceptable delays as network bandwidth is limited. In this thesis, the issue of Internet bandwidth is minimized and a novel system is developed for distance education using multimedia course …

Engine Instrumentation And Data Analysis For Ignition System Testing, William Joseph Chambers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The charge ignition system is used to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber of a spark ignited internal combustion engine and is the subject of many ongoing research projects. As a means to quantify the performance of an ignition system, a 16 horsepower Briggs and Stratton V-twin engine has been instrumented and the necessary data analysis software developed. This test engine was used to monitor the performance of three different ignition sources. When the performance of these ignition sources was analyzed using the test engine, the differences in performance of the systems was evident in the calculated values …

Impedance Effects Of Metallic Ground Plane On The Ctha Antenna, Tao Guan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As with the fast-paced development of the communication industry, antennas have become an indispensable part of daily life. However, everyone may have experienced the malfunction of a communication system or radio due to a nearby human body or building or automobile. Then comes the question of how adjacent objects influence the antenna. This thesis has concentrated on the study of these effects on the impedance of the CTHA (contrawound toroidal helical antenna).;The results of this study indicate the CTHA's input impedance changes as a damped sinusoid function of the distance between it and the metallic ground plane. For equivalent distances …

Implementation Of Courseware For Internet Delivery, Sohail Ramzan Khan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A process centered environment for implementing courseware is presented. The proposed environment addresses some of the constraints in the existing state of the art technology, presently used for distance education. The environment interface is developed using MS FrontPage 98 web development software. The thesis describes the design and implementation of the environment, which is named WVUCT. WVUCT utilizes MS NetMeeting software as a mode for interacting with the students in many different ways. WVUCT uses MS FrontPage 98 for developing a web-based course. The course web once developed using the environment can be published to any httpd server for student's …

Productive Performance And Fertility Of Broiler Breeders Maintained In Commercial Colony Cages And On The Conventional Floors, Kitogho J. Mwashighadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A trial with four replicates was conducted to compare performance and fertility of naturally mated broiler breeders maintained on litter floor versus their counterparts maintained in two tiered colony cages. Cage maintained hens with restricted feeding weighed less (P 0.05) was found in egg weights among treatments. No difference (P > 0.01) was found in feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs produced by hens maintained in cages and those on the conventional floors. A higher (P < 0.05) hen-day production was observed from 29 to 35 weeks of age in broilers maintained in cages than those on the conventional floors, but after this period no difference (P > 0.05) occurred. There were more (P < 0.05) eggs collected with cracks from cages than from the litter floors. The fertility rate was different (P 0.05) difference in mortality rate occurred between hens maintained on the fitter floors versus those in cages. When the breeders were 41 weeks of age, eggs from each treatment group were randomly collected, weighed, and incubated. Offspring from these treatments were randomly allocated to litter floor pens. Progeny were spaced at 23 CM.2 and were reared to 42 days. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in growth rate and feed conversion ratio in offspring from hens maintained on the litter floors versus …

Effects Of Celeration Rate On Behavioral Fluency, Kevin J. Munson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In precision teaching, it has been argued that learning should continue until responding is fluent (i.e., it can be performed accurately and rapidly in the presence of distracting stimuli, even after a delay since its acquisition). Furthermore, it has been argued that the speed with which learners achieve fluency (i.e., celeration) also is important. The purpose of the present experiments was to test those propositions. Subjects read binary numbers on a computer screen, and spoke the decimal equivalent of those numbers into voice-recognition equipment. In Experiment 1, responding was reinforced with money arranged on VI schedules for correct responses with …

Computer-Controlled Autonomous Model Car: A Mechatronics Project, Aparna Sachidanand

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Mechatronics is a synthesis of mechanical engineering and electronic engineering, and computer engineering, distinct areas that overlap in the design of systems. It represents the interdisciplinary nature of design and development of today's products.;The current research focuses on the design, construction and testing of a computer controlled autonomous model car which can exhibit intelligent behavior such as timed course execution, obstacle detection, and response to sensor inputs. The car is intended as a mechatronics design project that will be integrated into an existing one-semester mechanical engineering undergraduate instrumentation course.;The car was designed around a microprocessor board (Tern Analog Drive) controlled …

Nondestructive Testing Of Concrete Bridge Decks Using Ground-Penetrating Radar And The Chain Drag Method, Jerry J. Scheff

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis presents the findings of two different nondestructive techniques that are used for bridge deck analysis: the chain drag method and ground penetrating radar (GPR). The chain drag testing was performed in the laboratory with 23 simulated concrete bridge deck specimens. The specimens contained varying internal conditions such as with/without steel reinforcement and with air and water filled cracks. The tests were to determine if the chains could uncover the different characteristics of each specimen, and to see if the varying sizes of the three chains had any influence on the outcome of the results.;The GPR testing was performed …

Semi-Automated Modeling Approaches To Route Selection In Gis, Binfei Chen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As an alternative to traditional graphical intuitive approaches (GIA), a semi-automated modeling approach (SMA) can more efficiently identify linear routes by using powerful iterative and automated methods. In this research, two case studies were investigated to examine critical issues relating to the accuracy and effectiveness of raster-defined algorithmic approaches to linear route location. The results illustrate that different shortest-path algorithms do not necessarily result in markedly different linear routes. However, differing results can occur when using different neighboring-cell links in the cell-based route network construction. Cell-based algorithmic approaches in both Arc/Info and IDRISI software generate very similar results which are …

Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, 12/01/1998, P 394-452, Unm Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, 1920 - 2013

No abstract provided.

Using Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities To Identify Gifted Students And Augment Their Gifted Potential, Sande Kristiansen-Hagne

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This study was to examine the potential for using Dabrowski's theory of overexcitabilities as an alternative method for identifying gifted students and augmenting development of gifted potential in students. Specifically, in what ways can Dabrowski's psychic overexcitabilities and Theory of Developmental Potential be used to find and serve the educational and emotional needs of the residual group of unidentified and unserved gifted students?

Educational implications and strategies are suggested and discussed. Pedagogic and curricular strategies that utilize the interactive nature of Dabrowski's psychic overexcitabilities and emotional development are examined. The benefit of development of an instrument to measure overexcitabilities at …

De-Emphasizing Grade-Level Identities: A Case Study Of Mathematics Instruction In An Intermediate Elementary Multiage Classroom, Kevin Oconnor

Dissertations

This is an interpretive study that investigates the nature of the issues, dilemmas, and successes of planning and implementing a mathematics program with minimal reference to grade-level designations in a multiage classroom setting of fourth—and fifth-grade students.

The study focused on how one teacher conceptualized, designed, and structured a mathematics curriculum. An analysis of over 60 hours of interviews conducted over six months revealed a teacher who integrated her knowledge of elementary mathematics with her knowledge and practice of teaching and learning theories, mathematical understanding, curriculum perspectives, and classroom management. This integration is explained through a conceptual framework of the …

Immediate Feedback Using The "Bug-In-The-Ear" In Counselor Training: Implications For Counseling Self-Efficacy, Trainee Anxiety And Skill Development, Shan A. Jumper

Theses and Dissertations

This investigation examines the delivery of immediate, in-session feedback using the “bug-in-the-ear” (BITE) as an instructional technique in conjunction with live supervision during the counseling practicum. The study was conducted to explore an effective means of supervisor intervention which did not disrupt the counseling session. Few empirical investigations have been conducted in this area, and previous studies on this instructional aid used in models of live supervision were largely narrative in design.

Counseling self-efficacy, trainee anxiety, and counseling performance were examined for twenty graduate student counselor trainees enrolled in the department of counseling at a northern plains university. Ten participants …

An Improved Method For The Large-Scale Processing Of Woad (Isatis Tinctoria) For Possible Commercial Production Of Woad Indigo, Kg Stoker, Dt Cooke, Dj Hill

Peninsula Medical School

The increasing use of alternative crops has meant the introduction of new technologies to process their products. In this work, an alternative method is presented for the extraction of natural indigo from woad (Isatis tinctoria) based on a technique used to extract indigo from Indigofera spp. This method does not rely on the old fermentation procedure used throughout Northern Europe and is cheap, clean and efficient. Evolved from laboratory-based tests, it involves steeping the leaves at low pH in warm water and extracting the indigo at a higher pH, followed by ultra-filtration of the product, which is then left to …

The Effect Of Biculturalism On Self-Esteem In Northern Plains Native American College Students, Mary J. Wilkie

Theses and Dissertations

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of biculturalism on self esteem in a sample of 51 Northern Plains Native American college students (29 females, 22 males). Subjects completed the Northern Plains Biculturalism Inventory (NPB1; Allen & French, 1994) and the Index of Self-Esteem (ISE; Hudson, 1982). Pearson Product- Moment correlations, independent t-tests, a multiple regression analysis, and an one-way analysis-of-variance was performed using the SPSS statistical package to examine, if any, the relationships between the NPBI subscales and the ISE total scores. This design tested the applicability of the Orthogonal Theory of Biculturalism (Oetting & …

Science Experiences Of Six Elementary Student Teachers: A Case Study, Jacqueline K. Wilcox

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study focused on the science experiences of six elementary student teachers. The purpose of the study was to learn how preservice teachers make meaning of science teaching during their student teaching experience. The sources of data were interviews with participants, descriptive field notes from observations of their science teaching, and artifacts collected from the site. The themes that emerged from data analysis were personal and professional career influences and constant adjustments of teaching strategies. The participants experienced these themes in varying intensities.

Learning to teach science to elementary children for the first time is complicated by the context …

Reasons, Goals, And Incentives For Corporate Philanthropy To Arts Organizations, Marsonda Mcnutt Schroeder

Theses and Dissertations

One of the methods employed by corporations to create a favorable relationship with its publics is to use philanthropy to not- for-profit organizations such as the arts. From a communication point of view, this action may be looked upon as a gesture between the corporation, the recipient, and the publics which involves messages both sent and received. Research on this communication gesture is important because arts organizations need to know how the process works in order to help secure philanthropic dollars. Corporations need to understand the results of the process so that they can more effectively achieve the goals for …

Academic Achievement Of Intercollegiate Student-Athletes Compared To Nonathletes, James Reid Beal

Theses and Dissertations

Intercollegiate athletics have been placed under intense scrutiny over the past decade. Concern has been expressed about the role and value intercollegiate athletics has in higher education. Recent scandals of intercollegiate programs and student-athletes involved in illicit or criminal activity, recruiting violations, and academic fraud or failures have increased the anxiety and skepticism. However, is the skepticism surrounding the academic integrity of intercollegiate athletics and academic achievement of student-athletes warranted? Are academics being compromised for the sake of athletics? Is the stereotypical “dumb jock” a myth or reality? Do athletes perform as well academically as nonathletes?

The purpose of this …

Should Regulators Be Appointed? Evidence From A Study Of Regulated Electric Utilites, Terry L. Hagen

Theses and Dissertations

Capture and Hostility hypotheses are tested in this thesis. The Capture Theory states that state regulatory commissions are "captured" by the firms they are regulating. The Hostility theory states that elected commissions are "hostile" to the regulated firms in the eyes of the financial community, leading to higher prices and restrictions in access to capital. The capture theory predicts higher prices to consumers under the regulatory authority of appointed commissions. The hostility theory predicts lower prices to consumers under appointed comissions.

Inflation that was prevalent in the economy twenty years ago may have caused problems for empirical analysis. This paper …

Deinstitutionalization Effects On Medication Use For People With Mental Retardation, Paul D. Kolstoe

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, patterns of psychoactive medication use in institutional settings for people with mental retardation were considered excessive. Service standards substantially reduced levels of such medication use. Similar research in community settings has been limited, but comparisons between the two settings are fraught with complicating variables. Rapid deinstitutionalization in North Dakota provided a unique opportunity to follow the medication use patterns of people who stayed and those who left the institution. Follow up time periods were selected for statewide accreditation (1989) and several years later through which those standards have been consistently met (1995). Psychoactive medication use decreased with the onset …

Powergraf: An Educational Software Package For Power Systems Analysis And Design, Tian Yane, Max Darwin Anderson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The purpose of PowerGraf is to present a graphical user interface (GUI) and a convenient tool for building one-line diagrams displaying data. The GUI is open and friendly for power systems design, analysis and control, because a picture provides a better illustration of cause-and-effect relationships than a tabular printout does. Basic elements such as buses, lines and transformers are given such that the power system topology is easily drawn with this tool, and the system parameters are entered on the picture and checked visually. This enables the power system topology and the system data to be shown on one picture …

The First Fifty Years Of The 4-H Program, Beth E. Van Horn, Constance A. Flanagan, Joan S. Thomson

Journal of Extension

This article is the first of a two-part series to address the history of 4-H and identify the changes and challenges of the future. The first installment reviews the achievements during the first 50 years that includes the history of 4-H club work, volunteer leadership development, funding support, and response to society's needs during the war years. This historical perspective will demonstrate how 4-H has changed to meet societal needs while remaining true to the original mission.

Examining "Empowerment": A How-To Guide For The Youth Development Professional, Angela J. Huebner

Journal of Extension

This article describes the role of the youth development professional in incorporating an "empowerment" process into program planning. For purposes of this article, "empower" is defined as "promoting the self actualization or influence" (Webster, 1998). The empowerment process is described through the use of community examples and a step by step "How-To" section. While the examples in the article focus on youth, it is important to note that the empowerment process is useful for adult volunteers as well.

Trials And Triumphs Of Expanded Extension Programs, Scott Leavengood, Bob Love

Journal of Extension

This paper discusses the background and experiences of a recently expanded Extension program. Discussions include initial challenges of a new program and tactics that were not wildly successful. Also discussed are tactics that have proven successful, some of which are tried and true Extension methods while others are relatively new. The tried and true methods include personal coaching, building partnerships, and providing a high level of service. The newer methods include database marketing

Keys To Building Successful Training Programs For Hispanic Family Day Care Providers, Marisa B. Warrix, Margarita Bocanegra

Journal of Extension

Hispanic women have shown the most rapid gains in labor force participation since the 1980s. Ohio State University Extension in Cleveland, Ohio targeted training programs to Hispanic family day care providers. The article outlines critical factors for success. They include understanding the importance of Hispanic culture, values, and attitudes; becoming familiar with personalism and familism, using day care as an employment strategy for Hispanic women, and developing culturally relevant nutrition lessons.

Extension Service And Healthy Families, Jo Robertson, Arlene Fulton, Marilyn S. Buck

Journal of Extension

This article describes the process of developing collaborative partnerships for the purpose of providing parent education and support services for new parents in Oklahoma. Through partnering, the Oklahoma Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service have expanded Healthy Families from a pilot site to fourteen programs within three years. Experiences in Oklahoma suggest that collaboration, while bringing additional resources and supports, takes time, effort, and new ways of thinking and interacting.