Digital Commons Network^™

Public Response To Park And Recreation Funding And Cost-Saving Strategies: The Role Of Organizational Trust And Committment, William T. Borrie, Andrew J. Mowen, Gerard T. Kyle, Alan R. Graefe

Society and Conservation Faculty Publications

Historically, public park and recreation services have been funded through general funds and appropriations, with minimal amounts derived from non-tax revenue sources. The fiscal conservative movement, however, has spawned an expansion of nontax revenues and cost saving strategies. Th is study examines the level of citizen support for a variety of funding and cost-saving strategies for park and recreation agencies in a metropolitan region, and the factors related to citizens’ opinions about such strategies. Data were collected through a mail survey of adult residents of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania region. A total of 578 questionnaires were completed. Results showed that funding …

Exploring The Usefulness Of The Dispositional Flow Scale For Outdoor Recreation Activities, Joshua G. Whitmore, William T. Borrie

Society and Conservation Faculty Publications

The Dispositional Flow Scale (DFS), developed by Jackson et al. (1998), measures an individual’s dispositional tendency to experience flow, a psychological state of optimal experience originally conceptualized by Csikszentmihalyi in 1975. The DFS, developed in the realm of sports psychology, has primarily been used with participants of urban sports settings, such as: football, running, or tennis. This study explores the validity and reliability of applying the DFS to outdoor recreation activities. A stratified sample of 406 visitors to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex in Montana was contacted during the summer of 2004. A survey response rate of 74 percent was …

Interactive, Tree-Based Graph Visualization, Andrew Pavlo

Theses

We introduce an interactive graph visualization scheme that allows users to explore graphs by viewing them as a sequence of spanning trees, rather than the entire graph all at once. The user determines which spanning trees are displayed by selecting a vertex from the graph to be the root. Our main contributions are a graph drawing algorithm that generates meaningful representations of graphs using extracted spanning trees, and a graph animation algorithm for creating smooth, continuous transitions between graph drawings. We conduct experiments to measure how well our algorithms visualize graphs and compare them to another visualization scheme.

Efficient Failure Detection For Point-To-Point Communication Networks, Jeremy Dahlgren

Theses

Failure detectors are a necessary component in many distributed applications such as business conference applications or shared distributed resource applications. These applications may rely on a failure detector component for various reasons such as security, resource availability, or performance. In a broadcast environment basic heartbeat protocols can be fast and efficient. Such a protocol becomes inefficient when used in network environments where only point-to-point communication is available since a message needs to be sent to each member in the group where only one was sufficient in a broadcast environment. This thesis investigation focused on failure detector protocols used in point-to-point …

Genetic Music, Ryan Becker

Theses

Algorithmic music composition has long been an active area of research in computer science, but the need for a human element only recently began to be more widely acknowledged. Interactive Evolutionary Computing (IEC), made popular by Karl Sims, effectively solves many high dimension problems, like music composition, involving creative and subjective elements. This work applies several Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Genetic Programming (GP) approaches, inspired by Karl Sims, to algorithmic music composition. The implementation of these IEC algorithms is described and their effectiveness compared.

A Literature Review And Grant Proposal For A Women’S Wellness Program, Laura Poppen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to propose a program for single mothers concerning the physical and psychological benefits of health, leisure, and physical activity in transitional housing facilities. Research has shown that physical activity and leisure are physically and psychologically beneficial for people of all ages, ethnicity, and status (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1996; American College of Sports Medicine, 1996; Chollar, 1996; Biddle, Fox, & Boutcher, 2000; Judelson, Dell, 1998; Ponde and Santana, 2000; Jackson, Morrow, Hill, & Dishman, 2004). This proposed grant identifies the ways in which physical activity and leisure can be combined in order …

Finca Amapala Management Plan [Supporting Materials: Hand Renderings], 2006, Monteverde Institute

Monteverde Institute: Sustainable Design, Planning and Community Development

No abstract provided.

Finca Amapala Management Plan [Supporting Materials: Data], 2006, Monteverde Institute

Monteverde Institute: Sustainable Design, Planning and Community Development

No abstract provided.

Negotiating Local Food Production In The Monteverde Zone: From Farmer To Market, 2006, Hannah Helmy, Shana Hughes, Douglas Reeser, Amy Shepherd

Monteverde Institute: Culture, Community, and Health

This paper examines cultivation and distribution experiences of food producers within the Monteverde Zone.

“De Eso No Se Habla : ” An Explorative Study On The Sexual And Reproductive Health Education Of Adolescents In The Monteverde Zone, 2006, Hollie Fuhrmann, Jennifer Garcia, Nicole Haykin, Rebecca Sameroff, Rebecca Todd

Monteverde Institute: Culture, Community, and Health

A research paper about the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in the Monteverde Zone.

Plants From Los Llanos: Supporting Materials: Notes, 2006, Monteverde Institute

Monteverde Institute: Sustainable Design, Planning and Community Development

No abstract provided.

Finca Amapala Plan De Manejo [Powerpoint], 2006, Tracee Johnson, Craig Kelly, Christina Neeley, Antoinette Swanson

Monteverde Institute: Sustainable Design, Planning and Community Development

No abstract provided.

Los Llanos: Santa Elena Trail Way, 2006, Monteverde Institute

Monteverde Institute: Sustainable Design, Planning and Community Development

No abstract provided.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve Accessible Trail: Supporting Materials: Technical Drawings, 2006, Monteverde Institute

Monteverde Institute: Sustainable Design, Planning and Community Development

No abstract provided.

Santa Elena Community Library Design, 2006, Monteverde Institute

Monteverde Institute: Sustainable Design, Planning and Community Development

No abstract provided.

San Luis Library, 2006, Monteverde Institute

Monteverde Institute: Sustainable Design, Planning and Community Development

No abstract provided.

Segundo Taller: Intercambio De Experiencias Sobre Gestion Ambiental En Empresas De Turismo Rural Comunitario, 2006, Monteverde Institute

Monteverde Institute: Sustainable Design, Planning and Community Development

Report on the collaboration of the Monteverde Institute, Programa Proarca/Sigma, y Programa de Pequeñas Donaciones-PPD-FMAM in the management of increased solid wastes and waste water as a result of the tourist industry.

Santa Elena Community Library Design: Support Materials: Data, 2006, Monteverde Institute

Monteverde Institute: Sustainable Design, Planning and Community Development

No abstract provided.

Revision Of The Carlisle Elementary Preschool Standards Based On The Iowa Early Learning Standards, Marne M. Sievers

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes the process of evaluating current standards and benchmarks for the Carlisle Elementary Preschool, revising them using the Iowa Early Learning Standards, which were completed in May 2005, revising a teacher-created assessment tool and progress report, and investigating the curriculum that is used and how it aligns with the newly created standards and benchmarks. Standards and benchmarks have been a focus in the educational field due to the implementation of the Federal "No Child Left Behind" Act.

Many standards and benchmarks have been created for kindergarten through twelfth grade but few programs have adopted standards and benchmarks prior …

Harry Potter: A Comparison Of The Characters, Themes, Setting And Plot With The Arthurian Legend, Diane L. Engbretson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to attempt to predict if Harry Potter is a re-creation of King Arthur and if the ending of the Potter stories will mirror that of King Arthur. This research focused on one series of King Arthur books written by Howard Pyle and the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. A content analysis chart was created and implemented to compare the two series of books. A content analysis chart was completed, first of the King Arthur series and then of the Harry Potter series. This archetypal chart was used to map the characters, themes, …

Service Attributes Of An Iowa Ski Resort: An Application Of The Importance-Performance Analysis, Shawn Michael Burke

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to identify service attributes and investigate customer's perceived importance and performance of the services provided at an Iowa ski resort. Specifically, the customers were asked a series of questions regarding:

1. How important were the services offered by Sundown?

2. How well does Sundown perform their services?

Key Components In An Online Class, Renae Darlene Farrell

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review focuses on what needs to be in place to have an effective online class. Instructional design models, interactive learning communities, learning theories, and instructional/student technology training are some of the issues that the literature review documents. The purpose of this literature review is to examine research on the topics of the instructional design process and the transformation of a traditional classroom to an online classroom. The conclusions formed within this document are based upon literature reviews about the topics of effective online classes. This review has led to a conclusion that online education can be an effective …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Schools : A Reflective Essay, Neal E. Thompson

Graduate Research Papers

In my wildest dreams, I never thought that I would pursue a career in education, let alone become a scbool leader. No one in my family had gone beyond a high school education. However, in my father's dying moments, he encouraged me to never quit pursuing an education. My father died during my senior year in high school and after high school I floundered in a community college for a couple of years, but I did continue pursuing an education. I began to dream of becoming an educator and coach. I was influenced by previous coaches, teachers, and my father's …

Strategies For Bridging The Gender Gap In Technology Use : From Education To The Workplace, Martha Frazier

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review is about strategies for bridging the gender gap in technology use in the classroom and the workplace. The research done on the subject indicates that a gender gap does exist in the classroom and the workplace. Women and girls have not been encouraged to participate in classes or training that will prepare them to make the transition from the classroom to the workplace. The conclusion of this review suggests several methods to aid instructors and employers in bringing about equity in the classroom and the workforce. The implementation of diversity training, mentoring, and role modeling are just …

Quality Communication With Parents, Michelle Meier

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review looks at quality communication between the parents of children with special needs and school personnel. Advantages and problems with communication will be discussed. Also, discussions will focus on the use of communication between educators and parents of children with special needs over the past five decades. The influence of public laws on communication between these groups will be examined.

In addition, the advantages and problems involved in this communication will be drawn from the literature and guidelines will be identified that are needed for effective communication between educators and parents of children with special needs. Lastly, conclusions …

Professional Portfolios : Creating A Framework For Teacher Accountability Portfolios, Stephany K. Messer

Graduate Research Papers

Educators are being held accountable for their actions in the classroom by their states and local districts. In Iowa teachers are required to demonstrate competency for eight different standards that include 42 criteria. One form of meeting this requirement is by creating a professional portfolio. A problem that many educators face is the lack of direction provided to create this portfolio.

The purpose of this project was to design a framework for creating a professional portfolio. Instruction on this framework will be provided through seven professional development sessions targeted for novice teachers. At the completion of the professional development sessions …

Face-To-Face Training Versus Web-Based Training : Which Instructional Approach Is Better?, Nichola J. Lewis

Graduate Research Papers

Training skilled employees is essential in determining the success of an organization. Determining which type of training, whether face-to-face or web-based, will best serve the needs of an organization remains an issue. This literature review will attempt to answer the questions, "How do adults learn; what is web-based training; what is face-to-face training; is web-based training more effective than face-to-face training; and can web-based training and face-to-face training be combined?"

Reading Comprehension Strategies For Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Susan Reese

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper was to describe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), its possible causes, characteristics, treatment options, and instructional strategies used for teaching reading comprehension to people with this disorder. ADHD is characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness to a degree beyond what is considered normal for the person's age.

While the exact causes are unknown, research is beginning to reveal that the disorder is brain based and genetic in disposition. Presently there is no cure for ADHD, but treatment options are available which include medications and/or therapies. Reading comprehension strategies to assist people with ADHD include chunking, …

The Importance Of Vocabulary In The Classroom, Sherri Neofotist

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review of the literature focused on two primary areas: (a) to examine the research findings as they related to vocabulary acquisition and instruction and (b) to determine the importance of the research findings regarding students' reading comprehension.This study also sought to provide educators with information as to what a comprehensive program of vocabulary instruction consists of as well as research-based vocabulary teaching strategies to use in the classroom to help students recognize and know words and word meanings and to improve students' comprehension.

The review examines the following three questions: (a) What is the relationship between …

Incorporating Interactive Writing Throughout The Day In A Kindergarten Classroom, Amy Sobaski

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the use of interactive writing in a kindergarten classroom. Interactive writing and related terms were explained, and connections were made between interactive writing and learning standards. Possible problems and solutions were discussed, and a case study was conducted in a kindergarten classroom. Guidelines were presented for successful integration of interactive writing into a balanced literacy program. Also, conclusions were drawn from the case study and reviewed literature, and recommendations were made for the use of interactive writing in the classroom and for future research in this area.