Digital Commons Network^™

Developing Students As Researchers - It's All A Muddle, Pauline Kneale

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Prof Pauline Kneale, Director, The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

The Therapeutic Effects Of Working With Dartmoor Ponies: A Pathfinding Project, Dawn Chaplin

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The area of Animal Assisted Therapy, and in particular therapy with Equines, was investigated to assess whether this sort of therapy could contribute to Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL). It was proposed that quantitative and qualitative measures would suggest an increase in social and emotional functioning following an Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) intervention. Three ‘at-risk’ adolescent males were nominated by teaching staff to participate in a quasi-experimental research design, whereby measures were taken but no variables manipulated. Quantitative data provided weak support for the hypothesis although qualitative data suggested an improvement in functioning followed by a decline in …

Beneficial Roles Of Microorganisms In The Coral Reef Ecosystem, Katie R. Laming

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Coral reef biodiversity has declined over the past few decades and despite recent significant scientific interest in reefs in light of noticeable effects of climate change on this fragile habitat there is still much undiscovered about the true diversity of the symbiont community. There is also much to ascertain about underlying holobiont mechanisms relating to beneficial properties resident bacteria possess to help their hosts defend themselves from pathogenic xenobacteria or how symbionts provide the holobiont and other reef organisms with nutrition by utilising the carbon and nitrogen cycles. These are some of the questions addressed in this literature review. It …

The Effect Of Different Dosages Of Caffeine On Time To Exhaustion In Prolonged Exercise In Trained Athletes (A Meta Analysis), Kristina Marshall

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Background The world anti doping organisation removed caffeine from the banned list of substances in 2004; yet, research shows over recent years caffeine has become one of the most widely used ergogenic aids by athletes in the UK. This analysis investigates one of the suggested ergogenic benefits of caffeine, increasing time to exhaustion, and whether this effect relates to specific dosages of caffeine ingested before exercise. Objectives To assess the effects of two different dosages of caffeine on trained athlete’s time to exhaustion in endurance exercise. Search methods “caffeine” and “time to exhaustion” were entered into Pubmed, Scirus and Google …

The Effect Of Physiological Arousal On Item And Associative Memory Consolidation, Lucinda Sturton

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This article does not feature an abstract.

The Experiences Of Mississippi Weekly Newspaper Editors As They Explore And Consider Producing Internet Editions, Cassandra Denise Johnson

Dissertations

This dissertation focused on the challenges Mississippi weekly newspaper editors faced when deciding to have an online edition and the issues these editors encountered when they adopted a Web newspaper. The study expounded on four areas—the operational changes weekly newspapers have had to make to produce Web editions, the different type of newsroom staff that are needed to create both editions, the content that is going in the online edition, and the financial pressures that editors work through to keep the newspapers profitable. The study was modeled after similar studies from three organizations—the Pew Research Center, the Bivings Group, and …

Presenting Jamaican Folk Songs On The Art Music Stage: Social History And Artistic Decisions, Byron Gordon Johnson

Dissertations

Jamaican folk songs have become a definitive characteristic of Jamaican culture. They are exemplars of a culture whose music reflects the lifestyle of most of its citizens. In modern times, their beauty has been show cased in local and foreign performances which exposes an element of the country to the world. Additionally, the arrangements of these songs by Jamaican composers like Noel Dexter and Peter Ashbourne have aided in their renaissance in modern times. This also attests to their high entertaining quality which most audiences have come to appreciate. To this end, this research analyzed the arrangements by Noel Dexter …

Utility Of The General Validity Scale Model: Development Of Validity Scales For The Co-Parenting Behavior Questionnaire, Kimberly Parker

Theses and Dissertations

Validity scales for child-report measures are necessary tools in clinical and forensic settings in which major decisions affecting the child and family are in question. Currently there is no standard model for the development and testing of such validity scales. The present study focused on 1) creating the General Validity Scale (GVS) Model to serve as a guide in validity scale development and 2) applying this model in the development of validity scales for the Co-parenting Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ), a child-report measure of parenting and co-parenting behaviors for children whose parents are divorced. Study 1 used the newly developed GVS …

Information In Context': Co-Designing Workplace Structures And Systems For Organisational Learning, Mary M. Somerville, Zaana Howard

University Libraries Librarian and Staff Articles and Papers

Introduction. This paper discusses an 'information in context' design project at Auraria Library in Denver, Colorado which aims to collaboratively create organizational structures and communication systems with and for library employees.

Method. This action research project is founded within shared leadership, informed learning and organizational learning principles and implemented using participatory design processes. The first phase involved an appreciative inquiry process resulting in an organizational realignment of personnel and the introduction of shared leadership. The second phase involved the co-design of organizational information and communication systems and subsequent implementation of initiatives.

Results. This project resulted in several of the co-designed …

Depmap: Dependency Mapping Of Applications Using Operating System Events, Ryan Matteson

Master's Theses

Applications are increasingly hosted on shared, heterogeneous distributed systems. Web applications and “cloud” computing are broad examples of this, but even relatively isolated servers often depend on shared, network-accessible resources. This standardization around service layers abstracts aspects of service delivery, but often entails a large collection of component systems. The complexity that is abstracted from a functional perspective can give rise to runtime issues. Critical issues arising out of this model include resource utilization (sizing, capacity testing, resource monitoring) and dependency management (identifying and monitoring dependencies between components and potential for impact to an application).

This thesis presents an automated …

Defining Violence On The Blackboard: An Overview Of The Texas Education Code's Approach To Teen Dating Violence., Jessica Ramos

The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Race and Social Justice

Abstract Forthcoming.

Risk Identification And Project Approval: An Importance-Performance Analysis Of Taxonomy-Based Risks In Information Technology Projects, Tiago Ferreira Da Silva

Theses

The dissemination of project management practices is consolidating project as a great mean of achieving an organization's strategic plan (PMI, 2008, p. 10). But there are no resources and funds available to all, and competition among alternative projects is increasing. Funding institutions, government agencies, and credit rating organizations started considering project risk in project evaluation, instead of only using financial metrics such as ROI (Return on Investment) or NPV (Net Present Value). In order to obtain resources needed to implement projects, and thus contribute to an organization's objectives, it is necessary to identify the risks that have greater influence on …

Determining Characteristics That Increase Success On The National Asthma Educator Certification Exam, Karen Kain

Dissertations

The National Asthma Educator Certification Board, Inc. (NAECB) is a voluntary health certifying board created in 2001 to evaluate the professional competence of asthma educators. The primary purpose of the NAECB is to prepare and conduct examinations to test the qualifications of candidates for certification as asthma educators. Certification is voluntary and is not required by law for employment in the field, although some agencies may use AE-C® certification as a basis for employment, job promotions, salary increases, or other considerations. The mission of the NAECB is to promote optimal asthma management and quality of life among individuals with asthma …

Tylophora Indica- A Multicentric Clinical Verification Study, C Nayak, Vikram Singh, Krishna Singh, P Chakraborty, Subhash Kaushik, R Ray, R Yadav, M Rai, Darshan Singh

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

No abstract provided.

Project: Love Yours, Wei Hsiao

Theses

Project: Love Yours is a graduate thesis project that examined the importance of emotional attachments to product longevity in the context of problems where our material culture is distant and disposable. Through research memory was identified as an influential factor in attachment formation. By incorporating the philosophical concept of imperfection as a design strategy to stimulate the process of memory building, three concept solutions were developed. The design implementation in four product prototypes proves to be successful in encouraging memories to grow within each product. As ownership continues over the years, we can anticipate memories to accumulate and build up …

Paths To Upper Level Positions In Public Relations, Patrick J. Bishop

Dissertations

Preparation for a career in the field of public relations (PR) is based on a set of unique core competencies typically found in liberal arts. Though PR professionals rarely gain business degrees, they acquire knowledge, skills, perspectives, and strategies wellsuited to executive-level positions in business. Additionally, managerial positions in PR offer greater potential for influence than task-oriented roles with limited strategic opportunity.

This study examines the advancement of PR practitioners into upper-level management positions in business. The purpose of this research is to identify factors and behaviors that contribute to, or hinder, PR professional’s attainment of top-management positions. This study …

An Educational Evaluation Of Web-Based Forestry Education, Shorna Broussard Allred, Peter J. Smallidge

Journal of Extension

Online forestry education can serve large populations of woodland owners and managers. Cornell University's ForestConnect program initiated the nation's first woodlot management educational webinar series. We conducted an educational evaluation to determine: (1) the educational impact of the ForestConnect Webinar series, (2) the involvement of new audience members, (3) the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning in natural resources education, and (4) the kinds of online resources and digital technology registrants use. Results from a web survey (N=1,099) show that most webinars reach new audience members and that participants seek additional information as a result of viewing the webinar.

Habitat-Based Management Planning For Land Stewards, Juliana Barrett, John Rozum

Journal of Extension

We offer a habitat-based management planning tool as the critical next step, after acquisition, in sustaining the ecological value of conservation lands, including a methodology for the identification of common habitats. Many land trusts and municipalities have acquired large portfolios of properties that are now permanently protected. Even though the land is protected from future development, surrounding land use pressures, invasive species, and other factors may cause drastic changes to these properties. Management of these areas is often necessary to sustain or improve particular habitats or to manage for specific species.

An Investigation Into Omani Physical Education Teachers' Beliefs About Physical Education Teachers' Characteristics And Their Roles In Omani Schools, Nasser Al-Rawahi

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

The purpose of this study was to investigate Omani physical education teachers‟ (pre -service and in-service) beliefs about the characteristics and roles of physical education teachers in Omani schools. Interviews were used to achieve this purpose by interviewing 29 participants: 12 student teachers and 17 teachers. Data were analysed qualitatively by using analytic induction and interpretive analytic framework. Qualitative results show that student teachers and teachers have similar beliefs about the general and professional characteristics of a physical education teacher. Between 70% and 95% of participants believed that the essential general characteristics of physical education teachers are: having a strong …

Discovering A Better Way: The Need For Effective Civil Litigation Reform, John H. Beisner

Duke Law Journal

This Article addresses the myriad problems posed by unfettered discovery in the United States Rather than promoting fairness and efficiency in the American legal system, plaintiffs today often use discovery in an abusive and vexatious manner to coerce defendants into accepting quick settlements Over the past several decades, discovery has expanded in both scope and magnitude such that discovery costs now account for at least half of the total litigation costs in any given case The advent of electronic discovery has only exacerbated the problem, given the sheer number of electronic documents generated in the course of business and the …

Mandatory Arrest For Misdemeanor Domestic Violence: Is Alaska’S Arrest Statute Constitutional?, Paul A. Clark

Alaska Law Review

No abstract provided.

Improved Worm Simulator And Simulations, Arnold Suvatne

Master's Projects

According to the latest Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (SIR), worms were the second most prevalent information security threat detected in the first half of 2010 – the top threat being Trojans. Given the prevalence and damaging effects of worms, research and development of worm counter strategies are garnering an increased level of attention. However, it is extremely risky to test and observe worm spread behavior on a public network. What is needed is a packet level worm simulator that would allow researchers to develop and test counter strategies against rapidly spreading worms in a controlled and isolated environment. Jyotsna Krishnaswamy, …

A Journey From Intern To Employee At The Contemporary Arts Center, Christine Tassin Dunaway

Arts Administration Master's Reports (1984-2016)

This paper will describe the experience of an Intern at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC). The basis of the internship was to organize and catalog the CAC's archives with the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) as well as assisting the Development Department. The intern participated in the CAC-produced events Bourbon and Burlesque, Whitney White Linen Night and Art For Arts' Sake and will provide detailed descriptions and analyses of each event. The internship resulted in employment for the intern. The intern now occupies the role of Volunteer Coordinator, Board Liaison and Development Assistant. The employee will provide a description of …

The John And Mable Ringling Museum Of Art Foundation, Jennifer Rebuck

Arts Administration Master's Reports (1984-2016)

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that operates the Ringling Museum of Art, Ca d’Zan, the Circus Museum, and the Historic Asolo Theater. My internship position was within the Registration office, which oversees the objects, both permanent and loaned, housed in these buildings. Throughout the internship it was my responsibility to assist in overseeing the management of the wide collection. This included monitoring the environment, preparing for exhibits, and helping with rights and reproductions. My primary project was working on photographing, cataloging, and storing the museum's Cypriote collection, which had …

Dance Theater Workshop, Jenny Howell

Arts Administration Master's Reports (1984-2016)

The following report documents the internship performed by Jenny Howell at Dance Theater Workshop (DTW) in New York, New York from January 11, 2010 to April 16, 2010. Since 1965, DTW has existed as a non-profit organization devoted to presenting and supporting contemporary dance and the artists who create it. DTW currently operates from its building located at 219 West 19th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues in the Chelsea district. During this time with DTW, I worked closely with the Marketing and Development Departments as the Audience Engagement intern responsible for the organization and execution of the audience engagement …

The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival And Foundation, Inc., Lori B. Andrews

Arts Administration Master's Reports (1984-2016)

This report is the analysis of a three month internship with the Development Department of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., This report includes an organizational profile, description of the development department, S.W.O.T. analysis, best practices, and intern recommendations as applied to my experiences with the organization from May 21 to August 10, 2010.

U.S. Biennial, Inc.; Prospect New Orleans, Ashley Chavis

Arts Administration Master's Reports (1984-2016)

In February 2010, I began an internship with U.S. Biennial, Inc. in their New York City office. U.S. Biennial, Inc. is the nonprofit organization that produces Prospect New Orleans, an international contemporary art show. I was asked to be the Development Intern to work directly with the Director of Development as well as assist the other staff with their day-to-day duties. The following report includes an overview of the organization, a description of my role as an intern with the organization, my analysis of the administration of the organization, and my recommendations for the organization that I developed over the …

Louisiana State Museum, Abigail Tyler

Arts Administration Master's Reports (1984-2016)

As a marketing intern at Louisiana State Museum, I worked under the supervision of the Director of Marketing and Communications. The department is based out of the Presbytere, but is responsible for the entire Louisiana State Museum system and so my responsibilities spanned many other departments and sites, including Baton Rouge and Patterson. When starting my internship, there was no specific job description, nor any guidelines indicating what my responsibilities were. In fact, the only information I had was from the offer letter received from Arthur Smith: "You'll be working in the marketing communications department under my supervision on a …

Measuring University Students' Perceptions Of Characteristics Of Ideal University Instructor In Saudi Arabia And The United States: An Application Of Nonparametric Item Response Theory Study, Hesham Yahya Aljubaily

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Implementing A New Curriculum: Reflections Of A Physical Education Teacher, Matthew Daniel Madden

Dissertations

No abstract provided.