Digital Commons Network^™

Preparing To Teach In Higher Education., Mp Fuller, Am Lee, M Pettigrove

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Social Relationships And Mortality Risk: A Meta-Analytic Review, Julianne Holt-Lunstad

Faculty Publications

Background

The quality and quantity of individuals' social relationships has been linked not only to mental health but also to both morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

This meta-analytic review was conducted to determine the extent to which social relationships influence risk for mortality, which aspects of social relationships are most highly predictive, and which factors may moderate the risk.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted on several participant characteristics, including cause of mortality, initial health status, and pre-existing health conditions, as well as on study characteristics, including length of follow-up and type of assessment of social relationships.

Results

Across 148 studies (308,849 …

Celtic Tiger, Hidden Tales: Living Stories Of Career Success For Community Employment Scheme Participants: A Critical Interpretive Analysis, Sue Mulhall

Doctoral

This dissertation explores how Community Employment scheme participants (former non-employed individuals on active labour market programmes) construct and interpret their career experiences in changing micro-individual and macro-social contexts.
It finds that the former non-employed are largely excluded from career success research. My qualitative study argues that this omission has resulted in a gap in the career and career success literature and research, as there is a dearth of inquiries on the former non-employed. This in-depth analysis addresses this limitation. I contribute to the careers field by demonstrating the complexity and variability of an underrepresented group‟s career (re)constructions through providing a …

The Student Perspective: Can The Use Of Technologies Transform Learning?, Eileen O'Donnell

Books/Book Chapters

This chapter explores students’ perspectives on the transformations that the use of technology has brought to higher education. The use of technologies in higher education facilitates flexible learning environments but the benefits to students who engage with these technologies will only be realised if the design is pedagogically sound. The pedagogic approach employed by lecturers when designing their e-learning platforms or learning management systems has the capability to transform learning. The author’s discipline is Information Technology and Business Information Systems; from experience and case studies there is ample evidence to suggest that the use of technology does not always necessarily …

Subsidiary Entrepreneurship, Strategy Development Processes And Strategic Initiatives, Pamela Sharkey Scott, P. T. Gibbons

Conference Papers

MNCs gain competitive advantage through leveraging initiatives generated by their subsidiary networks. Yet we continue to have limited understanding of the complex conditions which promote initiatives. By integrating the subsidiary entrepreneurship literature and strategy development theory, we argue that the subsidiary’s approach to strategy development mediates the relationship between entrepreneurship and strategic initiative generation. We test our propositions on data generated from surveying the total population of Irish subsidiaries of foreign MNCs. Our findings confirm that an entrepreneurial subsidiary’s engagement in formal strategy development makes it better at generating strategic initiatives. This evidences the need for headquarters to encourage both …

The Servicescape And Behavioral Outcomes: Formative Versus Reflective Indicators, Daire Hooper

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Internet Marketing For Profit Organizations: A Framework For The Implementation Of Strategic Internet Marketing, Felix Rimbach

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

The development of the Internet has significantly changed the face of established markets and operation approaches across a tremendous spectrum of different industries. Within the competitive environment of those industries, the opportunities and risks derived from the new platform are so ubiquitous that unused opportunities quickly translate into potential risks. Those opportunities and risks demand for a structured approach how to implement a sustainable Internet marketing strategy that targets clear business objectives. Marketing and strategic management theory describes very clear structural principles towards their operational implementation. Based on those principles an extensive literature review has been conducted which confirms the …

Announcements

The Writing Center Journal

No abstract provided.

Developing Subsidiary Contribution To The Mnc-Subsidiary Entrepreneurship And Strategy Creativity, Pamela Sharkey Scott, Gibbons Patrick, Joseph Coughlan

Articles

Despite its theoretical and managerial significance, subsidiary entrepreneurship and its effects 15 on subsidiary contribution remain underexplored in the literature.We propose that subsidiary 16 entrepreneurship encourages more creative strategic responses to escalating environmental 17 change. We explore the direct and mediating effects of subsidiary entrepreneurship on 18 subsidiary contribution to the MNC, particularly subsidiary strategy creativity. We use 19 structural equation modelling to test our propositions on data generated from surveying the 20 population of Irish subsidiaries of foreign MNCs, and find strong support for our theoretical 21 predictions. The managerial implications of subsidiary entrepreneurship in generating creative 22 strategy, …

The Development Of A Semantic Model For The Interpretation Of Mathematics Including The Use Of Technology, Michael Peters

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

The semantic model developed in this research was in response to the difficulty a group of mathematics learners had with conventional mathematical language and their interpretation of mathematical constructs. In order to develop the model ideas from linguistics, psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology, formal languages and natural language processing were investigated. This investigation led to the identification of four main processes: the parsing process, syntactic processing, semantic processing and conceptual processing. The model showed the complex interdependency between these four processes and provided a theoretical framework in which the behaviour of the mathematics learner could be analysed. The model was then extended …

Prominence Driven Character Animation, Charlie Cullen, Paula Mcgloin, Anna Deegan, Evin Mccarthy

Conference papers

This paper details the development of a fully automated system for character animation implemented in Autodesk Maya. The system uses prioritised speech events to algorithmically generate head, body, arms and leg movements alongside eyeblinks, eyebrow movements and lip-synching. In addition, gaze tracking is also generated automatically relative to the definition of focus objects- contextually important objects in the character's worldview. The plugin uses an animation profile to store the relevant controllers and movements for a specific character, allowing any character to run with the system. Once a profile has been created, an audio file can be loaded and animated with …

Recognising Prior Learning In Psychotherapy Training: A Critical Appraisal, Aine O'Reilly

Level 3

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) raises policy and procedural questions and also ideological, ethical and political questions. Focusing on psychotherapeutic training this paper presents critical reflections on RPL and argues that this accounting highlights questions and tensions that a focus on policy and procedure alone can obscure

Macular Pigment And Its Contribution To Visual Performance And Experience [El Pigmento Macular Y Su Contribución Al Rendimiento Y Experiencia Visuals], James Loughman, Peter Davison, John M. Nolan, Mukunda C. Akkali, Stephen Beatty

Articles

There is now a consensus, based on histological, biochemical and spectral absorption data, that the yellow colour observed at the macula lutea is a consequence of the selective accumulation of dietary xanthophylls in the central retina of the living eye. Scientific research continues to explore the function(s) of MP in the human retina, with two main hypotheses premised on its putative capacity to (1) protect the retina from (photo)-oxidative damage by means of its optical filtration and/or antioxidant properties, the so-called protective hypothesis and (2) influence the quality of visual performance by means of selective short wavelength light absorption prior …

Harmonizing Technology With Interaftion In Blended Problem-Based Learning, Roisin Donnelly

Journal Articles

This paper discusses the harmonizing role of technology and interaction in a qualitative study on blended 22 problem-based learning within the context of academic development in higher education. Within this 23 setting, and as both designers and tutors in blended PBL, it is important to seek best practices for how 24 to combine instructional strategies in face-to-face and computer-mediated environments that take 25 advantage of the strengths of each and avoid their weaknesses. A qualitative study of the lived experi- 26 ences of 17 academic staff participants in a blended problem-based learning module was considered 27 likely to provide a …

A Project-Based Learning Approach To Applied Craft Calculations Within Apprenticeship Education: An Action Research Study, Kevin Furlong

Theses

Using an Action Research methodology, this study was based in Technologicl University Dublin and conducted with the cooperation of three groups of Phase Six Plumbing apprentices over a ten-month period (three cycles). The main aim of the research project was to establish if a deeper understanding and application of Building Services Applied Calculations could be achieved through the implementation of Project-Based Learning within Apprenticeship Education? Research literature shows that not only in Ireland but also abroad, third level education is experiencing what is described as a ‘maths problem’. With applied calculations and mathematics being a fundamental and essential part of …

Invocations And Intoxication: Does Prayer Decrease Alcohol Consumption?, Nathaniel M. Lambert, Frank D. Fincham, Loren D. Marks, Tyler F. Stillman

Faculty Publications

Four methodologically diverse studies (N = 1,758) show that prayer frequency and alcohol consumption are negatively related. In Study 1 (n = 824), we used a cross-sectional design and found that higher prayer frequency was related to lower alcohol consumption and problematic drinking behavior. Study 2 (n = 702) used a longitudinal design and found that more frequent prayer at Time 1 predicted less alcohol consumption and problematic drinking behavior at Time 2, and this relationship held when controlling for baseline levels oof drinking and prayer. In Study 3 (n = 117), we used an experimental …

Can We Be 'Friends'? Social Networking And Student Engagement In An Academic Environment, Mary O'Rawe

Conference papers

Students’ methods of engagement in third level education are very different to those of a decade ago (Cloete, de Villiers & Roodt 2009). There are a number of factors impacting on these changes in students’ profiles, expectations and willingness to engage. One of these factors which is addressed by the author is the way in which students now use social networking tools to engage and communicate. Popular new technologies such as wikis, blogs and podcasts are now being used for academic purposes. But what are the roles of such tools? Do they merely aid staff-student communication and student-student communication, do …

Cognitive Effort For Multi Agent Systems, Luca Longo

Conference papers

Cognitive Effort is a multi-faceted phenomenon that has suffered from an imperfect understanding, an informal use in everyday life and numerous definitions. This paper attempts to clarify the concept, along with some of the main influencing factors, by presenting a possible heuristic formalism intended to be implemented as a computational concept, and therefore be embedded in an artificial agent capable of cognitive effort-based decision support. Its applicability in the domain of Artificial Intelligence and Multi-Agent Systems is discussed. The technical challenge of this contribution is to start an active discussion towards the formalisation of Cognitive Effort and its application in …

Dit Graduate Exhibition Show Of The School Of Art, Design And Printing 2010, Dublin Institute Of Technology

DIT Publications

Exhibition committee staff Kieran Corcoran Peter Jones Paul White Robert Tully Neville Knott John Short Brenda Dermody Clare Bell Brenda Duggan Annette Buckley Pat Muldowny Joe Hanly Exhibition commitee student representatives Lucy Clarke Margaret Flynn Kate Geoghegan Gavin Gogarty Fiona O'Keeffe Cian McKenna Becky O'Hara Catalogue concept and design Paul Woods - www.paultheillustrator.com Maeve Keane - www.andstudio.ie Photography by Gillian Buckley. Typeset in DIN 9pt and 24pt. Printed on 140gsm Revive 50/50 by Future Print, Dublin. DIT Graduate Exhibition 2010

Workspace Comparisons Of Setup Configurations For Human-Robot Interaction, Franziska Zacharias, Ian S. Howard, Thomas Hulin, Gerd Hirzinger

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Psychological Predictors Of Athletic Injury, Sarah Marie Ulrich

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

To date, research has yet to explore differences in injury based on Fear of Failure (FOF). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if: (a) athletes of varying fear of failure profiles have different perceptions of stress, (b) athletes of varying types of fear of failure differ in regards to injury onset, frequency and severity, and ( c) fear of failure predicts injury occurrence and severity. A total of 127 male collegiate athletes competing in football, wrestling, basketball, and track and field participated in this study. Participants completed the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PF AI) to assess fear …

Psychosocial Correlates Of Physical Activity Among School Aged Children, Elizabeth Nicklay

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine psychosocial correlates that best predict physical activity behaviors of Iowa public school children, grades 4-12. Subproblems of the study included determining psychosocial predictors of physical activity specific to gender and grade level differences. The Physical Activity Questionnaire-Children (PAQ-C) and Physical Activity Questionnaire-Adolescents (PAQ-A) were used to measure the physical activity behaviors and The Children's Physical Activity Scale (CPAC) was used to measure the psychological factors of physical activity of the 5,408 participants. Results show that males, at all ages, reported greater levels of physical activity than their female classmates. There was also …

Parental Influences On Children’S Physical Activity, Molly Eshelman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The general purpose of this study was to investigate the role of parental influence on children's physical activity (PA) behaviors. The specific purposes were to (1) determine the relationship between parental attitudes and their children's PA, (2) determine if parental exercise habits are related to their children's PA participation, (3) determine if parental knowledge of physical activity recommendations is related to their children's PA participation, ( 4) examine the nature of parenting practices on their children's PA participation, and (5) investigate the mediating effect of socio-economic status on the influence parents have on their children's PA participation. Questionnaires were obtained …

Body Type And Perceived Physical Competence In College Female Dancers, Brenna Marie Vogel

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The relationship between body type and perceived physical competence was determined among college female company dancers. Participants were from one of four technique based dance companies at a midwestern university. They were questioned as to their perceived physical competence in seven different styles of dance, all of which had been offered at the selected university over the previous academic year. Body type was calculated using both the Body Mass Index Scale and the Body Composition Analyzer, which is a bioelectrical impedance analysis of one's body fat percentage, total body water, and body weight. A total of 44 participants took part …

Substance Use And Injury With College Athletes: Does Injury Affect Perceptions?, Kristine Johnson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Collegiate athletes may perceive the characteristics of substances differently following an injury. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine whether perceptions of substance use among collegiate athletes change after an injury occurs. The study also examined differences between sex, scholarship status, and academic level on perceptions of substance use. A total of 141 Division I college athletes participated in this study, with 96 completing the post-test. They were asked to complete a Perceptions of Substance Use Survey in the fall and again in the spring; participants' injury data was collected over a 6 month period from athletic trainers. …

Cultural Tolerance Of Americans In Canada, Benjamin Campbell Barclay

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this research was to develop a cultural tolerance scale, and determine how well it correlates with certain personality dimensions as well as expected stress. The cultural tolerance scale was administered to 104 students from the University of Northern Iowa along with shortened versions of the IPIP and RWA. As expected, the findings showed that cultural tolerance is correlated with openness and agreeableness, but no other personality dimensions. Cultural tolerance is also negatively correlated with R WA and expected stress. Cultural tolerance is a very good predictor of expected stress. This scale could be used as an effective …

A Master's Recital In Viola, Amy Beekhuizen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Amy Beekhuizen performed her graduate recital on March 12, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in Davis Hall at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, University of Northern Iowa. This recital was given in partial fulfillment of the Master of Music degree in viola performance. The program consisted of Suite No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009, by Johann Sebastian Bach, Sonate for Viola and Piano, Op. 25, No. 4, by Paul Hindemith, Elegy for Viola and Piano, Op. 44, by Alexander Glazunov, and Sonata for Viola and Piano, by Rebecca Clarke. Polina Khatsko, adjunct instructor of piano at the University of Northern …

The Effect Of Race On Eyewitness Identification Lineup Processing Strategies: An Analysis Of Eye Movements, Ryan Betts

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Race plays an extremely important role in people's ability to recognize or identify an individual in an eyewitness identification situation. In particular, other-race faces are more poorly recognized than same-race faces. This phenomenon, known as the cross-race effect, compounded by problematic lineup administration, contribute to the hundreds of falsely convicted people who continue to be exonerated through DNA evidence to this day. The current study focused on the role that race plays in an eyewitness's decision making strategy when viewing simultaneous police lineups. Eye tracking methodology was used to analyze eye movements and fixations while viewing lineups that were of …

The Role Of Stereotype Threat In The Underrepresentation Of Minority Students In Gifted Education, M. Erin Potter

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Stereotype threat is a social psychological phenomenon that has been demonstrated to negatively affect performance of individuals who are members of non-Asian ethnic minority groups in terms of academic achievement. Although these effects have been documented in adults, very few studies have examined stereotype threat in K-12 students. Further, it is not clear whether stereotype threat could negatively impact students' performance on standardized tests, such as those used for screening for gifted programs. The purpose of this study was to examine whether stereotype threat could be reduced in a sample of Caucasian and African-American middle-school students who were taking a …

A Study Of Published Journal Articles On Brain-Based Learning From 1985 To 2009, Janece Shaffer

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Educators are required to implement scientifically-based research interventions in their classrooms, but teachers and administrators may not be aware of the current laws and requirements of NCLB legislation. NCLB (2001) requires that educators implement research-based interventions. Brain-based learning programs have been implemented in classrooms throughout the country, even though the research base for such programs may be inadequate. This study presents the results of educational database searches for empirical studies involving brain-based or brain-compatible learning published in educational journals between 1985 and 2009. A total of 77 articles on brain-based learning were published during this time period but only 5 …