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Hear My Voice: An Examination Of The Views Of Parents Who Are Raising Children Of African American Descent, Chavez Maurice Phelps

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have demonstrated that children who attend early childhood education programs benefit academically and socially (National Institute for Early Education Research, 2003). However, other researchers have shown that African American students may still lag behind their counterparts when they enter school (National Center for Education Statistics ([NCES], 2004). To explain this phenomenon, scholars and practitioners have relied on deficit theories, such as Ruby Payne’s (2005) culture of poverty theory or John Ogbu’s (1992) oppositional culture identity theory, which shift the blame solely on the child or their parents. However, there are other researchers who have stressed the importance of examining …

Abortion, Income, Wantedness: Evidence From The American Community Survey, Francisco Arceo

All Theses

This paper serves two purposes: (1) to find the effect of the legalization of abortion on future wages and (2) to test Donohue-Levitt's 'Wantedness Hypothesis' (i.e., that relatively more wanted children have superior economic outcomes). Non-parametric evidence suggests that the legalization of abortion increased the annual salary and wage and salary income for people born before 1973 in a state with legal abortion. The OLS specifications suggest that once state surveyed and state of birth effects are included into the models the effect is negative. Once macroeconomic and other unobservable effects are controlled for, I find no evidence of an …

The Accuracy Of Drivers' Perceptions Of The Effects Of Headlight Glare On Their Ability To Recognize Pedestrians At Night, Stephanie Whetsel

All Theses

Recently, researchers have begun to assess the extent to which drivers believe their ability to see is degraded by headlight glare. Research has suggested that drivers may overestimate the extent to which glare from headlamps degrades their ability to see letters. This project extended this research by quantifying the accuracy with which drivers judge that glare interferes with their ability to see pedestrians at night. On average, participants overestimated the distance at which drivers would see a pedestrian by a factor of more than three. Headlight glare disrupted participants' ability to recognize the pedestrian wearing both non-retroreflective and reflective clothing …

Driving Down The Virtual Broadway: Testing The Feasibility Of Educating Young Drivers In Virtual Worlds, Christopher Ball

All Theses

The Clemson University Automotive Safety Research Institute funded the creation of a three-dimensional virtual representation of an established teen driver education program. This virtual safe driving program was created within the public virtual world of Second Life. The overall objective of this project was to explore the use of virtual worlds as potential mediums for teen driver education. The specific objectives of this study were: (1) to adapt and translate the Petty Safe Driving Program curriculum into a virtual world; (2) to create a virtual learning environment that can exist as an engaging, entertaining, and educational program addition; (3) to …

An Extension Of Social Facilitation Theory To The Decision-Making Domain, Allison Wallace

All Theses

Social facilitation has traditionally been defined as the influence of the presence of others on an individual's task performance. Social presence has been shown to either facilitate or impair performance based on various moderating variables, including the more recent investigation of individual differences, but researchers have yet to extend social facilitation theory to the domain of decision-making. This study evaluates the effect of social presence on individual decision-making, using the personality traits of extraversion, neuroticism, self-esteem, social anxiety, and trait anxiety as potential moderating variables of this effect. We found that affiliative individuals, marked by high extraversion and high self-esteem, …

The Anglo-American Press And The 'Secret' Rearmament Of Hitler's Germany, 1933 To 1935, Jason Ranke

All Theses

This thesis will examine the Anglo-American press coverage of Germany's secret rearmament between 1933 and 1935, with the aim of pursuing three main objectives:
1. Describe the rearmament process occurring in Germany and how it related to, or influenced, the country's position in international affairs.
2. Investigate the accuracy and objectivity of Anglo-American press coverage of the German rearmament. This goal will be achieved by analyzing and comparing information from several major American and British newspapers and magazines from 1933 to 1935 with data gleaned from the principal secondary sources on Nazi rearmament and foreign policy.
3. Determine how Hitler …

Magic Meat, Adam Stewart

All Theses

Have you ever been really secure in what it means to be? If not, it's ok. If so,
don't be delusional. Either way, I have created a series of devices that present the
challenges of self-division and fluctuation, and reveals this complicated human
characteristic not as a product of being broken, fractured, and dysfunctional, but as an
advantageous ability to adopt complex multiple perspectives, sometimes simultaneously.
These devices can be thought of as 'gym equipment' to exercise the more
immaterial, invisible portions of ourselves. Strengthening the connections between
physicality and the mental/emotional aspects of our bodies demonstrates an ability to …

Hybridizing Jurisdiction, Scott Dodson

Faculty Publications

Federal jurisdiction – the “power” of the court – is seen as something separate and unique. As such, it has a litany of special effects that define jurisdictionality as the antipode of nonjurisdictionality. The resulting conceptualization is that jurisdictionality and nonjurisdictionality occupy mutually exclusive theoretical and doctrinal space. In a recent Article in Stanford Law Review, I refuted this rigid dichotomy of jurisdictionality and nonjurisdictionality by explaining that nonjurisdictional rules can be “hybridized” with any – or even all – of the attributes of jurisdictionality.

This Article drops the other shoe. Jurisdictional rules can be hybridized, too, and in myriad …

Use Of The Health Belief Model To Assess Hand Hygiene Knowledge, Perceptions, And Practices Of Saudi Students Studying In The U.S., Najla Khateeb

All Theses

Many factors influence hygiene but those that have the greatest impact vary widely across population groups. Our aim was to characterize hand hygiene practices of Saudi students studying in the U.S. by completing two objectives: (1) assess hand hygiene knowledge, perceptions, and practices of Saudi students studying in the U.S. and (2) determine the relationship among knowledge, perceptions, and practices.
A modified version of the Health Belief Model was the theoretical framework to characterize hand hygiene practices. A web-based instrument was posted to the ¬DSaudis Studying in USAÁÂ Facebook page. The instrument was prepared in English then translated into Arabic. …

The In-Between, Derrick Logan

All Theses

This body of work explores my perception of the landscape. I traverse spaces that exist in the in-between. My work functions on a personal level in that I am seeking a reconnection with my surroundings through a physically intense interaction with the land. It is an attempt to reengage the land, to form knowledge, awareness, and a sense of belonging.
Through performance I explore transcendent potential within the landscape. These performances of slow walks through the landscape are documented through video. Viewing of the documentation grants points of projection for the viewer. The videos both engage and undermine how people …

Product And Process Based Assembly Time Estimation In Engineering Design, Michael Miller

All Theses

This thesis presents the research and development of two assembly time estimation techniques for the automotive industry. Both of these techniques are capable of being implemented early in the product life-cycle of a vehicle and require information available in this phase. Currently, assembly time estimation is performed after production has begun and is a tedious manual process requiring hours of motion-time method studies for each assembly activity. The techniques proposed in this thesis can both be performed prior to the start of production and are capable of being performed automatically after the initial mapping.
The first assembly time estimation technique …

Effects Of Neck Muscle Fatigue On The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, Amer Al Saif

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In order to maintain balance, the brain receives and processes input from multiple sensory systems including the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. The information from these systems is sent to the brain where the information is then combined, organized and interpreted. This results in the output of reflexes (vestibulo-ocular reflex [VOR] and vestibulospinal reflex [VSR]). The VOR and the VSR work together with other motor systems to control gaze stability and control whole body equilibrium. Impairment in any of these sensory systems can result in dizziness, loss of balance, and visual instability. While the contributions of the visual, vestibular, and …

Neuropsychological, Psychosocial, And Mood Outcomes Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Julia L. Evans

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adolescents and adults can result in cognitive, emotional, behavioral and neurological deficits that can persist more than a year after an injury. The aim of the current preliminary study was to use a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment to determine the nature of cognitive impairments and their relationship with specific psychosocial factors, including coping skills and perceived quality of life, following mild TBI (mTBI). Neuropsychological tests administered measured intelligence, pre-morbid intelligence, executive functioning, verbal memory, complex visual construction and non-verbal memory, sustained attention distractibility, and vigilance, verbal learning and memory, fine motor speed, and novel problem solving …

Parental Factors Impacting Neurobehavioral Late Effects In Latino Pediatric Cancer Survivors, Pamela R. Perez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

While the survival rate for children with cancer has increased markedly over the past 50 years, the side effects resulting from cancer and cancer treatment have become a major concern for health care providers and families alike. Survivors of childhood cancers are at risk for late occurring sequelae, called late effects, which are associated with disease, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Neurobehavioral late effects are some of the most debilitating late effects found, particularly in survivors of central nervous system (CNS) cancers. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of clinical and socio-demographic parenting factors on neurological late …

Call-Shift Fatigue And Use Of Countermeasures And Strategies By Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Ramona M. Domen Phd, Crna

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) experience fatigue during call and to assess their use of fatigue avoidance strategies (practices that prevent fatigue) and fatigue countermeasures (practices that decrease fatigue) to mitigate its effects. Method: Using a cross sectional descriptive survey design, data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 323 practicing CRNAs who worked call shifts. Data analysis: Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. Results: The sample was fairly evenly distributed with slightly more female respondents, 55% (n = 179). Fifty four percent worked a weekday call …

Factors Affecting Private School Choice, John Herman Hartsell Sr.

Dissertations

This study explored the underlying factors that influence parents’ choices of educational institution for their children in private schools in a southern United States coastal city. It also explored why parents chose the specific private school their child is currently enrolled in and their satisfaction level with teacher, parent and student relationships. Parental satisfaction with the overall instructional program and the services provided was also explored in this study. Data was collected from parents with students currently enrolled in one of two different private schools with input from 253 parents.

A central finding in this research is that parents who …

Music And Its Effect On Late Auditory Evoked Potentials In Elementary School Aged Children, Lee Helen Weeks

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Harry Potter: A Hero Of Mythic Proportions, Katie L. Baker

English Theses

This thesis argues that Harry Potter, the main character in the series of novels written by J.K. Rowling, is a mythic hero. A character in literature deemed a hero can only be a mythic hero by completing a series of events both predetermined and determined by the hero. Joseph Campbell’s work A Hero With a Thousand Faces outlines these qualities a character must possess and the events he must complete in his life called the initiation, the departure, and the return of the hero. Using Campbell’s seminar work as a critical perspective, I read the protagonist of the Harry Potter …

Evaluation Of Fastt Math, Krystal Clawson, Valerie Grier, Amanda Iocoangeli

Graduate Capstone Projects

FASTT Math is an online, computer-based program that helps students develop fluency with basic math facts. FASTT Math can be used by students in second grade and up. Monroe Public Schools implemented this program in 2008 as a way to help improve fact fluency in the elementary grades. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the program was conducted and recommendations for future use are provided.

The Efficacy Of Verbal Assertiveness Training On Reducing Risk Of Sexual Assualt, Holly Michelle Rusinko

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual assault is a common problem faced by women. Research has suggested 1 in 4 women will experience a sexual assault at some point during their life (Casey & Nuris, 2006; Tjaden & Thoennes, 1998; Fisher, Cullen & Turner, 2000). College females are one of the highest risk groups for experiencing a sexual assault. Currently, self defense courses are offered on college campuses. Self defense courses have proven to reduce depression and anxiety as well as increase a participant’s self esteem (Brecklin & Ullman, 2005). The current study assessed the efficacy of a novel assertiveness training program on reducing sexual …

Creativity In Triadic Supervision: Using Mandalas To Impact The Working Alliance, Kelly Agnes Dunbar

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated the use of mandalas as a creative approach with the potential to impact the supervisory working alliance within the context of triadic supervision. Participants (n=7) included master's level counselors-in-Training (CITs), all female, and ranging in age from 23 to 44. Data generated by the formal interviews gained support for using mandalas as a creative approach in triadic supervision as they revealed the potential to impact the working alliance and the goals, task, and bond therein. Of further importance was the finding that the bond between paired CITs in triadic supervision sessions was also impacted by the …

Disclosing An Invisible Disability During The Interview Process: A Qualitative Study, John Elias Sassin

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Rehabilitation professionals, persons with disabilities and employers were asked to participate in a focus group interview exploring the phenomena of disclosing invisible disabilities during the interview process. This Qualitative study examined disclosure of disability from each stakeholder's perspective in an effort to understand its impact on the interview. After transcribing the focus group interview and analyzing the data; five themes emerged reflecting each stakeholder's views on disclosure. The themes revealed the persistence of attitudinal barriers that people with disabilities face in seeking employment; if and when a person should disclose; what are the positive and negative aspects of disclosure and …

Single Mothers In College: The Effect Of Selected Variables, Rickey Booker

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Single parent mothers who are currently in poverty may find it difficult to find routes out of poverty and/or even to enrolling in college. Little empirical research has been conducted on low-income single parent mothers who attempt to enroll, persist and graduate college. The current research has shown that single parents are at a high risk of dropping out of college because of many barriers including poverty related issues. This study examined women who had at least one child or dependent, were in poverty, and were first time beginners in college. The purpose for conducting this study was to identify …

A Nietzschean Account Of Human Flourishing: Affirming The Will To Power Inside The Contours Of Friendship, Christian Joshua Roos

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, I examine Friedrich Nietzsche's notion of the will to power, his account of friendship and his understanding of human flourishing. Through textual analysis, I offer a new way of interpreting the will to power, as the achieving of self-realization. The process of achieving self-realization is undergirded by the satisfaction of seven existential needs that are rooted in the paradoxical human conflict between instincts and consciousness. The existential needs are the need for a frame of orientation, the need for devotion, the need for unity, the need for rootedness, the need for stimulation, the need for effectiveness and …

Improvements On Just-About-Right (Jar) Scales As Product Optimization Tools Using Kano Modeling Concepts, Bangde Li

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Attribute Kano characteristics are useful in product design to prioritize development efforts. However, attribute Kano characteristics have not been discussed and applied to product optimization when using Just-About-Right (JAR) scales. Product optimizations without identifying attributes Kano characteristics can be misleading. The two objectives in this research were: 1. Determine attribute Kano categories using a modified classic Kano classification methodology. 2. Propose a method to measure attribute performance and identify attribute Kano characteristics to direct product optimization. Two methodologies of attribute Kano classification were investigated. In experiment one, a modified classic Kano methodology was employed to determine attribute Kano categories through …

The Adult Workers' Perceptions Of The Residual Effects Of Secondary Career Technical Education, Rosa Michele Henehan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The current research, The Adult Workers' Perceptions of the Residual Effects of Secondary Career Technical Education, asks the question: Are adult workers in the implementation and stabilization stages of career development influenced by their former experiences in the secondary career technical education (CTE) centers? Based on the theoretical foundations of Super's theory of career development and Mezirow's theory of transformative learning, the purpose of this sequential, mixed-methods relational study was to investigate the adult worker's perceptions of prior engagement in career technical educational opportunities. Examining the relationships between the CTE experiences and the adult worker's progression through the career …

Sublime Beauty & Horrible Fucking Things - The Finer Worlds Of Warren Ellis, William James Allred

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This work constitutes an in-depth discussion of the muted postmodern characteristics of contemporary comics writer and novelist Warren Ellis, highlighting his major long-form works within comics, Planetary, Transmetropolitan, StormWatch, and The Authority, as well as several shorter works such as Ocean, Orbiter, and Global Frequency. In addition, Ellis is situated within the British science fiction tradition, specifically, the British Boom movement which contains other comics writers such as Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore.

Gender Equity And Differences In Support In The Vocational Rehabilitation System, Jennifer Faye Featherston

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Women with disabilities have different vocational rehabilitation (VR) experiences than men with disabilities. When they enter the VR system, they tend to be older, divorced, primary caregivers, more dependent on public assistance, and have less education and less work experience than their male counterparts. Given these differences, women may need to receive different treatment than men, yet the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Pub.L. 88-352, 78 Stat. 241, July 2, 1964) and the Equal Protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment state that men and women must be treated equally within the state-federal vocational rehabilitation system. Because they have been out …

Creditors' Contempt, Lea Shepard

BYU Law Review

This Article takes a fresh look at the power of courts and creditors to force debtors to repay their obligations through in personam collection techniques. Variously known as “debtor’s examinations,” “turnover orders,” “citations to discover assets,” “supplementary proceedings,” “proceedings supplementary,” and “proceedings in aid of execution,” in personam remedies force the debtor, under threat of the court’s contempt authority, to turn over money or property directly to a creditor. Because the exercise of the court’s contempt authority can result in a debtor’s imprisonment, in personam techniques have long been regarded as a critical but potentially very coercive arrow in a …

The New Resident Evil? State Regulation Of Violent Video Games And The First Amendment, James Dunkelberger

BYU Law Review

No abstract provided.